Miss Judy Charters
Captain Judy Helmey
"Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956!"
124 Palmetto Drive
Savannah, Georgia 31410
912 897 4921 or 912 897 3460 fax
www.missjudycharters.com
May 14, 2007
Saltwater Fishing Report
360-Degree Line
During this time of the year there are large fish in the creek, rivers, and sounds. With that last statement, please be aware that these fish might be moving in any waters from shallow to deep. With that being said, "360 degree line method needs to be put back into play in regards to your fishing game. This is a simple line to put out. All you have to do is to cast it out, sit it in a rod holder, slide the clicker in the on position, and wait for the screaming of the reel. It sounds simple, because it is! The reason I call it my "360 degree line" is due to the fact that you fish it anywhere around the perimeter of your boat. I suggest placing it in the deepest part of the water that you are fishing. This way it won't get in your way while you are fishing the shallower areas.
There are two ways to make this rig up when it comes to the "hooking game!" I like using either "circle and J style hooks!" The "circle " is those hooks that don't require any "setting." All you have to do is once hooked up, pick up rod, and start reeling. I also like using the old standby, which is the "J style hook." This is the hook that you normally have to set to get you fish! This is the most preferred by fishermen because they think it gives them better control when the fish bites the hook. I used both types of hooks!
For bait at this time you have what I called "bait availability," meaning used what you have at the time. Don't forget to make sure that you have a cast net on your boat before leaving the dock. The best bait to use of course is the one your have. I like using small live yellow tail and croakers. These fish are easy for most fish to inhale giving you more of an opportunity to catch you fish! Please give this type of rig a try even if you don't have live bait. This is due to the fact there is still a chance to hook up a big one! Please don't forget your gaff and dip net!
Customized Baits
When using the 360-degree line or any line in which you want to use live bait on I can suggest alternative bait. Live bait can be hard to get and keep alive. There are some fishermen out there they don't care to deal with the live stuff. Well, here's a suggestion that will work for those particular fishermen. Firstly, you will need some sort of fish so that you can cut a pattern from. The best bait fish to use that I can think of falls into this list" pinfish, pigfish, menhaden, and yellow tail. All of these fish offer up, "Bait flexibility." Another term, I know, but once you hear what I have to say, "you will understand." Take any fish listed, lay them down flat, and crave out of the fish's body apiece that looks real once hooked up. I like to create my bait around the stomach wall and lower fin area. Once cut with this area in mind you get more than a piece of cut dead fish. You get a piece of fish that once it hits current "acts alive!" And this my fishing friends is what tricks a fish into biting!" This bait situation boils down to movement and smell! Two things that most fish wouldn't dare pass by!