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
March 12, 2007
Captain Judy's Saltwater Fishing Report
From now on the Freshies report with follow "Little Miss Judy Believe It or not!" located at the end of the fishing report
INSHORE FISHING REPORT
Two Fishing Patterns
As the fishing week pasted the biting patterns were ascertained by "trial, error, and actual hookups!" By midweek the red fish had found that two hours before till two hours after the low or high tide stage was the time to put on the old fed bag. As you know, since the fish don't talk "trial and error" played a big part in regards to this fishing report.
After thinking about it "we should give red fish a lot more credit in the feeding department than we do!" I already know that you are aware that I am going to explain to you why I made that last statement! Heck, after you think about the developed feeding pattern for this past week "it's a no brain-er!" The major feeding times for the red fish was during the slackest of the tide event. It really didn't matter if the tide was just about low or high. Two hours before the bottom of the low or the high tide feeding pattern have likiness even though they are opposites. I hope that I can get out of this one without looking like a "fishing fool!"
The last two hours before and after any tide stage signifies the least movement with the actual current change being "hardly no movement!" This time zone offers fish the last chance to get out or the best time to enter an area. Two hours before the low tide stage is the time where all fish migrates out of the grass or off mud/sand flats. Two hours before the high tide stage is where all size fish make their push into the so called "safety zone." From a fish's point of view, feeding at this point is where there is the biggest change up in feeding habits due to the tide changes.
Most fish were caught while using popping corks, 10 inches leaders, and small baits. It's suggested to match your hook with the bait use. In other words, if all you have is a large mud minnows change up your hook size to match the bait used. You don't want the hook used to over power the movement of your bait. This is one of the best ways to run off your fish bite.
Casting the Old Net!
Captain Matt Williams off Miss Judy Charters shared some real interesting information with me this passed week. Even though the water is on the cool side I don't normally suggest killing yourself by throwing the old cast net. However, Captain Matt has not only thrown his net but also has changed my mind with this stupid theory! Captain Matt didn't catch any shrimp or mullet. However, he did catch a fine mess of mud minnows. The bottom line to this situation is don't be like me and assume that any sort of bait gathering act doesn't often take place at this time of the year. So therefore I am changing my suggestion to you. I suggest that you take your cast net, but also purchase bait if available. However, if there isn't bait availability having a net on board can still offer hope! The bottom line to this report is "if you don't try you won't know for sure!"
Captain Matt also offered up some information in regards to targeting trout at this time. As you know spotted sea trout are the most affected by the cold temperatures year around fish that we have in this area. With that being said, "their take of food" especially during the cool times is going to be slow.
Gold Spoon
Johnson spoons in ¼ to ½ ounce are a specialty lure high on the red fish attraction list! It's a known fact that a red fish sight isn't the best. So therefore this is one of those lures that once cast "attentions are had." The best way to get the most out of the spoon is to cast beyond the fish in question, let it fall, and then work it across the area. While reeling offer it as much movement as possible so as to allow light to hit it at all angles. The up side is that spoons seem to bring out the "charging attitude in a red fish." The more natural zipping and zapping offers up a better reflection mode, which definitely gets you better action. You want your potential hook up to slam it, because this particular lure offers up not a thing in the way of taste or natural feel!
Spotted Sea Trout Waiting Game
It's that time of the year where anchoring up and putting yourself in the "wait mode" is appropriate. According to Captain Jack McGowan "the waiting game" can and usually does pay off with hits, hook ups, and landings. The past week brought us muddy waters conditions in some areas and semi-clear situations in other. The bottom line is that normally when this happens for no real good reason some spots clear up quick and right in front of your eyes. Captain Jack suggest heading and scooping out your favorite fishing spots that normally holds fish at this time, anchor up, and serve up your bait offerings. Even if the water is a little un-clear chances are it will clean up a bit as the currents make the move. His rule of thumb goes like this. After catching your first fish he suggests waiting 15 to 20 minutes before moving to you next spot.
I guess I should clarify "no good reason for muddy water conditions." Firstly, we didn't have much of a tide this week due to the fact of our moon stage. So therefore, the least amounts of water were moved during the tide change thus stirring up less bottom sediment. Secondly, we had little of no wind value to speak off. When we have high "wind-age" anything even water when it beats together causes unsettling effects. Thirdly, we didn't have any rain to speak off. When it rains the nutrients get washed out of the marsh into the water, which by the way is a very good thing. However, the clouds that the loose mud forms once mixed with the seawater sometimes take a while to clear up. The bottom line to all of this is that "if a fish can't see or smell a bit they certainly aren't going to eat. The shut down non-eating mode mostly goes into affect!"
A Worm of a Deal!
Captain Jack McGowan of Miss Judy Charters has once again offered up some information that might be shocking to you, but certainly not to the fish. Captain Jack's favorite lure to use when there is a lack of natural bait is the "6 inch Culprit Worm." He used it like a "jerk bait,' but fishes it like a sinking/floating plug. Firstly, this worm has quite a bit of buoyancy, which can contributes a lot toward getting a fish's attention. He hooks it up weed less and adds from 1/32 to 1/16 cone/bullet weight to the lure. As he explained the movement technology I got the full picture on how it would definitely get a fish's attention. Here's this 6 inch worm that doesn't look like anything a saltwater fish sees in the upper water column much less on the bottom. Once cast if you allow it to sit on the bottom the worm's tail floats up while waving in the current. This is "attention getting point number one." When put in the retrieval mode the worm is worked as if it's the best jerk bait in town. With this action the tail section is still doing its job, which is waving at the potential fish in. The good news about this lure that at any given time you can stop your retrieve mode and basically let the buoyancy do its job. While it's basically trying to float up it looks like a fleeing bait of sorts. In a saltwater fish's world, "any worm that can swim without fins need to be eaten and eaten fast!" The good news is that when your stalking fish is a spotted sea trout it's a fact that it going for the hook section, which is right about where the weed less is embedded! Don't forget to set that hook!
As far as colors that going to be up to you. The most favorite have been salt and peppered colored ones along with one that called "Arkansas Shiner!" As with all baits selected go with one that fits the area in which you are going to be fishing. It has always been my rule that when fishing dark bottom use darker colors. When fishing sand go with a light colored worm. Most all creatures adapt to their surroundings I suggest that your bait does too!
Offshore, Artificial Reefs
We had a little set back this past week in regards to the fish bite at the artificial reefs located in 40 feet of water. The bite went a little soft with the fish only mouthing and not taking the bait. It's just happened to be one of those unpredictable fish bite days. However, after this last cold snap and with the warming trend that we have in store I think that the fish will once again make a showing. All you need to make this happen is to take frozen squid cut it into small pieces and put it on small hooks. Until the water temperature gets more stable we are going to be experiencing this sort of nostalgic bite in the shallower reef areas.
Deeper Artificial Reefs Areas
However there is good news on the artificial reefs front. Those reefs that fall into water that is 55 feet and deeper are going to be what we call "Hot Spots!" You should find large schools of very hungry black sea bass waiting to jump on your hook, because the water temperature in these areas is "Right On!" When bottom fishing in these areas I suggest picking out the isolated spots first to fish. These areas normally hold the largest school of sea bass, blue fish, and perch. This all boils down to all kinds of different species of fish school up together especially when there a meal involved.
I am always suggesting to use cut squid as preferred bait. It still is! However, during this time of the year artificial bait will also work on the bottom. Try giving jigs with screw tail and DOA shrimp patterns a try! Don't worry I am not sending you on a "wild fish chase." I have already tried it and it does work, believe me.
Savannah Snapper Banks
Once you reach 105 to 120 depths you will be in close to 60 degree plus water temperature. As far as I as well as the fish, this is my favorite temperature! Once our water gets to a solid 60 plus degrees "spring migrations are put into serious motion!" This alone gives all fish more reason to move about more freely over the live bottom, because not only is there something to see, but also lots of eating possibility!
Cigar minnows have already arrived in about 95 feet of water. The last time I fished we caught black sea bass that had gouged themselves so much that their stomachs were about to bust. We cut one open and we found 6 large cigar minnows and a small trunkfish in one medium black fish. However, these fish were still taking us up on our bait offering of cut squid and fresh cigar minnow pieces. The bottom line to this report is the fact that "spring has sprung!" It's a fisherman's time to fish, catch, and be happy once again!
Blue Water Report
Over the past few weeks there has been quite a bit of catching activity-taking place around the south ledge area. According to one report numerous black fin tuna, few Wahoo, and couple of dolphin were landed. Most of the fish were caught while trolling "dinks" better known as small baits. During this time of the year these baits works especially well! With that being said, I suggest using them specifically in your spread!
South Ledge
The south ledge has become what I would call the "winter/early spring watering hole for fish" especially at this time of the year. If I were fishing the stream area this would be my first spot to stop, drop, and troll. I looked back into my records, which show this area to be a "hotspot especially at this time of the year. Some of the fish caught last week were caught as far a 1-mile away from the ledge. So therefore I suggest working the area around the ledge. I suggest developing a pattern of also working the out skirts of this area. Over the years while I fished there on a regular basic I have seen boats pulling directly over the ledge, circling right back, and doing it over again. This plan will work, but only a few times. Every time you make a pass, whether you catch fish or get a hit, you are pulling the fish away from the strike zone. I suggest working the area on the outskirts giving the fish population at the focal point, which is the ledge, a chance to re-group.
I need to make one more suggestions about fishing this area. If you happen be fishing with boats that happen to find the ledge their most interesting part of the day, please don't let it bother you. The fish that they are running off will stage on the out skirt areas until the feeding path is re-opened. Keep a good watch on the horizon, because where you see any bird activity is where you are going to find those fish in waiting snacking while they can! Been there done that!
I started writing about high speed trolling and ended up making it part of "Little Miss Judy Believe it or Not! I suggest reading this story; it's basically the history of how my father started "any speed trolling!"
"Little Miss Judy Believe It or Not!"
High Speed Trolling Anywhere!
My father always told me, "your chances for catching a fish are a lot better with a hook in the water than not!" That statement might sound stupid to some, because it should go without saying! However, even though I was taught that I still sometimes forget about the "ride times" to my fishing area. This time is truly the forgotten "target rich environment!"
Back in the real old days my father's boat wasn't very fast. The fact of the matter was that it made-way at about 7 to 10 knots, but she was steady. When he re-powered her with a big diesel engine she was able to step it up a bit and make about 12 knots! While making this speed my father's boat threw a "rooster tail" of mass portions! I know what I am going to share with you is not true, but I swear it was so high that it could be seen over the horizon!
With boat speeds of less than 12 knots it was easy to pull any type of lure. My father had all sorts of crazy lures that he pulled. The most popular was the "traditional float rig lure." I am always writing about the traditional trout rig in regards to the inshore fishing report. Everyone uses this rig when targeting trout with live bait such as mud minnows or shrimp. My father fished both sectors avidly! He called inshore "skinny water" and offshore "deep water." Back in the old days there weren't many lures to choose from. Forget colors, because there wasn't much of that offered out there on the tackle shop shelves. The fact of the matter was black and white was the best until the reds and yellows arrived. I must state in my father defense. He basically saw everything in "black and white!" Captain Sherman Israel Helmey, my father, was colorblind!
As usual I am launched myself "out there" once again. High speed trolling for my father basically meant "when he moved anywhere at any speed" he was pulling some sort of a lure in tow. His most favorite pulled lure was the "traditional cork rig." It was simple to make. He took a standard trout cork, threaded a 3 foot piece of 50 pound single strand wire, hay wired twist a treble hook on one end, and a swivel on the other. The end with the swivel was attached to his main line while the float was trolled with treble hook in tow. When the boat wasn't making-way the float didn't do much, but what it was supposed to do, which is basically float. However, when you trolled with the trout float "it made movement history!" As the water was forced through the tube in the float it caused it to "dart erratically." Fish loved it because if they missed it when trying to make a hit they always came back looking for more opportunity! I wasn't unusual for a trout float to be broken in pieces on the wire leader or to have many tooth marks once retrieved. Heck, I even have some floats with teeth broken off in them. Not only was it an interesting fish catching tool it offered one heck of a conversation piece. I used to always smile big when daddy pulled it out of one of his old cigar boxes, because I knew what might happen. However, my father's crew onboard thought he might be pulling their leg, but time as well as action soon "sealed the deal!"
Although this is another story, which needs to be told, my father kept all of his tackle in "King Edward Cigar Boxes." You guessed it; he smoked King Edward cigars and brought them by the box. I must say, "he never marked any of the boxes" he just seemed to know what was in each box even without opening them.
As time went on "as it usually does quickly" speed got more important to the fisherman. As boats traveled faster lures used for "slow to go" didn't work. However, we adapted by purchasing or making ones that did. Over the years I have pulled many lures some properly and others, which would occasionally flying out of the water into the air. I have had the most interested from fish when the lure was pulled under the surface not above it. Now, I'm not going to say, "I haven't caught fish with a half-flying lure," because I have. It's just your best opportunity is while your lure pulls smoothly. I have found that the best way to get your pull you so called high speed lure is to adjust your speed until you get a smooth riding lure. In other words, if the lure you are pulling only pulls best at 12 to 15 knots and so on, then that's the best speed to pull it. Believe me when I say this, "too many flops out of the water and your lure is going to be gone!" The main line normally breaks. This is due to the fact that the lure pops out of the water and become tangled with the main line. When this happen too much quick pressure gets applied, boiling down to speed along with tangles not working well together! I think you get the point!
I have some 8 to 12 ounce high-speed lures that work well when pulled, but I have to adjust my speed accordingly with the sea conditions. In other words, if the lure is skyrocketing out of the water it means it's being pulled to fast. I slow down until I get the "lure in step with the boat." This all boils down to the fact if your lure looks crazy it is! (Slow-down)
This past week I pulled a real working 2007 high-speed lure. The lure is made by Bally Hood Lures. I have had numerous conversations with Darrell of "Ballyhood Lures." (www.ballyhood.com or call Darrell 1 174 545 0196) Firstly the lure works! I pulled "The Banchee High Speed lure" (32 ounce head) at around 21 knots. It never left the water and it pulled smoothly. I pulled it with 100 pound test wire main line. Darrell also offers a 16-ounce BANCHEE high-speed lure, which I am looking at right now. I haven't pulled it, but plan doing so the next chance that I get. As soon as I do I will report back with the results! Until then, give Darrell a call if you have any questions! I must add that that I have seen and tried many of Darrell's lures, which not only look good but also work! I suggest giving him a call or check out his website! These lure definitely has by seal of approval!
Freshies Report!
"Knowing a Crappy!"
If you have been following this report you know that I talked about "what a crappy likes last week!" This week we are going to give you our rendition of what we think this fish does right before the natural lights go out for the evening time. I am going to jump right out there with this one, "they show their backs!" Now I didn't make a type-o with that last sentence. I truly didn't mean "butts!" The fact of the matter is that this fish knows how to feed. Crappy know that certain small fish are going to rise to the occasion right before the light goes dark. Something makes the small fish do it, which makes the crappy do basically what is known as the "back up float."
Being a saltwater fisherman I sometimes like to put fresh and salt-water fish together in terms of their likeness. In the case of the crappy "showing their backs" there is another fish that is found in the saltwater they do the same exact thing. However, the difference is it's not done at dark, but whether in the ‘wide open day light." The jack crevalle is known for laying in wait with their upper fins (dorsal fins) flying high! Their deal is the fact they school up tight in order to hold baitfish at bay up against a bank or sand bar. The best way to describe the way this looks to say, "They look like miniature sail boats on the surface with their main sails full of wind." However, they are moving at all, but whether watching and waiting for their potential meal to make a move! It could be called a "stare off!"
When you find yourself in this situation, whether is fresh or saltwater, doing this so-called floating job here's a few suggestions for your best hook up opportunity. Approach quietly as possible keeping unnatural noise to a minimum. For the crappy I suggest casting a lure that floats first then sinks to no more than 1 foot before going into a suspending mode. Your retrieve should be slow, but substantial! For jack crevalle I suggest a lure that makes a noisy landing, but as natural as possible. It doesn't have to sink, but when retrieve it needs to push water as if is making way naturally! The rule of thumb when it comes to the jack crevalle is when you get a hit, keep reeling, and don't drop back! Dropping back will cause a jealous school to quickly disburse.
Coldwater along with very windy conditions doesn't mean that the fish won't bit. I had a very good report last week in regards to a "large mouth bite!" My freshwater connection, Anthony has once again proven that if you don't go you won't know! When the winds were up and the water was cold Anthony looked not for the worst but for the best scenario! His bait of choice was" fluke style jerk bait." I am always talking about hooking these types of bait up weed-less meaning embedding the hook's point. This bait hook up allows you to throw right into debris and still get your bait back on the retrieve! Well, on this fish day your hook's point needed to be a little exposed. So I guess you would call Anthony's bait rigging method "semi-weed less." The large mouth bass were real aggressive and this rigged designed aided in a more solid quick hook up! Anthony found the most aggressive large mouth feeding on the bait that was pushed by the wind onto the windiest shoreline. In other words, they fished in the windy side of the lake all day! When the wind blows the bait gets pushed to wind exposed areas and large fish are one step ahead of the game when it comes to feeding. Find the bait find the fish!
Here's My Line Now Bite My Hook!
Captain Judy
"Fishing Physic!"