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
Bull Reds in the River
Combat Fishing!
Jeff Dickie offered up a great fishing report! While just bottom fishing off a dock on the Wilmington River Jeff landed a 30-inch plus Bull Red fish. I can't disclose the exact location, but I can tell you that this area that he was fishing is known for holding the red fish's attentions especially at this time of the year. Bull reds also known as plain large red fish, stag bass, and channel bass, which hang around docks during this time. The secret to know is how to pick out which dock looks "fishy enough!" Big reds love any type of structure in which that can feed, hang deep when they are resting, feel a little safe from the attack of the porpoises, and be able to move right back to the feeding grounds when tide permits. I like to look for docks that have broken off pilings that are situated where there is some sort of deep drop off. This is one good narrowing down point! Another suggestion is to look for these fish. Quite often you can spot them moving in and out of areas feeding at will! Birds help by just being present watching for any leftovers. Docks located near the sound, located near inlets provide stopping off and feeding points for this fish. Best-case scenario is a dock or some sort of structure located where a creek, river, or sounds comes together. In other words, "fishing at the "Y" is a good thing.
Your best bait when trying to the get the attentions of this fish is going to be finger mullet or large pawn shrimp. I suggest anchoring up current and casting to the structure (dock). Once your bait gets close I suggest holding it there. You can float your bait in with traditional floats, Cajun poppers, or Carolina style rigs. I like to use the Carolina style rig. It's a form of bottom fishing that works great for me along with the live bait that I am using. The best bait is going to be live finger mullet. It seems to hang on well with the current running around it. Big reds sometimes hit it hard while other times they take their intended meal for a short drag before eating it. Whatever the case made be, it's time to go "dock fishing!"
For tackle it's best to use fluorocarbon leader and braided main line, because once hook up this fish knows it's safe getaway points. The first thing that they are going to do is to run for any sort of cover meaning trying to wrap your line around the old piling. This is where disorienting the fish and some serious pressure along with direct retrieving is going to need to be put in place. This is why I call this "Combat fishing at it finest!"