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
October 29, 2007
Captain Judy's Saltwater Fishing Report
Which includes:
Inshore report, Offshore Report, Freshies Suggestions, and "Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!" (Story)
Gulf Stream
It's once again that time of the year where you certainly won't know unless you go! With that being said, "here are some suggestions for blue water fishermen to try!"
While making this long run I suggest, "keeping a sharp eye on your surroundings." The one thing that you need to remember is that "it's migration time of the year!" The mean "any fish can be any where at any time!" Now that's a mouth full for sure. One way to get this job done without stopping and trolling a bit is to "pull baits the entire time.
Once again it's time to pull out those "high speed-trolling lines!" For those that don't know there is a special made lure for this style of trolling. This type of fishing is what I call, "complete coverage." The reason being is that it's up to you when to put it out and when to pull it in. My father always used to say; "your chances are greater when you are pulling a lure to catch a fish!" All those boat miles that you have covered he always suggests that you pull something. I never like to rebut what dear old daddy suggested, but I have had a few instances where the fish basically did jump into my boat! However, I'm not wishing that on anyone and that's another entirely different story!
The High Speed Lure for these times!
Captain Mike Counihan Big Tackle Set Up!
I have in the past pulled a real serious 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 1 714 545 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. We were using Captain Mike's Counihan personal 12/0 Penn reel with a bent butt set up. This is a big rig set up and needed to hold for "speed used." You know the old saying, "the bigger the bait the bigger the fish!" I love these statements especially when they are so true! Big guns for sure!
Captain Judy's High Speed Set up!
Darrell also offers a 16-ounce BANCHEE high-speed lure, which I have also pulled with great success! I wanted to drop down and pull a smaller/easier to handle for my customers set up! The good news about these lures is that they are already set up and ready to go. Darrell has made sure that they are made with the proper pound test everything from swivels to hooks to leaders! In other words "supplies used fit the bill!" In this case, it's best to stick with those that know what's best when wanting to engage in "Successful high speed trolling Retrieval!"
I am using an International II 30 SW reel loaded with ANDE 80 PINK pound test line. Let's get this color thing out of the way. I have always used "pink ANDE" and it has always worked for me. However, when high speeding trolling line color probably doesn't matter. However, in this case "strength and endurance does!" I am using the line that has worked for years with application used! When high speed trolling it's best to remember to move your line status often. The reason being is that your line while lying in your roller rod guides will wear thin and could eventually cause a weak point. Please remember to always "engage the clicker drag." Believe me, when this line is out your probably don't need the drag clicker to get your attention when you have a hit, because everyone is already watching. However, I love it when the clicker sounds off! In this case, when a fish hits at this speed, it's truly is exciting. I call it "the real drag," because the sound is so deep when using an international reel!
This international reel is mounted on a Penn international II rod IGFA 50 Graphite Composite 50 pound class (24 k) 1050. This rod is about 6 ½ feet long and is a solid rod with AFTCO metal butt and roller guides. You probably won't find this rod on the tackle shelf, because she's an "oldie, but a goodie!" However, this is the style rod that is going hold up under such a high pressure-trolling job!
When looking for a rod, I suggest going with one that definitely has a metal butt and lined with roller guilds as well a roller tip. When pulling at this speed you want something that is going to hold for the duration as well as that "fish hit" that you are going to get. This exciting hit is going to be unbelievable and the fish is normally larger than expected." This means that when the "first hit happens" you are going to think that the rod is going to break as well as be jerked off the gunnels. I "tie off" my reel to the boat. I'm not talking about using a loose line. I tie a tight line to the stern cleat. This helps also assist with the pressure being put on my tackle. I know what you must be thinking; "how the heck are you going to be able to pick up the rod once you get a fish on?" Believe me, you are going to have plenty of time while in this motion. You need to have a plan.
Here's the one I follow: Decide who is reeling in the hooked fish. Designated person un-tying safety line from cleat. You also need to select the right person to pick up rod and hand to waiting fisherman. If these things are pre-decided, when you do get a hit you won't have what is known as "inter-on-the-deck collisions at sea!" The reason that decisions have to be made in this department is because the boat is traveling at 21 knots. The means quick movement without a "plan" might result in cracked heads, falling over board, loosing hooked fish, or rod overboard. When a plan is laid out "fishermen know what to do when!"
Once Hooked Up!
The absolute first thing to do is "back off the throttles!" In other words, "take the speed out without deleting the forward motion. Keep the boat moving forward so as to keep the line tight, because the "hook-up hole" is going to be big! This means if you stop to quickly the already stunned large fish is going to "fall not swim off your hook!"
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! Darrell's lures definitely have my as well as the fish's seal of approval! When it comes to tackle I don't think you need anything else! So therefore it's time to call and make that order! (www.ballyhood.com or call Darrell 1 714 545 0196