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
April 23, 2007
Captain Judy's Saltwater Fishing Report
Live Fishing Reports by Captain Judy
WBMQ Radio around 6:57 AM daily
Savannah, Georgia
Award Winning Coastal Fishing with Captain Judy
TV Comcast Channel 7
Sunday 6:30, Tuesday 7:30, and Saturday 8:30
Tybee Island Pier Fishing Part One!
Who needs a boat anyway!
I ran into Randy Lucree the other day while we were both "Wal-Marting." As usual our conversation went quickly to the subject of fishing. Randy shared some real interesting information with me, which is going to be used as this week's "pier fishing report Part One!" According to Randy the fishing as well as the catching has been darn good at the Tybee Fishing Pier. Fishermen while only using dead shrimp as bait have been catching some of the largest black drum that he has been seen in years. The fact of the matter is Randy watched as several of these fish were swimming in and out the pier's pilings. Heck, as Randy's was looking over at a large fish suspended right under the surface an "on looker" asked "What are you looking for" Randy replied, "I am watching this large drum making passes by the pier!" The puzzled watcher now scratched his head, but still look down towards the water. Randy finally had to explain that the drum he was talking about was in fact a fish not a drum of sorts. The fact of the matter was that it was a very large black drum!
Here's the short version of what's happening at the pier. While using only dead shrimp and fishing on the bottom "rods have been-a-bending!" The long list of catches goes like this: blue fish, croakers, summer trout, sheepshead, red drum, whiting, large black drum and other pan size fish. Here's a few pointers that I would like to past on to you in regards to getting your best shot at catching at the pier. We will start with the sheepshead, which most always prefer their meals wrapped in some sort of a shell. With that being said, "the pier had many vertical pilings, which are covered with barnacles, mussels, oysters, and other marine life. This area is what is called "a sheepshead feeding paradise." It's easy to find out where these fish have been feeding offering up a process of elimination. Spots where sheepshead has been feeding with show signs of freshly pulled off shell bases and newly showing shell cracks. Sheepshead normally feed best when the currents are the least. It doesn't matter whether you are dealing with high or low tide stage as long as the current isn't very strong/swift. Rolling or breaking sea conditions probably isn't going to be your best time to target the old sheepshead. Too much turbulent and believe me sheepies run and hide to save their strength. Your best bait is always going to be the purple back fiddler crab. The Tybee Island Bait and tackle shop, which is located on Lazaretto Creek, has bait (fiddlers) for sale. The fact of the matter is that it's on your way to the Tybee Fishing Pier. Their number is 912 786 7472.
Inshore Fishing Report
Fishing the Path of Less Resistance!
Last week the inshore fishermen had lots to deal with! We had extremely low tides, faster than normal currents, high winds, which all helped to muddy up the waters. It's a known fast that fish go into the "sheath mode" when these instances take place. It leaves us fishermen asking the question, "Where do they go?" My answer to this question is "they find the path of least resistance." The reason being is that by instincts when these things occur all fish, large and small, do what I call "brief hibernation." The reason being is that their food supply is greatly compromised. So all fish wait! However, us fishermen are going to go fishing whether it good or not! It's in our nature. So here's a few pointers that might help you score some action during these lean fish bite times.
The first thing is to search for the clearest water, which is probably where you are going to fine the trout bite. Keep in mind when water clarity is a problem you are not the only one that's having it. All fish from small to large are having the same problems. I am always saying, "If it look fishy, it's probably holding fish!" Don't rule out the middle of the creeks, rivers, or sounds, because where you have any sort of rips (tide lines) you might find some action lurking there. When different currents of water meet they form rips. These areas can become "safe areas for small fish and feeding areas for large fish."
Another spot to check out is where sloughs or small creek outlets meet the main flow of water. You probably won't get much action especially when the tides are screaming, but right before or after the change these areas can offer some action. The best thing to remember is to work the water column where you think the fish are going to be holding, which brings me back too…"the path of least resistance!"
Inshore
15-Minute Fish Drill!
I am always suggesting situations that will offer a better bite. When a fisherman goes fishing they want some sort of "bite action!" However, there are times when fishermen don't really don't stay long enough at any given spot. In other words, "they move before working the area properly!" If you were to write down all of the spots that you visited in one fish day I bet it would surprise even you! I'm not a real patience fisherman. The fact of the matter is I have a "15-minute rule" especially when it comes to "regular trolling!" The bottom line to the situation is the fact that if I don't get a bite within this time frame I'm changing up to another type of fish catching tact! So therefore here's my suggestion for inshore fishing for this week: I suggest that you give each of your fishing spots at least "15 minutes" before moving on. I also suggest adding 15 minutes to your stay every time to get one "solid bite!" Most fish, as you probably already know, travel in schools. Where there is one there is probably a lot more! Spotted sea trout are known for schooling so tight that they can hold in an area no larger than the mouth of a 5-gallon bucket. With that being said, "since trout are sight feeders it would seem that you need to present you bait within their seeing range!"
Fish Watching!
When sitting at anchor or hovering over a spot let you "let your eyes" do a little sight seeing. I suggest looking for any sort of ripples that aren't in step with the current movement. This past week while heading out of Turner's Creek I saw a formed "bait ball!" It was full of tightly school mud minnows meaning the large fish, probably spotted sea trout, were holding in the outskirts of the ball. Since I wasn't set up with light tackle and was heading offshore I didn't have time to work this area. However, if I were in an inshore boat I would have worked this area until I found the larger fish. If you ever find yourself in this situation, whatever you do don't get too close to the "bait ball!" If you do it will disrupt the bait pattern and also cause those fish holding in the outskirts to "disperse."
Here are a few suggestions for working a bait ball!
The first thing you need to do is to "back off" from the "bait ball." Do this in a matter that doesn't make a lot of un-natural noise. While doing so keep an eye on the bait ball. Normally they do float along with the current direction. I have watched a lot of these occurrences, which I also call "bait phenomenon's or round ups!" They are most unbelievable especially after you understand what exactly is going on. Small baitfishes are schooling together in hopes of scaring off the larger fish holding on the outskirts. The smaller fish think that the tighter they school up that they will look like a large fish. While this though pattern is taking place within the school another one is forming on the out skirts. When large fish find schools of bait in which to feed upon meaning it's an easy kill they normally go into this "round them up, hold them, and feed later mode." It's a known fact that when a large fish feeds they can only do it for so long. Some resting is required between feeding or else they could become part of the food chain. With that being "holding or pushing bait together" is a way to stock up for a later feeding.
Working this found "target rich environment" can be done so that it works quite well in the catching department! Without getting to close I suggest figuring out the depth in which the school is holding. Once this is ascertained, adjust your float depth so that your bait won't drag the bottom. If it's real shallow and you can't see the large fish feeding the process of elimination begins by trying to find exactly where they are staging. The good news is that the larger fish are normally can be found 360 degrees around the bait ball meaning the outskirts are going to be your targeted area. Cast up current in hopes that the float catches up to the outskirts of the bait ball. Once it gets into this area you should get some bite action. Whatever you do don't break up the schooling pattern!
Offshore
The artificial reefs are starting to offer a little more that just bottom fishing. During this time little tunny, Spanish and King mackerel skirt these areas in search of a fast meal. I can't say, "that they are surface feeders at this time, but they are here. The most jumping you are going to get is from the "Little Tunny." Those fish live to jump and chase bait to the surface. The good news is that you can see them. The bad news is that they don't stay put in one place too long! Spanish mackerel are normally holding over the high relief artificial bottom. Sunken wrecks that offer a little structure up in the water column are the most likely places for them to feed. Over the years I have always caught some nice Spanish mackerel while pulling small to medium Clark spoon real deep. For those that used planers you need to make sure that you have at least 15 feet between the backside of the planer and the lure. Too much turbulent water is going to chase this fish away. Another thing that I always suggest is that you bring a dip net to this fish fight, because most of the fish caught are going to be good size. Having a dip net handy is smart, because "leader-ing in a large Spanish often ends up being a disaster." Quite often the thin mouth design of the mackerel won't hold their weight.
King mackerel have been caught while trolling the artificial reef located in 50 to 60 feet of water. These fish are scattered and once found might not stay in one place long. They are on a feeding fest, because migrations take a lot out of them. So therefore feeding hard and fast is in their mind mostly! The good news is that when you hook up now especially at this time of the year you probably will get to land you whole fish. In other words the "big toothy monsters" haven't arrived at least not as of yet. However as you are reading this "barracuda boys and girls" could be moving in!
Your best bait is going to be artificial at least at this time. Kings are holding deep, because the baitfish are still combing the bottom areas. Most all kings that I have caught so far this year have been while pulling the bait right above the bottom. I am pulling fast, deep, and my leaders are long. I am taking 31/2-inch real sharp Drones spoon to the fish fight!
Savannah Snapper Banks
This is an area that really has something to offer "year around!" The good news is that when it gets warm meaning when the water temperatures get above 60 degrees all kinds of fish pass through this area. Well the "60 degree plus rising" is behind us at this time. Our temperatures at this time are ranging from 64 to 67 degrees. Once it reaches a sold 65 degrees everything will be alive! There is a lot of truth to that last statement. You might catch a little of everything before this temperature. However, you will get a surer bite when the temperature hits 65 and builds from this point! The area has it all top water and bottom fishing!
High Speed Trolling Lures
www.ballyhood.com
I know I talk about this all of the time, but I can't help it. I am so excited that I finally found a lure that works at high speed. The fact of the matter is that you probably won't believe this one, but it's true, "this lure pulls true at 21 knots!" Although it's not suggested because pulling at this high speed can cause some "skirt lost-age!" I am pulling a 16-ounce "THE BANCHEE HIGH SPEED LURE!" Trust me in this case "high speed lure" is use correctly! This past week while Captain Michael Counihan was doing a little "high speed trolling" and he raised a blue! (Blue marlin also known as the "man in the blue suit!") This sight offered the customers quite an eye full! He still has the lure at this time. However, it's a no-brainer what would have happen if this big fish wanted it bad enough! Captain Mike would be reordering for sure with even a better story to tell!
The bottom line to "High Speed Trolling" is a simple one! Straight from my father these words did come, "your chances for hooking up a fish are better when you have the lure in the water than in your tackle box!" In my father case it would have been "an empty cigar box!" My father theory was put to good use with him catching a little bit of everything while "just dragging baits!" The reason behind all of this wasn't a planned thing. While daddy was moving his 10 knots wooden boat one of the customer forgot to reel their line. You already know where I am going with this one. They hooked a fish up by mistake. Heck, no one not even my father knew that there was any fishing going on! I know what you are thinking and might be going to say, "Everyone trolls at one time or the other," which is very true! However, what about those times that you are moving with all your baits and lures in the boat? Believe me if you are waiting for them to jump into the boat, it might be a while. Although not impossible! "Been there done that!"
Darrell at Ballyhood International will be glad to talk with you about his "High Speed Lures!" Give him a call 1 714 545 0196 or visit his web site (www.ballyhood.com) believe me it's pretty impressive! These lures are certified and prove by me (Captain Judy) to work! I almost forget to mention the fish like them too!
Gulf Stream
As with anything else when it comes to fishing, "some days are HOT while others are not!" Last week's stream trips were easy! Most fishermen caught lots of fish, had lots of hits, and the weather was beautiful. As you probably guessed this week's "tails were different!" Several boats left from 2:00 to 5:00 AM making their way to the blue waters of the Gulf Stream. This report comes straight from those that fished the South Ledge area. The bite for the most part was non-existence with trolling fishermen throwing everything they had at the "closed mouth fish!" There were a few dolphin, black fin tuna, and Wahoo caught, but we are not talking about many.
My Yesteryear Blue Water Fishing!
When I fished the stream area about 100 times a year I can remember days like this where the fish weren't interested in anything that I had to offer. Since I am a charter boat most of my customers want to catch something and when the trolling fish don't cooperate we would drop to the bottom. The drop was usually deep one! We fished from 155 to 210 feet of water sometimes using as much as 16 to 32 ounces of weight to take us to these depths. The good news in this fishing department was it might not be what you were previously targeting, but it was a fish!
Sea Surface Temperatures
sstcharts.com
My main goal especially when fishing the blue waters of the stream was to make sure I had a "sea surface temperature read out!" There are a few places that you can purchase these read outs and then there is sstcharts.com which offers them up for free. I suggest that this is one site that you visit often so that you can develop a fishy pattern. Heck, after printing out a couple of dates you will be able to pick the areas that should be holding fish. During this time frame fish are going to be where the edge is holding the most bait. As with anything else they don't exactly cover the entire edge mostly just where bait is possibly pushed together. This is where back flows, fingers, and eddies comes into play. Believe me it's not all about just fishing the ledges! Get familiar with this website so that you can plan your next stream trip with a lot more confidence! In other words, "come up with an alterative plan!"
Another offered up plan would be once you arrive at the stream and have pulled the natural ledges finding little action I suggest that you pull your baits over the artificial stuff. There are a few deep-water wrecks, which normally hold the attentions of bottom and top water fish especially at this time of the year. The good news is that when you arrived the fish finder will shows hundreds of fish, but after a few passes this "target rich paradise" with shut down. Too much pulling will scatter the holding pattern demeanor of all fish over this area. Your best bet is to make this area the center of your trolling pattern while moving into the area slowly instead of pulling directly over the zone. The reason for the suttle approach is due to the fact that the fish will get used to the engine noise a lot better. They factor it into their comfortable noise zone instead of them scattering "right off the bat" when making a direct pass.
Bait for the boys!
For those that find themselves at the stream with "no hits a tall." I suggest putting some bait on the bottom. Don't worry if you didn't bring any squid, because this is one area you really don't need traditional bait designs. All you need to do is to catch one fish so as to cut it up! Here are a few bottom bait suggestions: If you have caught fish while trolling all you need to do is to strip the belly wall out and cut it into small pieces. It's tuff and it will stay on the hook longer. Don't worry if you haven't caught a fish. There are still lots of directions to go when getting alterative bait together. That washed out ballyhoo that you have been pulling probably for hours with work just fine! Just cut it up into bite size piece and put it on your hook. If you were only using artificial lures, don't panic, there are more suggestions. Check out what your guests are having for lunch. If it happens to be ham, bologna, steak, or the fact of the matter is anything that will stay on the hook will work. Don't worry if you are planning on eating something that won't stay on your hook there is more. Here's the final suggestion: "strips of a white dirty seasoned t-shirt" will also work!
Freshies Suggestion
Leaping Frogs
It has been brought to my attention not only by the fish that eat them, but also by the fishermen that use them that frogs make for great bait! I have seen plenty of frog types baits out there on the tackle shelves. It would seem that one is as good as another, but once again you can't assume that. This is due to the fact that frogs do come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. With that being said, "I would assume that you might have to do a little frog watching to ascertain the correct colors used for said area fished!" Lets assume that you have done your homework and found the color that should match the area in which you intend on fishing. Now that you have that behind you it time to make you're picked frog lure work like the real thing. Frogs are known for jumping across just about anything while making all kind of fish calling noises, which those down under have tuned their ears too. Occasionally those leaping frogs will land in the water while "wallowing" a bit before trying to make any headway. This is just about the time that the big fish, which has been called to area by the noises made, eats the frog.
The story about the frog can teach us a lot especially when using an artificial one as bait. Frogs normally start their swimming adventure leaping from the bank, tree limbs, or weeds. With that being said, start with casting your "frog impersonator" to any of these points. Let the lure sink until it stops. Normally a dropping point will be in the lower part of the weeds or heck maybe it makes it all the way to the bottom. Whatever the case let it free fall as long as it will. The good news is that if there is a large bass lurking you are going to be the first know about it. That's if you keep that free falling line a little tight so that you won't miss the "big bass slam dunk!"
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
Tidewater Marine
Back in the good old days, when I needed my boat repaired I used to take it to Tidewater marine It was the place of all places to take your boat. Those that worked and owned this marina were always up to date with the latest when it came to fixing or making something work! Frank Van Gisen was one of the owners of this marina. For many years over, I visited and he took very good care of my boat. Believe me, I torn it up a lot. According to my father, "I could break an anvil with a feather if I tried!' I don't think that I was hard on a boat. I just used them a lot and as you all know "if it's mechanical it will break from time to time!" In my case it was lots of times!
I used to break it and take it to "Daddy Frank the motor doctor of all times!" He knew his stuff and he always fixed it right for sure! Frank had his ways and most if them didn't come from a book they came straight from experience. I will never forget this one time in particular. We had this boat that wasn't even in his boat yard. We were having trouble with getting the shaft to line up, because the strut was bent. The bottom line to this situation is "if you can't line up the shaft with the engine's coupling once it pushed through the strut you have got yourself some serious problems." There are things that you can force into place. However when it comes to "forced working parts" this could start a "chain reaction" of seals-a-leaking and metals-a-cracking. In other words if it's not right it's not right!
At any rate we had this boat with a bend strut, which normally wouldn't be a bad thing. The remedy for this would be to remove the strut and take it to the old machine shop. The shop would then heat it up and straighten it. However, our dilemma was more than just removing the strut. The fuel tank was located right over the strut meaning it would have to be removed first before you could attack getting the straighten job done. As I would always do when having some sort of boat trouble I would call "Daddy Frank!" As I talked with him and told him our problems he offered to come by for a "look-see!" At the time this was very nice of him to come to another boat yard to help ascertain our problem. As soon as he arrived he took a good look at the bend in the strut. He told them to push the shalf out of the log leaving it only in the strut. At this time, pivoting moves could be made. He grabbed the shalf pivoted it a bit until the approximate bend was un-bended! In other words he lined up the strut the old way, which was his way!
I will never forget this day as long as I live. Frank fixed a problem in minutes that would have taken days to even get too from the topside. He proved once again that "Experience is not for sale!"
Here's My Line Now Bite My hook!
Captain Judy
"Fish Physic!"