CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
"Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956"
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and "Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Good Offshore Trolling Plan
I talked with Captain Shelby of the "Fish'in Fool" this past week and he offered up some good solid offshore trolling information. His plan is so simple that you are going to want to try it for sure. He runs to the artificial reef "J Buoy," put his trolling lines out, and then trolls directly to the R-2 Naval tower. This trolling scheme has been very productive. He has been catching king as well large Spanish mackerel, little tunny, and dolphin. As far as best baits used deep he is pulling #3 planers, 30 feet leaders, and 31/2-inch Drone spoons trolled at 6 to 7 knots. This has been a winning combination!
This trolling plan is a good one for sure. The reason being is that this is one those plans that opens lot of catching opportunities. The first thing is that this fish catching plan has been working while trolling from point A artificial "J Buoy" to point B "R-2 naval tower." This one thing right there is worth a try.
Here are a few suggestions on what to look for as well as what to do with what you might see!
Every time you see any sort of holding bait, turtles, birds-a-feeding, get a hit, hook up, or mark anything on the bottom I suggest writing these coordinates down. After writing them down make a note to as why you did so. Although these sound like "no-brainer suggestions" you would be surprised how many fishermen forget to put themselves into that "watch every thing mode!" All these noted spots are current as well as future locations to fish.
There is about 10 to 12 miles of surface water that you cover making this suggested trolling run. I call going into the mode a big opportunity to take time to watch the bottom and what it looks like!
In the first part to this report I suggest pulling #3 planer with 30 feet of 80-pound test leader, and then attaching a 31/2 Drone spoon. This is the best-pulled bait that there is, because you really never know what fish might take a liking to it. While in this phase, why not drop those outriggers and pull some extra lines. It's known fact that the more lines in the water the better the chances for hook up! Since I am one of those basic fisherman that's believes in the "old school" that's exactly what I do. I pull what I have on hand.
The first thing for sure that always works is a rigged ballyhoo. However, if you don't happen to have any of those give the artificial AKA "fake ones" a try. The main secret to a rigged ballyhoo is that it has to pull right or it will basically scare fish away. The best way to check your pre-pulled ballyhoo is to pull it right by the boat so as to see if it's rigged properly. Rigged baits that jump stupidly AKA not somewhat normally definitely aren't going to get the attentions of these sometimes very smart top water big fish. This boils down to the fact that baits need to run straight and somewhat normal. Knowing your options and what to do with them is a big! This all boils down to pulling what your have!