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
September 10, 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)
Ocean Dive Reports
Lionfish Update
Many years ago I wrote a story about lion fish being seen off our coast. Last month I received a report from Captain Derek Brown AKA extreme experienced driver and charter boat captain, that he has seen quite a few of these fish in our area. Thought I would bring everyone up to speed on his current amazing seemly population growth in regards to these fish. Lionfish falls in with those poison types that you as well as other fish don't care to come in contact with.
Captain Derek reported that he is now seeing the lionfish on most ledges located in 90 plus feet of water. While diving ledges located in 130 to 150 he has also found another build up of these fish bringing more to our attention that these fish don't have many predators.
After doing a little checking I found that it has been documented that the barracuda's are one of the lionfish's biggest predators. I knew for sure that the barracudas were tough, but after reading this makes them even tougher at least in my book. The barracuda does have one known enemy beside the fisherman and it's the hungry shark. By the way barracuda makes great shark bait! I know I am rambling!
At any rate, Captain Derek reported that he is seeing a larger build up of the lionfish. Some of these fish have gotten up to 3 pound giving them a total length of around 18 inches. According to the report, 'lionfish hang upside down under the ledges.' Captain Derek said, 'that they remind him of sleeping bats in a cave!' Most ledges that he has visited at these depths have had at least 20 to 30 of these upside down hanging lionfish. Don't know if we will ever catch one of these fish on the old hook and line, but if you don't please don't touch! Sooner or later, believe me it going to happen!
Captain Derek also reported that he might have seen a 'box jelly fish' while diving at the Hilton Head Reef. Although he's not completely sure he still wanted to pass it on. This artificial reef is located in about 50 feet of water, which is situated about 10 miles offshore. Box jellyfish are normally 'found only' in and around the water's near Australia. As of this date this would be the only 'not sure sighting for this area reported.' For more information: (http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/the-great-barrier-reef/jellyfish.htm)
Thanks for Reading!
Captain Judy
'Fishing Physic!'