Captain Judy's Saltwater Fishing Report
My offshore school is February 3, 2007!
OFFSHORE FISHING CLASS
Just an outline the information that I am going to be talking about at my February 3, 2007 offshore fishing clinic! Believe me you don't want to miss it!
"Tricks of the Trade!"
Captain Judy's basic tackle used, best baits to purchase and use. How to catch, keep, use, and position your own bait Where to find which fish in the water column and how to catch it, special fishing techniques for fishing near shore artificial reefs and hard bottom areas such as the snapper banks. I will cover basic bottom fishing at its finest, trolling with catching in mind and drifting fishing for large bottom fish and top water fish.
Offshore Subjects:
Log Book Procedures
I have over forty years of fishing records. However, it's a known fact that you don't have to fish a lot to keep a good usable logbook. The fact of the matter is you can use some of my information from my fishing reports as one method for helping you keep records. Not only that, but your fishing friends normally show or talk about their great and bad days of fishing. It's all worth writing down; because once you add it all together a fishing pattern is formed. I call this the "path to hooking up!"
How to catch the best bait and when
I didn't want to admit this, but I have on more than a several occasion run out of bait or forgotten it. The number one thing that you need to remember is as long as you have a fish in your cooler you have bait. If a fish isn't available then as long as you have a sandwich on your boat you have bait. If that's not available then as long as you have a piece of white clothe on your boat you have bait. (Someone's t-shirt) As long as you have some sort of scented artificial bait such as a DOA or some Berkeley baits you can get some bottom action. In the moving or trolling department, leave the bait at home and just pull something flashy with a hook in it!
How to keep your bait alive
It's a known fact that fresh dead works better than old dead. However, on some occasions this might not be the case. If sight is the leading factor for the feeding pattern then fresh dead will work better. However, if there is an underwater sand storm making the visibility little or none then I suggest using old dead smelly bait!
How to cut your bait up
There are ways to cut your bait up so that it looks more natural so that it flows in the current as if it were alive and moving on! Some bait fish are cut up while others are used whole. Scent plays a big factor in getting a fish to your hook.
Baiting up techniques
A hook is a hook, but when you sink it in a piece of bait and it your fish catching weapon!
How to rig up when using live and dead bait
There are many ways to hook up a live fish and many reasons for doing so. It's all about timing!
Artificial Reef Fishing Techniques
These areas are great places to catch to fish. However, once you understand the pattern that normally forms in and around these areas you will become much better fishermen.
Rigging a ballyhoo
It the simplest thing to do when you want to "drag a who!"
Butter-flying a bait
It's a skilled method for craving up a dead fish so as to make it look like a live one. This is priceless!
Secret Bottom Rigs
Bottom rigs aren't as simple as you think. Any fishermen knows what this means, which is "fishing on the bottom!" However, the new wave of bottom fishing is a little more technical and lot more exciting!
High Speed Trolling
I am a firm believe that your odds are a lot better for a hook up especially if you have a bait in the water. No matter where you go on the water "you should be fishing while you do it!"
Targeting Large Bottom Fish
It's true that this sport is about location, timing, proper rigs, and the right bait. Getting opportunity to learn three out of four isn't bad at all!
Basic trolling for the big boys with artificial and the real thing!
It's simpler than you think, because when you use bait that looks real!
Flat Lines
I really don't know where they got this name, because when you use them "flat" wouldn't be a word I would use.
Offshore Sheepshead
December through the end of March is the season for this offshore fishery. It's simple, but it's best to have theses few offer suggestions!
New Style of Jigging
Absolutely no bait is needed! Just add ocean water!
Trolling for grouper
It's best to know what to drag to get this big hag!
How to Catch a Flounder Offshore
360-degree line comes to mind!
Cobia Fishing
Where, when, and why are the steps to bringing this fish to your hook. However, this fish is not like the others, there are suggestions that you must hear for this one!
How to fish a ledge!
To fish a ledge is to put my "blue print plan to work!"
How to find and fish wrecks!
I haven't found them all, but the fish have!
How to fish rips!
A floating fish gathering miracle!
Gulf Stream Fishing both trolling and big bottom fishing
I am only going to talk "basics leading to what really works!"
Ask any questions that you might have and we will try to answer them!
If you don't ask I will!
Unbelievable, but true catching stories
These fishing stories are so good that I couldn't even make them up!
Every time I open my mouth some sort of a fishing story tries to jump out!
How to sign up!
To sign up all you have to do is call 912 897 4921, email fishjudy2@aol.com, or write to Miss Judy Charters, POB 30771, Savannah, Georgia 31410, or carrier pigeon!
Please call 912 897 4921 now for reservations, Plenty of giveaways and discounts!
OFFSHORE SCHOOL
Date: February 3, 2007 Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Place: Tubby's Tank House 2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt, Georgia 31404
Cost: $90.00 (included one day class, breakfast, and lunch)
Please sign up as soon as possible! There is limited entry!
Offshore
Captain Judy Helmey "TRICK"
Captain Ali Young "SNEAK"
February 3, 2007
Heck, after reading all of the subjects offered, it makes me want to attend!
Thanks, Captain Judy
Just a note: Over the years you can't believe all the interesting fishing techniques that I have learned from my father, other fishermen, and my fishing schools. It actually has been a wonderful experience getting an opportunity to hear so many fishermen's theories. The fact of the matter is I learned something new and interesting at almost every school. The bottom line to all of this is still the fact that you really never know what you might catch or hear when talking about or actually saltwater fishing! I truly believe this is the real "Lure of Fishing!"
Freshies Report!
You could Flip or Flop!
January through March is always a good time to practice "dropping your baits deep!" It's appropriate to go with spoon type rigs or live baits. The fact of the matter is during the cold times it's not the bait that you use as much as how you move it. This is especially true when it comes to going with an artificial lure. I suggest making your retrieve on the bottom a slow one. When using a spoon on the bottom it's best to try to flip it over without raising it off its landing. This can be accomplished by making " short strokes" when trying to "flip flop" your spoon. For those of you that prefer the real thing on the bottom I suggest dropping it there and letting it do all of the work!
Captain Ray Crawley has done his time and knows what it takes to catch a fish even under the worst conditions!
Captain Ray Crawley of Miss Judy Charters has offered up some real good inshore secret suggestions. Not only that, but it's almost a guarantee that if you add these suggestions to the way you fish that you are going to find an increase in hook ups! However, if you aren't interested in getting better from someone else's suggestions, please don't read this part of the report!
Captain Ray explained a few things to me in regards to different fished depths and methods for doing so. I am always talking about the ever-popular popping cork and all that it offers up for a fisherman. Well, get ready for a new twist. Captain Ray doesn't use them, because he says, "they are too restricting in the depth adjusting department." I already know what you might be thinking! Yes, there are some popping corks on the market that do have adjustable depths. However, the way that Captain Ray suggests "no popping corks are needed adjustable or not"
Here's how he breaks it down: Firstly, Captain Ray says, "in the scheme of the water table most fish feed closer to the bottom than in the upper water column." This boils down to the fact that when you fish 10 feet of water he suggests that the fish are holding in the lower 4 feet of the water column. It's a known fact that popping corks are easier to cast when you are using 3 to 4 feet of leader between the hook and the float. Lets assume that you are using popping corks. If that's the case, your bait in only going to make it to the upper section of the water column, which is where the fish aren't. Captain Ray uses the traditional trout rig set up, but the floats that he uses are what I call "small fries!" These small 4 to 6 inch oval style floats do the same thing as the larger old fashion traditional ones do, but they allow you to use a lighter tackle scheme. They work the same way in the depth-changing department. So when you move from 4 to 10 feet of water and you want to fish in the lower column, it's simple. All you have to do is to slide the slipknot a bit to adjust the depth in which you want your bait suspended.
*Please remember there are many different styles of fishing that a fisherman can select to use. The most important thing when it comes to fishing is that you become a "flexible fisherman" meaning trying other options! Suggestions offered up especially from my reports coming directly from seasoned captains are definitely "keeper ideas." They have perfected these different methods! In other words "they have found what works for them as well as the fish!" As far as I am concerned, even thought I have fished for years, there is always a new twist and that's what I love so much about this business of trying to catch a fish!
White Colors Lures Spooks the old Red Fish!
Captain Ray didn't stop with "fishing different depths!" He offered up yet another solid fish catching tip. One of Captain Ray's fish catching specialties is "red fish!" So therefore he has experimented, until he has found what works best on his boat! His set up goes something like this: His main line use is 14-pound test "fire line."
For a leader he ties a 4-foot piece of 40 pound braided Power Pro directly to his main line. Captain Ray suggests that your braided leader should be dark in color. It seems to work better. To his lead he attaches a worm style hook and threads on a twitch bait" also known as"jerk bait." Captain Ray uses lots of freshwater artificial "twitch/jerk baits" when it comes to targeting red fish. As far as the best color bait to use he suggest going with the darker ones. According to what he has experience "white to clear" lures basically spook red fish. Believe me Captain Ray should know, he has caught more than a few fine red fish during his lifetime of fishing.
Tooth Pick Slam!
According to Captain Ray "the old worm hook" needs a little extra to make it work properly. Get out your toothpicks, because you are going to need them. Now that I have gotten you attention with that last sentence I will comfortably explain what I am talking about. Worm hooks, whether they are weighted or not, work well in regards to naturally holding your artificial bait. All you have to do is to properly thread them on to the shank of the hook. The fact of the matter is that they are designed to hold your worm/jerk/twitch baits in place. However, there are times when the bait just won't stay put. It could be the bottom you are bumping to the fish that are hitting. Whatever the case may be there is a foolproof plan to apply to take care of this problem. Captain Ray, who's favor saying is "no problem" fixes this sliding issue with a toothpick. All he does is hold the threaded bait to the sun, which shows him where the eye of the hook is located. Then he sticks the toothpick through the eye and breaks it off. The application stops the your plastic worm/jerk bait from sliding down your worm hook's shank. Now you know the rest of the story!
Getting their attention then catching them is your next option
To catch a spotted sea trout you have to get its attention first. That's is Captain Ray Crawley's fish catching motto! While using live bait of choice it would seem that this would be enough to get the attentions of a hungry trout. However, sometimes it takes another type of lure to get their attention. Captain Ray has fished many years and has perfected this unbelievable way to get a fish to your live bait!
To accomplish this goal you are going to have to visit a craft department so as to purchase some silver reflexive tape. This tape is sometimes referred to as "molar tape." It basically looks like the reflexive tape that is stitched on our life jackets. At any rate, purchase some of this tape and attach it to your trout sinkers. According to Captain Ray, the trout will see first the tape, which will be the card played that brings the fish closer to your bait. What happens after that is in your hands and probably on the end of your hook!
The Rupert Offers up his "Eye Series"
The Rupert has shared some of those secrets that he has been hanging on to for many years. Rupert Heller has fished these local waters season after season perfecting personal designs as the years passed. As I talked with Rupert it became clear that he knows exactly what brings a fish to his hook. Not only does he know how, but also he knows why! Over the years he has been able to target and catch species that lurk in both our green and blue waters. However, this article is more about the green waters that cover the creeks, river, and sounds!
Rupert's long time favorite fish to target turned out to the spotted sea trout. As all fishermen know in order to catch a fish, it's best to know a little about them. Well, when it comes to the knowing, Rupert has become known as a spotted sea trout specialist!
Rupert buys jig head right off the tackle shelf. However, he doesn't just load them up and fish with then he personally "sets them up first!" Let's talk about eyes in regards to getting a fish's attention. Rupert has a hole puncher at home, which can cut out many different size round holes. These holes are the eyes for his personal jig heads. The paper that he uses is foil type Christmas paper, which as you know comes in all kinds of different colors. He basically punches the eyes out, takes a little glue, and places them in the right area on the jig head. After the eyes are placed he paints the hook's shank either "emergency orange or blood red." When all additions are dried he paints these areas thoroughly with "flexible epoxy." This all boils down to what is called a "two in one lure." The jig head looks especially to a trout as a scared minnow, which definitely puts the attack mode into motion. The second phase of this lure look like a shrimp. When you put a clear or white screw tail/grub the orange/red shows through simulating a real live shrimp. So therefore if the trout misses the look in the lure's eyes on the retrieve the chances of this fish passing up a fleeing shrimp is almost unheard of!
Rupert also has a few things to offer up in the trout-biting department. When the water is on the cool side bait presentation is of the most importance. Trout are basically in their hibernation mode meaning hugging the bottoms of deep holes and ledges. You best bet is to cast to the area in question, let your bait hit the bottom, and more it a bit. If your bait "bull eye's" (hits them on the fall) a trout, nine times out of ten they will strike at your bait offering. Keep your lure movement "slow and easy!" When the trout are "up and moving" their instincts almost make them when in sight of your bait basically attack. So therefore your bait could be hit on the drop or the retrieve. I have found that the bite when the water temperature is normally mid fifties it's more common to attack on the retrieve.
The Rupert also suggests that some of you best fishing grounds are going to be areas that something that has fell from the land into the water. According to him some of his best fishing spot are loaded with submerged trees. So therefore find yourself some trees and fish them! His favorite tide to fish is out going when the tide is just about to leave the grass. Keep in mind that his log book has so many fishing scenarios that any tide stage is a good one, because it all about location, location, and locations.
Frances Pawloski, Friend and Avid Fisherman
Over the years I have had several fishermen call with some of their personal ideas and also some interesting suggestions that they have heard from others. My good friend Frances called to share some interesting information that he had received while visiting an out of town fishing show. Frances fishes with passion along with goals. He is one of those fishermen that loves fishing, but targets a species only after he knows them up one side and down the other! It has always been my belief that to "know a fish is to catch it!"
High Dive Lures
In Wahoo bite department this suggestion was real good, not complicated, and it seems like it definitely would work. Slip on a 6 to 8 ounce egg/slide sinker on to you main line or leader. To the leader attach a bare hook suitable for holding a large powerful Wahoo. This is not a rig used for trolling but rather "tossing up." I am personally going to name it "High Dive Lures Series!" France described how to get the best out of this simple design. It's a rig used when you know or think that you are in "Wahoo Territory." Lets assume that you are on the outskirts of what could turn out being a great spot to give this a shot! Here's what you need to do! Simply throw this rig up as high as you can so that it drops straight down over the so-called strike zone. Once it hits the water continue free spooling allowing the weight to fall at will through the water column. As the weight falls through the water column it produces a "vapor trail." (Another term for vapor is "smoke!") If there is a Wahoo in the immediate area they will hit this lure, because it's a known fact that the "Who Man knows where there is smoke the is feeding action to be had!" Here's the good news about the particular suggestion: It's not that hard to make, you probably already have the tackle needed in your tackle box, and it can be done without bringing your set trolling spread in.
The fact of the matter is that this is a great idea, because anyone in the cockpit can present this rig. I suggest throwing it from the bow area hitting areas before you make a trolling pass. Heck, a little scouting might produce a large hook up! You just never know what might happen when you are dealing with a fish!
Frances also told me that there is a company that has been able to produce a copy of what a fish/bait puts off when it's injured. In other words, when a fish is cut there is this film that covers the areas that is damaged. This natural made stuff is what a fish either produces or something that attaches to the out side of the wound or cut. Whatever shows when a wound, bite, or cut is inflicted is the new stuff that the company can produce. The predator home in on the stuff meaning they can smell it or see it. This so-called scent, if that's what you would call it, brings the predators to the area not just with the hopes of feeding but with a sincere desire to kill! I couldn't thin of any of us fishermen out there that wouldn't want a little of this stuff on our bait/lure!
Bat With a Cleat
I know you are scratching your head with this one-liner, but it's the best name I could come up with. It's to the point for sure! Frances found while visiting an out of town fishing show, a fisherman that actually had a bat with a cleat! The bat that I am talking about is a "fish bat," which is used to subdue un-rule-ly fish. The cleat is basically one that you see everyday while walking on a dock or attached to the gunnels of your boat. It's used to tie ropes on to. I think you get my point. At any rate, with the increased usage of braided line this was a badly needed so-called device. Braided line will cut you when held under pressure so quick that you won't believe it, thus "the bat with a cleat" was born! Once "hung up" while using braided line it's not suggested to grab and wrap your hand around this line. Once this is done the line just tighten up and disappears into your skin. I had a braided line just solidly dragged across my forearm by a customer and I still have a scar. (That was over 15 year ago!) The bait with the cleat comes in so handy and is such a great invention that I wish I was the one that thought of it. All you do is to bolt a cleat to a short wooden or metal fish bait and make it handy. When you become hung up while using braided line simple wrap the line around the cleat on the bat and hold tight. The line normally breaks at the leader and then you are home free with out any injury! Thanks Frances for doing such a wonderful scouting job! Please keep all that great information coming this way so that I can pass it on!
Offshore Waters
The offshore bite at the artificial reefs as well as the hard bottom areas at the Savannah Snapper Banks continued to be very good. Weather offering calming sea conditions is about 50-50 meaning you can go "half the time." If you happen up on a good calm day I suggest heading out to any offshore areas, because the fishing as well as the catching opportunity is very good!
I fished the KC artificial reef this past week for sheepshead. The bite wasn't as good as I have seen it, but we did catch some nice fish. The best bite received took place on the incoming tide, high, and into about 2 hours into the out going. When the tide really started going out the current and the wind were going the same direction causing quite a fast moving situation. Fishing can be tough when the current and the tide are going in the same direction. It doesn't matter in this case whether you are drifting or anchored your sinker will basically float. The best way to get better control is to use a heavier weight, which will hold bottom, but might detour the fish bite. Another wind and drift scenario that's not too workable in regards to getting the best fish bite can be a little aggravating. That's when the wind is opposite of the current. When this happen it's hard to place your bait where you want it to go. During this time of the year, especially when fishing structure that's small in size, your bait when dropped doesn't go straight down. Trying to get your bait to land in the "bite zone," can be accomplished, but it takes a bit of thinking more so when anchoring than just drifting. Although both types of fishing can be trying at these times you can think your way through it. However, I fish all of the time and it still baffles me! I can only imagine what it would do if I didn't understand what was going on! The bottom line to any of these situations is that it doesn't happen all the time so I suggest, "to just fish" and don't worry about it!
Blue Water
As it has been reported over the last couple of months you just never know what you might get the opportunity to catch while heading out to this area especially during this time frame. Large amounts of black fin tuna as well schools of Atlantic sailfish have been seen, caught, and watched during this time frame. All this boils down for you the fisherman is simple, "our area is full of fish catching opportunity, but you have to go to know!"
"Little Miss Judy Believe It or Not!"
Wild Catfish Rides
Back in the old days my father along with some of his friends let catfish take them for a ride. I know that last sentence sounded like a strange statement to make. This type of fish sport, which is what I called it, later became known as "Noddling or Grabbing!" For those that want to try this sport I suggest checking out your local current rules and regulations, because what I am about to share with you is illegal in most places. However, yesteryear things were a whole lot different!
Back in the old days, it was almost assumed that any over hanging underwater ledge held the interest of a large catfish. I must add that these areas were also known for being occupied by alligators, but that's another story! Here's how it went:
My father would take a metal rod, which he would bend, an open-ended loop into it. On the end of the rod, he would slide a rope that he had tied a loop into. The secret to making this work properly was the fact that the wire had to be removed leaving the rope behind. I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I can't help it. I guess I should set the stage. After finding a catfish of suitable size all involved would decide who was going to do what in the scheme of things. Since they didn't use any sort of breathing device (scuba equipment) they had to hold there breathe at least a minute each to accomplish their goal, which just about to explain.
The large catfish in question normally was in sort of a hibernating mode, but too much movement by those trying to catch it would cause the fish to move. So therefore, all of these early events that were necessary in order to "ride the catfish" had to be done in a "stealth mode!" The goal was to slide the rod along with the attached looped rope into the catfish's mouth and out the gills. In some cases, the rod wasn't very long meaning that your arm was basically inside the fish's mouth. It's a known fact that catfish really don't have any teeth to speak off, but what they do have lining there mouths will certainly do a fine scraping job. I call their so-called teeth "cusp." Once your arm is in the catfish's mouth your goal is to stick the wire holding the rope through the gills so that it's exposed. Then the wire is removed leaving the rope only. All this sounds like an easy job, but this might take several "surfacing for air." After all you must add the fact that you are under a ledge while trying to hold your breath. Not only that, but you can't see anything even with a mask on. So I would assume it's pretty exciting!
Now I must share with you what I saw first hand as a child, which is the after affects of what a catfish can do if it clamps down on your arm, you panic, and pull it out quickly. Your arm basically looks like you have drug it on pavement for a while. Raw meat comes to mind mostly! I think that you get the picture. It's truly a nasty scrape, which normally does get infected for one reason or another. The rule of thumb when you have your arm inside a catfish's mouth and it clamps down is "don't panic!" According to what I have been told you must push forward and not pull your arm out, which makes no sense to me while you are trying to hold your breath. But those were the supposedly the rules to follow so that you wouldn't get hurt. There were many scraps on lots of arms during this time frame.
Lets just assume that you have reached the goal of getting the rope through the catfish's gills. During my era I remember that to get to this stage it took them lots of time and many shots of the strong stuff. Once the rope was through they always tried to tie it making a loop through the catfish's mouth and out the gills. This would become your handle for this ride. If your imagination is leading you at this time you probably already know what happens next. The decided one pulls the handle and the catfish did move dragging the holder in tow!
Now that I am much older my take is a little different on this whole thing. It wasn't as much about the riding the catfish as it was getting ready to do so! I just hope I can keep remembering the good old days with dad and his motley crew!
Here' My Line Now Bite My Hook!
Captain Judy
Thank You,
Captain Judy
"Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956!"
Miss Judy Charters