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
July 2, 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)
HAPPY FISHING FOURTH OF JULY!
Gulf Stream
With the month of July turning the corner things in this area the fish's feeding attitude and location are a little different. During the spring months all fishermen when "going blue water" fishermen head out to look for the "edge." This is where the blue waters of the stream actually meet the waters to the west. The so-called "edge" is form due to the difference in the water temperature. Not only that, but because waters in the blue stream always push to the north.
When sea surface temperatures all reach about the same fish stray to parts unknown showing up in the most unlikely depths. That last statement means from the stream to the beaches "they may be!" Now that I set the stage for blue water fish being almost anywhere here are a few fish catching suggestions:
Over Shooting the Fish!
With all being said, "about blue water fish being found almost anywhere" don't ride pass what you think look like a "fishy environment!" I can't lie I am a "fish/bird watcher!" The fact of the matter is what looks fishy to me "get fished!" The meaning of fishy from my point of view goes something like this: I will start this my saying "going to and with the birds!" Sea birds are probably going to be one of your best points for finding and getting your best shot at catching a fish. I am not just talking about birds that are sitting on the water or giving a "fly by!' I am talking about fishing "erratic" feeding bird patterns!"
I have been watching birds and their feeding ways for a long time. I have noticed that not only one bird, but also the entire flock will follow the moves of potential soon to be or feeding fish down below. When the fish are feeding heavily down under it's a good thing that birds fly in cadence, because if they didn't they would be running into each other. Heck, I really don't know where to start, meaning the down under or the above the water situations.
Down Under and Above Actions
All fish have to eat to survive. I know that is a "no-brainier!" I had to add this to get started with what I want to say! Fish especially the ones that we are targeting, which are the largest, feed in many ways. There are those easy meals. This is where a fish happens by something to easy eat. Then there are those days when "hunting and rounding up" comes into play. This is what I want to talk about, which is "hunting and rounding up!"
Fish work together to survive! Schools of the large ones round up what they are going to feed on bringing in the real old adage of "big fish didn't get that way, because they are stupid!" (Another mouth full of words!) While fish are doing this down below a bird or birds are watching from above. I can tell when fish are just rounding up but not feeding. The bird or birds involved will indicate by their actions. When the fish are in the "rounding up mode" bird's watch intensely while following every move of the fish down under. It's like if they aren't right above the potential feeding zone all will be lost when it comes to getting close to the leftovers. I have seen where the birds if not for a moment look like they are suspended in mid-air. There is absolutely no feeding taking place by the birds just watching and waiting. However, by watching you know that "feeding time" is just about take place. The closer to feeding time the more intense the bird's movements get!
When the fish do start feeding our feathered friends finally get what they have been waiting for, which is the spoils better known as the "floating up leftovers!" This area is what a fisherman needs to label "HOT ZONE!" The meaning of this area is a simple one "fish here!" Treat your birds as the center of your universe and fish the near out skirts. Don't disrupt the "fish scheming plan" taking place down below.
Back in "real fishing old days" when it was real rough "commercial fishermen" would pour drums of whale oil out in hopes of calming the sea conditions around the vessel. Oils floating on the surface do in fact calm the seas where it floats. I know what you are thinking, "what the heck is she talking about now?" Please "stand by," I am going somewhere with this one! Oils from "any fish kill float to the surface causing sheen on the water." It's very noticeable to those that know what happening. The oils actually do calm the seas! I am not suggesting that you pour whale oil in the water. I am suggesting that you start looking for the sheen, no matter what size, which indicates that "where fish are feeding." It's very noticeable and it has a scent, which is also detectable especially when down wind of a feeding pattern. It's easy to spot, because when the oils surface there is a visible sheen! This boils down to "fishing the sheen!" Please remember, what sounds crazy, especially when it comes to fishing, normally "is not!"