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
August 20, 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)
Captain Ray Crawley's "Hot Times on the Water Suggestions!"
Red Fish Ahoy!
Captain Ray is one of fisherman/charter boat captains that we call "seasoned!" This term when used in reference to a fisherman doesn't have anything to do with their age. So don't think that you have to get old to acquire this title. It's more about time spent fishing and trying to figure the slippery rascals out! The fact of the matter I am proud to report that we have quite a few not so old seasoned charter boat captains here at Miss Judy Charters! I happen to be one of them that fit into that "old and seasoned bracket!"
Here's a little interesting history about Captain Ray Crawley. At the early age of six he would ride his bicycle down to local pond, located at "Daffin Park." This is when his abilities to catch fish become so alluring to all involved. By the time he was eight he had figured out the whereabouts of the fish, how to catch them, and what was best used as bait. His first picture showed up in the Savannah Morning newspaper, which was a taken by a photographer that knew a good shot opportunity when he saw one. As eight-year-old now Captain Ray was riding home he was balancing his catch of the day on the handlebars. The Savannah Morning News photographer caught him as he crossed Waters Avenue with a smile on his face while steadying his big 8-pound bass. The rest of the story has been catching history, which is still taking place today!
Captain Ray has truly conquered "what's biting when, and where" on the inshore waterfront. Every time I get to spend a little quality time with him I am continuously asking questions, which he graciously has answered. My question was a simple one: During these "hot times,"
What would be your suggested scenario for getting you the best shot at catching red fish?
According to Captain Ray your best tide scenario is going to be when you have an incoming tide during the early morning. It's best to pick those days that have the incoming tide start around 11/2 hours before daylight. This way by the time you arrive your targeted fish will be up and on the feeding prowl. We aren't saying don't fish during any other tide stage. It's just that the early morning incoming seems to get the feeding interests of a red fish "a-going!"
During the full moon stage when we have more than our share of extra water red fish get to feed in areas that aren't accessible all of the time. As you know newly covered marshes are areas that a red fish want to travel in search of the allusive fiddler crab. After all it's their favorite meal of all times along with those periwinkle snails. When the tide covers the marsh there are ways to determine whether are or not you have red fish a-feeding. When the red fish are feeding and running through the water covered marshes the snails will move as far as they can up on the uncovered grass stalks. The snails climb in order to escape the hungry red fish. Believe me seeing periwinkle snail waving back and forth in the wind is a sight to behold!
Captain Ray has quite a few opinions on the thoughts of red fish and flounder. It has been ascertained by him that these two fish basically have similar feeding similarities. Firstly, they don't move a lot. They stay put longer than most of their feeding friends. As you know a flounder burrowers down in the mud or sand camouflaging their entire body while waiting for that opportune feeding time. Red fish don't burrow like the flounder does, but they do have "holding tenancies." In other words, if there is a deep cool hole next to that dock or oysters rake of their choice "a-waiting they will do!"
Since we have talked about when and where lets move on the to best bait to use. According to Captain Ray "artificial baits rule" especially in this department. The secret to using artificial bait when targeting red fish is that you don't want it too heavy, because it will sink too much too fast. This basically means that it will look more un-natural than natural. The bait preferred by Captain Ray is described like this: He is using a basic root beer/silver tail color paddle tail. He is threading this soft but sturdy rubber lure on to a 1/0 hook. The hook's point needs to be threaded on so that the point protrudes out of the top of the lure. (Out of the dorsal fin area of the artificial lure) The hook's point should face the front of the artificial bait used. Most red fish feed looking down meaning "hook's point located on top of bait it going to get you in the best position for a solid hook up!"
Captain Ray lure set up has a few bells and whistles. His artificial root beer/silver paddle tail has a few added additions. In front of his lure he is threading on a few beads and "in-line gold blade," which as described looks somewhat like a fresh water bass bait. I have seen a few of these style lures on the tackle shelves. The secret is that you don't want a lure that drops through the water column too quickly. The good news is that you can make it or purchase this style of lure. It basically is a paddle tail grub type threaded on to a hook that has an in-line blade with beads. The bad news is that most of the store brought lures is at least ¼ ounce or more, which fall too quickly through the water column. The other problem is that it allows for too much hanging up on the structure. (Live oysters rakes!) Now for the good news in this "too heavy lure department" you can whittle away at the added weight until you get it "falling desirable."
The secret to Captain Ray spinner bait type is that he can cast it good distances while using braided line, retrieve it, and it gets the attention of both red fish and flounder. His art of retrieval goes like this: Once the lure is cast out to the spot, he lets it sink, twitches the lure, and begins a slow retrieve. Captain Ray's "twitch, slow retrieve, twitch, and repeat process works well. The twitch causes the beads along with the blade to rattle sending off sounds of "distress." These sounds are picked up by a red fish's lateral line, which aids them in homing on they intended prey. Fish in general as well a scurrying crabs send off vibrations that red fish pick up on, which in turn brings them in to the area with "feeding on their mind!" I know would make a great song!