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
February 5, 2007
Captain Judy's Saltwater Fishing Report
Freshies Report!
Grab Yourself a Slab!
It might be cold especially at night, but a fish has got to eat and a fisherman has got to fish. During this time of the year "the slabs" can be in a "feeding frenzy." Docks especially during this time are providing the crappy with what it's looking for, which is food and protection. All fishermen know to catch a fish you must know a little about them. In this case all you need to know is number one: It's a known fact that the crappy are feeding around docks for any type of food source. I suggest picking a dock with some sort of light. Number two: Not all docks are holding them, but trolling a bit with your bait helps to located the fish. Number three: Once you find them, anchor, fish, and catch till you are ready to go home! One more thing, your best bait is going to be small creek minnows and small hooks. You can float your bait in or go "free style." All this boils down to small split shot, small hooks, and small bait! I think you get the point I am trying to make!
Great Fish Books To Add To your Library!
I have several fishermen that attended my inshore schools ask about fish identification books. Here are two that I use all of the time and work great for me: The National Audubon Society, Revised Edition. (The older version has a green cover and the newer one has a blue one.) The copy right on the newer version is 2002. Very good fish photography, which makes fish identification quite a bit easier. The second I suggest is going to be "Sport Fish of the Atlantic" by Vic Dunaway. (Copyright 2001) This is another one of those keeper type books that has some great information about each fish and some very good illustrations.
Captain Rick Reynolds Fish Catching Theories
Captain Rick's favorite time for targeting sea trout is during the spring and summer. According to his records when the bonnet head sharks appear the trout bite normally picks up. Captain Rick targets all sizes of sea trout and he prefers to use the ever-popular live shrimp as bait. However, he as well as I are well informed that a so called "gator trout" prefers to kill and eat something a little larger than a shrimp.
Captain Rick has some pretty good ideas and has gathered quite a bit of information regarding trout from small to large. It's a known fact that most fishermen say, "to catch a large fish you need to use a larger bait!" I believe that this theory goes for all fish. However, Captain Rick has put a twist on the bite pattern of the larger trout. In the bait department he suggests live mullet or pinfish to get attentions of a large trout also known as a "gator trout." In my opinion when you use larger bait, it means that your targeting a specific fish so therefore you're down sizing your opportunity to catch. However, according to Captain Rick not only will a mega trout hit a large bait, it will most likely not pass up an opportunity to eat a juicy live shrimp giving you the best of both catching worlds!
We talk all the time about trout being sight feeders. Once you give a trout a good look over you will notice the location of the eyes, which are situated perfectly for strolling and trolling. Most predator fish such as the trout have the ability to see while they are moving and also have a keen sense of smell. With all this being said, Captain Rick suggests that you keep your bait as "healthy and frisky" as possible. He adds an oxygen stone to his already sufficient circulating live well. This addition helps his bait by adding extra oxygen to the scheme of things. Another thing that he suggests is that catching your own shrimp improve your fishing! Get out those cast nets!
His favorite time to fish for trout is second hour of the incoming all the way through the second hour of the out going. Going with this routine offers you about six hours of good fishing. His favorite spot to fish are clean water with associated rips. Another great addition to clean moving water is the presents of "baits-a-jumping!" Believe me, when you find these three things, get ready to set that old hook!
Captain Rick suggests that you consider using these methods. The easiest way to accomplish this goal is to have some rods/reels pre rigged. However, for those that might not have extra available to pre-rig, don't worry it's easy enough to change up while fishing. The line up goes like this:
Standard Traditional Rig
This rig is world class and hands down the most used to catch an inshore fish especially in this area. Your bait of choice when using this rig normally is live/dead shrimp, finger mullet, mud minnows or menhaden. In other words "what bait you have is what you use." It's a great set up; because you can cast this system against the wind or you can situate you boat up current sending it on long drifts! Once your float sinks, set the hook, and reel your fish in. When this happens make sure you know exactly where the cork "got dunked," because that spot is probably going to hold your next catch opportunity!
Steps To Consider When Making The Traditional Float Rig
Number one-step:
Slide on nail knot or make your own slip knot out of some sort of backing line such as fly line backing, which has flexibility, visibility, and the knot holds well going through your rod's eyes. (Nail knots can be purchased individually. I suggest getting a few extras for the old tackle box)
Number two-step:
Slide on the small orange bead. For those fishermen that want to add a second bead, it's definitely suggested. The addition of the second bead can offer up when popped "the alive shrimp fleeing noise!" Slide float on orange up. Old timers such as me suggest painting the bottom half of the float. It has been proven many times over that this simple change in the float's two-tone color does "prompt more fish bites!"
Another addition that is suggested is that you glue a small rubber washer to the bottom or you cork. This not only helps to save the cork's bottom, but also insures that the tube in which the line passes has fewer chances of impact cracks. You first remark after reading this is probably going to be "heck instead of going to all of this trouble I will just change out the float," which is also another means of solving this problem. However, this problem normally arises when you get into the fish, your hands are slippery, and threading the line through the cork's tube is almost impossible!
Number three-step:
Large bead
(The addition of this bead protects your float tube. If your tube in your float becomes cracked please discard. Your line won't be able to pass through smoothly.)
Number four-step:
Trout sinker
Need to add weight sinker to match cork being used. Normally when you purchase a cork it suggests on the package which sinker to use.
Number five-step:
Tie on leader to sinker. Lets talk about leaders. There is an old saying in regards to this situation. It's simple, "the clearer the water the lighter the leader!" Also I have one more, "the lighter the leader the more attention you get from the fish!" All of these sayings boil down to one thing only, "you want your intended hook up to see your bait not your leader!" It a known fact that if a fish such as a trout, which is normally a quick sight feeder," has to follow a line to the bait the bite opportunity is lost. Back in the old days before the invention of "fluorocarbon leaders," we used monofilament line. Heck, I even remember before monofilament line was around. I know I am telling on my age, but it true. The fact of the matter is nylon or what was basically looked like braided line was all we had. We caught lots of fish with braided leaders as well. However, it would seem that all sight feeding fish have now had some sort of "super sonic eye surgery!"
I know once again I am rambling, but it's what I do best. Like it or not, you can go to all the trouble of setting this traditional rig up, but if you don't go with the right type leader material your chances aren't going to be good for a solid bite pattern. If you don't have some sort of fluorocarbon leader material I suggest going with whatever you do have such as plain old lighter test monofilament.
I have been using YO-ZURI H.D.CARBON fluorocarbon leader material for years. It comes in pound test sizes from 8 to 200. I have found that for this particular application that you should consider having somewhere in the range of 8 to 20 pound test in your tackle box. There have been numerous bite occasions where the fish were there but I wouldn't have known it unless I changed to a lighter pound test leader. This leader is a "leader in its field!" For more information about YO-ZURI CARBON, please go to www.yo-zuri.com.
There's more that you need to consider when choosing a particular type of leader. Abrasion resistance comes to mind first. While fishing in these conditions, over structure such as oyster rakes, your leader is going to come in contact with hard times. The worst time is when you have a fish on. You don't want to get broken off due to structure burns. (At least that what I call them) This leader will "nick," but it will still hold up under pressure. It isn't like other leader materials that normally break when "nicked or rubbed against the structure!" Another thing is that you don't want to give up strength when you need a leader that's practically invisible underwater. YO-ZURI gets it in this field. I think I made my point!
Number six-step:
Tie on your hook. Now that sounds easy and it is, but once again you need to take a few things into consideration before you tie that hook on. Firstly. "Wide gap hooks, which are best known as Kale hooks" are great to use when targeting inshore fish. The hook that you decide to use shouldn't over power your bait being used. I suggest when picking out a design that you consider going with a thin tinned hook. For the best size we use #4, #6, 1/0, and 2/0. Once again I suggest having a few extra different sizes in your tackle box. I can't stress the importance enough on leaders and hooks. This combination can dictate the "hookup ratio" for a particular day of fishing. Just think about it!
Captain Rick's next suggestion is to go with a Cajun Popping Cork rig. This float design is the most versatile that I have ever seen. It can float your bait into an area, easily cast with light tackle; make attention getting noises with popped, and works like a lure when retrieved. The only down side to this float design is "depth adjustability." However, when it comes to using this sort of design this so called possible downside isn't considered. The reason being is when you need "depth adjustability" I suggest picking up that rod/reel combo that has the traditional float rig. Here's your step-by-step plan for getting this design rigged properly:
Step One:
Tie float to main line making sure that the plastic balls are on top and the bass ones are on the bottom side. The brass balls when popped produce the sound of a fleeing shrimp. To the bottom of the Cajun float you need to tie on your fluorocarbon leader material. This length of leader can be as short as one foot to as long as 4 foot. It's going to be up to you to make that decision. My suggested length is around two feet. However, once again water clarity should play a factor in your choice. Please remember "the clearer to water the longer the leaders!" It's my opinion that anything over 4 feet in regards to this application is going to be too long to handle in the casting department. Once your decision is made with the leader tying on your bait is next.
Step two:
In the case of the "popping cork" there are many options to consider in the bait department. Your choice can be live, fresh dead, or artificial. As I said earlier, popping corks are considered "floaters and lures with retrieved." When you want to use live bait such as shrimp or mud minnows tie on the preferred hook. When you want to go with artificial such as screw tails or grubs tie on a jig head weight of choice. If you have decided to go with "DOA shrimp patterns" all you have to do is to tie this lure on to the leader. This proven artificial bait comes complete with an inserted hook and pre-instilled fish attracting scent!
Winter Time Red Fish
During this time of the year this is a fish that is almost scared to death on a daily basis. When the bulk of the bait migrates out of our area the red fish becomes the main diet for the porpoises. It a known fact that the mammal search out, herd up, and target red fish. I have seen it first hand. While I am watching it's still hard to believe that it's going on. As we all know when "nature is at it's finest it need not be questioned!" At any rate, the red fish is hunted down pretty much most of the time when the baitfish isn't present. When the arrival of the baitfish start taking place the tension as well as some of the pressure lightens up a bit. At least until they become the least targeted fish "things are real tense." With that all being said, fishing during these times needs to be a little different.
Firstly red fish are bottom feeders, especially at this time of the year. Why the heck would they "look up or around to feed" when they already know what's out there. Heck, they as well as the porpoise know it can be a "free for all" during this time frame. Once a red fish gets to some sort of a "safety zone" their desires to feed arise. However, even though for the moment they are considered safe they are still easily spooked. I am getting to a fish catching point! Baits that don't make a lot of noise when landing are going to be your best chance for a hook up. Jerk baits threaded on worm hooks and 1/8 to1/4 ounce jig heads with some sort of screw tail is going to be your ticket to this ride. There are a couple of things that you can do to ensure that you might get some attention from the old nervous red fish.
I suggest using the lightest tackle possible, because this helps to down size your noise level. Artificial baits that can be cast long distances are also a plus! Once your bait makes a landing I suggest letting it sit, retrieve it, letting it sit, retrieve it, and then letting it sit. During this feeding phase the red fish knows that most of it's food is coming from the downward area and not from side to side. Moving your bait in a slow fashion helps to make it have that more natural appeal. It doesn't matter whether you are fishing on sand or mud mix bottom. When you move your bait you should get some sort of sand storming or mud clouding both of which normally gets a hungry red fish's attention. It took a while, but I think that I finally made my point.
Offshore Near Shore Reefs
Sheepshead Fishing
"Physic or Not!"
I don't want to keep beating that same drum, but facts are facts! The sheepshead season is in full swing with big fish in-waiting looking to quickly relieve you of you hard to get fiddler crabs! With that being said, "you already know that the fiddler crab is going to be the best bait to use!" Not that we have gotten that out of the way lets talk about some other sheepshead bite/catching theories.
It's no big secret that this is a fish that wants to eat at something that is wrapped in a shell. Another thing that has been said time and time again is "to catch you must set the hook before the fish bites!" Now that statement right there tells us a lot, but really doesn't help us fishermen at all. The reason being is that it's leading to the fact that we must be able to "read the fish's mind before we can catch them!" Don't panic it's really not necessary to go "physic" to catch this fish. It's true they do hit their intended meal quickly. However, once you get the flow together in regards to the bite, you hook up value will increase.
Sheepshead are known for crushing the shell of what they are intending on eating. They have to crush it before they can eat it. When a sheepshead takes the fiddler off the hook it's basically just trying to crush it. This is about your only time that you are going to get to set the hook. Once the fish crushes the bait it comes off the hook and falls to the bottom. The sheepshead then tries to pick out the meat that is exposed from the first crushing blow. Now that's what one sheepshead probably does. However, when you have an entire school of sheepshead, "crushing doesn't come to mind," but rather absolute taking and feeding does. If the fish crush and drop as to eat, the other counterparts will be right there to steal the spoils. With all that being said, "your best chances of a hook up when it comes to a sheepshead bite are when they are schooling and feeding at the same time. Boy, that was a lot of information!
I am always talking about Carolina style rigs working the best and they do. However, it has come to attention that other rigs will also work. Firstly, I will give you a short version in regards to the Carolina rig. All you do is to slide an egg sinker on to your main line. The weight of the sinker used is determined by the speed of the current. Once you have the sinker in place now tie a 70 to 90 pound test swivel. To the swivel you are going to tie your 18-inch fluorocarbon Y0-ZURI leader and then your hook of choice. Your hook can be a small "J" style hook to a wide gap "kale hook." Whatever you prefer is what you should use.
Another good rig to use especially when fishing in water of over 40 feet depth is going to be a standard single hook bottom rig. This is a rig that when made situates the weight at the bottom and the hook placed above. The good news about this style rig is that you can tie so that hook is as high as 2 feet above the sinker. The situation could put you right in the prefect bite zone. I will continue what could be known as the "Sheepshead Chronicles" in next week's fishing report.
Savannah Snapper Banks
I haven't been to the area myself personally in a while. However, there have been some unconfirmed catches that are worth reporting. The bottom bite has been good for a mixture of bottom fish. The line up goes like this vermilion snapper, porgy, white grunt, grouper, red snapper, and many more. I guess you could say, "fishing is still good in this area!"
Gulf Stream
With the temperature in this area staying in the mid-seventies the fishing opportunity should be on the up swing. If you do get to make the run I suggest trolling areas with ledges along with some sort of live bottom. These areas are going to be spots where baitfish hangs out and big fish feed. To name a few spots: Triple Ledge, South Ledge, Deli Ledge, and B-liner Hole live bottom area.
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
Floating Snakes Pit!
My father was very scared of snakes especially the ones that rattled a bit. In fact, if you could duplicate that noise of a rattlesnake at any time and spook my father. I stayed away from making that sound, but daddy's friends sure did have fun with him. My father and I were big fishing buddies. When he went fishing I was at least most of the time right there with him. We would talk while waiting for the rascals to bite our hook. My father enjoyed fishing in both fresh and saltwater. According to my father it was all about the same thing, which was chasing a fish so as to get it to bite your hook.
My father's sister, my Aunt Hattie, had a great fresh water pond. It was so cool it had a floating dock in the middle. All the kids young and old loved to swim in the pond. She was forever asking us to come out and either take a swim or go-a-fishing. The pond had been stocked year's prior and the fish were eager to bit your hook. Aunt Hattie would feed them about the same time every day. She used to tell me that the fish waited for her. I didn't believe her until I actually saw that them boiling the water when she tossed in her so-called "secret fish mixture!" According to her, it made them grow strong and bigger than usual. Now that I am re-thinking this over, I certainly wish I had asked her to share the ingredients of this mixture with me. I'm sure it would have been interesting!
The day came when daddy couldn't any longer make excuses for not taking a trip down to Aunt Hattie's fishing pond. My father called it "down sizing" from what we were used too. However, just the lunch alone at Aunt Hattie's house was worth the drive out Highway 17. So we prepared for our fishing trip to the pond. We got out our smallest rigs and of course our camouflage hunting stools. These were pretty cool. They folded up making them easy to carry. Not only that, but they had a nice size zip pouch under them, which was supposed to be a place for storing any birds that you might shoot. Well, we weren't going hunting we were going fishing. So therefore I put some necessary items in my pouch. As well as I can remember, snacks and toys come to mind first.
Once we arrived, Aunt Hattie pointed out what she thought would be the best place to set up. The sun was overhead and it was already heating up a bit. For bait we were using crickets and worms, which as a child I didn't want to touch either of them. It's funny, "fish or crabs never fazed me," but throw in a worm or a cricket and problems developed. I wasn't scared of them. I just couldn't stand the feel when touching them. So therefore I had to load my hook with a worm that I barely touched. After all I didn't want to ask daddy to bait my hook. So here we two sat on the bank, my daddy and me. I don't know about you, but when saltwater fishing and you don't get a bite, "you just moved." As I look around at my surroundings there wasn't much moving going to take place at this fishing event. At least that what I though! We had talked about everything that a seven year old and a father could for the moment. Silent fell over us as we both watched the calm water.
I saw something moving in our direction, but didn't quite make it out. Whatever it was it didn't keep my attention long enough to find out. I was already busy un-zipping and checking out my under the seat stash. That's just when I heard Daddy starting to make very loud noises. That thing that I though I saw, but didn't was in fact a large rattlesnake. My father had stood up as the snake made way up the same bank that we were sitting on. As daddy backed up his line became somehow entangled in the snake. Once this happened the snake went wild and so did daddy. As Daddy made way up the bank he was hollowing for me to get to the car. As daddy preceded the snake followed. At this point, I though daddy would have figured out just to drop his rod and run. However, for some reason he kept coming toward the car with snake in tow.
What I didn't know was as daddy was running he was releasing line out so as to keep his distance from the rattlesnake. A plan was unfolding, but I wasn't aware of it. Although my father was terribly scared of snakes he said he couldn't let this snake make it back to the water. The reason being is that he watched as it swam out from under the floating dock. I know that you know what he did with the snake. All I heard was a "big bang" and it was over with. I never saw the snake again! As I recalled that was our last fishing excursion to "the old snake pit" at least that what daddy called it! The moral of this story is a simple one. When the fish aren't biting you never know what might!
As we rode home after lunch, we pretty much came to the same conclusion about freshwater fishing "it might be dangerous!" So therefore it seemed that daddy was happy to get back to his rouge waves, waterspouts, and man-eating sharks!
Here's My Line Now Bite My Hook!
Captain Judy
"Fishing Physic!"