Captain Judy Helmey
Miss Judy Charters
"Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956!"
124 Palmetto Drive
Savannah, Georgia 31410
912 897 4921 or 912 897 3460 fax
www.missjudycharters.com
December 1, 2008
Happy Fishing To All!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and "Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Offshore Waters
Artificial Reef "J" and "KC"
Friday November 28, 2008
The duo fishing team of Stanley Devegter and David Ranew went fishing this past Friday (November 28, 2008) and……….It was "all good!" We all learned from their fishing event!
Their plan was to head out to the artificial reef "J buoy" and do some trolling for king mackerel. However, once arriving to this area they found 57 degree water temperature and "No biting Kings" to be had. After about an hour of pulling over the various structure and live bottom areas "not a king hit did they receive!" However, while trolling they did have one strong hit, which broke the hook right off their trolled Drone spoon. They couldn't identify this hit, because they never really saw the fish. According to the report it was a strong hit resulting in a very heavy pull. Stanley did say, "It didn't act like a king mackerel!" After pulling baits covering all-important areas they were certain that the kings either have moved on or were just not biting! So therefore a move was made!
Artificial Reef "KC"
Since it wasn't exactly calm on this particular fish it was decided to move close to shore. They punched in the coordinates to the artificial reef "KC" and headed that way. Once arriving to this area they took a stroll about they area looking for bottom fish. As soon as they reached the artificial now live bottom area west of the buoy they started marking fish. Once getting anchored up on a good spot, hooks were bait, and lines were dropped. According to the report they caught some of the biggest black sea bass that they have seen in years at this particular spot. For bait they were using, which might seem usual to you, but really worked "live large mud minnows!" I always love it when a fish-catching plan comes together! A big thanks goes out to Stanley Devegter and David Ranew for this fine fishing report!
Carolina Rig Recipe
This rig works especially well when you are anchored. Here's the recipe for the rig that Stanley and David were using with these great live baits. The rig used was a Carolina type rig, which consisted of a 3 to 4 ounce egg sinker or slide sinker, swivel, 12 inches of leader, and then the hook. Since I wasn't actually on the boat with them here's what I suggest using when going this catching route… 20 to 30 pound test main line (monofilament or braid) on light tackle set ups with either spinner or bait caster reel. On the main line slide on a 3-ounce egg sinker, tie on an 80 to 100 pound test swivel; tie on leader, and then the hook. For leader you can go fluorocarbon or just plain monofilament. I like using 30 to 40 pound test regular monofilament line. (Ande monofilament is my line of choice.)
Hooks and Us!
As far as hooks I like going with Eagle Claw types. These hooks are thinned tinned as well as lightweight, but extra strong. You can start with a standard "J" style 3/0 to 4/0. Some fishermen prefer using a small hook such as a 2/0 and it might work for them. However, I feel that the 2/0 in this case doesn't work as well as the larger size hooks. It's my opinion, when it comes to black fish, especially the larger green heads, that there isn't enough room between the hook's point and shaft, at least to get a real solid hook. In other words you are going to catch smaller fish and loose some of the bigger ones, because of foul hook situations! Before I totally get off this subject of hooks and the job that they may or may not do…here are a few suggestions: I always suggest using what you have even if that means "going Kale hook style." This is another hook that will also work under these conditions. Another thing, which is a must is don't forget to sharpen your hook's point. Don't forget to rub that stone on both sides of the hook's point and not just the end. The bottom line in regards to hooks and what they do is this…"you want a smooth sharp entry." Please remember if the hook's hole made is bigger than the hook's point with a little slack your fish will be gone!
Here's another suggestion
Hopkins Lure/Jig
Let say, "that you are anchored up just like Stanley and David were, which is right over the fish!" For argument sakes, "you have run out of bait or you are basically tried of chasing the live ones around in the bait tank!" Here's another suggestion…get out your old "Hopkins lure/jig!" For those that don't know what type of lure this is go to this address and see a picture of it…..
http://www.tackledirect.com/450.html?productid=450&channelid=NEXTA
The bottom line to this suggestion is that all tackle boxes/buckets or wherever you keep your lures you should have at least be one Hopkins lure! Just tie this lure on to the end of your main line, drop it to the bottom, work it just like you think, and catch fish! "It's old school, but if you are a fishing fool this is a necessary tool!"