05-27-10 JEKYLL & ST. SIMONS ISLAND FISHING REPORT
By Captain Vernon Reynolds
Fresh water fishing is improving, look for the bream and perch to go on the bed during the Full Moon phase the next few months. Bluegill, Redbreast, Redeye, Stump Knockers and others will be bedding. Look for clean, white bottom in two to 10 feet of water. The male will clean the bed with a seeping motion of their tail and the females will then lay eggs in these areas and the males will fertilize them. Good catches of Catfish are also being taken. The Bass fishing is fair but will improve.
Near shore fishing for Tripletail was great last week when the wind was not blowing. Shark fishing was also good near shore, but the Bull Red fishing is about over with. Fair catches of Black Sea Bass and Sheepshead are being taken on the 10 to 15 mile reefs. A 180 day extension on the taking of Red Snapper in the south Atlantic was announced last week. Inshore fishing for Whiting remains good, a few Trout and redfish are also biting.
Fishing for Triple tail is great fun, the only sight fishing in our area. For some not yet understood reason Tripletail gather in front of Jekyll Island, preferring the north end. These fish have the most unusual habit of floating on their sides at the waters surface. They can be seen just drifting along with the current. If the back is to you it will look like a black plastic bag floating on the surface. If the belly is to you it will look like a white plastic bag. The fishing technique is to ease the boat along until a fish is spotted, then determine which way it is headed and position the boat to make a cast.
Live and imitation shrimp are the best baits for Tripletail. A small cork and about 12 inches of 20 pound leader is used to present the bait. The idea is to cast the bait in front of and past the fish, and then reel it back until it is in front of the fish. Ideally you want the cork to end up about a foot in front of the fish. Often the Tripletail will swim to the cork actually bumping it, then back off. At this time they see the shrimp below the cork and go down and take it.
Tripletail grow to over 50 pounds so medium heavy spinning tackle is needed. Spinning tackle to promote long casts. Thirty to fifty pound braid line is good not only due to it's size to strength ratio but also because it floats, making it easier to control the cork. Tripletail are wide and thick fish and can provide a great fight, making long hard runs and spectacular jumps.
Once you catch a Tripletail you will be hook, and they are great table fare.
Take a kid fishing. Coastal Expeditions Charter Fishing and Dolphin Tours is operated by Captain Vernon Reynolds and Captain Eric Moody. Call 265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com to book a charter or for further information.
