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CaptainJudyHelmey (Unregistered Guest)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 02, 2004 - 4:58 am: | |
NOVEMBER 1, 2004
Right Whale Sighting
On Monday (October 25, 2004) while coming home from a fishing trip we got a great surprise. We spotted a pair of adult right whales about 8 miles southeast of the Warsaw Sea buoy. The two whales were cruising together in a southerly direction. They didn't seem to be in any kind of hurry. They never once changed their heading. It was clear that they were on some sort of a whale mission. We watch from a distance as they surfaced, blew making that wonderful whale sound, arched their backs, and tail saluted us. Over the many years I have been fortunate to see many of these wonderful creatures. However, it really doesn't matter every time is like the first! I still get as excited as my customers. Here are a few suggestions on what to do if you find yourself in the same watching mode or if a whale comes to you.
If a whale comes to you, please don't put your boat in gear. Just remain calm and as quick as they arrived they should leave. However, the good news is that there are no rules that specify that you can't take pictures. Please take all you can, because what is happening to you doesn't happen to but a few. The very next thing that you need to do is to contact the coast guard or have someone relay coordinates of your whale encounter. The reason is very simple, BUT VERY IMPORTANT "IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE." The coast guard will then contact proper sources so that coordinates can be sent to ships that are navigating in the area of the sighting. Right whales especially when swimming with their calves will quite often lay on the surface for long periods at a time. This normal act unfortunately can put them right in the path of large vessels or should I say, " IN HARMS WAY!"
For right whale that you happen up on please keep your distance. You are required by law to stay the distance of at least 500 yards. The reason being there aren't that many of these precious mammals left. A collision with one might cause serious injury or death to the whale. At last count there were less than 300 left in the world. Once again when you spot a right whale please contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 of your marine radio.
A right whale has two blowholes. So therefore when they blow, the water comes out in a "V" shape. This view is only possible from a front or rear angle of the whale. I have had the opportunity to see quite a few "V" shaped spouts in my lifetime. These spouts can be seen from a great distance. If timed right even an average camera can take a decent shot.
This area is a critical habitat for the right whale. This is their calving ground. They skirt Georgia's Coast and the offshore waters from the middle of November to the end of April. During November they are usually headed to the south to have their young. During the spring they are making their way back to the northern areas bringing with them their new young calves.
Take a look at these measurements. The adult right whale grows to approximately 55 to 60 feet long. The adult female whale is usually a few feet longer than the male. Their weight runs about 200,000 pounds. A calf (baby whale) is normally 13-15 feet long and weights in at about 2,000 pounds. All right whale rather young or old have a flat back with no dorsal fin.
The bottom line when it comes to spotting a whale is to do the following:
Contact the coast guard on channel 16 of your VHF radio and report coordinates and time of encounter.
For whale reporting Cell Phone usage:
Savannah Coast Guard 1 912 786 5440 (Tybee Island coast guard)
Brunswick Coast Guard 1 912 267 7999
Charleston Coast Guard 1 843 724 7616
Another good source to report is Leigh Youngner, Georgia DNR 1 912 262 3141 direct line.
Inshore
The winter inshore bite has certainly taken off. Our inshore catches of prime fish continue to be goods one. Spotted sea trout are being caught in great numbers with them being well over the legal size of 13 inches (tail length). Spot Tai bass also known as red fish, channel bass, and stag bass are being caught with a higher numbers being over the size limit. The bass legal slot size is 14 TL to 23 TL. (bag limit of 5 fish per day). So therefore all fish that are over 23 inches must be released. There are a lot of these fish being caught and released. The flounder have also made a good showing this fall season. These fish have to be 12 inches TL to be legal.
Weed less grubs and screw tails
For those of you that like to pitch to or in the grass you all know how easy it is get tangled with the sea shrubs. Here's suggestion: instead of pushing that hook point out of your grub or screw tail simple turn you hook around. Once you turn it around and keep the hook point embedded in the lure it will glide throw the grass. Once you have preformed the art of backwards rigging throwing way up into the grass will be a pleasure and not a fear! As far as I am concerned with backwards rigging you have just increased your chances of hooking up the big one, because that's where they are especially when the full moon rises.
Whiting
Whiting also known as our southern kingfish are on wide-open mode. This is a fish that doesn't require a lot of planning or rigging. All you need a small hooks and bait to fit this fish's needs. Most of the whiting that are being caught are being found in the sound areas. However, I have had some reports of pier, river, and creeks catches. However, if you can get to the sound I suggest it. These fish love the taste of shrimp. The good news is that one shrimp will go a long way when it comes to the whiting bite. They prefer it peeled and will gladly take without hesitation small pieces on the hook. When putting your bait on your hook remember especially in this case, that the closer the meat is to the hook the better your chances are for a solid hook up. When peeling your shrimp don't discard the shells, keep then in a pile. This is going to be your whiting chum especially when the tide slacks. This fish puts up a great fight especially on light tackle. It's a child pleaser no matter what age they happen to be!
Whiting Bait Suggestion
When I can't get dead bait at the old bait/tackle store I go to the grocery store. Most seafood sections have different prices of shrimp. I choose the less expensive and I normally purchase a pound or two. These shrimp are fresh and easy to peel, as you need them. I always keep all of my bait carefully on ice, because in this case what is not bait will surely be used for that afternoon shrimp cocktail! Bon appetite!
OFFSHORE
Artificial Reefs
King Mackerel
For those of you that want to target this fish, it's time. It has been two years since our areas has had a good fall/winter run of king mackerel. Your best bet is to fish the artificial reefs located in 50 to 60 feet of water. We have been fishing the CCA reef and L Buoy artificial reefs. However, I have gotten good catch reports from those reefs located in South Carolina (Betsy Ross and Eagles Nest) and Georgia. The king mackerel run usually last in these areas till about the first week in December. After that the last of the kings can be found till about the second to third week holding at Gray Reef. They are pretty much at all reefs at this time, but will make their push to the south starting the first of December. So therefore you still have time to make your plans to go with us or to break out your own boat.
We are catching snakes and teenagers at this moment. The big kings haven't arrived to these areas as of yet. This big fish run will take place in about two weeks. The first migration of kings are normally made up of the kings that run from 5 to 10 pounds, better known as "snakes." Almost at the same time the "teenagers" arrives. Most all of these fish weights fall into the teen pounds. Most snakes and teenager kings can be caught trolling at 4 to 6 knots while using Drone spoons as bait. In about two weeks the "Smokers" will arrive and they will hit just about anything. However, it's hard to land a 30 to 40 pound king while trolling at 4 to 6 knots especially while pulling a planer. The reason is that when you pull a planer the drag is always semi-tight, because if it isn't with the speed you are pulling will cause your line to continuously advance out. So therefore a semi-tight drag is needed to pull your rig and to keep your line on your reel from feeding out. Now if a big king hits it, which is going to happen and you are not watching it your spoon will be gone. This is due to the fact that your leader can't possibly hold the fast drag of the spoon and the initial hit of the big king. However, if you are watching when the fish hits, loosen the drag, and slow the boat down you could be in luck. It best during this time to be a rod watcher!
In less than two weeks most amberjack and barracuda will have migrated out of these artificial reefs areas. This means for those of you that want to live line it's just about time. I'm not saying you can't do it now. However, we had tried and most of the fish if we get them to the boat have been mangled. My customers aren't too fond of "fish head soup." However it can be tasty, but boiling the head of a fish just doesn't seem like such a good idea. Here's one for you. Most people at this time of the year want their kings fillet rather than cut in to steaks. I have had customers request from the fish cleaners to keep the skeleton part of the fish that the fillets were cut from. According to my customers once you trim the fins off, wash, season, batter, and fry the skeleton of the fish it's the best part. I though about it and they do have a point. There is lots of meat left on the skeleton no matter how you fillet it. I haven't tried it, so therefore I can't disagree or agree with this type of cooking project. However, if you do try it, please let us know how it turns out!
South Carolina Artificial Reefs and North Snapper Banks
I received a fine two-day fishing report from James West this past week. He alone with his crew braved the rough sea conditions and took the plunge. His first day of fishing started with Naval Tower R 7. This is the spot where he loaded up on some badly needed bait. After securing enough of this fare he moved on to the north snapper banks to do a little bottom fishing. According to the report his caught a little of everything from amberjack to red snapper. However, his bottom bite with the red snapper turned out to be a bite more practicing than keeping. Most of the genuine red snapper didn't make the cut of 20 inches plus. However as you all know they are lots of fun to catch. All fish that didn't make the legal size were caught and released properly.
In his second fishing adventure he fished South Carolina's artificial reef "Betsy Ross." This area was loaded up with the fall/winter run of king mackerel. He caught his limit while trolling the ever-popular Clark spoon behind planers. The king bite was steady. Mixed in with king schools was surface feeding false albacore. They managed to catch a few of these fish, which were immediately released unharmed. These fish are fun to catch, because they are such strong runners. Thanks again for the report!
Bottom fishing tricks of the trade at the old snapper banks
After many years of constant fishing certain facts come into play in regards to fish. It is a known fact that fish follow a pattern year after year. In fact I call it the "fish's blueprint." The only way that this information was ascertained was by the keeping of continuous records. After years of what seemed like insignificant moves by fish it all came into play. We now know about where, when, and why fish migrate. My records for this area are "priceless" to me and probably to many others especially if they could read my writing. I have narrowed down many things that fish do during feeding, resting, and migrating. Feeding is one of the most interesting accomplishments of a fish. Not only do they have to find their own next meal, but also catch it. While this is going on with one fish, many others from the very smallest to the largest fish are doing the same exact thing.
In 95 to 110 feet of water there is what I call "Captain Judy's Pecking Order!" I need to set the stage so that you can understand where I am coming from. I fish a lot of isolated spots, which I call "fish cities." This reason that I call them this is because all the different types of fish are living and surviving in one spot. This spot is usually a small type of live bottom area that has rocks, some sort of coral, and vegetation. It's a place that's perfect for a lot of marine life to survive. This area is normally surrounded by not a thing but sand. All types of fish from large to small live here. Here's some of my important information that I have ascertained about this kind of area.
I am always talking about sand perch. This is a fish that red snapper love to eat. They don't get a lot if them because sand perch don't live inside the fish city. Their home is on the outskirts in the sand. Now if you catch one of these fish you are probably are fishing over sand. However, when you do catch one you had best save it, because it is great bait for red snapper and grouper. When a sand perch is pulled up from 95 to 110 feet of water it develops the fish bends. This is where the fish's air bladder gets too full of air and needs to be deflated. If you don't release the air your fine bait will die. Dead bait is of no absolute value when you are targeting a big bottom fish. Here's another tip. As you are drifting over your fish city your first indication that you have left and arrived on the out skirts is the fact that you are catching sand perch. So therefore you should have learned that when you are catch sand perch you are basically fishing over sand.
Here's another piece of information that I have gathered over the years by keeping records. I have noticed this after fishing a particular isolated bottom spot for while. When you start catching white bone porgy it's an indication that the bite is over at least in the particular area that you are fishing. So therefore when I am fishing an area and we catch a white bone porgy I move on to another area. Now here's the rub. If you are just dropping down in an area for the first time, catch a white bone it's up to use to ascertain whether the bite is over or just beginning in this particular area. I always suggest just going fishing and leaving all of these unbelievable calculations to others.
GULF STREAM
Captain Tim Gaylor of Miss Judy Charters and the "Old Cracker" teamed up and took that blue water ride this past week. They started their fishing debut trolling their bait offerings at the South Ledge area. Due to the weather pattern up north of the area large sea swells and waves were present during this fishing trip. However that didn't stop this team from pushing forward to the fishing grounds. They ended with several nice dolphins, few Wahoo, and some real good hard runs. The bite was soft leaving the action good, but the hookup ratio hard to accomplish. However, the trip was a success, because they wanted to go!
For those of you out there that want to make the blue water run catching can always be in your future. The reason being is that if the top water fish don't bite you can always drop to the bottom. Bottom fishing in this area isn't and shouldn't be considered boring. This is due to the fact that any type of fish both top water and bottom fish might take you up on your bait offering. As far as the best bait, the sky is the limit. I have used with success the follow baits on the bottom: unrigged cut horse ballyhoo pieces, the whole ballyhoo, mullet whole or cut, squid, outer cuts of the stomach wall from my landed top water fish, and any type of live bait fish.
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
Wolf Fish and all that implies!
My new friend and northern connection Tom McGee sent me a picture of a wolf fish. Many years ago daddy use to tell me some unbelievable stories about this fish. The wolf fish looked exactly like daddy had described.
My father had shared with me some pretty graphic descriptions of this fish. Since he called it a "wolf fish" I assumed it had to look like a dog or wolf without hair, but having large teeth. According to daddy this fish had a very bad attitude. Back in the old days, before mechanical power was invented, there was rowing; sailing, or drifting with the current for marine movement. My father used to tell me stories about oarsmen's and their troubles in regards to "wolf fish." This fish supposedly would attack the oars and latch on. As you all know it hard enough to row, but with a large fish attached things in the movement department would definitely be slower. So therefore the six-year old mind vision that I had was a simple one. All I could see was large fish with big teeth attacking and holding on to my set of oars. As I rowed by boat I had to wonder when this would happen to me. It never did but the though of it never left me.
Tom has some interesting things to say about the old wolf fish. They are a by-catch fish that are usually caught while targeting cod or haddock. Wolf fish are normally found in 150 to 230 feet of water. They have a fine set of choppers that are very sharp. If this fish isn't handled properly it can deliver a nasty bite. According to Tom if you can get pass the snapping teeth and are able to clean it, the meat of this fish is very good. As of this moment there have been no documented wolf fish attacks in his area. However, as of this date Tom has been put on the alert mode. He has promised to send us complete details of any "wolf fish attacks!" Just to let you know Tom, "we will always be standing by!" Thanks
Here's my line now bite my hook!
Captain Judy
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Judy Helmey (Captjudy)
New member
Username: Captjudy
Post Number: 4
Registered: 6-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 25, 2004 - 6:12 am: | |
Saltwater Fishing Report
October 25, 2004
From the Bank and Pier Report
Bridges and piers are great places to catch fish especially in our area. These places have structure such as pilings and rocks, which supports a great marine growth foundation. Marine growth is just another word for "food" in a fish's world. So look at these places as potential fast food places for fish to catch a quick meal. Most all public docks, bridges, and ocean piers provide a surface that offers both vertical and surface feeders (fish) opportunity to school and feed. I have reports from fishermen who are catching lot of spotted sea trout while fishing these areas with live/fresh dead shrimp and artificial lures. I must add a few technical points in this case. Keep in mind when fishing these areas that tide plays a big part on where the fish are going to be holding and feeding. So therefore when you find the fish in that certain area and they stop biting trying presenting your bait opposite from where you placed it before. When the tide changes the bait, on which the fish were feeding, always heads in a different direction. Bait has a tendency to swim against the current when re-locating. The fish know this routine. This only means when the fish bite slows all you have to do is to change sides. In this case the best news is the fact that you don't have to re-set your anchor! There are many advantages to "just fishing stationary!"
Dock Light fishing
In the past weeks I have written a lot about night fishing around the "old dock light." This is another area that when you get the access that they ought to take advantage of. The fishing is still great when it comes to this event! Just think of the light as the focus point and fish all points from that area. You are going find that there is a "pecking order" to be found in this arena. Mullet love the light. After taking a good look at them you will see why. They have the biggest roundest eyes for their size than most fish. So therefore they focus on the light and hone in on it. However, after a few attempts to swim to the light and they find they are attacked they have a tendency to just hold off while schooling up.
How to catch a mullet using a hook and line!
The primarily feed on just plain algae, but that will not stay on a hook. The meaning according to Webster's dictionary algae is any of numerous groups of eukaryotic one celled or colonial organisms that contain chlorophyll, which usually flourish in aquatic or damp environments. In other words they don't have roots, stems or leaves. So therefore we are talking about pond scum, seaweeds, and many types of plankton. I am glad I got that out of the way. Now you know why these things that mullet eat won't stay on the hook. However, as a small child my father and I caught lots of mullet right off our dock. We would use 6-pound line, add a small split shot, and tie on the smallest thin shank "J" hook that we would find. For bait we would use raw dough, balled up dry bread, marshmallows parts, or small pieces of the white part of raw smoked bacon. We even tried small pieces of lettuce. It was fun fishing off of our dock.
Just a note for all of you frustrated inshore fishermen that don't get to fish all of the time.
When it comes to fishing there are always problems to be had in the "catching department." This only means that you don't catch them all of the time. However, we all do try. Some of us have more experience than others, which means we have had more time to fish. The bottom line is that those of you out there that don't get to fish all of the time I suggest trying to step outside of the box. Those of you out there that get to fish sometimes probably always go to the same spots time after time. This can only mean that a high percentage of the time you probably don't catch a lot of fish or at least what you thought you should. I am suggesting that you move about more especially at this time of the year. Fish and bait are on the move. Think for a moment about the places that you fish now and use that information to think about where you can find a duplicate situation. You can be sure of one thing, "let a spot rest long enough and it will come back alive!
Bait Department Suggestions!
Danny Smith plus crew while fishing his boat "Sea Note" in about 100 feet of water off of Beaufort, South Carolina had an interesting day of fishing. His crew came up with some interesting bait experiments. While bottom fishing and using the normal bait they found themselves in a "Shark catching haven." However they weren't targeting sharks, but instead an entirely different species. They had gone to all of the trouble of catching the right bait for red snapper and grouper. As a fisherman I know that after a plan is made, bait is carefully caught, and the wrong fish bite takes place it can be very aggravating. After lunchtime the group decided to change from live to the plain old dead stuff as bait. The first fish that they caught was a nice 2 to 3 pound blackfish, which did put a smile of everyone's face. Danny's nephew having a little of his sandwich left decided to use it for bait. He took the provolone cheese/salami/ham off his sandwich and put it on his bottom hook. When his bait offering reached the bottom the biggest black fish of the day ate it. This is just about when the bait experimenting started. After ascertaining what else they might have on the boat to try as bait a "Slim Jim" was contributed. They cut the dry greasy sausage into suitable pieces, baited their hooks, and down to the bottom they sent it. As soon as it hit another large black sea bass hit it. As you can see these fishermen were on a serious "bait roll." The next double hook bottom rig dropped had one hook loaded with squid and the other with a piece of Slim Jim. Here's how it went. Out of three drops sporting the same bait proved that the "Slim Jim Ruled!" Thanks for the report!
This report reminds me to remind you of a few things!
"Shark Feeding Frenzies"
Quite often while we are bottom fishing us charter boat captains find ourselves in this dilemma. Sharks are fun to catch. However, after a few keepers and near misses from their genuine bite ethic enough is enough. Sharks go into the feeding frenzy stage when they have something to feed on. Many things could prompt this occurrence. The number one reason is if the fish on the ledge have been in some sort of feeding frenzy. Lots of fish movement along with noises that fish makes when they are feeding attracts sharks. They have a keen sense "period." Blood in the water, which can be attributed due to the fact that you are throwing over your fish carcass's from your bait board. This trail alone will get them going. We don't throw anything overboard when we are cutting bait. We have a bucket that we throw all discarded bait parts in. We discard part when we are moving down current of the ledge.
South Carolina Artificial Reefs
Chris, while fishing a king mackerel tournament, covered some ground. The good news is that while doing so he shared the information with us. According to the report, Betsy Ross held lots of barracuda, which gladly took him up on any bait offering that he was offering. He was using all types of bait from top water to deep action. He was looking for a king bite, but instead found the "toothy monsters" jumping on everything that he put out. He then moved the artificial reef "Eagles Nest," which also proved to be slow. However, when he reached this area, the tide was slack. We as fishermen always say, "a king fish loves that tide moving!" Chris was aware of that, but he had to try it anyway. After pulling and searching he decided to do what all fishermen do when "their backs are up against a wall!" He went where he knew there wasn't any fish, which is usually the most likely place. The Hilton head Reef, which is also referred to as the "Tire Drop." He put out his bait offering of trolled mid-column rigged "Ribbon fish" and went for it. A lonely king fish, which turned into a third place contender hit the bait. I take my hat off to this fisherman. He did what it took to find the fish, which was to move around without getting discouraged. As you follow this story you find that he had to move over three different artificial reefs to find his targeted species of king mackerel. Rule of thumb when fishing an area that his lots of live bottom or in this case artificial reefs "you have to stay on the move, because the fish sure do!" Thanks for the report! Please keep them coming!
Georgia's Artificial Reefs
Ed Field and crew (Sam Durham) while fishing his boat, "White Knight," had a "fish catching kind of a day!" He fished the artificial reef "L," which is located about 18 miles off of the coast. Captain Ed found lots of snakes kings holding over the higher structure. He method was best one and my most favorites. The pulling of the old drone spoon, which has been a old proven lure for many years. According to the report king mackerel wasn't the only fish interested in this lure. In fact an 8-foot shark hit one of his spoons, which ensued a fun fight that lasted about 30 minutes. Just goes to show you that an artificial lure at an artificial reef really does work! Thanks for the report.
King Mackerel
Find your bait in the tackle box not the freezer! This year's winter king mackerel run could turn out to be the best that we have seen in years. According to the reports that I have been getting artificial reefs located in both South Carolina and Georgia have been "Hotspots" for this fish. The good news is that the fall/winter migration mackerel run usually lasts until about the first week in December. For those of you that want to use light tackle or slow/fast troll now is the time to sharpen your hooks. My most favorite style of fishing for king mackerel is a simple one. It's not considered light tackle, because it's too fast. Here's how I do it. I am pulling a wire line on the starboard and a monofilament on the port. The starboard wire is my long line. The port is short and is what we considered closest to the boat. I am pulling a #3 Sea Striker planer with lure from both rods. My planer has a swivel attached, 30 foot of 80-pound test leader, another swivel attached, and then a 31/2-inch Drone spoon. I prefer plain silver or black and green combination spoons. However, I have gotten several reports of blue/silver combination also being a hot lure. The bottom line to selecting a color is to pick one that has worked for you in the past. It is my belief that boats and their noises that they make demand a certain color combination. In my case "blue" isn't in my combination code. Many captains in my company have proven without a doubt that the blue spoon does work. It's just not my boat's color, but I always keep one on board just in case.
The artificial reefs that normally hold the kings at this time of the year are usually in less than 70 feet but more than 40 feet of water. You are going to have to ascertain by trial and error how much line to let out. Too much line can trip the planer when it hits the ocean floor. Please keep in mind that while trolling these areas that you have high structure to deal with. Keep that in mind when you plan on trolling close to the ocean floor. Tangling with one of these can cost you an entire rig outfit! My boat speed around 5 to 6 knots. This is fast, but necessary in my situation. Once we hook up I only slow the boat down to idle speed forward. Whatever you do when using a planer don't take the boat out of gear. You increase your chances for loosing your fish. King mackerel normally hit your trolled spoon at a great speed ripping quite a hole in the hook-set area. Any amount of slack in the line can result in releasing your already hooked fish. So therefore keep your boat moving at all times.
The good news about using an eighty-pound test leader is the fact that you can just drag your fish in over the gunwale and throw it directly into the cooler. For those bigger fish that need gaffing it takes three fishermen. It takes one to hold the rod, one to pull in the leader, and one to gaff the fish. Have a plan and stick to it or someone might get hurt. Always have the rod angler hold the rod to the side over the water. If the fish decides to make a run the leader man is going to have to let go. If you rod isn't placed properly the planner could hit the leader man on the head or even worst hit them behind the ear. I don't think I need to explain what this could mean! (Ear-less in Georgia)
A king mackerel's make-up
Things you need know about this fish. King mackerel have to swim all of the time. So therefore their first couple of runs especially when using light tackle are going to be strong ones. Once you get the fish under control and headed your way, the fish will get tired quickly. They normally start swimming in a circular motion, which is also know as the "death roll." At this time don't try to horse (pump, pull erratically) your fish. The speed at which your king hit has probably caused the hooks to rip a big hole. This means that any slack what so ever will allow your not so embedded hooks free. So therefore as long as you keep the line tight and steady coming you should be able to land your fish.
Genuine Red Snapper
I have to say, "that this is the most fish requested" in the bottom fishing department. They are strong pullers, good to eat, and you don't catch them everyday. I have to admit that since we have started back fishing the action for this fish has been great. As all fishermen know during hurricane season we had about a month of "no fishing" especially at the Savannah Snapper Banks.
The red snapper have definitely started their winter migration. In the fall/winter large schools of all sizes migrate closer to shore. This includes all sizes from small to large. A small red snapper, which is less than 12 inches long, is called a "peanut." Red snapper that range from 13 to 19 3/4 inches are called "juveniles." The ones that are 20 to 25 inches are called "legal." According to federal rules and regulations red snapper have to be 20" plus to keep. They carry a legal bag limit of 2 (two) per day. Any red snapper larger are called "sows." I am always looking for this fish. It's my favorite!
You are just as likely to catch a red snapper in 120 feet as you are in 30 feet of water especially at this time of the year. Snapper that you find in the shallow water areas or in areas that you normally don't find them will be easy to catch. They are migrating and hungry. The bad news is that they could be there today and gone tomorrow. However, keep records of where you find them and when, because they should arrive at about the same time in early spring. (I consider the fall push as being the strongest.) As the fish move some will find that they like a certain area and make it their new home. This happens all along the migration trail. These fish then become what is known as "residents!"
Gulf Stream
The time has come, but the rough ocean hasn't let up. According to numerous good reports the "South Ledge" is the spot. Wahoo in a range of sizes where caught while trolling and live lining this area last week. To add to the mix black fin tuna are also sharing the same area. It rough, but it's time! Find yourself a big boat and take that ride.
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
GNATS
Here's one of these suggestions that I don't suggest using. However, I had to share it with you. Long before bug spray of any type there was the "old smudge pot method." My father used this method to ward off gnats quite bit in the old days. He would take a metal bucket, lined it with a brown paper bag, throw in some damp marsh grass, set it on fire, and boy did it smoke a lot. This day and time this task would definitely not be a safe thing to do so for several reasons. Most of our buckets are made of plastic and we aren't fishing from a wooden rowboat. Our metal bucket just floated around in the water that was in the bottom of the rowboat. This would keep the smoke flowing un-consistently and keep the bottom of the bucket cool, which means no fires elsewhere along with absolutely no gnats!
Here's My Line Now Bite My Hook!
Captain Judy
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Judy Helmey (Captjudy)
New member
Username: Captjudy
Post Number: 3
Registered: 6-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 5:37 am: | |
The inshore bite continues to soar. I have had many reports and seen lots of fish on my own dock this past week. Here are a few suggestions on getting your self a fine rod bender.
Flounder
These fish are known for hanging and waiting for any type of food to get their attention. For bait, you could use anything from mud minnows to an artificial jig and screw tail to get the job done. These fish usually move up to the bank as the tide is rising and situated themselves so that they can get close to those other small bait fish that are also doing the same thing. There is always a push on the incoming tide to get to that oyster bed. Your fishing field can be all around this area from close to shore to offshore of where you are actually anchored.
Trout
This fish is a natural born killer as you can see once you take a look at their mouth design. They don't carry this set of teeth to chew gum. They have front teeth like a dog so therefore that bite like one.
This fish has to kill and turn the bait around in its small mouth before it can eat it. Therefore a trout will take longer to get the bait situated. On most occasions this fish is a sight feeder. So I say, "give them something good to look at!"
Red Fish
This fish is basically a bottom feeder. They root around looking for what suits them best. They certainly don't fear or could care less about shallow water. They are forever finding it and feeding allowing their tails to be waving in the wind. (Called "Tailing Reds") They move in close to shore as the tide rises looking for something to eat. They prefer anything type of bait from fresh dead or old dead. This fish puts a lot of stock in smells and then eats them. Once the tide reached the grass red fish just move right in with it. They gladly feed off of the marine life that attaches itself to the grass. Shallow draft boats work great during this time. Not only do these boat allow you to get to see them, but also a chance to catch them.
These tips that I have suggested are just a few of the many that will successfully help you to target each particular fish. All three fish that I have mentioned could be caught in the same area. Along with this fish come a lot of others that I didn't mention such as the "fetish fish." These fish are known as the "Professional Bait Steelers". They have a small mouth, don't take the entire bait, but basically destroy it so that no other fish will want it. They take the legs first and if you leave it long enough will pick at the rest until it is gone. So I suggest taking lots of bait. Here' a suggestion. Don't throw those leg-less shrimp overboard I would keep them. The body of a shrimp can be great bottom bait for whiting especially at this time of the year. If you happen to catch a "fetish fish" they also make great cut bait.
Back in the Old Days, the old gnat killer!
Here's one of these suggestions that I don't suggest using. However, I had to share it with you. Long before bug spray of any type there was the "old smudge pot method." My father used this method to ward off gnats quite a bit in the old days. He would take a metal bucket, lined it with a brown paper bag, put in some damp marsh grass, set it on fire, and boy did it smoke a lot. This day and time this task would definitely not be a safe thing to so for several reasons. Most of our buckets are made of plastic and we aren't fishing from a wooden rowboat. Our metal bucket just floated around in the water that was in the boat. This would keep the smoke flowing un-consistently and keep the bottom of the bucket cool, which means no fires elsewhere and absolutely no gnats!
Twenty-Mile Run Pay Off!
The team of Frank Cullum Jr. Frank Cullum III, and Charlie Kilpatrick won the last Yacht Club inshore fishing tournament. While most boats headed north to the Savannah River in search of fat trout the duo had other ideas and followed through with them. They ran to their personal fishing area, which is about 30 miles to the south. As you all know the northeast winds pounded us on this particular weekend, but their secret south spot kept the fishermen out of the wind. They had a great catch of trout and spot tail bass. Their catch won them 3 categories and also the Calcutta. Now you know what you get when you put three great fishermen together in one boat, "A Winning Team!"
Captain Frank also reported that he had a flounder, flounder, flounder sort of week. While fishing the Burnside River he had a bonus week while using artificial stuff. His favorite bait or should I say, "the flounder's choice of the day," was a salt and pepper Salt Water Assassin pulled on to a standard 3/8 jig head. According to the report all his had to do was to drop to the bottom and "drag it slowly" on the bottom. He had most of his action while doing the dragging thing on a mud and sand mixture type of bottom. The flounder that he caught fell into the "door mat size" category.
More Fishing under the lights
Captain Frank took to night fishing when there was no more sunlight to be had. He caught while using the deadly Yo-zuri Pin's Minnow lure some nice trout. Capt Frank wanted good fishing so he used his ultra light tackle, which was loaded with 6-pound test line. The trout pounded this lure. It was an active night around the old dock light. This just goes to prove you that most fish are just "spot light hams!" Thanks for all of the great fishing reports!
There are two types of Yo-zuri lures that I have tried. They both work great depending on your fishing desires. They fall into the Pin's Minnow series. I suggest the sinking and suspending styles. I have been using them on ultra light tackle with 6 to 10 pound test line. They are easy to cast and not only work at daytime hours, but also under the dock light situation. The good news in this department is "NO BAIT NEEDED!"
OFFSHORE
Artificial Reefs
Fall is now officially in the works. I have seen the migration of the cow nose rays as they were passing our area. This is truly a for sure sign of the fall/winter design! We try to hold on to the summer months as long as we can. However, no matter what dance we do the cooler temperatures arrive. Cooler air causes the water temperatures to drop, which then puts into play our "pre-migration period." This means that fishing will be good, but not real stable. Let me explain. With everything moving from the bait to bigger fish locating is going to be a big part of you fishing day. I will give you one thing to look forward to. Once finding the fish they generally are hungry, which means they are going to eat almost anything that you might have. So therefore your bait line could be anything from fresh dead parts to frozen squid. I have been using just plain old cut frozen squid. It has been working and the bottom fish love it. We have been catching large black sea bass, triggerfish, Atlantic flounder, ocean perch, and scup while fishing the artificial reefs. Most of these fish will eat about anything at this time of the year. It's not what you use as bait as much is how you put it on the hook. Black sea bass are gulpers, which means the take the bait hard and then swallow. Triggerfish, ocean perch, and scup are what I call "the jabbers," because they pick and tare at the bait. They also use the "double-teaming method" a lot. These three fish feed in the upper water column and do it together. While one fish is picking the others are pulling at the bait. Once the bait is shredded the fun starts all fish attack together. This begins once your bait starts to make its drop to the bottom. When this happens there is no way for you to know that you have lost your bait, because it takes so place fast. I suggest that when the picking stops that it's time to bring in your line, because if you had any bait left you would definitely know it. Here are a few secrets of the trade when confronted by "the jabbers." Your bottom rig needs to be made using small hooks. I am using about 40 to 50 pound test for my leader and 1/0 "J" style hooks. Always make sure that your hooks are real sharp. These fish have tuff skin especially around their mouth area. As far as our bait we cut it up small. This goes for all types of bait no matter whether you are using cut fish or squid. By using small bait the initial hit will be close to the hook giving you a better shot at getting a solid setting.
I would like to set the record on triggerfish's table fare. It is very good fried, grilled, and pan seared. It's very easy to fillet, but there is secret to this job. Always wash you fish first then lay on side. Take a knife with a real sharp point and cut through the skin all the way around the perimeter side of the fish. This outlined area is the surface size of your soon to be fillet. Once you have done that simply grab a corner and pull the skin off. You don't need pliers to grab the skin it's not slimy. In fact you can take the skin, hang it in so that it can air dry, and it will make the best sand paper that you have ever used. This is how, back in the old days, they sanded the decks of ships. All they had to do was to wrap the dried skin on a block of wood and start sanding. So therefore a triggerfish can and did have many purposes in a fishermen's life. They put up a great fight on light tackle. They are great to eat and their skin can be used to do some great "small honey do's" around the house. Just think about the conversation piece that you will be building!
Artificial Reefs in 50 to 60 feet of water
The good news in this department is that the fall/winter kings have started to show up in these areas. A few kings were caught this past weekend while trolling Rapala lures. For those of you fishermen out there that don't have any Rapala's on hand I suggest pulling the basic 31/2-inch Drone spoon. It's the old stand by lure that works almost every time when pulled at around 5 to 6 knots. I will fill you in on several more of our fishing techniques in next week's fishing report. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on the kings! It's time to go "Silver Streaking!"
Savannah Snapper Banks
This is the area to visit especially when you want to catch a lot of fish. This isn't a labor-intensive area to fish especially at this time of the year. All you need to do is to pull your boat up over some live bottom, drop in some baited hooks, and you should be in the "pulling business!" (I am using Gamakatsu "Octopus" 4/0 red hooks on my bottom rigs, which are made of 80 pound test monofilament line) In fact during this time I have found some of my best future fishing sights. The bottom fishing is great and you are just as liable to catch a big bottom fish mixed in with the small ones. Just about everything is migrating, which means what you find today at a spot might not be there tomorrow. This is not a bad thing, because as you drift your selected area the fish are more apt to follow your bait. Most of the fish at this time of the year are movers. Once they find a spot to refuel and rest a bit they tend to move on afterwards to their intended migration areas. Once again I canned stress enough the importance of a logbook. For instance, if you had made notes of what you caught where last year at this time you would certainly nowhere to start your fishing day. I have got about 30 years plus of records in which to determine the best location to fish. My job is done! However, I am still keeping records on a daily basis.
While drift fishing I suggest putting these extra lines out in addition to your bottom rigs. You will need to hold and work your bottom rigs, but these two lines I suggest work just fine in the rod holder. I would put out a top line sometimes referred to a "flat line or king mackerel line." However, you aren't just targeting king mackerel. There are lots of other top water fish that are displaced at this time of the year. We have caught yellow/black fin tuna, dolphin, and Wahoo by simply putting out an extra line. I am using 20 to 30 pound test line on a king mackerel light tackle type rig. This rig can be anything from a King Buster skirt rigged with a live fish to dead bait to just naked bait. I prefer a cigar minnow or ballyhoo (dead bait) for this particular rig. This is due to the fact that when I decide to move back up to the live bottom area I don't have to pull it in. I can slow or fast troll it back to the spot, which offers up yet another chance to get a hook up. I usually drift this bait at about 30 to 50 feet away from the boat. When pulling back to spot I let out another 50 feet so that the bait will troll sufficiently behind the boat. Always remember to set your clicker on (noise maker switch on the reel that makes that sound that all fishermen love to hear when a fish gets on!), because if you don't you might get a hit and not realize it. My second line that I put out is the live bait big bottom fish rig. I am using an 8-ounce trolling weight or egg sinker, 25 to 30 feet of eighty-pound test leader (monofilament line) and a big eye Gamakatsu 9/0 circle hook. On this rig I am using a few different types of bait. My most favorites are a live sand perch or rock bass. These baits are known bottom feeders and are usually prefer by big bottom fish. The best size to use is around 6 inches long. Give or take an inch or two. Just remember the size of fish you are dealing with and pick your bait accordingly. (Big fish such as red snapper and grouper) I drop this rig and bait offering to the bottom. I then reel up about 10 to 15 feet and put reel in rod holder set with a medium drag setting. While using this rig set up you don't set the hook. I don't move the line or adjust anything until I am going to move. Just watch the tip of you rod. If you get a hit, try not to pick up the rod even though I know you want to. Let the fish take the bait at its own pace. When the rod bends over double and the drag sings, it's time to grab the rod, and scream, "FISH ON!"
Don't forget your dip net!
I don't normally gaff my big bottom fish. We just dip them up in a big dip net. It's simple and easy to do. You can use a gaff, but a lot of errors can take place in doing so. Red snapper have an armor of big scales covering their entire body. It's easy for one of these big scales to get right on tip point of your gaff, which doesn't make it easy to gaff your fish. In fact it's almost impossible to do so with the scale covering the point of your gaff. The fish's weight doesn't normally allow you to forcefully penetrate the armor of scales. The grouper doesn't have scales. However the skin that covers them is very tough. If you don't hit them just right with the gaff you just might knock them off the hook. Here's another problem when it comes to gaffing as opposed to just dipping your fish up. When a large bottom fish is pulled to the surface they more than likely will develop the bends. The bends when it comes to a fish is where the air bladder expands with extra air, which basically bloats the fish. The fish is still alive but it can't swim back down to the bottom unless the air bladder is released of the extra air that it's holding. Now if you miss gaff, puncher the fish while knocking it off the hook you are going to be watching that 30 pound red snapper or grouper making it way back to the bottom. Therefore I highly suggest buying your self a net! And now you know the rest of the story and why!
GULF STREAM
I don't really have any actual reports, because as you all know the winds have been prevailing and strong. This keeps most all fishermen whether they have small or large blue water boats tied to the dock. However, I think that our time might have come for some good blue water fishing. Even though it's a little late in the season there is still time to get what left and coming for the fall/winter run. Before the last blow there were reports of black fin tuna being spotted schooling in around 100 feet of water. When the western edge of the stream develops back strong with a temperature drop, good fishing can be had. I normally get some good reports from both the north and south of our area, but the weather has stopped all of that. I do feel that if we get a couple of good days fishermen will make that run. When you do know matter what happens please let me know.
My Name is Captain Judy and I approve this fishing report! Good Fishing!
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
"Pearling Expedition"
My father was an avid hunter. He loved to hunt and fish. I went with him everywhere on his adventures. One of his favorite things to do was to go to his so-called private oyster beds, pick out a few, and eat them right on the spot. Heck, I even joined in on this one. As a child and adult I have always loved raw oysters. When daddy and I would go on an oyster hunt it was always a lot of fun. I loved playing in the mud and also I didn't mind too much picking up the oysters. My father's secret place was located in Bull River. It was a great spot for picking oysters. According to my father it was perfect, because even at the lowest tide stage his oyster beds were still right under the water. My father always maintained that oysters that spent too much time out of the water during a tide change tasted differently. As a child I was always looking for that white pearl. As I got older and smarter I realized that daddy was only telling me that because it put a twist on the collecting. In other words, it made me happy to help as long as a pearl might be had. As you all know our oysters don't usually produce pearls. At the time I wasn't privy to that information. So therefore it was just an oyster hunt to daddy. However for me it was what I considered a "pearling expedition."
We had to use proper footwear for the occasion. My father had the big black thick rubber boats of which he had cut off of his retired duck waders. Back in the old days I don't think rubber boots even came in children sizes. So therefore I wore daddy's old pair. They were big but we found out that if I wore my shoe inside of his boots it wasn't too bad. We pulled the old wooden rowboat behind our big boat. As we gathered the oysters we dumped them into the rowboat. When we were tired the oyster hunt came to an end and we went home. Now that I think about it no matter what we were doing when daddy was tried we stopped and moved on.
Upon arriving home it was time to cook the oysters. We had to wash them. Believe me there were no power washers at this day and time. So we sprayed them with water and then brush them to get them clean. It definitely took longer to clean than it did to cook them. According to my father there were types of cooked oysters. There were the "warmers, semi steamed, and the open ones."
The first two had lots of juice, which is referred to "oyster liquor." His favorite thing to do was to loosen the so-called oyster's anchor, which was attached to the inside shell, lift the shell up, and pour it in the old mouth. Occasionally you might see him add a few drops of hot sauce. There was only juice available in the first two stages of cooking. I like them cooked in all stages, but the last was my favorite. I didn't have to bother with trying to get them open. They were already popped open, easy to get unanchored, ready for dipping in cocktail sauce, and fit prefect on top of a saltine cracker. I'm sorry that I can't finish this story, because I'm leaving to go get me some oysters!
Captain Judy
"Old Fish Physic!"
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Judy Helmey (Captjudy)
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Username: Captjudy
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INSHORE
Striped Bass, Rock Fish
The fall bite has started off with a little flare. Some of our inshore boats caught some nice 5 to 7 pound striped bass this past week while fishing the Savannah River. The bait of choice was live shrimp and finger mullet while using the traditional float rig. All striped bass were caught and released. There is a NO-TAKE regulation for striped bass and hybrid white striped bass for the Savannah River, which means catch and release only.
Once you find the holding pattern for striped bass also known as rockfish, you can make the bite real interesting. Float fishing for them with live bait is one way to get this fish's attention. However for those of you that want to pitch your artificial lures this is one fish that loves to chase it intended meal. Upon finding the fish change up and go to just artificial. I like to use a lure that I can readily be placed pitched, such as buck tail jig pattern. I also like a surface pulled lure that when cranked just skims the surface. Striped bass love fast moving water, bait that moves, and the attack mode!
Red fish, Spot tail Bass, Channel Bass, and Stag Bass
No matter what you choose to call them this is one fish that gives you a great fight on light tackle. We found ourselves in a "Spot Tail Bass" feeding frenzy this past week. While trolling through the hundreds of surface feeding jack crevalle the bass started hitting our lures. After a few moments it was ascertained that large schools of hungry bass were feeding under the jacks. It was a sight that I won't forget for a while. I was offshore between the KC Buoy and the Warsaw Sea Buoy when we found the large schools of fish, which contemplates to about 71/2 miles off the barrier island. Both types of fish were schooling near the two rips that most always form that run a north to south pattern. We usually cross these rips on our way to the KC artificial reef buoy. My definition of a rip comes in two parts. It's where two different currents meet. This area can also hold a different temperature break on each side of the rip, which makes for an interesting gathering of bait and fish. They are very noticeable; because when these current meet it forms a line. This line can hold all types of floating objects such as seaweed, discarded things or should I say "trash," and the best part "fish." The currents in the rips this past week was strong. When a strong set of current meets "sea foam" (at least this is what I call it) is formed on the surface. Looks like shaving cream or whipped cream, which really helps you to located the rip. The foam normally hangs right in the rip indicating the rip boundaries. In fact it forms a line, which is great. When trolling I usually pick a side to troll down. It all right to cross over the rip, but I would choose a side and stick with it. The water quality could be clearer on one side than it is on the other. Different fish like to hide and hold in certain shades of the water. It's kind of hit and miss until you ascertain the blue print of the rip that you are fishing. Normally where you see birds feeding or hovering you have some sort of fish holding below.
Where there is fish there is fish.
Their pattern of feeding was very noticeable not only because it was calm, but also because the birds were having a field day with the leftovers. The rule off thumb on this fish day was when you saw bird diving in the distance you probably had jacks and bass feeding. As the morning went on we must have caught at least 12 of each fish while trolling the basic drone spoon. I tried spoons and planers at first, but they only wanted bait that was flipping on the top. I also pulled a Cajun Thunder with a large Clarke Spoon in tow. This bait attracted quite few fish. The fish not only like the lure, but also the cork part of the popper.
Back to the birds
When I saw birds diving I was confident that fish were under them feeding. However, I started watching the birds that were just hovering above. I found that these birds were basically watching, but not feeding. However, once arriving to the spot in question I found many fish below. Who knows maybe the bird were full and in a holding pattern.
Something else I learned
I found large schools of spot tail bass holding in the rips. They didn't seem to be feeding just holding. As soon as I dropped a few buck tail type lures to them the feeding frenzy started. We hooked up two fish as soon as the lure hit the depth that the school was holding. I watched the fish finder and found that the entire school seemed to be staying with the hooked fish. When the hooked fish were brought the boat the others followed right to the surface. Not only were these fish curious, but also very hungry. We fed them about 5 pounds of finger mullet. All fish were caught and released unharmed. This is my new type of fishing it called "Fishing for Memories!"
"Night Fishing at the Old Dock!"
Jay Ohsiek pulled himself up a dock and had a an extraordinary night of "Night Fishing!" According to the report Jay and fishing buddy had a great fishing experience while using 6-pound test line. Their fishing night started at 8:00 PM instead of 8:00 AM, which according to Jay is a first for him. While using artificial screw tails with the old standby "metal flakes" the action was "HOT!" This is my favorite lure especially at the light. I think the added reflection that the flakes takes on from the dock light makes the lure more "Snappy" to the fish, which means "harder direct hits!" (Been there, done that) During the course of the evening/night they caught 15 keeper trout, and released a dozen healthy 11 to 12 inch ones. Not only did they have a bonus bite from the trout, but also a red fish in the 20 to 25 inch range took Jay up on his artificial bait offering. All was good at the dock in the bite, catch, and release mode. I think they did a great job when you consider that they didn't use a boat, bait, or daylight. Back to basics!
Things that go bump in the night around the old light!
While at the dock fishing Jay brought up some interesting points. He could hear all types of fish noises from them jumping to surface popping. All this with the absent noises of boats, planes, and trains. When I am on the dock fishing at night the light is the focus point. It's like watching a well-run show with all of the actors wearing skins and scales! I have one more thing to add to the show, which must go on and that is "night vision glasses!" You haven't lived till you try a set of these babies while engaging in this almost forgotten fishing method. One look around the dark perimeter of the dock light will allow you to see "the rest of the story or should I say the rest of the tails!
King Fish, Blue Fish, Trout
Good Old Beachfront Fishing
It has been brought to my attention once again by Emanuel Lombard that you really don't need a boat to catch fish. Emanuel's favorite fishing spot is the beachfront areas. According to the report he had a great time doing a little floating and bottom fishing. The average cast most fishermen make is about 50 feet. This is a good distance and it doesn't take so much thrust that you lose your bait in mid air. That's just about where Emanuel caught most of his fish. He used the traditional float rig method while using live shrimp as bait, because he likes to see the "sinking of the Cork!" Heck, we all do! He set his float so that his bait drifted about about1 to 2 feet off of the bottom. Emanuel also fished directly on the bottom at about the same distance off the beach. For bait he used live shrimp, fresh dead shrimp, and "fish bites." The bite was very good starting at low tide and lasted until too much water started covering the beach. He caught blue fish, trout, and whiting, also known as southern kingfish. The whiting were on the large side.
Fish Bites
He has been experimenting with a new style of bait. According to Emanuel once the bites are wet they re-constitute themselves back to what they were before they were conveniently compressed and dried. At any rate "Fish Bites become great fish food and attracters." (Emanuel works in the tackle department at River Services of Thunderbolt; Georgia 912 354 7777). They are carrying this new line of bait that doesn't require any type of refrigeration. Give him a call or drop in!
7 Point Buck
This is not a hunting report. However, I do have some interesting information to share with you in regards to a very large buck. Captain Ken Kennickell of Miss Judy Charters, while on his way to pick up some customers at River Street had quite a find. Let me back up a bit to give you a little background on Captain Ken. He is known for finding some of the most unbelievable stuff floating in the creeks, rivers, and ocean. Some of his finds included the follow items: cooler full of tackle, jet ski, 24 foot sea cat, wheel barrow, 5 gallon gas can full of gas, buoy's of all types and sizes, assorted size boards from large planks to the small stuff, balls, and personal floats. I could go on but I really don't have enough room. I think you get the point, "his eyes are always open and looking for a find!" He came upon this floating deer, which was dead, but not decomposing as of yet. The deer had an unbelievable rack. He didn't have a saw on board, which isn't unusual for us, charter boat captains. So he decided to tie the deer carcass to a marker. Captain Ken then proceeded on his way to pick up his customers. He called the office and had Deidra bring him a saw to River Street. On his way home he pulled the deer in, cut off the rack, took it home, and is going to mount it. Now this is one rack that will hold more than just an ordinary tale!
A shark or two!
While coming in from fishing in Warsaw Sound this past week Chris reported that he saw what appeared to be two large sharks surface feeding on what looked like a turtle. Many years ago this would have been one of those reports that I wouldn't have believed or should I say, wouldn't want to believe!" However, I have seen this take place on many occasions, but still find it shocking. While I was fishing at one of artificial reefs I witnessed a large tiger shark stalk and tire-out a large loggerhead turtle. We all watched as the shark repeatedly pushed the turtle to the surface as it tried to bite the lower half off. I had seen the turtle earlier that fishing day and noticed all of the scratches on the back of its shell. At that point I had no idea what so ever that it was a tiger shark's intended meal. Over the years I have seen sharks chasing and eating everything from birds to other smaller sharks. It still amazes me about the birds. As you know they should just fly off when the shark surfaces and goes into the stalking mode. However, they just move over a bit and then it happens, "lots of floating feathers with no bird attached!" All I can say at this point is "this is nature at it finest!"
OFFSHORE
Yellow butterflies
The yellow butterflies are here! As you all know, if you have been reading my fishing reports that they arrived about a month ago. For those readers that might be scratching their heads on this one I will explain. The yellow butterflies and fall/winter run of the king mackerel normally make the same migration at the same time. However, I must admit one thing for sure. The butterflies must not communicate with the kings, because they have arrived and the kings haven't. I'm sure that all of this is due to the fact that the weather and bait has been so unusual.. We have had plenty of weather and absolutely not much bait. I am looking to the bright side of this entire mess. The kings will arrive late making the season last longer. Don't laugh! I can dream can't I?
Savannah Snapper Banks
95 to 115 feet of water
I don't have enough room to tell you about this past weekend. The bottom fish bite is the best I have seen in a while! We caught large vermilion, triggerfish, porgy, amberjack, red snapper, and grouper. In the bait department there isn't much to tell, because we didn't find many of air bladder-less baitfish. These bait are free to move up and down in the water column with decompressing themselves. Spanish sardines, Atlantic mackerel, Jack mackerel, big eye shad, cigar minnows, bar jacks, and horse-eye jacks don't have an air bladder. We caught a few greenies and thread herring at the artificial reefs. However, take it from me, we can't find many fish that are very interested in a live thread herring. However, they did work a little better as cut bait. As far as those baits with air bladders such as sand perch and rock bass they are work great for the larger bottom fish. We have been using them live on a single circle hook with long leaders.
Cut Fish Bait
We also used quite a bit of cut fish or fillet fish. Don't consider this a second rate type bait, because it isn't. Bottom fish are known to be very picky eaters. So therefore your bait board should have a little of everything that you can offer. When it comes to fillet fish there are all kinds to choose from Here's how we classified them. Fish such as black sea bass are what we consider a dark fish. Once fillet the meat is white and the scaled side is dark. The ocean perch and tomtate better known as ruby red lips or fire mouth also make great cut bait. Once filleting this fish you are going to find that the meat isn't as thick as the sea bass. However, the outer skin is much lighter making this yet another different source of good bottom bait. After filleting all fish we cut in two by two inch and one by one inch squares. We also have this cutting method of stripping the bait, which boils down to making long pieces. We then place the hook at one end leaving the other to flow in the current getting all types of fish's attention. Last but definitely not least is the vermilion snapper. This is great cut bait no matter how you shape it. On some occasions bottom fish only prefer this type/color. So therefore have you bait board prepared. We always keep a wet cloth over our cutting board. This keeps the bait from drying out.
Always keep the carcasses from your cut fish in a bucket. Discarding them at the wrong time can cause a shark feeding frenzy. However, if you want a frenzy of this nature just keep tossing out what you are cleaning and believe me with big teeth is going to find the food source, which is the boat.
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
"Cool Toes"
My father had a lot of home remedies. These remedies would only work if you use them continuously. So therefore according to daddy it was always a work in progress. If you have been following my stories you already know that the consumption of cider vinegar supposedly will keep the red bugs away. Drinking a cider mixture will also help prevent on coming leg cramps. My father's cider mixture was simple, two parts vinegar and one part water. Just drink it straight I don't suggest putting it over ice. The concoction over ice tasted terrible. Believe me, unfortunately I tried it. You can also rub watered down vinegar on your sunburn and the sting seems to just go away. However, you now smell like a human pickle, but the bottom line is that you do feel better.
You could always find a big bottle of mineral oil at daddy's house. He drank it on a regular basis. He said that it oiled and kept his pipes clean. I never tried this. The thought of drinking straight oil such as this made be very sick. So therefore I will leave out approximate amount to consume. He used quite a bit of WD 40 for not only his reel parts but also his joints. According to daddy a couple of sprays a day kept his joints moving freely. Not only that but it help eliminate all those noisy popping sounds that his joints made. The reason being according to daddy was because of the penetrating oils. Heck, I looked on the can for the list of contents and it did indeed indicate that WD 40 contains this type of oil.
He put Colgate toothpaste in his shoes, because it kept his toes cools. My father ran a charter boat until the age of eighty. So therefore you can't ague with any of this aforementioned captain doctoring. However, if laughter is the best medicine then I'm sure that you are already well!
"Here's My Line Now Bite My Hook!"
Captain Judy
"Old Fish Reader!"
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Judy Helmey (Captjudy)
New member
Username: Captjudy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 6-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 5:48 am: | |
August 2, 2004
Saltwater Fishing Report!
Inshore
Bait Options
The good news about this time of the year is that you can purchase or catch your own bait. For those that have the time I suggest catching your own. For those that prefer to use mud minnows there's the old minnow trap. All you have to do is to bait your trap with canned cat food, raw chicken, hotdogs, or anything that you think will lure these small fish in to the trap. Now for those of you that prefer other baits such as finger mullet and shrimp you had best get out the old cast net. The good news about this catching method is that you might net enough shrimp to make yourself a nice shrimp cocktail. Not only shrimp but also there are chances of catching finger mullet, which also is great live bait for this time of the year. When casting any by-catch other than shrimp and finger mullet becomes a potential bait. This secret to all of the catching is that you must keep it alive; because basically that is about the only way it's going to work.
Rigging up for your bait options
All baits mentioned above can be presented in many ways. For instance, for those that want to just want to hook their bait up naked then this is your best start. I have gone as far as just tying on the hook and just putting on the live bait. There is an upside and a downside to this style of fishing. The upside is that you most likely will get a hit, because it appears to be a free swimming bait fish that is easily targeted by a hungry fish. However, the downside is that without some sort of a leader the line may or may not hold up to the tension and the teeth of the fish, but this is a sure way to get hooked up. Live bait also works when weighted and put on the bottom or suspended in the mid-water column, which is my favorite way to fish. I seem to always get a nice flounder when using the method of live fish on the bottom. Your last option, which is the most used, is the traditional trout (cork) rig. This allows you to adjust your bait to any depth that you wish.
The Versatile "Cajun Thunder"
These are suggestions for both inshore and offshore fishermen. Both inshore and offshore captains use the Cajun Thunder. The inshore set up is simple all you have to do is tie on a piece of leader and add your hook. You can use live, dead, or artificial baits with this style setup. This is a float and lure combination built into one, which means it, can be pulled or you can just float it. It's up to you. This cork comes complete with the bells and whistles. A sharp pull on the Cajun Thunder causes a clicking noise that imitates the same sound that a shrimp makes when it's fleeing. Believe me this is the noise that puts fish into the striking mood.
The offshore set up is also simple to make. I just take a cigar shaped float, tie on about 5 to 10 feet of 20-pound test monofilament line, and attach my lure. My favorite and most productive lure is the "0-RBMS Clark Spoon!" This is one of the best trolling lures that you can pull. However, with all lures there is an up and downside it. The upside is that you will most likely get a hit. The downside is that not only does the lure get the fish's attention, but also the float itself. So therefore I suggest purchasing more than one float, because sometimes one attack by a mackerel or little tunny is all it takes to destroy your float. Even though you do have to change up just think about all of that above-water entertainment! Fishes-a-jumping!
Most tackle stores carry these great versatile Cajun Thunders floats/lures. I personally use the yellow, green, and orange colored floats. As far as the shape, I prefer the Cigar and oval shaped ones the best. They are easy to spot just look for them mounted on a yellow card!
Spanish mackerel, where to go
If you indeed want a "Big Mack Attack" give the shipping channel a try, because it has definitely been the hotspot for about two weeks. The good news is that this bite should continue for a while. It's the most simplest and easiest fish to catch at this time of the year. You don't have to take a long boat ride to the fish and it doesn't take all day to find them. There's more, they taste good, and after the morning bite you have plenty of time to fix them for supper.
How to get you best shot at catching them
As far as methods to get this fish to the hook give these options a try. For those that want to drift and pitch it's available. However, stay out of the way of the ships. For those that want to troll we have been catching Spanish while pulling #1, #2, and #3 Sea Striker planers. Please remember to attach a snap swivel to the planer before you tie your leader on. By adding the snap swivel you help eliminating your leaders from curling so tightly. When this happens your lure is restricted to its movement, causing less fish attention. Your best bait to pull behind your planer is a Clark spoon. I am using both single 0 and double 00 RBMS Clark Spoons. I'm not saying that other type lures don't work. It's just that it the lure we all prefer to use. We are using lengths of 10 to 20 feet of 20, 30, or 40 pound test monofilament line as our leader. Please remember that it's best to tie your spoon directly on the leader. The added snap swivel on the backside of the planer should take care of any curling of the leader.
DUA Artificial Reef
Captain Frank Cullum and crew had pretty interesting day fishing at the old DUA reef. He decided to give this area a try and it turned out to be the right decision to make. The first thing that they did was to set out the light tackle to catch some Spanish mackerel. They were using the trolling method of Clark spoons behind #1 sea Strikers planers. Now for the good news, the bite was big in the Spanish mackerel department. The first Spanish landed looked more like a snake king. (A snake king is less than 7 pounds) It was approximately 27 inches long. The next couple of fish landed were big also. These fish averaged in length from 18 to 20 inches. While doing the semi-deep trolling they were also pulling rigged ballyhoo, which were getting plenty of action from the "toothy monsters!" (Barracuda) After having most of their rigs destroyed by the sea monsters they pulled out a good old stand by in my book. The ever-popular Cisco Kid, which also turned out to be the right thing to do. The fishing was good and so were the ideas to get them to bite the hook! Thanks for the report Captain Frank!
Tarpon bites and tales
Here's another great story fishing stories straight from the fisherman. Carter Mobley and friends were fishing the local Savannah Sport Fishing Club Tarpon Tournament when this happened. According to the story they had jumped three tarpon and finally hooked one. After about 30 minutes into the fight they all observed a huge brown dorsal fin of a big hammerhead heading toward their hooked tarpon. Carter told me that the shark had to have fit in the 12 to 14 feet range. As soon as the shark starting attacking the tarpon the light tackle line broke. According to the story it appeared that the tarpon did escape the jaws of the shark. All of this action took place in less than 10 feet of water and within good eyesight of the barrier island. According to Carter, a shark like this will make you think twice about swimming off of Tybee. Thanks Carter and we are certainly glad that the shark didn't jump into your boat!
It's Shark Season
I hate to be the first one to holler "SHARK," but it's now time. I have received many fishing reports regarding sharks, which has warranted me wanting to give all of you fishermen a "HEADS UP!" Normally sharks don't just attack on sight. However, when a fish is hooked up, which generally causes the smell of blood and the fear is in the water it can definitely happen. With all the right ingredients a shark's natural eating switch" is flipped to the "ON POSITION!" Please don't get me wrong I'm not trying to scare you I am trying to make you aware of our current situation. Anytime that you hook up there is a great potential of attracting a shark that might try to attack your catch. This is what they do, because they are eating machines.
Best places to look or to avoid sharks
1. Directly behind where a shrimp boat is or had dumped it's by-catch
2. The outskirts of surface feeding bait or deep holding bait
3. Concentrated fishing and catching areas such as piers, docks, boats
4. Inlets that lead to the open ocean
5. In the creeks and rivers sharks hang out in the deep holes
6. Offshore anywhere where there is water
Bottom Fishing at the Savannah Snapper Banks
It continues to be good with strong catches of multiple bottom species are being brought back to the dock. The good news at this time of the year is that you could catch a big fish as well as small fish while using the same bait. It's a known fact that large fish do like the larger baits. However during this time all fish just eat according to what puts them in the mood. When the water is cooler there is much less bait so therefore the bite is more predictable. It's easier for fishing professionals and those individuals that fish a lot to figure out the bite pattern. However, as I said, "during the warmer months, when targeting a specific species, it can be hero or zero!" The good news for all of us whether we are the all timers or the some timers in the fishing department there are plenty options open for all. I suggest using live or fresh dead bait such as cigar minnows and Spanish sardines while fishing on the bottom. Don't forget to take along your old stand-by bait of squid. It always works for all sizes of fish.
Gulf Stream
I heard of a few fishing rumbles from this area. The roomers were sketchy, but I believe them to be true. A few boats went and tried the trolling thing, which resulted in a great amount of frustration. However, there was a few large bull dolphin caught while trolling a weed line just east of the B-liner hole. The fish weren't landed, but identifications were made. The trolling bite was slow, but once they dropped to the bottom they had a blast pulling in one after the other. The bottom fishing in 150 to 200 feet of water was "Red Hot!" They did the right thing they switched to an "Alternative Style of Fishing."
Bottom fishing is good at the snapper banks, which is located in l00 to 120 feet of water. However, when the water is on the warm side such as it is now the bite can get a little nostalgic. The good news is that the deeper water at the Gulf Stream isn't too affected by the warm water conditions. This only means that the bottom bite should be good year around in this area. I would like to add one more thing to the already good situation. This area gets less fishing pressure.
"Little Miss Judy's Believe it or Not!"
Achieves fishing for the Allusive Sunfish #3
I have been writing about the allusive sunfish for a couple of weeks now. I have had a great many fishermen, young and old; suggest that I might be talking about a tripletail. I don't think so, but I am keeping that door open. I received a report from yet another fishing elder that also believes in, has seen, and has caught sunfish. Buddy Nail of Cobbtown, Georgia has fished the Shellman's bluff area for about 30 years. According to his report he occasionally spots sunfish in or near the grass mostly during the high tide stage. You have to really look for them in this situation. This fish has a tenancy to lie a little on it's side especially while holding in the grass. Here's how he got them to take a hook. Mr. Nail suggests that if you spot a sunfish, pitch your bait right in front of the fish. Once the fish identifies it as something to eat, you had best hold on. The best bait to use according to Mr. Nail is shrimp or finger mullet. He and his wife have caught several sunfish in there fishing lifetime. I am concurring with Mr. Nail. Yes, there were sunfish in our area at one time. Thank you for sending me the information!
"Here's My Hook Now Bite My Hook!"
Captain Judy
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Captain Judy Helmey (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 5:49 am: | |
July 26, 2004
Barracuda Attack
Over the last 50 years I have had everything as far-fetched as hooking up with a nuclear submarine to a bat landing on my boat, but never have I had a fish fly into the boat and cause injury to a customer.
It's a known fact from watching the Discovery Channel that a barracuda can take flight even though it doesn't come standard with its own set of wings. The bottom line is that most all fast feeding fish do jump. Last week we had such a landing on the Miss Judy Too. One of our customers, "Mr. Ziggy Zablotay" was standing in the doorway of the boat's salon when a large cuda came crashing in. Unfortunately the cuda before making deck-fall and in only a few seconds did considerable injury to "Mr. Ziggy's" hand. The bottom line to this situation is that fishing has always been taken serious at Miss Judy Charters. However, at this time we must add serious and dangerous to our fishing slogan.
All of us from Miss Judy Charters hope and pray for a speedy recovery for "Mr. Ziggy!"
INSHORE
TROUT, SPOT TAIL BASS, FLOUNDER, WHITING AND SHARK
Trout, spot tail bass, flounder, whiting, shark, blue fish, croaker, and the old so-called "Yellow tails and spots" are in their full season swing. Trout, bass, and flounder are what I consider the "High Maintenance Fish." In other words these fish are very bait sensitive. They prefer live shrimp or mud minnows, which can either be purchased or caught by you. As we move down the line you see I have added whiting and shark. They are those fish that don't necessarily hang together, but can be caught in about the same area. The whiting lay low on the bottom to feed while the sharks move about looking for food that is moving in the upper water column. Whiting do prefer fresh dead shrimp, but will eat the old stuff. In this case where you find the whiting you will probably find the sharks. So therefore your catch of whiting can be your bait for the sharks. Either way you win!
YELLOW TAILS AND SPOTS
I know you are dieing to hear about the spots and yellow tails. These are the simplest fish of all to catch. All you need is light line, small hooks, small pieces of bait, and some water to drop all of this tied together in! In other words pull yourself up a floating dock or boat and give it a try. You haven't a thing to lose, but your bait!
NEAR SHORE, SOUNDS, ARTIFICAL REEFS
For those of you who want to live line, slow troll, or just plain pitch your lure these are the areas to try. The Spanish and king mackerel have arrived and are set for the rest of the season. This can only mean one thing, "Fish On!"
As you all know that Spanish mackerel are known for hitting the old but classic spoon called "Clark Spoon." In fact I think that this lure has almost been around as long as the fish. So therefore buy some, pull them either naked, behind trout sinkers with 20 lb test leader, or just plain pitch them into the surface feeding schools of fish. I am sure that you will get some sort of "scaled Attention."
The good news about the Spanish mackerel is that they are finally starting to push their intended meal to the surface. So therefore trolling blindly is not necessary in order to locate this fish. You should be able to see them with the old naked eye. Another good thing is that you aren't the only one looking for them. You will also get some much-needed help from your fine-feathered friends. Where those birds are-a-flocking, there's fish a feeding! Here's your sign!
Packaged Value!
Snakes, Teenagers, and Smokers
The king mackerel come in what we call this type of packages. They start being "Snakes," then grow to "Teenagers, and finally reach the final stage, which is "SMOKER!" All stages of this fish love to eat live bait. However, you must be selective with the bait if you are targeting a certain stage of king mackerel. For instance if you intend on having a lot of action, which means lots of fish not necessarily the big ones go with small live baits. The baits to use are usually cigar minnows or Spanish sardines. They are easy to catch and basically easy to use. Now for those that want to target big fish only there is a secret that I must share with you all! Go with big live baits such as blue runners or Spanish mackerel. However, another great bait to use is menhaden or mullet. They aren't as big, but are also very effective. You might not catch a bunch of big fish, but you chance of a large hook-up will definitely be in your future.
"SMOKERS'
The snakes and teenagers are being caught more so on the artificial reefs and live bottom areas such as the Savannah Snapper Banks. Quite a few of these fish were also caught fishing the perimeter areas of the Naval towers located in around 100 feet of water. This past week R-6 naval tower was holding quite a few nice snakes and teenagers. Most of these fish were caught while slow trolling fresh dead cigar minnows rigged with Mylar skirts. The secret to catching these fish is that you must use light tackle. According to optimists king mackerel have superb eyesight. In other words what they can't see attached to the bait will definitely give you a better chance for a hook up!
For the big boys better known as the "Smokers" fish close to shore and use big baits! The hotspots to fish have been Port Royal and Tybee Roads, which is better known as the shipping channel.
Savannah Shipping Channel
I fished the shipping channel this past week. I couldn't believe all of the large king mackerel that I got to see sky rocketing out of the water. In fact almost everywhere I saw a big fish jump there were sea birds hovering and the smell of fish oils were strong in the wind. As soon as I saw a king jump I headed in that direction. Once arriving to said spot, sure enough the oil sheen was noticeable on the surface. It's a known fact that large kings during this time push their intended meal toward the surface so as to make the kill. Once the fish feels that it has pushed the bait to exactly the right spot they hit it will great thrust. This great thrust that I am talking about usually jets them right out of the water. In fact, I have seen large king mackerel airborne with Spanish mackerel in mouth. Now that's a mouth full!
I decided that I would pull my old faithful king mackerel stand by lure make-up kit. It's a simple design that usually works. I take a number #3 Sea Striker planer (SSP3), add a snap swivel, and then tie of about 30 feet of 80-pound test monofilament line. On the line I slip on a "Judy Jig" and directly tie on my hooks. (No wire is needed) My hooks consist of three 5/0 "J" style hooks that I have put together by opening the eyes. There is three baits that I use while pulling this rig: Spanish mackerel (small), cigar minnows, and medium ballyhoo. The main thing to remember when rigging your bait up is to place the first hook through the fish's bottom lip and up through the top of the head. All you have to do with the next two hooks is to place and bury. This set up allows your bait when pulled to have a more natural look.
Our Atlanta Connection!
Todd Ingram and Jim Armstrong had a great day while fishing the Savannah Shipping Channel this past week. According to Todd he did exactly what my fishing report suggested and had some great success in the catching department. Todd and crew took his 23-boat to the shipping channel to try to catch a "smoker king." According to the story, it seems that old Todd went back in time and just used the old basic way to catch a fish. His new boat wasn't equipped with downriggers and he didn't have any planers. So therefore he decided to just rig up his bait offerings of ballyhoo & finger mullet and give it a try. He put his naked un-weighted finger mullet and his weighted ballyhoo out. His plan was to slow troll, which means just enough throttle to keep control of the boat. Todd's top trolling speed was 2 to 3 knots, which worked out prefect. The first fish they hooked up weighted in at 35 pound. As soon as they landed the first smoker the second hit came, which resulted in landing a 40-pound king mackerel. The 35-pound king had been hooked before. While admiring his catch he found that it had a nice set of shinny new live bait hooks embedded in it. In my book the more a fish is caught and escapes the smarter it gets. So therefore congratulation is in order to Todd and Jim for a job well done in the "Smoker Department!" Welcome to the club! Thanks for the report!
The Koncul Fishing Boys!
After reading this report you are going to know that those "Koncul boys" have done it again. While fishing for king mackerel and other scaled ones a serious sail took them up on their bait offering. The sail fish was caught at the Artificial reef "L" Buoy. This area has been "Real Hot for Bills." In fact over the past years quite a few Atlantic sails have been caught and released in this area during this time frame. For those of you that are not familiar with this area, it's an artificial reef that is located in approximately 50 to 65 feet of water. It has low (concrete, pallet balls, barges) and high (subway cars, tug boats, battle tanks, dredges) type structure scattered throughout the area. Bait and bottom fish of all species find this area a great stopping off place. I guess you could say, "It's a great watering hole in the middle of a vast sandy area." Once again I find myself asking the same question that I do year after year, "Do fish communicate?"
James Massey and Geno Sauers had the offshore
Trip of a lifetime
I received a call from James as soon as he made landfall. On July 21, 2004 he and Geno Sauers took to the ocean for fishing trip that would prove to be one for the records books. They decided to fish the artificial reef "L," which is located about 15 miles 115 degrees off the Warsaw sea buoy. I only have enough room for what they caught instead of how they caught it. James and Geno caught 13 king mackerel, which came in assorted sizes from 10 to 15 pounds. While all of this king mackerel fishing was going on they also landed a 50-pound cobia. While they were cleaning up a bit a lonely school dolphin approached the boat. A quick reflex along with the desire for more action meant yet another fish added to the already seasoned cooler. All along while catching mackerel, cobia, and dolphin more species were landed. They hooked up with several barracuda and amberjack. After reading this information I'm sure that you will agree that these fishermen had quite a busy day. However, things in this catching department got turned up even more. Geno hooked, landed, and released a fine Atlantic sailfish. I was truly jealous after getting this fishing report from James. I certainly wish I had been there! Last year about this time James took his father boat offshore without permission. He also landed a sail fish of which he couldn't tell anyone about. However, after a while of keeping it a secret he had to confess so that he could spread the news about his first sailfish landing. Of course after telling his father he was immediately congratulated and then put directly on boat restriction. However, for this particular day arrangements were made on the home front, which resulted in him being able to obtain once again "Serious Loud Bragging Rights!"
Bottom Fishing At the Savannah Snapper Banks
It's hot and the fish should be a little nostalgic of which they are. However, I do have to admit that I have seen some pretty good catches being brought back to the dock. The catches range from good to great. It seems that not all fish are nostalgic, which means slow to bite most of the time during the warmer water temperatures. However, I am finding that the bottom fish don't seems to feed as much as they do in the cooler water conditions. Normally during the cooler season fish feed about every 6 hours. However during this time it seems they that only get real hungry every 12 hours, which is considered their major feeding times. So therefore it's could be the luck of the draw or just fish everyday to get a handle on it.
The bottom line is that large numbers of some of the biggest black fish that I have seen in years are being caught in 100 to 150 feet of water. The black fish ate cut squid and fish. Some of the red snapper caught this past weekend, even when weighted back at the dock 10 hours later, tipped the scales to thirty pounds. The red snapper hit live cigar minnows, Spanish sardines, rock bass, and sand perch. The vermilion snapper have also been on a feeding rage with their appetite being easy to please. We have been catching these fish with just plain squid and cut fish. They aren't feeding everywhere in this fashion. Just in isolated spots, which can vary from day to day. It's a looking game at this time of the year, but at least you are now aware of the possibilities.
Gulf Stream
I don't have a report for this week. However, if you don't go you and as you can see we all won't know!
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
Achieves fishing for the Allusive Sunfish #2
As soon as this story was posted I started getting calls. Apparently I'm not the only one that remembers this fish. Jimmy Cannon of Wilmington Island also remembers fishing for the allusive sunfish. According to his story, much the same as mine, as a same child he too fished with the elders for them. He was small at the time, but remembered a few things in regards to this fish. The best time to target the sunfish is during a slack tide stage. The most active bite occurred during nip tides, (6 ½ to 63/4 feet tides) which means slower current and clearer water. The method in which his family used to catch them was about the same as ours. They also used a beef-up traditional cork rig. However according to Jimmy they used what all fishermen labeled as a "cobia cork" instead or a trout cork. A cobia cork is shorter and much fatter than a standard trout one. I remember when Daddy started using this style cork, but it was later in years. Jimmy is a good bit younger them me. So therefore the allusive sunfish was still around 10 years after the fact. I remember fishing for them in the fifties. After doing the math we can all come to the conclusion that this fish was still around in the sixties. There is one more very interesting bit of information that Jimmy shared with me. His family had two names for the sunfish. The second and most used was "Eddy Fish." The reason was simple this fish's favorite hiding places was behind ranges, rocks, and buoys. I love it when a story gets better! Thanks Jimmy!
Here's My Line Now Bite My Hook!
Captain Judy
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CaptainJudy Helmey
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 5:49 am: | |
Subject: deep sea fishing Georgia
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
www.missjudycharters.com
September 9, 2002
INSHORE
Lots of trout, Spottail bass, and flounder action should be taking place in most of your favorite fishing spots. Live shrimp is the right bait to use and it seems to be very plentiful. I visited the Back River at Tybee the other night and I could not believe all of the activity on the surface. Shrimp and large mullet were jumping as we made our way through the small creeks. It was unbelievable to see that much surface action in one area. At any rate, if you are looking to catch your own bait grab a cast net and give it a try.
I always suggest using the traditional float rigs with live shrimp. There is a reason; I love to watch the sinking of the cork. For those of you who want a change try using live shrimp on the bottom with only a small amount of weight. This rig has been working quite well. Don’t forget to let the fish take the bait and start to move with it before you set the hook. The fish don’t seem to hit as aggressive on the bottom as they do closer to the surface.
I have had several reports of school blues, Spanish mackerel, and Ladyfish being seen schooling near the offshore waters of barrier island areas. These fish have teamed up together to make quite a fishing/eating machine. Not only are they sticking together, but they are also taking almost anything that you throw at them. Please remember if you aren’t going to fry, broil, boil, or just plain eat them release them!
HIGH WINDS AND A RAINY DAY OF FISHING
Bryan Atkins is really trooper when it comes to fishing in high winds and choppy waters. He and his group didn’t let the high winds and scattered rains stop his labor day fishing bonanza. In fact according to his report they had more than enough action to keep them busy. They were using shrimp as bait on the traditional float rig system. This allow them to get many hookups, which resulted in them catching black drum, keeper spottail bass, trout, and flounder. In fact they had so much action that they lost all of their floats, which resulted in them having to go with just with naked hooks and bait. This change didn’t stop the fish from attacking, which was a good thing. As you tell from this report that bad weather conditions didn’t stop the fish or Bryan from their common goal, which was eating for the fish and catching for the fishermen!
OFFSHORE
I love this time of year due to the fact that everything that has ocean ties is constantly changing. The water temperature will start to fall a little at first and then quite a bit. This will prompt the fish to start migrating. Some will move east to west, while others are going north to south. The good news for us is that we seem to be in the middle of the entire movement. All we have to do is look for the signs and wait for the changes to take place. For instance, the yellow butterflies migrate through this area about the same time that the king mackerel start to show up. As I have been reporting, the yellow butterflies are here. So therefore according to what I have being seeing as a sign means that the forerunner kings of our fall migration are starting to arrive. Another sign to look for is the surface schooling cow nose rays. They also migrate through this area at about the same time, but once you see them skimming the surface the kings should already be here as well as the bait that brings them. We also have a change in the birds that we are so use to seeing in the summer months. The large fall/winter birds arrive. We get to look at the gannets, loons, and Cormorants. These particular birds seem to prefer cooler water and also the bait that is brought by it.
The stage should be set for the arrival of the king mackerel at the Savannah snapper banks and the artificial reefs that are located in 50 feet of water. The good news is that once the mackerel get here they usually stay until the first week of December. Not only will there be top water fishing there will be plenty of bottom fish in | |
