I have observed that a big portion of the anglers targeting Tiger Fish at Lake Jozini are Deep Sea anglers. Jozini provides an alternative when the weather goes wrong at Sodwana and is only an hour’s drive away.

 

There are many ways that an angler can target Tiger Fish and in this article I am going to write about targeting these magnificent freshwater game fish using artificial soft plastic baits, this is a relatively new method very similar to saltwater drop shot and is an extremely effective. Since I started fishing for Tigers this way I have not used any other method it is so effective, except for fly fishing.

The Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus Vittatus) is a major freshwater angling game fish and can easily be recognised by the bluish sheen on its back, a series of parallel longitudinal black stripes, intensive yellow to blood red fins with trailing black edges and a series of 8 large protruding sharply pointed teeth on each jaw.

 

Tiger fish are ferocious and aggressive apex predators, and are a hard fighting freshwater game fish.  An awesome fish to catch on light tackle and fly fishing equipment.

 

A local name given to the Tiger Fish is Striped Water Dog.

 

 

Lake Jozini, also known as Pongolapoort Dam is situated in the North Eastern corner of Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, near the towns of Pongola and Jozini, bordered by the Phongola Game Reserve, and several other Game Reserves and the Lebombo Mountains. Lake Jozini is fed by the Pongola River and is South Africa’s premier Tiger Fish destination.

 

Lake Jozini is the most southern lake and river system in Africa where Tiger Fish occur. The main target species here are the Tiger Fish which can get up to 8.5Kgs (18.7lbs) for the large Tiger Fish specimens, there are many Tiger Fish in the 900gr (2lb) range with the average Tiger fish being caught in the 1 - 4Kg (2.2-8.8lb) range, and specimens in the 5Kg (11lb) range are sometimes caught. There are also 27 other recorded fish species in Lake Jozini.

 

Lake Jozini and the whole Maputuland area is just one of those places where you can get back to your roots in Africa, unwind and refresh yourself. The area around the lake is magnificent and naturally wild and you are able to view many species of Birds and Game whilst fishing.

Whilst fishing here on the boat I have viewed Elephants, Giraffes, many species of Buck, Zebra, Rhino, Hippopotamus, Buffalo, Crocodiles, Large Iguana, many Bird species and much more, and to do this from an open boat on the water is the best way.

 

The Summers are very hot, the Winters are mild, Spring and Autumn have a simply fantastic Climate.

 

The Lake is huge and resembles a smaller version of Lake Kariba, there is a wide choice of camping facilities, caravan parks, self catering chalets, bed & breakfasts and 4 & 5 Star lodges like Shayamoya in the area. There are also many game parks with the Big 5 and Reserves around the area and it is not too far to Cape Vidal, St. Lucia, Kosi Bay, Kosi Lakes, St. Lucia Lakes, Sodwana Bay, Mkhuze Game Reserve, Thembe Elephant Park and Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The Swaziland border is right there by Golela and a small part of the lake is in Swaziland, the Mozambique border is not too far away from the town of Jozini.

 

When you are there it is recommended to take the opportunity to explore the area and game parks around.

 

 

Tiger fish are apex predators and predominantly visual hunter’s, they are gregarious feeders and highly opportunistic. You will often find Tiger Fish in the same areas that you would find Bass, but unlike Bass they do not hide in the structure in wait of prey but hunt more like saltwater game fish patrolling the edges of structures where bait fish and other food sources would be hiding. Tiger fish will also cover large areas in small groups and the larger specimens will hunt alone, this means that if you choose a structure a Tiger Fish is sure to pass by at some point in time.

 

This is the million Dollar question, and the answer is that they are all over the dam, they cannot leave or migrate.

In the River Section you will find Tiger fish along the edges of the weed beds, in the little bays along cliffs and rocky points, by submerged trees and stumps and as this section is not deep and only goes to about 12m you will also find tigers in the mid water section. The river section is a popular choice and not to far from the launch area. Be warned that the river section is full of crocodiles of which some are huge, and you must always keep clear of the hippos who do not like being disturbed and will chase you on your boat if you come to close, hippos are dangerous and will kill you with no regrets. At the end of the river section there is a train bridge and you are not allowed past this point.

 

The Bay Section has always produced good fish and there are a lot of weed beds in the area which always produce good fish, on the western side there are the shallow weed and grass beds; on the northern side there are a lot of stumps; and on the eastern side there are some good grass and weed points. Points always work well. The river and bay sections are good in the Tiger spawning season in September to November.

 

The Main Dam is huge and as you come out of the bay area on the eastern side the is a large flat and shallow area with isolated submerged structure which often hold good fish, on the western banks there are lots of weed beds extending far in to the dam and the it is not deep, there are also some nice bays along the western banks and a lot of dead trees. The top northern section of the dam is in Swaziland. The middle section of the main dam is deep and along the Lebombo mountain’s there are a lot of steep rocky banks, little bays with trees and some weed beds. Again beware of the hippos. The main dam fishes well through out the year and in the winter months you will find Tiger fish in the deeper water. The wind can blow at Jozini and the main dam can become like deep sea fishing with waves up to 2m and closely spaced, then it is better to stay in the river and bay section which is more sheltered.

 

The Gorge is one of the most beautiful places of the dam and often you will find yourself isolated here with just you, the water and the nature around you, it is a long boat ride of almost 20Km from the launch site, it is a must see area. The gorge gets to about 50-60m deep in the middle section, there are a lot of steep rocky banks and drop offs where you will find fish, and there are many bays with good structure, and with all the bays there are also many productive points. There is some weeds here but not to much.

 

Big Tigers are found here, and the fishing can be hard but rewarding, with this area being productive in the winter.

 

You can fish with or without a steel trace; personally I prefer to fish without a steel trace and use a 300mm 12-20lb Flouro Carbon leader with a 100mm 30lb Flouro Carbon Bite trace onto 10-16lb braid or even use a straight 20-30lb Flouro Carbon leader, you will get more strikes like this, but you also risk getting bitten off more often. I prefer the flouro as it is a little more resistant to abrasion than mono; you will also need to be really sharp when you get your strikes to set the hook and keep the line away from the Tigers teeth.

 

To minimise the risk of your lure being bitten you can use a short 100mm No. 3 stainless steel wire trace tied to a 200-300mm 12-30lb flouro or mono leader using an Albright knot and then 10-16lb braid or even just use mono as your main line if you have no braid. A long steel trace will serve no purpose and will upset the movement of your lure. I prefer the braid as you have direct contact with your lure and zero stretch when you need to set the hook fast, and believe me you need to set it fast.

 

I will start with rigging soft plastic lures weightless and fishing them on the surface, this is my favourite way and the way I rig the lures is pretty much snag free, and you get to see your lure swimming, the fish chase and hit your lure whilst fishing.

 

With this method I use a 2/0 to 5/0 wide gape Bass hook depending on the size of your lure, which must have an acute angle on the bend by the eye to hold your lure in place. I then rig the lure the same way that one would rig a Bass lure, but there are 2 things I do differently, I do not bury the point of the hook in the lure as it is then very difficult to get the hook to penetrate the tigers hard mouth, I also use a drop of super glue on the shank of the hook by the eye to hold the lure in place as tigers have nasty habit of pulling your entire lure off your hook.

 

Lures that I like to use are paddle tail lures, flukes and any fish shaped lure. My favourite lures are the Strike King 4" Glass Minnow paddle tails which have produced more tigers than any other lure I have used. The plastic that the Strike King and Z-Man lures are made from is much more resistant to the tiger’s sharp teeth when compared to other plastics and so last much longer and you can catch several fish on one lure. It is my opinion that the movement of your lure is the most important factor and colours and other features are secondary. Tiger fish like bright colours, and I think this is because they are visual predators and here are some colours that I have found work very well: Pearl, White, Green, Pearl/Blue Glimmer, Space Guppy, Green/Gold Flake, Green/Silver Flake, Baby Bass, Chartreuse, Bright Green, Pink, Electric Chicken, Red and any of these colours in two tone creating a contrast. Some plastics float and some sink slowly and both can be used, the floating ones will sit on the surface whilst the sinking ones will move in the surface.

 

For fishing the weightless lures I prefer a 6’6" Medium to Medium Heavy rod with a fast action and definitely a spinning reel set up and a lighter braid like 10lb. I personally use a Shimano Crucial 6’8" medium spinning rod with a Penn Sargus 2000 spinning reel and 10lb Double X braid. This kind of set up will allow you to cast these light weights well, and still have the power to land you a larger fish.

 

Fishing these surface lures is exciting and you can cast to the edges of rocky banks, around trees and stumps, over submerged structure, into weed beds, next to and parallel to weed beds, into open water, into channels and water pockets by weed beds, and along flat banks and shallow waters and grass areas.

 

Your retrieves can vary from fast to slow and you can even just leave them drifting to get a strike, with fluke and fish shaped soft plastics you should use a twitching retrieve or twitch and pause retrieve which will get the lure darting from left to right, with paddle tail lures that have built in action you can just do a flat retrieve or twitch and pause, or flat reel and pause. Vary your speeds until you find one or two that gets you strikes and then you can stick with these. Sometimes the Tiger Fish want it fast, and sometimes dead slow, and other times in between, so you must experiment.

 

Surface fishing works best early morning, late afternoon and in overcast or cooler conditions, I find that when the water is flat or clear faster retrieves work better.

 

Here you pretty much use the same lures and colours that are used for surface fishing detailed above; the difference is in the rigging. Here we use jig heads from 1/8 ounce to 1 ounce with size 1 to size 6/0 hooks according to your soft plastic bait size. The best sizes are lures in the 4" and 5" size fished with ¼ ounce jig heads and size 2/0 hooks.

 

It is important to rig your lure straight and you must use some super glue to keep the lure properly secured so the Tiger Fish does not steal it.

 

Paddle tail lures and flukes are very effective for Tiger Fish and can be fished with a flat retrieve; or a twitch and pause retrieve; you can fish these fast or slow depending on your depth. You can let them sink and retrieve them very slowly along the bottom of jig them up and let them fall again. You can cast them at rocky ledges, in front or parallel to weed beds, around trees and stumps, around isolated structure, submerged structure and even on flat bottoms. I have found very few Tiger fish deeper than 12m. You must vary the speed of you retrieves from fast to dead slow until you find what get the strikes.

 

When fishing for Tiger Fish you must accept the fact that you will loose many fish, some will come loose on the jump, whist others will tie you up in structure and many will bite you off regardless of a steel trace.

 

Here are some pointers that can help you get your Tiger Fish onto your boat. When fishing keep your rod tip down and close to the water surface. When you get your strike give one solid hit immediately bringing your rod tip into the water, ensure when you strike that you give no slack on your line.

 

At any point if you give slack you will loose your fish, so be sure you do not make the fatal mistake when striking so hard that you give slack line. You must strike and reel simultaneously keeping your line tight.

 

Almost always straight after you strike your Tiger fish is going to go airborne and give you an aerial display, and so as you strike you must get your rod into the water so that the water maintains pressure on your line, if the fish is in the air and yoffalo, Crocodiles, Large Iguoose pressure on your line and loose your Tiger.

 

You then fight him keeping your rod tip in the water until you get him to the boat, he will run around the boat a while and while and even go airborne a few more times. Do not rush him, fight him. Only when you see he is ready for the net do you lift you rod up to around 45 deg. with at least 1m of line out from your rod tip and lift his head out the water to net him. Then use a boga Grip to handle your fish. Be careful of those teeth, they are razor sharp.

 

Catch, Photo, Release is a policy strictly enforced on my boat and all my Tiger Fish Charters and Guiding, and to my dismay I see so many Tiger Fish slaughtered for no reason. I will not even support a competition that kills Tiger Fish. Tiger Fish are indigenous fish in our waters, and anglers need to get their attitudes right about killing fish and start taking responsibility for our natural resources. The days of killing fish are over, it is time to change.

 

All the fish shown in this article where safely released.

 

I hope that this article will assist you when hunting Tigers, and trust that you will take the conservationist approach and start caring for our environment and practising catch, photo, release.

 

 Coral Trout

This species is considered as our most commonly known and most popular reef species to capture on the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit the maze of reef systems dotted along our coastline and are normally caught by bait fishing methods. They are however caught at times using poppers and lures cast around shallow reef bommies.

They fight really hard when they hook-up trying to surge back into their cave amongst the reef. This is when the angler must stop them in their tracks, turn their head and persuade them to the surface. This first impact is very hard hitting and many an angler has lost this battle for this prized fish. Once the fish has been prevented from diving back into the reef they tend to come to the surface a lot easier.

Coral Trout can grow to 20kg and can be caught all year round. Their firm white flesh and mild flavour is famous worldwide. Minimum size - 38cm

 

 

The red emperor is considered by most as the ultimate reef fishing capture. These extremely slow growing fish take over 5 years before they can reproduce successfully and therefore have a large minimum size limit. They inhabit a variety of areas on the reef but the bigger models seem to prefer the rubbly ground and bommies in deep water. They are caught using bait fishing methods for this reason. With a huge head and broad shoulders these fish pack a serious punch once hooked. They pull really hard and offer surging runs. These fish will fight for every inch through the water column until it is boated. Their fighting capabilities are legendary.

Red emperor can grow to 20kg and their beautiful firm flesh is considered the cream of the crop of all reef fishing species by many. Minimum size 55cm

 

 

Also known as sea perch these fish can be caught in the small mouth and large mouth variety. The small mouth is generally smaller in size and a bit slimmer, whilst the large mouth grow much bigger and bulkier with a larger head. They are generally found in large schools in the deep waters with rubbly ground or near a grouping of deep bommies. For this reason they are mostly caught using bait fishing methods and can be enticed using lures in a jigging motion.

 

These fish offer great angling fighting stubbornly once hooked. As they come through the water column the bigger species will kick and punch all the way to the boat. Small mouth grow to 8kg whilst the large mouth will grow to 20kg. Their flesh is firm and has excellent eating qualities. Minimum size 40cm

 

 

There are many varieties of trevally which travel the Great Barrier Reef system in schools looking for schools of bait to feed on. They are nomadic and can turn up unexpectedly turning a mild fishing session into a wild fishing session. They are true fighters in all facets and offer great angling opportunities. Our more common species you come across whilst reef fishing include gold spot trevally, tea-leaf trevally, golden trevally and bludger trevally .

Trevally can be caught by bait fishing, trolling, casting or jigging as they tend to work the bait schools the entire water column. They often are encountered whilst targeting the same grounds as the nannygai and turn up as a commendable by-catch. The golden, gold spot and tea-leaf species are considered highly as a table fish when eaten fresh.

 

 

 

This fish is the iconic fish of the tropics which people travel vast distances to catch. Their beautiful silver flanks and aerial fighting capabilities are legendary. They are caught in all our rivers, creeks, estuary systems, beaches and headlands along our coastline. They are most aggressive between the months of September to mid May and go into a slumber during the coolest months. They must also be released between the start of November to the end of January during their breeding season. Barramundi begin their lives as males and turn into females around the 65-75cm range.

 

Barramundi are targeted in a variety of methods with lure fishing and live bait fishing being the most common. They are a challenging fish to engage and some expertise is necessary to be successful at capturing them. Once hooked they will jump to dislodge the hooks and are very efficient in achieving this. They also offer deep surging runs into snags presenting further challenges. Once caught though they are considered a trophy fish and catching one exceeding the one metre mark is considered by many as the equivalent of a 1000lb marlin.

The barramundi which reside predominantly in the salt water as opposed to the brackish water offer the better eating qualities. Minimum size 58cm - Maximum 120cm Australian East Coast.

 

 

This species is highly regarded as the hardest hitting fish on our coastline. They are very aggressive in nature and patrol their habitat with intent. They are caught all year round and turn up the heat in the warmer months. They are caught live baiting, dead baiting and lure fishing and tend to be found around structures such as fallen trees, submerged logs, rock walls and mangrove edges. They begin their lives in our river and estuaries and grow up to 55cm before heading offshore to live on our outer reefs and become a prized reef species where their mean demeanour only grows in stature. Their eating qualities are considered by many to be the best product available in our rivers and estuaries.

 

 

Also known as golden snapper in northern parts, these fish are rated very highly for their eating and fighting abilities. Being from the same family as the mangrove jack they possess all the same quality attributes but do prefer slightly different habitats. They tend to prefer the deeper holes and channels in our rivers holding some form of structure and bait. They are best targeted using live bait presented close to their home. Because they reside in the deeper water they are best targeted in between the change of the tides or on neap tides when the current is less. They have been known to venture into the shallows across the flats in search of food. As they grow larger they will head offshore and reside along our coastal headlands and inshore reefs. They can be caught all year round becoming more aggressive in the warmer months. Fingermark are an extremely slow growing fish and take many years to reach maturity. Their flesh is sweet and firm and considered a delicacy. Minimum size 45cm.

 

 

The highly sort after giant or talang queenfish is targeted for its sensational sporting attributes. Once hooked they are acrobatically spectacular to watch as they dance and cartwheel across the surface. The bigger models up to one metre and more will also offer powerful runs on top of the aerial stunts. They can be caught all year round and can grow up to a powerful 12kg. They travel up and down the coast and enter our systems on a rising tide sometimes travelling miles upstream. They will also tend to congregate along headlands and inshore islands where bait schools gather. They swim with intent and speed looking to run down any prey in their wake. They can be targeted by a variety of methods with live baiting, trolling lures and casting surface poppers as the most effective. They are considered purely as a sportfish and are generally released. Minimum size 50cm.

 

 

On rising tides these fish enter our rivers and creeks in schools and are mainly the juvenile to the medium models, however bigger species will venture in as well at various times. They will travel for miles upstream at can take up residency in deeper holes at times for a short period. They like to feed on small bait schools and can create quite a frenzy when they attack as a group. They are caught most effectively using live bait, or casting smaller lures, poppers or saltwater flies. They are present all year round but do prefer cleaner conditions as they rely heavily on sight to ambush their prey. There are a variety of species which reside along our coastline with giant trevally and golden trevally being a couple of the more common known species. Golden trevally are the only species worth keeping for consumption.

 

 

Also locally known as grunter, these fish seem to go under the radar but the reality is they are a superb fish to catch and consume. They seem to prefer river entrances and mangrove flats along the coast and also further upstream. They are best targeted in these shallow waters on a rising tide and during low light periods. They can be caught using live bait or fresh dead baits. They can grow up to 55cm plus and at this size are a worthy adversary on the end of the line. Their eating qualities are excellent. Minimum size 40cm. 

 

We pay homage to the Black and Blue Marlin and boast the best marlin grounds in the world. Statistically 85% of the world’s 1000lb plus fish are caught on our local grounds of the Great Barrier Reef. From all corners of the globe anglers arrive on our doorstep to achieve what many consider as the Holy Grail of Fishing.

 

During the months of September to December the bigger females arrive from the Pacific Ocean to breed with our smaller male stallions which reside all year round. This congregation occurs on the edge of the continental shelf adjacent to our outer reef systems only 30 miles from the coast. Port Douglas has the quickest access to these grounds anywhere along the east coast.

 

The use of game vessels is paramount to handle the furious pace of this fishing once hooked-up to a marlin. They are extremely strong and have extremely dynamic fighting capabilities launching into the air and offer surging runs at lightning speed.

 

With modern technology many fights average 15-30 minutes in length but many have been known to last several hours. 80lb-130lb reels are used to tame these beauties during the breeding season and 30lb-50lb stand-up tackle is used outside of this for the smaller resident models. Trolling big skip baits is the industry standard for the bigger fish but they also are caught on game fishing skirted lures and garfish rigs (more so the smaller male species and blue marlin).

 

An experienced specialised crew is essential to be successful at this pursuit because it’s claimed as the pinnacle of fishing achievements. It’s Formula One Grand Prix Fishing and simply a pure adrenalin rush you’ll never forget.

Marlin are released as standard industry practice.

 

 

We are blessed to have a resident population of these fish on our local grounds all year round. They do however appear in better numbers during the warmer months and become an awesome by-catch to the marlin. Once the marlin breeding season switches off these classic fish continue to show up for a month or two later on the same grounds.

 

They are awesome sport on 30lb-50lb stand up gear and offer a visual display on the surface like no other. They will take game skirted lures and garfish rigs. The photos taken of your catch onboard are nothing short of spectacular and leave you with long life memories. Fish sizes vary up to 100kg.

Sailfish are released as standard industry practice.

 

 

Our outer reef systems and the continental shelf offer an array of tuna species including yellowfin tuna and dogtooth tuna as the preferred species. At anytime of the year we can produce these powerful fish with the warmer months peaking. They work in schools rounding up baitfish and multiple hook-ups are common.

A variety of methods are employed to catch these fish including trolling, jigging and spin casting. They offer tremendous angling opportunities with powerful runs and models can range up to 40kg plus. They are all part of the light and heavy game fishing process and add to the spectacle on the Great Barrier Reef.

Tuna are considered a very worthy catch to keep and consume and ideal for sashimi dishes.

 

 

Also known as El Dorado and Mahi Mahi. A classic fish which appears on the fresh currents of the continental shelf and outer reef edges during the warmer months. These fish party hard and die young but can grow up to 20kg in only 4 years of living. They are part of the package which arrives along with an array of pelagic species and are considered highly as a sporting fish. They tend to hunt in packs searching for their quarry and once hooked they will parade mostly on the surface.

 

Once in the boat their ever changing colours are the best in the angling world as their skin exhibits transforming gold, green, lime, purple and aqua colours. They are often caught when targeting tuna and Spanish mackerel/ wahoo using light tackle game fishing methods attacking a variety of lures. Dolphin fish are considered an excellent quarry to keep and consume. Minimum size - 50cm

 

 

These fish are the ultimate speedsters of the ocean hitting lures at incredible speeds. We see them at their peak later in the year in big numbers from October - January on the continental shelf edge and are mostly caught using stand-up light game fishing gear. They will attack a variety of lures but can’t resist a high speed skirted lure trolled at around 6-8 knots.

 

Once hooked they offer blistering runs one after the other and are a formidable catch. They are often found in schools and multiple hook-ups are very common once you’ve run across these fish. They can reach up to 40kg.

Wahoo are considered as a top rated species to keep and consume. Minimum size - 75cm

 

 

Our Great Barrier Reef system is riddled with these ultimate light tackle adversaries. Using high quality spinning rods and blooping large popper lures across the surface is the best tactic to attract the attention of a giant trevally. Sourcing bait schools which are nervously twitching on the surface along the reef edges often will often have a Gt hovering nearby. The popper action resembles an injured baitfish and consequently will be ambushed.

Once hooked Gt’s pound for pound are arguably the hardest fighting fish on the planet. They fight hard and dirty, have incredible power and have earned the reputation as the ‘thugs of the sea’. Anglers and tackle are tested to the absolute limit and thus the Gt is a trophy fish. Being a pure sportfish they are released upon capture.

 

 

Closely related to the wahoo species these fish are built for speed and are found along our entire Great Barrier Reef system and along the continental shelf. Trolling a variety of lures or rigged garfish these fish hit at lightning speed and offer a series of blistering runs. They fight with pulsating vigour all the way to the boat and are your classical light game fish using 8-15kg class line.

 

Often they will be found in large schools as they collectively herd up bait schools on the surface. They patrol the deep reef edges and open grounds and can grow to 40kg. They are a very popular species to target and are a highly regarded sporting fish. They can be caught all year round but turn up in larger numbers in the cooler months. Spanish mackerel have a beautiful firm flesh and their flavour is extremely widely appreciated. Minimum size - 75cm

 

Bucktailing for Spring Time Stripers                             

Written by Capt. Paul Peluso      

Saturday, 20 March 2010 22:20

Written on March 20 2010.

 

 

As the sounds of St.Patrick s day bag pipers echo in my head I begin to look for the tail tell signs of spring. As each flower and tree starts to bloom I can t wait for the pear trees to blossom and turn white, for I know as soon as I see them along Wm Floyd Pkwy (Suffolk, NY) blooming the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) have come in and there hungry to feed.

 

In the spring the Striped Bass along with many other game fish come into the bay to spawn in the warmer waters in and around rivers and tributaries, when the bait fish show up the Striped Bass start gorging they are voracious eaters. They ll eat all most any kind of fish, crustaceans, worms, frogs, insects, crabs you name it. If it can swallow it whole the striped bass will eat it.

 

Sand Eels all over in the spring

 

Once the water temps hits mid to upper 50 s the striped bass head for these areas to spawn. The males show up 1st with the bigger females right behind making there way up the rivers and tributaries. This is a what we call the spring run. Some of these fish have swam from as far away as North Carolina or swam down from the Hudson River. Opening day in the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge is March 16th south of the bridge we have to wait till April 15th starting in the western long Island and making there way out to me by the last week of April. This is when Double headers are commonly caught.

 

Capt.Paul and Dean

 

Bob Hageman with a double header

 

Some of my favorite tactics for catching striped bass is a 1 to 1.5 oz blue frog bucktail with a uncle josh pork rind trailer. Some of you are saying what is he talking about let me break it down. The weight of the buck tail co insides with the depth of the water you are fishing. 0-5 a good choice would be 1/2 oz to 1 oz. The depths I usually fish are around 10 and I like to throw a 1.25 or 1.5 oz bucktail in this situation. If I m fishing in 20 of water I will go with a heavier bucktail like a 2 oz or may even go up to 3 oz depending on the current. In some areas you even have to use a three way swivel with much heavier lead up to 16 oz sometimes and a 6 leader attached to 1.5 oz bucktail. But for now lets stick with shallow bay fishing like I do in Moriches bay. Also there are many kinds of Bucktail jigs to pick from,

 

Assorted types of bucktails

 

Spro, Smiley Bill s, Andrus to name a few but my favorite is the Blue Frog Arrow Head Swing Hook.

 

BLUEFROG BUCKTAILS WITH SWING HOOK

 

I like the Swing Hook because of the hook up ratio. No matter which way the fish hits the lure you have the best chance of a hook up with the swing over a fixed hook. But that s just my preference. And last but one of the most important parts of bucktail s is what to tip it with. I m a big fan of Uncle Josh to me there s nothing better and it comes in many sizes and colors.

 

Uncle Josh Pork Rinds in assorted color and sizes

 

In the spring I like to use green and white or all white bucktail with red split tail josh or yellow or even green depending on the bait that day. I also like to add a spearing or sand eel teaser tied using a dropper loop about 1 above the bucktail. This will increase your odds until the Blue Fish show up then you ll want to remove the teaser and bucktail and go with a diamond jig or they ll just rip that pretty combo to shreds.

 

Teasers Double your odds

 

But if the color combos and teasers are getting to much, go with an all White 1.5 oz BlueFrog Bucktail and Red Josh you can t go wrong with that combo. Check out the pictures below.

 

One more important thing to do when throwing Bucktail s especially in the spring is a slow retrieve. Just fast enough to keep it off the bottom but slow enough for the Bass to bite it. Once you find that magic retrieve speed and your bucktail is in the strike zone you ll be hooked up before you know it...

 

One more important thing I think you need to know is where to look for these fish. What you want to do is look for any large body of shallow water flowing into a deeper area. Because the sun heats up these waters on the flats all day long an afternoon bite with a out going tide usually produces a lot of fish. In Moriches there are several places I can find this scenario and you can find thses drop offs in any body of water especially on the south shore.

Written by Peter J. Park

 

Evolutionary Relationships: The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is the largest member of the Family Moronidae ("The Temperate Basses") which also includes the local White Perch (Morone americana). Fish from this family are commonly found in coastal waters of North America and Europe. The striped bass is evolutionarily a true bass, unlike the largemouth bass.

 

 

Distribution: Generally, there are two major migrations of striped bass along the northeast U.S. coast. The north shore of New York City and Long Island provide habitat for striped bass that were born in the Hudson River. In contrast, a majority of the striped bass found on the south shore of New York City and Long Island derive from Chesapeake Bay. Remaining populations are substantially smaller but undergo similar migrations, despite deriving from other rivers, estuaries, and tributaries across the northeast coastline. Successful management of just the Chesapeake Bay stock has been pivotal for the survival of this species. At one time, about 90% of the Atlantic stock of sea-run striped bass came from the Chesapeake.

 

Feeding Habits: The striped bass is an opportunistic feeder. They are a voracious predator of various species of vertebrates (e.g., fishes) and invertebrates (e.g., squid, crustaceans, molluscs, worms).

　

　

　

Reproductive Biology: In late winter, most striped bass populations migrate back to their home freshwater rivers and tributaries to mark the end of their Fall migration. In contrast, the Chesapeake stock overwinters in offshore waters but migrate up into the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in the Spring when it is time to breed. Breeding occurs in late April to June. Female striped bass first spawn between ages of 4 to 8 years. Males reach sexual maturity at ages 2 or 3. Almost all fish over 30lbs are female since males rarely live longer than 10 years. The largest striped bass ever recorded was caught with a net off North Carolina and weighed a mammoth 125lbs!

 

US Fishing Interest: EXTREMELY HIGH

Striped bass angling has entranced fishermen for decades. Millions of dollars are spent each year on striped bass-related merchandise and fishing tackle. One of the most expensive spinning reels available in today’s fishing market is designed for specifically surf fishing for striped bass. Many anglers have dedicated their entire lives pursuing a trophy striper often at the abandonment of chasing any other gamefish.

 

What is it about the striped bass that makes it arguably the ideal gamefish? The table quality of the striped bass is magnificent. The aesthetic appeal is unmatched- its silver and blue hues, the dotted lines that streak across the body, and even the eyes and large gaping mouth will make a bystander stare in awe at its beauty. Most importantly, this fish regularly ventures into shallow waters, making it accessible to anglers from the shore. In fact, the world record striped bass (78lbs 8oz) was caught off a jetty by a surf fisherman in Atlantic City, NJ. The striped bass is arguably the most intensely pursued gamefish by shore anglers along the entire northeast U.S. coast. From Maine down to North Carolina, millions of anglers cast out lures (called "plugs" by NY locals) or bait (called "chunks" by NY locals) trying to entice a mammoth migrating striped bass to bite. When the spring or fall migration is in full swing, it is not uncommon for surf fishermen to prepare themselves for an extreme streak of fishing at any cost. D. J. Muller, author of The Surfcaster’s Guide to the Striper Coast eloquently describes this pursuit as follows:

　

"Surfcasting for striped bass is an experience rich in emotions, special places and unique people. Depending upon how well you know one of them, surfcasters are a special breed of fishermen; sometimes hard to get to know, seemingly half crazy in their quest, exceptionally dedicated and extremely clannish. They face special challenges, but also reap memorable rewards that most mere mortal never get to see, feel or brag about. The entire experience of surfcasting is one to be nursed and cherished for many years, and passed on to the next generation. Toss into the mix a combination of loyal friendships, solitude, a spellbinding ocean, a small army of unforgettable characters, and an absolutely amazing gamefish, and you have all the ingredients for an incredible lifelong fishing journey." (pg. 15)

 

World Record:

Al McReynolds with his world record striped bass of 78lb 8oz:

　

　

The story of the biggest striped bass ever to be caught by man is the most popular big fish story of our time, and it is also nothing short of controversial.

 

The battle in the water: A 36-year old Al McReynolds, a beach patrolman working the Atlantic City beaches, stood off a rock jetty on September 21, 1982. It was then that the record-breaking striped bass met the black back 5 ½" silver minnow that would become its last meal. McReynolds told reporters that it took four hours to fight this fish in the middle of a vicious Nor easter storm. Despite his exhausted state, he was still able to grasp the behemoth cow bass through the gills to mark the end of the battle. Luckily, a fishing friend was with him that night to help lift McReynolds with his trophy fish back to safety.

 

The battle out of the water: The catch brought only a moment of fame and fortune for McReynolds. If he knew of the infamy that this fish would bring, he said that would have cut the line and let the fish go. As consequences of his newfound fame, he lost ties with close family members and completely stopped speaking to the very friend who rescued him from the crashing waves that one perilous evening. Reportedly, upon attaining prize money for this fish, he gave much of it away to needy strangers, friends, and family without seeking recognition or reimbursement. Much of the next few years would be marked by bouts with angry fishermen and routine gossip over the credibility of his fish story. McReynolds and his family currently reside in Beverly, Massachusetts. His sons are decorated striped bass tournament winners with one son once crowned American fisherman sportsman of the year.

 

- Today, fishing for striped bass has produced a cultural phenomena peppered with custom-designed rods, reels, lures, clothing, and even four-wheel drive beach vehicles.

- Before the 1980’s, striped bass were so numerous such that size restrictions or bag limits were nonexistent. However, when the striped bass fishery was almost on the brink of extinction in the early 80 s, the government enacted the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act in 1984. This moratorium was a rare but welcomed success. The Hudson River and Chesapeake Bay populations of sea-run striped bass rebounded most successfully in recent years. http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/Striper.htm:

 

"Since colonial days, East Coast fishermen have delighted in the striped bass, a migratory fish known for its size and fighting ability. Striped bass have long been an important commercial and game fish from North Carolina to Maine. During the 1970s and 1980s, striped bass declined alarmingly, especially in the Chesapeake, once the spawning and nursery ground for nearly 90 percent of the Atlantic population. From a record commercial catch of 14.7 million pounds in 1973, the harvest dropped to 1.7 million pounds just 10 years later. Sport fishermen reported an equally severe drop in their harvest. This decline translated into a loss of about 7,000 jobs and $220 million in 1980. Causes for the decline were numerous and interwoven. They included overfishing, pollution and the degradation or loss of habitat. Recently, due to improved management techniques, a hatchery program and increased public awareness, the striper population has improved." 　

　

ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS CONSERVATION ACT

16 U.S.C. § 1851 note, October 31, 1984, as amended 1986, 1988, 1991 and 1993.

Overview. This Act recognizes the commercial and recreational importance of Atlantic striped bass and establishes a consistent management scheme for its conservation. Coastal states that fail to adhere to the required management plan are subject to a striped bass fishing moratorium enforced by the federal government. The Act also requires an annual survey of striped bass fisheries in the coastal states.

 

Findings/Policy. Congress found: Atlantic striped bass have historic importance and economic benefit to the Atlantic coastal states and the nation; certain stocks of Atlantic striped bass are severely reduced in number due to increased fishing pressure, pollution, loss and alteration of habitat, and inadequate fishery conservation practices; because no single governmental entity has full management authority for the fish, state regulation has been inconsistent and intermittent, resulting in harm to their long-term maintenance; effective interjurisdictional species conservation and management is in the national interest. The purpose of the Act is to support and encourage the development, implementation and enforcement of effective interstate conservation and management of the Atlantic striped bass. § 1851 note (§ 2).

 

Selected Definitions. Coastal States: Pennsylvania; states bordering the Atlantic north of South Carolina; District of Columbia; Potomac River Fisheries Commission. Commission: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Plan: Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Striped Bass prepared by the Commission, dated October 1, 1981 and all amendments related to striped bass fishing. Secretaries: Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior. § 1851 note (§ 3).

Plan Compliance and Moratorium. The Commission must determine at least annually whether each coastal state has adopted all regulatory measures necessary to implement the Plan, and whether each coastal state s enforcement of the Plan is satisfactory. The Commission must notify the Secretaries of any negative determination. If the Secretaries jointly determine that a coastal state is not in compliance with the Plan, they must declare a moratorium on fishing for Atlantic striped bass within the coastal waters of that state.

 

During a moratorium, it is unlawful to: catch, take or harvest Atlantic striped bass, or attempt to do so, within the restricted area; land or attempt to land Atlantic striped bass taken in violation of the moratorium; land lawfully harvested Atlantic striped bass within the boundaries of a coastal state under moratorium; fail to return to the water Atlantic striped bass to which the moratorium applies that are caught incidental to commercial or recreational harvesting. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to civil penalty imposed by the Secretaries. Vessels used in violation, along with fish taken, are subject to forfeiture to the federal government.

 

The Secretaries are responsible for enforcing moratoriums declared under this Act. By agreement, to enforce the Act the Secretaries may use personnel and facilities of federal agencies and coastal state agencies, and enforcement authorities provided in the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. § 1851 note (§§ 4 and 5).

 

Annual Survey. The Secretaries must conduct a comprehensive annual survey of the Atlantic striped bass fisheries. The survey, to be published in the Federal Register, must include a compilation and assessment of the recreational and commercial landings of the species in the coastal states. § 1851 note (§ 6).

 

Appropriations Authorized. Congress authorized appropriations necessary to carry out the Act for fiscal years 1986-1994. The Secretaries may use appropriated funds to support financially the Commission s functions under this Act. § 1851 note (§ 7).

　

Muller, D. J. 2007. The Surfcaster s Guide to the Striper Coast. Burford Books: USA.

Murdy, E. O., Birdsong, R. S., and Musick, J. A. 1997. Fishes of the Chesapeake Bay. Smithsonian Institution Press: Washington.

Chesapeake Bay Program website: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/Info/striped_bass.cfm

Striper’s 247 website: http://www.stripers247.com/index.html

Noreast Fishing Newsletter website: http://www.noreast.com

 

Written by Peter J. Park 

 

Few would disagree that sharks are truly the most magnificent creatures in our oceans. Traditional methods used to catch sharks on hook-and-line usually involve stiff, stout rods and powerful conventional reels. Recently (March 8, 2010) on a deepwater jigging trip out of Wilmington, North Carolina with Capt. Mike Jackson of Liveline Charters, we tried something different, something unorthodox, but still something that tickles the mind of every offshore shark fisherman every now and then - we tried catching big sharks on spinning gear!

 

Would you believe it if I told you that the primary target species of our March 8, 2010 trip was NOT shark? We were on a deepwater jigging (also called vertical jigging or Japanese-style jigging) trip. In fact, on such trips, sharks are considered troublesome bycatch, analogous to how bluefish wreak unwanted havoc on a trip targeting striped bass. Our primary objective was to catch large amberjack, African pompano, blackfin tuna, cobia, and/or wahoo. Our trip began with good action of amberjack, but then the sharks found us. The sign of sharks is simple – lines snap or our primary catches come up mauled, mangled, or beheaded.

 

Author with Gag Grouper that was partially eaten by a shark on the way up to the boat.

 

Sometimes, a shark will even hook itself while mauling your catch; it isn’t uncommon to fight a fish to the boat only to find an amberjack head dangling beside a shark that accidently found the assist hook of your jig. You can also catch shark on jigs alone, without the help of any bait. For methods describing how to jig offshore gamefishes and shark while deepwater jigging, please see the BFTC original article "Getting Vertical- What’s All That Jigging About?",

 

Once the shark attacks get out of hand, Capt. Jackson will head over to a new spot hoping to avoid these toothy creatures once and for all. But on this trip, the shark were everywhere ever present at each of the next four spots. Were they following boat? Possibly, but who knows? Anyhow, it seemed like the sharks were going to be constant presence, so Capt. Jackson asked if we wanted to turn this deepwater jigging charter into a sharking charter. We all looked at each other and figured, "Sure, why not?" We didn’t expect the trip to come to this, but we welcomed it! And, to our surprise, we were about to be shocked with a new form of fun on our spinning setups.

 

200+lb Dusky Shark caught on Spinning Gear.

 

Capt. Jackson asked and then proceeded to rig up my friend’s jigging rod (FISHERMAN Spinoza short 5121) with a special rig: 12 inches of #9 single strand American fishing wire with a Gamakatsu 8/0 hook tied with a haywire twist. (These rigs were prepared by Capt. Jackson before the trip in case we ran into wahoo.) On the rod, a Shimano Stella 20000 reel was already spooled with 100lb braid (Daiwa Saltiga Braid PE8) tied via a Page-Ranking (PR) Knot to about 12 ft of 200lb monofilament shock leader. An alternative and equally strong connection to such a thick leader is to tie a Bimini twist on the main braided line to be looped once (or twice) onto a wind-on leader.

 

 

Capt. Mike Jackson s wahoo rig what serves also as a great shark rig, 12 inches of #9 single strand American fishing wire with a Gamakatsu 8/0 hook tied with a haywire twist.

 

Capt. Jackson grabbed a 24" King Mackerel from the fish box that was caught by one of us earlier in the day. He cut the head and put it on a hook. When it was time to let the line out, one lucky angler let the bait drift out for a good 50 ft. The drag was set at about 15lbs and before he could even close the bail, he was on!!!! He set the hook with about 2-3 firm pumps of the rod while cupping the spool. The drag setting was increased incrementally as needed and eventually reached up to 25lbs. With ferocious head shakes and long-winded blistering runs, the shark took the angler and towed the boat at times with alarming intensity! After 10 minutes, the big burly 200+lb dusky shark made its way to the boat and we had our first shark on bait (and not on jigs) of the day:

　

For the next shark, Capt. Jackson filleted one side of the left-over King Mackerel and cut it into front and back halves. The back half was used for this drift, and it was cut midway length-wise, giving the chunk a slit-tail presentation. The hook was placed into the flesh and out the scales side, centered about one inch from the front end. Again, the bait was drifted and the bail left open. A shark took the bait during the drift at about 75 ft away from the boat. Once the line got taut, the bail was closed and a strong hookset quickly followed. After a strong fight, another big dusky shark about 120lbs was landed and released.

　

For the last round, we all figured it was time to have a lot more fun. We had already had some tuna casting/popping gear on the boat should we run into something interesting on topwater. Well, so far, these rods were getting nothing but a fancy sunburn. Soon enough though, it would be time to pull one off its fanny and on to a hefty shark to the other end. The shark bite had already slowed down a bit at this point, but just then, we see a HUGE hammerhead (estimated 10 ft long) swim across the bow of the boat. My friend got his popping rod (FISHERMAN Big Game 82RS) ready and the bait was set to go. Unlike before, after letting the chunk drift for about 50-75 ft, the rod was set in a rod holder alongside the boat and the drag was backed off substantially to about 10-15lbs. Sure enough, the reel starts going off after a couple of minutes. Man, I never heard a Daiwa Dogfight sing so darn hard!!!!! Could this be the hammerhead? Very likely. During its first run, a couple of solid hooksets put the hook square into the jaw of the big shark. The drag was increased during the run to slow the animal down, but after 150 yds of line peeled off the reel in 15 seconds, everyone knew this was a different class of beast than the other sharks we landed. I will let the video speak for the rest of the fight. This sure was a fish of a lifetime….

 

　Angler fighting a 400+lbs Hammerhead Shark on Tuna Popping Gear.

 

In conclusion, can shark fishing be accomplished with spinning gear? Absolutely! Although we didn’t set out to do it, we got it done whether drifting or with the rod left alone in a holder. I think everyone would agree that landing big fish all depends on having the right gear. The rod needs be strong, and the reel needs to have stout drag capabilities (30+lbs) along with significant line capacity (over 350 yds) for hefty braided line (80lb+ braid). I am sure these numbers can be refined further with trial-and-error, but for our purposes, they sure did the work and man was it fun! Our gear was initially prepared for deepwater jigging for amberjack and topwater casting for large bluefin tuna. Such gear can provide a reference from which to refine the shark-on-spinning methods. However, be warned - take care not to over-exert the limits of your gear and be mindful of what it was originally designed to do. Here is a video of one such case gone very wrong:

　

We at BFTC hope that this shark-on-spinning article is a start to a popular new trend in big game fishing for these awesome cartilaginous predators.

For starters, here are some recommendations for tackle suitable for shark fishing on spinning gear (only domestic products shown):

1. Spinning Reels

A- Reels (>$500):

Model Make Line Capacity

(for braided line, 100lbs strength, diameter PE8)

Stella SW18000 Shimano 330yds

Stella SW20000 Shimano 400yds

Twinspin SR30-L Accurate 400yds

Saltiga Z Dog Fight 6500 Daiwa 350yds

Saltiga SA-Z 6000 Daiwa 330yds

B- Reels (<$500):

Model Make Line Capacity

(for braided line, 100lbs strength, diameter PE8)

Saragosa 18000 Shimano 330yds

Saltist stt6500h Daiwa 330 yds

2. Jigging Rods (primarily designed for large pelagic gamefishes like tuna and amberjack)

Model Make Length Rating*

VJS410-500 Van Staal 4 10" 500g (rated based on maximal weight of jig used)

SA-JG 59XXHFS Daiwa 5 9" 80-200lbs (rated based on braided line strength)

PJS52XH Star 5 2" 50-100lbs (rated based on braided line strength)

* Should you consider import rods from companies such as Jigging Master, Smith, FISHERMAN, Patriot, etc., these rods will be rated based on maximal weight of jig used (and not line strength). For shark greater than 100lbs, no import rod rated less than 400g should be used. As a general rule, consider for every 100g of jig rated for the rod, 40lbs of fish weight satisfactorily landed. For example, a 400g-jig rated rod should be able to haul a (40 x 4 = )160lbs shark without much grief. However, this formula will vary slightly depending on the make and model. Please also note that these are ballpark numbers and there is no formalized method set up for rating rods with fish weight; these are just our suggestions based on experience.

3. Popping Rods (primarily designed for bluefin tuna)

Model Make Length Rating

Tuna Sniper OTI 8 6" 40-60lbs (rated based on braided line strength)

Tuna Sniper OTI 8 6" 50-80lbs (rated based on braided line strength)

FYI - all rods and reels are available right now at Fisherman Depot!

 

Bluefin Tuna on the Free Spirit and Full Ahead from Southern New Jersey       

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 21:36 

It is 1:30 in the morning, The boat is fueled and ready.  Capt. Steve and Capt. Bob ( A.K.A.Captain Killsh%t) because when folks ask what we will do today, Bob’s answer is,” We’re gonna kill sh#t and get the boat bloody.”  We have 2 boats and if the fish are south, we run the Full Ahead out of Cape May.  If they are to the North, we run the Free Spirit out of Margate, NJ.

 

 

Having this option allows us to save an hour or more running time each way and so gives you more fishing time. Between these 2 captains, they have over 50 years of experience in these waters.   By 2:00 A.M., everyone has set their rods in the rod racks and we have checked to see who will need tackle since we have Fin Nor trolling and jigging rods on board for your use.  We slip the lines and the engine purrs as we slide out into the channel and out the inlet.  Now is the time that veteran anglers have staked out one of the Vee berths forward or found another comfortable spot to catch some shut eye.  Of course, as we run of many guys just want to be part of what we are doing and so watch with interest the different displays that light up the console.  We are very happy to explain what we are doing , and answer any questions they may have.  It is all part of the excitement and we all love it.  As we get closer to the grounds, Steve and Bob check everyone’s gear and make sure that their tackle is ready to go.  We keep wind on leaders and jigs of all the good colors on the boat and are very happy to help you rig if you need help.

 

 

Before you know it, we are where the fish are and the sun is just rising.  Steve sets the boat on course, and Bob sometimes runs out a few lines to troll the big Bluefin.  We only troll to find the fish.  We figure it is better to have some baits in the water and perhaps get a shot at some fish than to just run around looking.  We also catch other fish like Dolphin, Wahoo, and Marlin, as well as Yellowfin tuna on occasion when trolling.  Of course, if you have tackle suitable to troll with, we welcome it and will use it so you catch fish on your own rod.  As we troll, Steve is constantly monitoring the Radio, and the Fish Finder gathering information as to just what is happening.  Many  days, especially if we had the fish jigging over the past few days, we run to where they are and start jigging immediately and skip the trolling.  Every day is different.

 

 

Suddenly, Steve shouts out,” There they are.  Down 120 feet.” and Bob has everyone ready to drop their jigs. If you have not done this before, don’t worry because we will be happy to show you the ropes.  As soon as the jigs hit the right depth, there are shouts of “Fish ON” and the fun begins.  The cockpit on the boats is 13’x13’.  There is a load of room to move when the fish does.  When these big tuna eat a jig, they often just stop it as it is falling.  When you feel that, you reel like hell to get the slack out and set the hook while keeping the line tight.  All of a sudden the line screams off your reel and it seems like it will never stop.  Don’t worry, he won’t take all 600 yards of braid. It just looks that way.

 

 

Bob or Steve will be there to guide you and any harnesses or belts will be supplied if you don’t have your own.  These are big fish.  Most last year were 60”+ and weighed from 120-190 lb.  They are , in my opinion, the hardest fighting fish we catch and you will be a while.  While you are hooked up, others will still be jigging and multiple hookups are not unusual.  When the fish gets near the boat, he often will be straight down doing circles.  This is when the work gets harder because  you will have to lift him to get line.  Just about when  you are ready to give up, someone shouts,”Color” and there he is!  Bob and Steve get ready and when he gets close enough, they will gaff him and hoist him into the boat.

 

 

You will be amazed how tough these fish are and after you have done battle, it will be time for a cold drink and a rest.  Don’t be proud, often, 1 person just can’t whip these beasts without help from his friends.  Often, several anglers will be in on the fight on the same fish.  If all goes well, we will have great action on the jigs.  We will also be ready to chunk these fish if we need to.  A very important point is that we follow the laws as to size and number of fish absolutely.  We love to catch these fish and after we have the limit, we can release them to catch another day.  Sometime in the early afternoon, we pick up and start home.  By then, most of the folks have had a shot or 2 at these great fish and are quite happy to flop down and sleep on the trip home.  They need to rest because, most likely, they will be back and do it again.

 

 

If you would like to see some videos of these trips, please go to the website (http://freespiritsportfishing.com/Free_Spirit_Fishing_LLC/Welcome.html) and enjoy.  Be sure to make your reservations early for these trips because when the action starts in late June or early July, it may be too late to do so.

 

http://www.charterfish.com

Many trips to Georgia’s 40 Mile live bottom over the last few years proves this Spring to be far better than years past for big (Mule) Red Snapper.

 

 

As we approached the R-5 Tower, we stopped in close for a bait check around the legs of the tower. Thousands of peanut cigar minnows surrounded the north tower legs, so we picked up 50 or so and headed east as I beat myself up for not having caught any Pinfish the day before.

 

Now, lets get started! Anybody who reads my articles knows I am a bottom fisherman of many targets. After all the great bottom I have fished, I have never in my life seen a bottom marking on my Furuno Color Scope quite as intense as the one on this trip. The bottom literally "Blew Up" when we eased up to the numbers and zeroed out. We all stared in amazement at the color scope like we were possessed. A hidden photo shot would have been priceless as we stood there staring at the Furuno with our mouths hanging open in dead silence. Finally, I broke the trance. "Man, this is gonna’ be ugly!"

 

This mark was on a 10-ft. ledge at the Brunswick Snapper Banks. For whatever reason, this ledge always tends to hold more fish than any other in the area and it’s no secret fishing spot. It’s on any chart you pick up from the Georgia DNR. This intense marking rose 25 ft. off the bottom.... A charter fishing guide dream. It was simply incredible to see the textbook "fire engine red" marking stacked up high off the live bottom like this at a sharp angle into the current. This type marking is typical of hundreds of fish stacked up over the back side of a structure or ledge.

 

After a scurrying rampage to get the proper weights snapped on, we re-approached and positioned perfectly on top of the marking in 117 ft., the first drop to the bottom didn’t quite make it. At about 100 ft., the Ugly Stik 30-60 Rod dumped over the gunwale and pinned our client to the stern of the "Disco-Stik", a 31’ Contender Open Fisherman owned by Capt. Richie Lott. "Fish On"; was about all he could manage to grunt as we all screamed for him to reel, reel, reel! Hold your rod up high! The seemingly long, but brutal battle produced a 30-inch Red Snapper right out the gate. What a beauty for a starting fish!

 

As we photographed the fish and angler, another scream and feet shuffling told us another Snapper had again pinned someone to the side of the boat. This round was won by an angler who boated a Gag Grouper about 17 pounds after a furious fight on a lighter Rod that we had originally rigged for smaller Vermilion Snapper. I don’t know how the 3/0 lighter wire hook didn’t bend or break under the pressure of the deep water Grouper. We use custom made hooks by Redfishone because they do not break and it s worth the few extra bucks per hundred hooks.

 

I fish with my reels locked down as tight as the drag will go. When you hook up with a big bottom fish, you don’t want any line to leave your reel. Lock those drags down tight, keep your rod up high and hold on! It’s you and him head to head, no drag.

 

After that Grouper, we decided we had better change out all the rods rigged for Vermilion Snapper as the leader was 60 pound and the hooks were 3/0 medium. I didn’t want to take the chance of losing a large Mule or a giant Gag, so we rigged up with 150 mono leader and larger hooks.

 

 

 

We quickly had a legal limit of beautiful Red Snapper and it finally got to the point where the boy’s had enough. We were releasing 30 inch fish. Sad isn’t it? They begged for those big Mule Snapper to quit biting! After a total of 18, the tide changed and the Vermilion bite turned on. The boy’s were relieved as their rods bent only half of what they had been with the Mules.

 

A limit of Vermilion was obviously NOT going to be problem, but as each three pound "bee liner" hit the deck, it got quieter, until finally they had enough of catching fish. There is a sense of satisfaction when everyone agrees their arms and back simply can’t function properly enough to catch another fish! I don’t see this as a problem. I see it as mission accomplished!

 

You don’t need any special numbers to catch fish on the 40 - Mile Bottom. Go by the DNR office in Brunswick and pick up the public chart. There are plenty of good numbers marking ledges and outcrops that are holding these fish. It’s simply a great year for bottom fishing and this rings true for Savannah and many other places on the East Coast according to the reports I have been reading.

 

If you don’t bottom fish much, there are a few things you need to know about. First of all, those fish need to be of legal size. Depending on what State you are in, it’s usually 20 inches. Be sure and check your bag limit, too. In Georgia, it’s (2) Red Snapper per Angler. For Gag Grouper in Georgia, it’s 24 inches and (2) fish per Angler.

 

The process of releasing deep water bottom fish is critical. When releasing an undersized fish or over the limit fish, you must de-flate the air bladder of the fish to allow a safe return back to the bottom. Otherwise, the fish will float on the surface and eventually die. .

 

When your’re pitching to big deep water fish, you need a big bat to hit with. There is no better bottom fishing rod than an Ugly Stik in my book. Here is my rig for Red Snappper.

 

Ugly Stik 30-60 or 40-80 Rod

Penn Casting Reel loaded with 80 pound braided line

9/0 Redfishone Circle Hook

6 ft. of 100 Mono leader

10-16 oz. Bank Weight

90 Pound Snap Swivel

 

You can use the same rod and reel for Vermilion Snapper but change your terminal tackle a bit. Use 60 pound mono leader and (2) 5/0 circle hooks. Some anglers use one hook rigs, me included, but if those fish are biting well and you’re not on the virge of being worn out, use 2 hooks to produce numbers of fish.

 

If the fish are finicky, I will rig with a single 3/0 straight hook so I can actually set the hook instead of depending on the circle hook to do the job for me. When they won’t inhale it and mouth at it instead, you need to be able to set the hook with a stiff rod. Don’t think that was just some trash fish stealing your bait. Many times, it’s not. It s a Vermilion ripping you off!

 

Your best bet for bait is live Sardines, but some do not have the time to catch 50 of them before a trip. Frozen Sardines, Boston Mackerel and whole squid can all be purchased the day before your trip. Don’t ever depend on live bait holding where it was last trip. You know how that can change if you are an offshore fisherman.

 

Fishing videos, fishing pictures, fishing articles, fishing reports, guides and charters.

 

http://www.charterfish.com

Shark Fishing is NOT a sport of the past when using proper tactics and light tackle.

 

 

In the Modern day of fast center console boats and King Fish Tournaments we are caught up in, one of the best sports that have gone past us on the wayside is Shark Fishing.

 

We have all been there. In the middle of the Greater Jacksonville King Mackerel Tournament, the flat line gets crushed or the DownRigger clip pops and the excitement on board soars in hopes of a Smoker King on the line. Then, the roof caves in. "Man, it’s just a *&@** Shark!" This is disappointment at best during times of competition. Aside from the Tournament agony these fish cause, you may want to consider what a ride that shark gave you while you had him on.

 

As much as some anglers hate to deal with the toothy critters, catch and release Shark Fishing has become a big time sport among recreational fishermen, and when I say fishermen, I am speaking of men, women and children.

 

The days of killing 14 ft. Tiger Sharks, Bulls and Hammerheads are over for several reasons. Some anglers consider this kind of killing to be inhumane just to have a Jaw full of teeth on the wall.

 

The biggest reason we don’t see a lot of big Sharks being caught today, is many of the larger fish are gone! They are far and few in between and each year their numbers decline due to Shark Netters and Long Liners in certain areas.

 

Shark Fins are a hot commodity in Asia. These people pay top dollar for these fins, and due to supply and demand, we really need to take extra care of this fishery before Sharks become a fish of the past.

 

The good news is, the smaller Inshore species (20 – 150 Pounds) are still plentiful in most Coastal areas. Black Tips, Spinners, Lemons, Browns and Black Nose Sharks engulf areas that hole up baitfish or have trawlers working in the area.

 

As a Charter Boat Guide and IGFA World Record Holder for a Black Tip Shark, I can tell you these fish pull like no other in the Coastal Waters. I would rate the battle right up there with a Tarpon in fight comparison.

 

Last year, I saw so many Sharks swimming around my boat on several trips; it honestly made me a bit nervous. With younger anglers on the rod and the drag set at an uncomfortable 13 pounds, I had visions of the angler falling over board into the infestation in our chum slick. It’ll get your blood pumping when you see all those 100-pound toothies prowling around your boat.

 

 

There is no easier way to catch these Coastal Sharks than behind a Shrimp Boat. These fish gather around the bags of the nets in hopes of chomping on anything that falls out while the trawling is underway.

 

When the nets are raised, the Captain normally slows the boat to an idle speed while the bags are dumped onto the deck for culling. All the small fish and worthless By-Catch is literally "Snow Shoveled" out of the giant scupper holes on the deck.

 

This is the dinner bell for many species of sharks as they have followed for an hour or more waiting for this moment. The myth about Dolphins running off Sharks is proven at this time. Those Sharks get right up there and feed with the Dolphins as they work themselves into a frenzy.

 

Now and then you will see the Black Tip Sharks get up in the air and do a barrel roll right off the bow. That’s always special when you’re standing on the bow looking around for a large fish to target and a 130 pounder decides to breathe some fresh air. I promise you, if it’s close enough, you won’t ever forget it!

 

When the Shrimp Boats trawl, their nets are directly on the bottom. This leaves a tell tale brown slick behind the boat for a mile or so.

 

You’ll notice Dolphins running in and out of the slick and Jack Crevalle will sometimes be feeding on the surface, too. The one thing you can’t miss, is that giant fin roaming through the mud slick in confusion as he hunts down the food source.

 

This is the time to put out the lines. Normally, there is no need to get too comfortable, especially if you have spotted fish on the surface. In fact, if you are positioned correctly in the slick, you won’t have time to put the reel in gear, so watch your tumbs!

 

All you need is 20 or so "Thumper Menhaden" to get this job done. They make up a huge part of the Coastal Shark diet along with other small scale fish such as Whiting, Sand Trout, Star Drum and Tounge Fish.

 

If you happen upon a school of 6-10 inch mullet, net a few just to change things up a bit, and these fish will take a whiting on the live line, too.

 

If you are a big fan of using lures as I am, try a Yozuri "Hydro Tiger". They can’t stand to look at that thing. I don’t know what they think it is, but they just have to kill it. Just work it hard across the slicks where you have located fish. Don’t use your most expensive lure in the box, either. They will scratch one very much bad, usually beyond reuse.

 

I have caught far more than my share of these fish over the last 20 years. I have never used wire leader in my life. These smaller targets are not quite as brutal as their bigger brothers are.

 

Sure, you’ll lose a few fish with this technique, but the sport is what it’s all about anyway with these brutes. 200 Pound mono will land at least 90% of your fish without a break off.

 

Clip yourself off about 6 ft. of 200, tie a loop knot at the top and snap it on the main line.

 

Go as light as you dare. I generally go with 30-pound main line on a reel that will hold at least 300 yards of it. I am partial to the Shimano TLD 20/40 reel. A smooth drag is required when light tackle angling for these fish, and aside from a Penn International, this reel has a smooth enough drag to get the job done.

 

As far as rods go, you need a meat stick with a bit of backbone. The BEST rod you can possibly use for this brutal, extreme sport is an Ugly Stik (BWB 1120). When you’re pitching to heavy hitters, you need a big bat to hit with and Ugly Stik is the one.

 

Tie on a 100-pound snap swivel to the main line, and then on the end of your 6-ft. 200-pound leader, add a 7/0 long shank straight hook. The long shank will most times prevent the Shark from biting on the leader. If the fish is biting on the shank of that hook, he can’t bite the leader. You won’t need any weight on your line or leader to do this job.

 

Fish your reels in gear to ensure a solid hook up, and with any luck at all, this will have helped you sink the hook right into the Jaw, preventing a gut hooked fish.

 

Pull out your digital scale and hook it onto your leader or hook and tighten that drag you are pulling 13 pounds on the scale, or even a bit tighter if your lower back can stand it. This makes it a little rough when you go to grab the rod out of the holder, but the hook set it provides is well worth it.

 

Black Tip Shark – 15 to 125 Pounds

Spinner Shark – 30 to 150 Pounds

Black Nose Shark – 15 to 45 pounds

Lemon Shark – 30 to 140 Pounds

Sharp Nose Shark – 8 to 20 Pounds

 

The Difference between a Black Tip and Spinner Shark is the most difficult to identify. The main distinguishing difference is a more streamline "Missle Shaped" body of the spinner and his small, beady eyes. The Black Tip will not be quite so streamline with the dorsal fin slightly rearward of the pectoral fins as you look at the fish from above, where the Spinner has an offset dorsal that lines up more in line the Pectoral fins. Also, the anal fins if the Black Tip Shark DO NOT have black edges. The Spinner Shark will have Black edges on the anal fins.

 

Spinners and Black Tip Sharks are both jumping Sharks. Most times, and angler thinks they have a Spinner Shark on the line because of the jumping and acrobatic maneuvers they are encountering. You won’t know which species that fish is until you have the fish boatside.

 

The most common misconception of Cosatal Shark Species is the Black Nose Shark, which is confused with a Sand Shark or Brown Shark as they are often referred to. In all actuality, I have seen very few actual Sand Sharks over the past few years. The Black Nose Shark has a very obvious black dot directly on the front of the head, and the skin color is Brownish/Green in color.

 

Black Nose Sharks are often confused with Lemon Sharks, too. The best way to identify a Lemon is the (2) dorsal fins on his back. It is one of the few species with that characteristic. A nurse shark has a double dorsal, but has a dark brown, hard skin with a mouth similar to a giant catfish. They even have small whiskers around the mouth area.

 

One other common mix up between species is the Sharp Nose Shark. Once again, many anglers think this is a Sand Shark. Look closely, and you’ll find the Sharp Nose has white spots all over his body. Also, this fish usually will not exceed 48" in length. The Sharp Nose is a small Coastal Shark, and their fight for freedom is not nearly as intense as others mentioned here.

 

Boat position is extremely important when you fish behind a Shrimp Boat or other Trawling Vessel. Unless the boat is dumping by catch, you’ll want to set up in the mud slick behind the boat. The proper set up is normally around fifty yards behind a moving trawler directly in the slick. Remember to judge your current and wind direction to obtain the longest drift possible while keeping your position in the slick. This is where the fish will be.

 

When the strikers on the boats are dumping their by catch, get right up behind the boat and put the lines out in a position that will drift you behind that trawler as long as possible.

 

If you are new to fishing for large fish with light tackle, get ready for some of the most extreme and intense fishing available to you on your coastline. Get your children involved in this sport and teach them the values of catch and release Sharking.

 

Even the most experienced Shark handlers get bit. The most aggressive species is the Black Tip and Spinner Shark. The best way to handle these speedsters would be pulling the fish close, get a picture, and cut the Leader. They WILL bite as they are in a state of confusion and extremely tired.

 

When you wire a large Shark, please, use gloves when you grab that leader. My fingers and hands are terribly scarred from bare handing the leader when the fish took off for a another shot at freedom.

 

To sum it up, you simply don’t bring that fish in the boat, and gaffing the fish will infuriate it. That fish may take you overboard if you attempt a lip or jaw gaff.

 

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Catching Redfish is an all time favorite for many fishermen and the spring and late summer/fall season offers some of the best there is on the Georgia Coast. Reds over 30 pounds are common in late April, May and then again in September - November each year.

 

 

A great deal has been learned about these hard mouthed scavengers over the past few years thanks to conservation efforts and fish surveys headed by Recreational fisheries at the Georgia DNR. Thanks to these efforts, we have learned to locate and catch the bulls in most any conditions.

 

To me, the most interesting aspects of this fishery are the age and history of these fish. Many of the larger fish are estimated to be over 30 years old and release tens of thousands of eggs annually. Biologists say that 500,000 eggs from each fish is common during spawn throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast, although only a small percentage actually make it through the life stages.

 

Biologists say Redfish eggs float for 20 to 30 hours before larval reds emerge carrying the yolk sac that sustains them for three days. Then, they begin feeding on tiny zooplankton. The beginning of life for millions of redfish is an intricate process that can occur every three to five days during the spawning season. With this and the many other characteristics of this mighty fish in mind, it is important to abide by the rules governing them. Learn how to handle them for proper release without harm and help preserve the fishery for years to come.

 

With all the science aside and stamped in our memory for preservation, the brutal battle and sheer fun of catching these large fish is addictive. This sport draws new anglers to our coast each season as the word spreads amongst anglers and Charter Captains. It s action like no other when the Georgia Redfish bite is on, and let there be no question that it s my personal favorite!

 

 

Spring and fall is the time for the bull redfish to be feeding around sounds, sandbars and larger river mouths that form a point or a rip. I know many anglers tend to favor this "tag and brag" type fishing over any other. Personally, I always opt for larger species of fish, especially on a charter fishing trip with clients who don t get to see much saltwater in their lives.

 

Fall season seems to produce larger numbers of fish, but many Anglers overlook spring altogether. Many Anglers on the Georgia Coast have caught a few here and there during the spring while shark or whiting fishing. I have targeted the fall season fish since childhood from the boat and surf, but over the past few years, I got serious about catching Redfish in the spring and I have learned that their patterns are a little different each season and I still strive to l earn more each season.

One must be willing to relocate and anchor several times to find the sweet spot. Even if you know the fish are there, you have to get bait somewhere close to them. If they refuse to eat, move around the area to different spots in stealth mode until you find the bite. Keep in mind, when fishing in 3-10 feet of water, your outboard makes a lot of noise when you start it up and move. Drift to your spots with the current and ease your anchor over the side quietly as you make your moves from shoal to shoal.

 

Some Anglers fish deep water and others target shoals, sandbars or rips looking for big Redfish. Finding these fish is an obviously crucial part of the quest. If you are shallow water fishing, you won t need the aid of your depth recorder to "mark" the fish on the bottom. Your outboards will be hitting the bottom in the swells, and you know then… You are fishing for Georgia Bull Redfish. Shallow water fishing for Redfish in Georgia may be the easiest (but most dangerous) due to the vast amount of shoal areas on the Georgia coast around sounds and inlets. Many of those shoals you motor around nervously to get into deeper water and ride past the redfish as most times, they are holding directly in the break or on the edge of one end of a break. If the breaking water bothers you, get on the down current side of the bar where the fish would "fall off" with the tide and/or any bait that may be coming through that shoal.

 

Contrary to popular belief, we have found this type of fishing DOES NOT require clear, clean water to produce numbers of redfish. In fact, it seems like the dirty water is better. When it s dirty, crabs and other crustaceans are stirred from the ocean floor around full and new moon phases offering an easy helping for Reds. Swift moving water seems to get the fish feeding on a flood or ebb tide. This creates ideal feeding conditions for big Redfish near beaches, oceans and inlets and this prime time also carries the girls eggs far into the estuary system where chances of survival are best. The Redfish know exactly when to lay their eggs and you want to be there when they start to eat.

 

Any area where breaking water churns just off the beach or a sandbar forms a rip line is normally a prime location for Georgia Redfish. Just keep your boat out of any safety or swim zones that may be close to shore. Anchor your boat near the break, shoal or rip as safely possible. Your bait needs to be cast into the breaking or shallow water, so you must position your boat accordingly. These big Reds will lurk in 3 - 10 ft. of water to feed, but we have caught them in less than knee-deep water on many occasions.

 

The fish are also found in deep water channels and sounds or around fishing piers, too. Jacksonville and Fernandina boast droves of bulls in deep water. They are caught in the shipping channels and other deepwater areas, especially down along the St. Johns River. Lots of Anglers target the bull Redfish in deeper water, but as you can tell, I am partial to shallow water. I believe the Bull Reds are all over, but it s all about what lay of land you get used to fishing.

 

 

I have experimented with lots of baits to catch big Redfish, and the truth is, they will bite just about anything fresh you present to them when they are on the feed. When the fish get lockjaw, you have to look at the results of all your experimentation and attempt to make a good choice. If your bait is fresh, you may consider a move if the fish bite gives out.

 

There are several redfish guides in Georgia, including myself, who will agree that there are three cut baits that will produce Georgia Redfish when no other will. Fresh Menhaden, Bluefish or Whiting. Always bring along your light spinning gear and fish a squid piece on the bottom, and normally you ll catch a Bluefish or Whiting to chunk up as cut bait.

 

Capt. Jay Childers, formerly the manager of St. Simons Marina has been fishing for Redfish for over 35 years and prefers Mullet or Menhaden. His third choice is a blue crab due its durability on the hook. "We used Roe mullet out of Florida that worked well for us in the fall of 2003. Last year was definitely a Mullet year for the bulls on my boat", Jay said. Capt. Jay also mentioned that fresh is always better, no matter what your bait may be.

 

All the pro guides I have fished with and talked with over the years have a favorite choice and reason for using particular bait. Most Guides in our area prefer Menhaden over any other bait. The Reds can be caught on a variety of baits live and dead, but Menhaden is at the top of the list.

 

I personally watched Capt. Teddy Elrod catch over nine big redfish off St. Simons Island one morning on Yellow Tails. A Yellow Tail is the most aggravating, small "trash fish" you could ever catch on rod and reel, especially while Trout fishing. I wouldn t have given a thought to trying the shrimp stealing hindrance, but he was low on bait one morning and had no choice. Old Yellow led him to a great day of fishing for his anglers on board and he landed more Reds than anyone that day.

 

Georgia Redfish love Crabs and Mullet chunks as well, but Mullet or Crabs are not on the top of my list. I try to fish a little of everything, but I still have my favorites that have worked for me for years.

 

Personally, I ve caught more big Redfish using Menhaden (pogies) than any other bait, but fresh cut Whiting runs a close second! As with any fresh cut bait, Sharks like to eat it as well. Most times, they ll be Atlantic Sharpnose and other Coastal Sharks in the spring and fall. They feel like a Red when they bite and run, so unless you see that big boil on the surface during the battle, don t count on it to be a Red.

 

 

The Rod and Reel Combo

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Custom (14-17 Medium Class Spinning Rod)

PENN SSM 650 Spinning Reel

Load your Reel with Berkely Fireline (65 Pound)

 

90 -Pound Snap Swivel AND Sinker Slider

3 ft. length of 60-80# - Pound Monofilament Leader

10/O Circle Hook (Helps Prevent Gut Hook)

4-6 OZ. Pyramid Sinker/Weight

 

Slide your sinler slider on first. After you tie the snap swivel on your main line, tie a surgeon s loop at one end of your 3 ft. leader. Then just tie on a circle hook with your favorite knot, and you re set. Snap on your weight to the sinker slider and you re all set. This rig will allow you to Redfish the breakers without the weight rollinig downhill with the current.

 

Why can t we keep large Georgia Redfish? The purpose is to reduce pressure on spawning size redfish. Redfish begin spawning at an average over 20-inches. By that size a large portion of them move offshore. If redfish were managed like many other fish, (such as speckled trout) with a minimum size large enough to allow them to spawn at least once before being caught, the inshore fishery would not be near as good as it is. The larger females are protected to spawn over and over again and the girls come back to the same areas each season to spread their eggs.

 

If a big Redfish is removed from the water for hook removal, support the body weight from underneath as you remove the fish from the water while handling the fish as little as possible. Get your hook out, and get that fish back quickly to prevent excess stress. Be sure to revive the fish until you feel him struggling to leave your hands, and then give a push straight down or let the fish leave your hands freely into the current. Many anglers use a Rubber Landing net to bring the fish onboard to prevent slime loss off the Red s body and this also gives the fish full support of bodyweight throughout the net webbing.

 

If you have a "Floater" that won t swim off, try to revive the fish before leaving it for dead. Often you can tap them with the tip of your fishing rod and they take off. Redfish are a hearty fish, but I have seen them come floating by in the sound or rivers. When a dead bull redfish is sighted, it has probably fallen victim to improper catch and release amongst other things.

 

Remember, take a Kid Georgia Redfish Fishing.

 

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