SALTWATER TIME APRIL 2008

April 14, 2008
Happy Fish Day!

Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy

Inshore
This past week proved to very interesting in the “Catch Fish or Not!” For the last couple of weeks we have been talking about how the inshore fish have been interested in mud minnows, artificial type lures such as DOA and Berkley Gulps as well as live shrimp. This last bait listed is going to be considered the “best bait used to get any sort action bite this week!”

In the fishing world of bait I am always talking about the universal bait of plain old squid. Heck, there isn’t a fish alive that won’t hit a piece of squid at one time or the other. Squid is considered the offshore bait of all times. Heck, it can even be used with great success inshore! Live shrimp will work offshore, but doesn’t last too long when place on the old hook and dropped to the bottom. However, live shrimp used inshore is the same as squid offshore, “it works with zest!’ With that being said, “live shrimp” is the universal bait for the inshore fisherman!

This past week proved this once again with fishing spots seeming to be absent of fish at least until shrimp was introduced as bait. I had several inshore captains tell me that as long as the shrimp was lively “they had a strong bite pattern!” The fact of the matter is even if the shrimp looked good, but wasn’t “fleeing, tail popping, and scare absolutely to death,” “no hits were had!”

Captain Rick Reynolds’s Fishing Report!
For weekend of April 5, 2008

Spring Time fishing for trout is one of the best and most productive times of the year to catch this fish. But also during this time of the year it can be hit or miss. The water temp is hovering around the 65 and the larger roe trout seem to migrate into the mouth of the sounds and off the beachfronts – however this is not the only place that you will find this fish.

The things I look for is clean clear moving water. Also try to be aware of the waters salinity. If we have had a lot of rain, then look for the trout out nearer the beaches. If we have had drought like conditions, expect to find some very nice keeper trout in the rivers and creeks.

This time of year you can expect to also catch nice redfish and flounder as well as blue fish. Many of the redfish, caught at this year fit into the legal slot length, but seriously are skinny. This is due to the fact that there wasn’t a lot of baitfish around. However with the rising water temps bait is much more available. That being said, the fishing this time of the year can be explosive. The Georgia Recreational Saltwater fishing regulation legal slot limit for a red drum AKA red fish, spot tail bass, stag bass, or channel bass is 14 TL to 23 TL. They carry a bag limit of five per fisherman.

At this time of the year as we transition from a winter pattern to warmer weather, the fronts can approach our coast from any direction. As the case this past weekend on Friday we had a nice spring day with weather basically settled, with our fishing area generally under the influence of a high pressure. However during Friday night that changed with a low pressure approaching from the Southeast. That one variable changes the dynamics of what has been working as far as catching fish all week. Combine that air action with an outgoing tide then you have a difficult fishing condition. That is because the Tide and wind are totally out of synch with each other. You have 15 knots of wind blowing in from the southeast and a tidal flow trying to go east. This is because high tide was around 8AM and was going to be heading east for approximately the next 6 hours. This makes for steep choppy waves and dirty water. Not the best of conditions for someone looking for trout.

On the other hand, when we have an imminent change of air pressure, usually this will turn on a fishing bite just as that front approaches. Knowing that the fish were going to be in a feeding mode, all we had to do was find some clear moving water and the catching should happen. At this year, because when we do find clear water, I like to change up to a 15 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader as well as a 1/0 Kahle hook. I have all my spinning gear rigged with 20 lb of red power pro as well. Because of the windy conditions and the unique casting abilities of the Inticer cork that is what we used. Even though we could find some areas out of the wind, it was helpful to have a cork that would cast good in the wind. The shape of the Inticer is made for popping. We did experiment Saturday during that charter and all fish were caught on the Inticer versus the old standby Cajun thunder.

We also took advantage of opportunity fishing. This is simply catching and enjoying whatever might be biting. Our final tally for the 4 hours of fishing in the light rain and strong winds were 6 keeper trout, 1 keeper flounder, and 3 keeper blue fish. We also released several trout that were too small. All fish today were caught on live shrimp under the Inticer popping cork. However never count out artificial baits. I had caught and released a couple trout on a subsurface artificial plug the day before while scouting for this trip. Good fishing, Capt Rick Reynolds of Miss Judy Charters

Captain Rick Reynolds April 12 and 13, 2008

Although it was windy, Captain Rick still prevailed! While having many of his fish drops deleted out of his fish plan, due to conditions, he still caught fish! The winds howled out of the west causing muddy as well as rough water conditions! More suggestions on what to do when you are faced with these problems next week!

Captain Alan Collins Inshore Report

April 4, 2008 8:00 AM departure
High tide Savannah River 7:30 AM

Tackle Recipe

Captain Alan tackle used: rods and spinning reels loaded with two different pound test line, some with 8 to 10 pound test and 20-pound test Power Pro braided line, popping corks with Ľ to 3/8 added “dog-eared” weight on the shaft, leader used were three feet long made from standard 20-pound test monofilament line, which he added two “BB” size spilt shots to the leader, hook used was #2 Kale hook, and live shrimp as bait. Area fished was the Savannah River where Captain Alan looked for clear water and structure. His depth fished was 3 to 6 feet.

Captain Alan Collins caught quite a few trout this past week just by “taking a look-see.” While making the rounds to six of his best spots for tides offered he found the last to be the best. He was prepared with all baits from artificial to live. For artificial he had the standard all light and dark color as well as those that imitated mud minnows as well shrimp.

However, the bite delivered wasn’t interested in any artificial types no matter how they were presented. Captain Alan had live shrimp and mud minnows in his bait arsenal. After a few passes with the mud minnows mixed in with live shrimp Captain Alan quickly ascertained that “live shrimp was the only bait working!” The bottom line was for this particular bite was that “live shrimp or not!” As soon as the bait combination was unlocked “spotted sea trout bites were had!”

However, with all fishing reports as well as fish bites there is always some sort of “twist.” In this case, the bite was good at least as long as you were using live shrimp. However, the bite delivered was there, but it wasn’t too strong. After all this was calculation the best bite equation came to light!

So I guess I need to re-cap the “bite scenario handed!” All types of bait were tried and the only thing that worked was live shrimp. From this report, I had to wonder now if the other five spots tried were now active if live shrimp was the token bait. This is something that we don’t know, because once Captain Alan found a bite he stuck with it! (And you should too!) At any rate, the liveliest shrimp worked best, but the bite was still a little strange. So therefore, Captain Alan suggested instead of setting the hook that those onboard “just reel set!”

Reel setting is probably the oldest form of “setting that hook routine.” In the old days fishermen mostly sat down in their bateaus. They could stand up, but then they might have fallen out. So therefore “reel setting” was born by just reeling when a bite was felt or cork was sunk. Old time trout fishermen from yesteryear were also known for using “long rods loaded with rope like main line!” Heck, back in the day, the most popular rod for trout fishing was the “long bamboo rod.” However, for those that understand the reasoning behind the extra length rods could get around it and use the shorter rods. The reasoning behind long rods in the first place was to cushion the “hard setting” of the hook so that the fisherman wouldn’t pull the hook right through the trout’s mouth. After all trout have the thinnest mouth construction ever! I guess that’s where they got their namesake “weak fish!” Another thing about trout fishing is the fact that once hooked up you had better keeping reeling or your fish might just swim right off the hook. This happen a lot, because where the hook is set a hole is made, which is known to tare quite easily.

As I talked with Captain Alan he said, “the trout on this particular day had a distinct feeding set up!” While using popping corks with about 3 foot leaders and live shrimp it was soon decided the “ real bite deal!” Once cast to the intended spot, they all watched as the bait surfaced trying to avoid being attacked, then the fisherman waited until the shrimp was hit, and set the hook by reel setting. All was good in the catching department as soon as all of these small, but interesting situations were addressed!

As if all this wasn’t interesting enough Captain Allan come up with yet another “bite my hook” tune. He placed cast his popping cork, popped it once as hard as it could, and before the brass beads settled he would get a serious hit! I know I need to clarify “popping it as hard as you can” a bit. What he meant was “as hard as you could that is without pulling your shrimp off!”

During this time as the tide was falling the bite was good. As soon as it was dead low the bite slowed. When it started moving again the bite picked up. This is what we fishermen call “getting to know your bite pattern!”

There was about an hour lull in the trout bite, which brings to mind “360 degree attack!” This is where you fish all points from your boat. This means fishing on the bottom with live shrimp and waiting for a hit. Fish that are feeding in an area, which was covered with water at one time, don’t move too far. The reason being is that their instincts lend to the fact that they know the same scenario is going to happen again. Think like a fish and you will certainly catch one!

Whiting fishing in the rivers and sounds

The sounds are holding a pretty solid whiting fish bite, which are also known as southern kingfish. Even the banks of the rivers that dump into the sound areas are holding the attention of this fish. Now that the water temperature is 65 “everything is alive” especially the whiting bite. This fish prefers sandy bottom types located in 12 to 18 feet of water. The best bite is had during two hours before till two after the low tide stage. However, if your fish day doesn’t fit into this tide stage still give it a try. The whiting are thick and lots of fun to catch on light tackle. The best bait to use is small pieces of peeled shrimp!

Artificial Reefs

Time has come to consider other fish in these areas other than those they feed close to the bottom. Even though we have had a blue fish frenzy bite for the last couples of weeks, which are mid to top water fish, there is lots more action to come. Blue fish can and do feed close to bottom just like a black sea bass. The reason being is that anything that they that come in contact with or smell from a distant causes instance “frenzy feeding!” The blue fish is one of those types that continuously feed for more reasons than I care to mention.

So what we have now at the artificial reefs is a strong black sea bass bite, occasional flounder catch, some sheepshead, blue fish, and quite of few so called “sailor’s choice!” Let talk a little about the “Sailor’s choice” fish category. I must add that to become a “sailor’s choice” something good has to come from it. After all back in the day this probably was a fish that they sought after, was readily available, and ate quite regularly. It’s just my opinion! With that being said, I caught some of these fish that so called fell into this category, fried them up, pour some Georgia Cane syrup on them, and give them a try. I must report that they were quite good.

I know you are screaming holding your head with the thought of pouring Georgia cane syrup over your fried fish. The fact of the matter is that it’s not that strange of a suggestion at least to me. I was raised dipping my fish in it. I always suggest this as dipping sauce when I have guests and as you guessed they do turn their noses up at it. However, most do try it and like it. It’s definitely an “acquired taste!” In my case “it’s a family tradition!”

We call a “sailor’s choice” any fish that doesn’t fit into the regulars such as black sea bass, sheepshead, black drum, and flounder. These fish all have their own rights and can stand on their own on your plate. Those others that no ones want to eat have been eaten for years just as they do small fresh water fish. We scaled them, cut their heads off, gut them, and cook them us just like this. Whole fried fish have always been my favorite. The only problem with this style fish is the bones, which is something I was raised with for sure!

The main fish that was called “Sailor’s choice” is the misunderstood pinfish, which is very good to eat and also makes for some great live bait. Here’s a list of some of the others that do have common names, but could fit into this category: ruby red lips AKA tomtate, sand perch, rock bass, and ocean perch. Although the ocean perch is bigger than most of these so-called pan fish types, they can still be chunked up and cooked as parts and pieces.

Savannah Snapper Banks

I have been and the fish are biting! Now for those of you that want the “catch thrill of a lifetime” this is the area to drop your hook. It doesn’t matter whether you use my boat or yours, because the chances are good when counting on something to bite your hook!

Gulf Stream

This fishing report is already too long…however, the blue water bite is heating up with nice dolphin being caught and quite a few bill fish strutting their stuff this past weekend. The word is deep, deep water. Most all fish were caught while fishing in 1,400 to 1,700 feet water while fishing temperature breaks. Look for the feeding birds and you will find the bait, which is just about where the fish are going to be! Much more next week!

Freshies Report

Baby Bass ZOOM Super Flukes!

Captain Greg Davis reported that instead of braving the northeast winds prevailing in the open coastal areas they took to the nearest fresh water pond. Captain Greg is an avid saltwater as well as freshwater fisherman. He along with his customers did a little of everything from fly-fishing to jigging and twitching. The good news is it all worked. In this particular pond, which Captain Greg knows like the back of his hand, there are a few scenarios taking place. There are two fish types doing different things. Firstly, the blue gills are getting ready to “bed” for spring. The second is that the large mouth have already been there and done that. The rule of thumb when you are fishing for fish that are “either just going or coming from the bed sequence” there is a whole lot of feeding going on! With the best of both worlds at these fishermen’s finger tip baits were cast and rod were bent!

Here are a few particulars that I think will get your attentions. The blue gills couldn’t help, but hit Captain Greg’s offering of “bream poppers” while using a 5-weight fly rod. The hook up to catch ratio was on the “High Five Side Plus!”

When that bite slowed Captain Greg turned to those fish that just left the bed and made an attempt to win them over. Large mouth bass are just what they are called, “large and mouthy!” When this fish is done with bedding it’s tired and it’s hungry. So therefore “bulking up” is high on their list of things to do. With that being said, “Baby Bass ZOOM Super Flukes” were rigged up Carolina style with no weight used. This is one of those baits that do a little lingering before sinking a bit. Heck, according to Captain Greg if you add some “twitching action” while the lingering is taking place, it even works better. Now you know where to go, what to use, and how to work it!

“Little Miss Judy’s Believe It or Not!”

Part Two
“Mr. Helmey in the forties!”

This story is a continuation of last week’s interview with A. L. Smith. He works for my father, Mr. Helmey, in the forties. I must add that these things that Mr. Smith told me I didn’t know about…This is real interesting stuff! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

According Mr. Smith, my father had the wrecker business in the forties “sewed up!” He had a total of three wreckers. Mr. Smith was smiling once again as this story came to light in his mind. From what I could see, apparently Mr. Smith liked working for my father. He did mention it was never boring for sure! The wrecker service was where my father made the most money. So therefore it was “Johnny be quick” when the office got the call. As I listen to this story about the calls from Georgia as well as South Carolina I had to wonder how he got so many, but then knowing my father I’m sure there was a “green reason” for sure. While I was thinking Mr. Smith started telling me this story where he and Slick (my father’s right hand man) were sent over to the Georgia South Carolina line. As soon as the duo arrived they hooked up the wrecked automobile and hauled it back to the shop. As soon as they reached the shop, Mr. Helmey started asking did they pay the cop off? Mr. Smith also known as “Alt” as well as “Slick” both looked at each other promptly saying “no!”

With that answer, daddy started flinging his arms and as Mr. Smith was telling this story he was also flinging his arms too! I have to admit he did accomplished a “Mr. Helmey flinging his arms look-alike” for sure. As a child as well as an adult I had seen this many times over. When the arm movement was done, daddy was out the door with a pocket full of money.

Speaking of money according to Mr. Smith, daddy had what he called “walk in safe!” It was so big that you never had to worry about someone hauling it off much less try to crack it open. The only way to get into the safe was with the correct combination, which daddy kept in his mind only.

Boy, when Mr. Smith said, “safe.” It made me start to thinking about me meeting a real true to life safebreaker. The fact of the matter is he made his life breaking in places that had any size safes. According to his friends he was very good at opening just about any safe. His name was “JT.” At least that’s what they told me when I was introduced. This group fished with me for many years before I found out the real truth. And you aren’t going to believe this one, but one day while reading the “National Enquirer” there was an article about good old, it’s really is his name. “JT.”

JT has just been handed a 20-year sentence in federal pen for mailing a rattlesnake through the postal service. I was so shocked that I didn’t know what to say. So I just read on…. It seems that JT and his wife has divorced due to “irreconcilable differences.” However, JT wasn’t going along with it, because he felt that the man she was seeing might be the problem not that “irreconcilable differences thing.”

So therefore he went to thinking how he was going to get them back. Now keep in mind this is a man that has been robbing places and breaking into to safes for years without even a “figure pointed” at him. He was basically so far what you would call “clean.” Well, sometimes the ability to escape the long arm of the law makes you think you can do and get away with anything. Unfortunately “JT” was at this point at least in his mind. A plan was made, a rattlesnake was caught, and it was wrapped up tight. The package, which wasn’t marked “live” was mailed without a hitch to he ex-wife’s new boy friend. When the pack arrived the new boy friend, shook the package, as we all do, and not a noise was heard. Not that anyone was thinking about that sort of thing. At any rate, when the box was open the still live, now seriously angry snake shot out like a cannon. The man and snake at first were a little entangled, but once freed from his newly open package contents, as my father would say, “all involved made tracks!” The bottom line to the entire story was that a rattlesnake was mailed to an ex-wife by postal service. The only reason that “JT” got arrested and charged was because of the fingerprints lifted off the packaging. Who would have ever thought this would have put old “JT” in jail?

I know a little more than the article shared. According to “JT” best friend “Sonny” was the catcher of the snake. “JT” admitted that he was basically terrified of snakes especially those that rattled. Sonny personally told me that he begged “JT” not to do this, but all of this fell on deaf ears. “JT” said, “if I scare, it’s really going to get to him! Heck, he might even have a heartache!” So therefore since they were such good friends Sonny did what he was asked to do, which was catch the snake. After securing the snake in a croaker sack, he tied it to the designate spot where “JT” was to pick it up. It wouldn’t be a story if I didn’t finish it up. The reason I know this story so much is that this entire crew fished with me for many years flashing $100.00 bills while making some of the most stupid bets ever. Here just a few: $100.00 for the first bite, the biggest fish, and the tallest lie!

Captain Judy
“Fish Pchysic!”