There is a light at the end of our cold water tunnel! I know my fishing reports have pretty much sounded like a cold water report instead of a fish catching one. However, I knew I would at some point, at least since the month of March has rolled around, that changes would have taken place. The first thing this past week has brought us more sunshine and warmer temperatures. These two things together have provided us fishermen with what we needed to warm the water a bit, which in turn has moved the fish. Now it is time to talk more about fish and less about weather. Let this fishing report begin.
James Pressley IS holding up a nice cold water spotted sea trout, which as you can see, this fish could not resist his red jig head and Bass Assassin sea shad combo. A winner for sure!
Photo by Captain Scott Wagoner
Inshore spotted sea trout bite
I got a great fish catching report from Captain Scott Wagoner. While taking a busman’s holiday with James Pressley the duo caught a few nice spotted sea trout and red fish. According to Captain Scott the bite was not furious nor was it solid. They had to look, pitch artificial, and retrieve them very so to go. The bottom line they found spotted sea trout, red fish, and caught them. So therefore things are definitely looking up or should I say, “Catching up?”
Bass Assassin sea shad combo and this red fish could not pass it up! Just had to bite it! Captain Scott Wagoner sent me this picture!!
My father always said, “When you stop working a paddle tail as it lies on the bottom even the slightest water movement makes it look just like the real deal!” Taking into consideration the clearness of cold water and absents of bait this lure even when it’s still, offers a fish what it thinks is a great feeding opportunity.
Frank White is holding up his just caught cold water red fish that has once again proven that the “lure that’s white is right!”
Artificial Reefs Report
Artificial reefs located in less than 50 feet of water
These areas are great short boat rides to the fish. The best news is the fact that if you go you have catching options. If you are headed to the near shore artificial reefs, such as SAV, KC, or CAT buoy I suggest taking along some purple back fiddlers as bait. The Sheepshead populations or should I say, “Congregating is strong!” And this is a full bodied fish that puts up one heck of a fight on light to medium like tackle. Another fish that normally hangs around these reefs, especially during the cold water times is the ever popular everyone wants to catch one “flounder!” As far as best bait, if going with the live stuff I suggest getting some mud minnows and giving them a try. Best presentation is going to be a Carolina rig type, which allows your bait to sit on the bottom. Normally when a flounder is feeding it is burrowed down on the outskirts of the structure. So your fishing plan should be when fishing for Sheepshead to fish directly over or on the edge of the structure. And if it is flat fish also known as flounder that you are targeting I suggest staging your bait on the out skirts of this area.
A large male black sea bass!
Artificial Reefs located in more than 50 feet of water
Since we have been dealing with cold water temperatures most of the black fish caught have been done so at the L, J, and CCA artificial reefs. These artificial reefs are located in more than 50 feet of water and are being visited by those fish that seeks a little warmer water temperature. Most of the black sea bass that we have caught have come from these areas. As far as bait, cut squid is going to be your best. However, there is sometimes a twist or should I say, “A cocktail needed!” On the Miss Judy Too we call cocktail bait a piece of squid and a piece of black fish fillet on the hook. On our first drift we used small pieces of squid as bait and as soon as we catch a black fish we fillet it up for bait. Believe it or not but this bait addition normally changes a smaller fish bite pattern to a larger one.
Who needs bait?
Before the invention of the sabiki rigs..
Captain Ali Young holding up a nice gag grouper! It tried to get away, but failed!
Who Needs Bait?
(When you got what you got already!)
This tip brings to light the first time I left my dock without my bait. After getting about 10 miles offshore I thought my mate had got it and my mate though I had. Needless to say, “Neither did!” My mate at the time was Captain Ali Young and it was at that time she said, “As long as we catch a fish we got bait!” And believe me she was correct. We dropped down with a piece of white t-shirt on the hook and immediately hooked up a small black fish, which we fillet and put small pieces of it right back on the hook. This started the ball a rolling and this as I can remember was one of those days where we couldn’t do anything wrong in the fish catching department that is except for leaving the bait at the dock.
Before Sabiki Bait Rigs!
So if this happens to you don’t panic or turn around…. here are some proven suggestions: Rip up the tail of your t-shirt into small dangling shirt strips. As far as best color t-shirt white has always been the best. However, back in the old days that is the only color that we all were wearing. Take a look at what everyone on the boat brought for lunch. Anything already on or going into a sandwich that will stay on the hook long enough to get it to the bottom will work. The best ones that I have found are fried chicken, slim Jims, summer sausage, ham, and bologna. Heck, if mayonnaise is involved that is only better. Talk about sheen, this stuff really does a great job. After the invention of the sabiki rigs all we had to do was drop one of these bait rigs down and yes we got plenty of fish to use for cut bait!
Gulf Stream Report
Sunday March 8, 2015
Captain Ryan Howard of Miss Judy Charters takes a Busmen’s Holiday!
Daniel Owsley, John Roche, David Melton, and Captain Ryan Howard took the Gulf Stream plunge!
Upon reaching south ledge right at daylight the trolling spread was deployed. The water temperature at dark thirty was 68 degrees and seas were calm. After making a few passes they decided to head out to towards the Triple Ledge where they found 69 degree water. While soaking baits they decided to make way to some deeper water. Once arriving in around 700 feet they found 76 degree water, and a beautiful weed line with all the bells and whistles. However, a bite did not materialize so they set their sights on cooler and shallower water. Upon reaching 150 feet of water, which was south of the triple ledge they found surface schools of tunas. While pulling an assortment of ballyhoo rigged with different color skirts they hooked up several and landed two nice black fin tuna. During this time of the year you have to go so that you know! Blue water fish are on the move and it’s time to make your plans for the spring run! More to come in next week’s report!
John Roche is showing us that there is a black fin tuna bite at the Gulf Stream! More to come in next week’s fishing report in regards to planning a blue water trip with Miss Judy Charters!
As the Propeller Turns…
Captain Buddy shows you how to operate your boat and Miss Judy Charters shows you how to catch fish! A winning combination!
If you want to get your best chance at learning serious and safe boating skills, this is a great place to start! Give Captain Buddy Lee a call!
It’s time to wet a line.
Bill Vanderford is “Lake Lanier’s Legend!”
Lake Lanier Fishing Secrets Revealed [Kindle Edition]
Bill Vanderford (Author, Photographer)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IOW2A18
http://www.georgiafishing.com/
If you want to go, it’s time to make your spring time plans!
For more about my long time friend Bill Vanderford as well as his accomplishments, his freshwater charter trips or wildlife tours, books written and his special line up of tackle offered, please visit his site http://www.fishinglanier.com/contact.html for all the details! For more details go http://stores.ebay.com/Fishy-Racer http://www.youtube.com/fishyracer
Search Fishin.com
Recent Articles