3/2 Reds

Saltwater Inshore Reports
1

Got out early before the fog and rain set in. Last hour of outgoing and first half of incomming. Measured 8, broke off 12. All caught around docks in the Kiawah. Mud minnows and cracked crab. Carolina rigs, had to increase weight as the tide came in fish seemed to be staying on the bottom.

First pic is one of the only two slot sized fish, the second was the big one of the day 34", everything else was 27" and up. Wish it would have been a tourney both slot fish were over 5 lbs!

2

Nice fish and good report, thanks!

3

not a bad day. that 2nd one is a hog. What # test are you using b/c I’d be pissed to lose 12 reds not to mention 12 rigs!

4

Oh yea it gets frustrating. Using 20lb. braid with 30lb flouro leaders. I learned to just accept it when fishing around docks and to keep plenty of leaders made, and buy hooks in bulk to save $$. You have to get right up on them for the most part so you have a very small window to keep them from pulling you under or around poles. And thats with the drag to the point were it hurts to try and strip it bare handed. And even then sometimes I cant even slow them down, they just go.
My buddy broke off a bunch and kept complaining that I had him under tackled, haha! It just takes a little practice and a few hook ups to get the technique down. I dont realy want to upgrade to 25 or 30lb braid, I honestly enjoy the fair battle, even if I dont land them all. Keeps me hungry to come back and try and land that one I couldnt slow down the trip before!
All this good fishing is making it real hard to get in Turkey mode.

Get out There!

5

Hey JI. I had the same problem around this time last year and started a post trying to get some advice on how to minimize the breakoffs (I broke off something like 20 over 3 trips). You mentioned trying to get the “technique down”. Is that something you can put into words what you are doing, or is it one of those “you have to do it to understand it” things?

Thanks.

6

i use a 40 or 50lb leader when fishing around docks if the reds just piss me off with constant break offs

There is no greater fan of fly fishing than the mud minnow.

7

I am by no means a great fisherman but a while back when I would continue to break off good hookups I realy started anyalyzing what things lg and sm may have contributed to it.

  • Realized quickly that a quality reel with a good drag system are paramount
  • Always make sure you line is spooled on tight and even, if you have to cast it out in between hook ups to ensure it reels back on evenly it w be worth it
  • Realy use your range of motion availible when pulling the fish
  • Dont be afraid to let your rod bend, let the fish struggle to put a full bend in the rod then give him a full pull back at another angle
  • Use your feet, I walk foward, back and side to side, and taking a few steps back helps a ton sometimes rather than just pulling
  • When you are on the bottom reel just enough so that you know your weight has moved right up agianst you swivel attaching to the leader, that will keep you from having another 5 or 6 ft of slack line to give when he runs
  • I found it helps me to leave just a little dip in myline once this has happened. it will give the fish just enough room to turn with the circle hook and as soon as he makes up that little bit of slack and starts to bend the rod I will slowly reel until it sets
  • And this last tip may be be a bit unorthodox but it has been helping me, when I pull back I have found that if I keep my line tight and drop the rod tip below my waist that angle seems to do better turning them. I think being pulled at a downward angle from the hook set makes them want to head to deeper water i.e. away from the dock. Pulling up and back seems to make the fish just want to head parrallel and for the pilings.

Hope this helps, really the big thing is hooking up to them alot around structure and learning each time something that works for you to get them out! Dont just loose one and re rig and do the same thing over again, i really had to get in myhead that every fight is going to happen differently.

Get out There!

8

Breaking off 12 is still better than hooking up 0. Nice fish, and some good tips.

9

I do not understand breaking off 12 fish.You are doing something wrong.Not enough drag or bad knot tie.Your boat is out of position??

Stonoman

10

It would seem like that. But i can assure you its not the knots or drag. 30lb flouro fraying on pilings! Theres no leaders comming back untied, I actually tie knots that save lives for a living so i am pretty sure I am good there, unless the palomar knot has been disproved lately. You would have to see the spot to understand. It is very close quarters fishing. And my buddy from out of town was 9 of the 12 breakoffs, hes a bit out of practice thats all, I am just happy he had a good time. Happy fishing guys, I will try and raise that batting average dont worry stonoman

Get out There!

11

Ditto

quote:
Originally posted by 30.06Hammer

Breaking off 12 is still better than hooking up 0. Nice fish, and some good tips.

19’ Seapro 150 Yamaha
12’ Hydrocraft 25 Evinrude
If that’s all I have to worry about…there’s nothing to worry about.

12

JI, fish the same areas as you and had the same problem until I upgraded the line and leader. I use 30# spider wire with and 50 or 80# leader with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook in a carolina rig. Sounds heavy for the leader but it isn’t for reds around structure. I crank down on the drag go the fish doesn’t get the chance to get wrapped up in the pilings. I don’t feel I have less hook ups and brake offs are down. Reds on cut bait are not shy of leaders in my opinion so try to upgrade the leader if thats where you are breaking off.

A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.

13

Hey guys, I was hoping for some pointers on some good “general” spots. I’m 14, and me and my buddies have always just fished ellis creek by the yacht club year round, and caught some monster reds, flounder, and even some good trout. The last few months, it’s been totally dead! I’m dying to find another good spot near the ji yacht club. Any tips on general spots/tackle/bait? Any help is appreciated!

Every day is a good

14

Yea I threw together a dozen leaders or so this evening and outfitted a few of them with 50lb mono, and 4/0 circles. Taking the lady friend Tuesday and I dont think she is going to be as passive as I am about break offs so i wanna make sure shes strapped and ready! Keep yall posted

Get out There!

15

Thanks for the info JI. Definitely good stuff to think about. I probably fall victim to the idea of “tie on another leader and do the same thing over again” without trying something new. Thanks again.

16

JI. I am going to take your tips, laminate them, and put them ont he front of my boat! Thanks!

17

I will take 8 measures and 12 break-offs any day though 12 does seem a bit high. I use 30 lb Spiderwire and 30 lb flouro and experience maybe 1 or 2 a trip but, you sound like you are fishing an area with a lot more rough edges.

18
quote:
Originally posted by JIHUNTFISH1

I actually tie knots that save lives for a living so i am pretty sure I am good there

Unfortunately you and i both know this statement is laughable, i wouldn’t have to call you out if you took me fishing (**() it

19

Be sure to check you line and leader often for frays and nicks. Especially when fishing docks w 2o/30 lb. One abrasion a 34 inch red is whistling Dixie.

  • I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
20

try shortening your leader to around 6-8" if you have not already done so.

those are some solid tips above. especially keeping the rod tip lowered and to the side when wanting to turn the fish.

gotta love those docks loaded with bruisers.

xHCFCx

Fish are too valuable to be caught only once.