A little mind dump on the new bottom fishing rules. A size 4/0 hook will have no problem bringing in big reds. When I’ve targeted them in the past I’ve only used bigger hooks and bait because I was imitating the rigs of guys catching more fish then myself. My question is why isn’t King Mackeral fishing banned all together or atleast restrict the bait size like bottom fishing? The logic being used in the new rules are to keep away the big sharks. I don’t really agree with the logic because it’s the structure it self (pier) attracting bait fish and in turn bringing in sharks of all sizes, and even if there wasn’t a pier they would still be in the water everywhere. But when folks are using trolling rigs targeting kings what’s the hook up percentage on actually getting a king on the line? 2% maybe? The other 98% of the time it’s a shark and not a little sharpie. I’m talking all the big sharks your trying reduce. In the fall when people are targeting reds with huge chunks of mullet the hook up percentage of actually having a bull red on the line has to be over 50% and arguably higher. For the folks targeting the elusive red from March-August I’m guessing the hook up numbers would be comparble to the king fisherman 2%. Those spring a summer folks are the ones your trying to eliminate. That’s fair enough. I would just think if you were using your logic and trying to protect the public you would also eliminate king fishing all together. Now before anyone gets their panties in a bundle I DONT want that to happen. The whole thing is a farse in my opinion, but be warned if there is another summer of the shark your king fishing days might be in danger.
Actually we rarely catch sharks. We can see then coming and lift baits. We even will yell to others in area if shark in baits so everyone can avoid it. There is no way 100% avoid sharks but trust king fisherman are actually less likely than bottom fisherman to hook a shark. Especially if fishing in clean water as the bait usually escapes the Shark haha
Also the second we have hooked a shark by either ot being able see hit bait or any other way we instantly will lock down straightening out hook to release it. Or line will break.
The Shark ban in general is a joke. It’s the way people go about targeting and displaying them that caused alot of issues