On Thursday we started fishing just inside of the ledge, in 160 feet of water. We caught two dolphins before we pushed out a bit deeper. In 200 feet of water, we caught a wahoo on the planer rod. We pushed out a bit deeper and caught another wahoo on the short rigger. Ended up catching a bunch of amberjacks and barracudas as we worked the ledge to the south. We had to try and dodge some nasty thundersorms, but luckily all we got was wind and rain. During the rain and wind, we picked up a king mackerel and another wahoo on the planer rod. I think that was the only one staying in the water due to the wind from the passing storm. Ended the day with 3 out of 4 wahoos, 3 dolphins, 1 king, 6 AJs, and too many cudas.
Capt. Dick Vance
Hot Shot Charters
www.HotShotCharters.com
843-209-1630
Congrats on the hoos! What size planar were you using? We tried a #5 planar, but the stretch 30 seemed to dive deeper. Still looking for our first hoo.
thanks,
H&T
I use a # 2 planer set up as follows.
I tie a swivel directly to the mono and connect it to the planer. I don’t use a leader in front of the planer because it is not necessary and it will keep the planer from getting down. The planer rig is 20 feet of 300 lb. mono connected to 6 feet of 175 lb. wire, connected by a Spro “aussie” type swivel. The mono is connected to the back of the planer by a swivel. I use a red/black Ilander with an 8/0 hook for medium ballyhoo and a 9/0 hook for the large ballyhoo. Don’t worry about getting it down really deep. This rig only goes 15 feet deep. I use the #2 planer because it does not take too much drag to keep it in place. I hope this helps you catch your 'hoo.
Capt. Dick Vance
Hot Shot Charters
www.HotShotCharters.com
843-209-1630
It seems that red and black has been the producing color for 'hoos, phins, and kings.
'32 Wellcraft Scarab
Twin Y-250’s
Capt. Vance/Hot Shot,
Thanks for the tips! If I understand you correctly, the ilander is connected directly to the planar. When the hoo hits, the rod is pulling the planar, 6 ft of 175 lb wire, ilander and hoo. I think I’ll be ok with my 7/0 hook, but will need 175 lb wire and a #2 planar.
I’ve also caught sails on the red/black ilander.
H&T