Pretty fair day at the 60. Huge Spades were everywhere but wouldnt bite. They’d come up to the boat, and Id bump them with bait, but it it appears they are too busy trying to mate. We will bring them cannonball jellyfish tomorrow as a wedding gift.
Otherwise, it was Triggerfish and Grouper, and we brought some nice ones home for dinner. Lots of Silver Snappers, a few Ringtails, some very large bustoffs (most likely Sharks) and surprise, a 26 inch Redfish that must have gotten lost on his way back to the Creek.
Water temp was 72. We will try to persuade the Spades again tomorrow.
Nice!
Spades can be really finicky, do you have a pole spear or maybe a crossbow laying around? Otherwise: tiny hooks, just enough shrimp or jelly to cover the hook up to the knot, and long light leader, like 20lb or less. Freelined ahead of the school to drift it down naturally into their depth, or a little split shot right at the knot on the hook- if it’s up the line and pulls the bait oddly, they won’t eat it. They’re used to eating minuscule shrimp off floating weeds and things, think small
And I chaperoned a trip to the SC aquarium today and saw this… never made trigger ceviche but I’ve done it with a dozen other reef species and always loved it
1 Like
Gold hooks work well, when targeting Spades.
Also, the Cannon/Jelly Balls were as thick as I’ve ever seen them, last week at IOP. Just behind the breakers.
