Today I had planned, or tried to plan, an off shore trip to the ledge for some Gruppah!! However, the Lord would have a different plan for me today. I couldn’t find anyone to go with me and so I was left thinking that I was going to spend the day on the hill. When it occurred to me that it would probably be a good day to chase some Red’s. The tide fit perfectly into my schedule, and off my boys and I went into the upper Wando.
We had two fish brought to the boat. One Red and one Flounder. The Flounder was poorly handled by me and was able to escape. I’m creating a video to publicly humiliate myself with such a rookie mistake. The Red was brought in by my 8 year old son. We used live mullet and cut mullet on Carolina rigs. We had three break offs for the day as well. I’m thinking that my 15 lb. braid is not cutting it and I need to up the line strength. I’m thinking of making it 30 lb. braid.
I tried something today that kind of worked. I brought a single outrigger pole with me to “spread” out my lines. I set the clip to be really loose, and I had two fish hit that line, and the line came out of the clip as advertised. One fish broke off, the other just came off the hook. It worked pretty well, so if I’m ever alone with no other boats to consider, I think I’ll bring it with me again!!
Anyway, an absolutely beautiful day on the water, and the smile on my sons face was worth every second out there.
Great job of putting the boy on a red! Handsome kid!
On the braid thing, how is your drag set? 15lb should be plenty. I use it and 20#, but if your drag is set too tight that may be the problem. It could also be your knot possibly? Just some thoughts. You will give up a pretty fair amount of casting distance going from 15 to 30.
Best of luck and stop those breakoffs one way or another! Little anglers do not care for breakoffs, trust me, I KNOW!
Vinman, I could pull line off the reel with just my bare hand and some slight effort. Meaning, anything less and it felt like they would just run and I wouldn’t be able to get them in. I was afraid the drag was too loose they way I had it set up. I’m not sure of the name of the knot I use, but it’s what my dad taught me, and I’ve used it all my life. Even on my trolling rigs! I’m not sure if it’s oysters or something cutting the line . . . . I don’t have enough experience yet at this to know, but I’m sure having fun learning with my boys! Thanks for the advice. I do appreciate it.
G2G, North, and Russ, thanks guys. My dad taking me fishing is a big part of the reason I have the relationship with him that I do. I want that for me and my boys. So anytime like this is so worth it. The smiles are just icing on the cake in my book!!
Looks like a great day on the water to me for sure. About the knots… I’ve found that the “slippery” factor of braid, I use 20# PowerPro, can cause an issue with knots. Never use a cinch knot with braid. I uni to uni my powerpro to 20# flouro about 7-8 ft long. I have found that a perfection loop (someone correct me if I’m wrong) to the hook is your best bet.
That being said, if you are coming back with the hook still on the line, it probably isn’t the knot… Maybe hook size?
Anybody else want to chime in? BTW, I just started fishing this summer, so take my “experience” with a grain of salt. Don’t have many break offs though… Actually never with fish on, knock on wood!!
Oh and yeah, I’m down for some nearshore/offshore whenever. I have the luxury of making my own schedule for the most part. Just need a day or so notice.
NChuckTiger . . . That might be it. The knot my Dad showed me was a clinch knot. I’ve never known the name before. An no, I lost all three rigs to the fish. Nothing but line came back up. I think you may have solved my problem. I do know how to tie a perfection knot, so I’ll have to switch to that I think.
For what it is worth, I have gone to Uni knots for everything. I use 15# braid, uni to uni to 25# flouro, and then a uni to the hook or jig. Never had one fail!
@Ridgefisher . . . that last line, “YOU STINK!!” was actually what he said to me right when I put it up on the screen. I had to quote that, because that is just how I felt.
Haha great video! Also I second the thought above… no cell phones allowed! Only for pictures or calling the mom. Also there is 2 minute talking limit to anybody who is on the mainland!
Hunter P. Hames
11’ Tarpon 100
19’ Sea Fox 125 merc
