When do the usually show up around the reefs? I’ve heard mid May. Is this correct?
Thanks
They are there now.
Thanks appreciate it
libra
They are always there… give it a few weeks and they will be all over the top and fun to catch!
211 key west 175 suzuki
I’ve got my bow and arrow ready to go
Sman I’ve always talked about shooting them. Will one arrow bring the fish in?
235 scout sportfish
Thanks appreciate it
libra
Gentlemen, the first time I saw Spadefish , I was in awe. There were acres of them - 10 pounders were common. They were so easy to catch, hard to pull,and,when fresh , they were good Good on the table.
I caught way yonder more than my share as there was no legal limit. I invited my friends, and we loaded the boat every trip. children and wives really got a kick out of them. It was a hi - ho time!!
Soon, there were more spade-fishermen , and then fewer fish. DNR saw all this , and wisely Set a limit of 20 fish per man. That Is a lot of fish for one boat .
I imposed a limit on my boat of five fish per man, and my conscience feels much better.
Sometimes the things will be around you by the hundreds, and I have considered shotgun . Not very sportsman like . Here’s the secret: wait until May 15;after then, they will bite.
The gist of this’s note: still lots o fish, so don’t be a hog like me, and we’ will have agood future with Spadefish.
Realfin is spot on… They are super fun to catch, and great table fare- but not when frozen and re-thawed. One big spade will feed a family of 4 one meal. Suggest keep no more than 2 per person to eat fresh and let the rest live to provide fun for others!
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.eyestrikefishing.com #predatorsstriketheeye
Realfin thanks for the post. It is rare to see a fisherman humbled by his own ignorance AND then learn from it and attempt to help other avoid his same shortsighted mistakes. That is a Realfin Man! This problem exists with many aspects of our fishery except the humility and introspection is absent.
If you want to REALLY enjoy spadefish…just in the water and swim with them! Its amazing
Good post Realfin. Thanks for the message.
How far out to you have to go to find them?
BadBob
Polar 1910 BB 150 Johnson
“Convict Hunter”
If you ain’t the lead dog then the scenery never changes
Good post Realfin. They are an easy one to exploit.
Badbobflyfishing: My first experience with them was at the Edisto inshore reef 2 summers ago. It was July and saw them “tailing” as I approached the reef. Seeing you user name, I went a second time with my 8 weight fly rod and was using cut jelly bombs as bait (have heard to take canned clams if the jelly bombs aren’t out). I could not get one to take a piece of jelly bomb from the fly rig but am going to try it again this summer given how they fight it would be awesome.
Spartanburg/Edisto
Sea Hunt 27 “Saltwater Gospel”
Bomb Island 16 “Hookin’ Heels”
Realfin is also correct about conservation. They are good on the grill same day as you catch them, and 1-2 is enough for a big family.
Spartanburg/Edisto
Sea Hunt 27 “Saltwater Gospel”
Bomb Island 16 “Hookin’ Heels”
Realfin, I like your thought process. I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and fished the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel there like we fish the jetties in Charleston. In the mid to late 70’s we caught and kept coolers full of Gray Trout, what we call Weakfish here in the south. These were nice fish with 5 to 10 lbs being the norm. Couldn’t do it today if your life depended on it. Realfin says don’t be like him. I say don’t be like me either. Looking forward to our warm weather fishing season. Be safe!
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
When you see these schooled at the surface, what kind of rig do you throw at them. Any weight?? Hope toget into catching these this season
Tidewater 198 CC