I went out with Papa and Mr. Parker Saturday morning. We got to the beach around 10. We fished all day and it was slow. We ended up catching a few rays, a dozen or so whiting and a bonnet head shark. We worked hard but not allot out. The highlight of the day was a double hook up of two huge cow nose rays. Papa had about 5 runs that were sharks. They kept hitting the same pole in the same spot. He was rigged up for reds so the sharks bite off his mono without any problem. I did have 1 pole rigged up for sharks and casted next to the area Papa was getting his shark runs, but of coarse they wouldn’t hit the shark rig and continued to target the same pole Papa was throwing. I had a shark bait out all day, just no luck. Papa did have an unfortunate event. We were all hanging out talking and looked over to the rod that was getting all the shark runs, she was gone. It happened very quick. The sand spike was laying on the ground and something made off with his rod.
Hopefully we have better luck next time. The beach was flat with very little structure to target and the water is still pretty chilly. We fished for about 9 hrs.
Y’all still got to have a good day on the beach. What a bummer about papas rod.
Just curious as to what rig and bait you were using to catch the rays. I want my fiance to catch something other then whit I ng that puts up a fight thanks.
It was a fun day of hanging out even without the fish. The rays were massive haha. Sucks about my rod but it happens I guess haha.
my ray was caught on fresh squid that we happened to catch in a net. It was a good fight and my first cow nose.
Water is warming up though and will only get better
Lost rod the same way couple years ago. Stuck my spike in the sand and turned to get the rubber mallet off my cart I use to drive the spike.
Turned back around to see my rod flying through the breakers. I went running after it and slipped. Fell into the trough I fishing. Cell phone and wallet in pocket. There were 2 women walking down the beach who were laughing their butt off. Wallet dried out, cell phone died.
All it takes is a drag just a hair to tight. Somebody could be 5 steps away and not get to it in time. Some people like a tight drag. Not me. I can’t afford to loose a rod and reel. They will not fall under any warranty and it’s a total loss. This is why the Saragosa concerns me for surf fishing.
for the millionth time, the drag was loose hahahahaha. I think the sand was just super soft from the waves and basically there was too much play so the spike fell over and there went the rod
Could you use a reel leash attached to your spikes or do your spikes get pulled too?
on saturday the spike was pulled out of the sand as well. Chalk it up to lesson learned basically.
Papa’s got it right. I learned my lesson. A few things.
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Drive your spike before you cast your bait. Duh!
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Use a rubber mallet to really “drive” your spike into the sand. I use homemade spikes made from schedule 40 PVC, much sturdier than store bought spikes. A 10’ stick of 1 1/2" pipe is about $7. Rubber mallet from Walmart or Dollar store is less $3.
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If fishing the incoming tide, you are going to be driving your spike into soft sand. Pour water around your spike to tighten it up.
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Light drag. If your spike is well sit, you don’t need to leave it really loose.
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Pay attention. Your rod is either in your hand or a stable spike.
I get a 10ft by 1 1/2 in pic pipe and cut it in half diagonally and you have 2 5ft rod holders. I put mine in about 2ft and nothing will pull it in and it keeps your line out the waves and sand. You can wiggle them in if your close to the water line
I fabbed my own spikes out of aluminum, 2’ of 1-1/2" x 3/16" angle, 2’ of 2-1/4" OD tubing welded. Sometimes they are a little tough to pull straight out of the sand.
You’re bragging now.
haha nice parker. I think Il be ok for now with my spikes. just have to check them occasionally to make sure they are still seated properly.