"Always...Float a Flatline" It is always a good idea to keep a flatline with a dead sardine floating behind the boat while bottom fishing. If a wahoo(like the one pictured), cobia, dolphin, or other pelagic comes swimming by the boat to check things out they will generally slurp down the easy meal. A knocker rig(explained in upcoming Catch365 tip) with light sinker and triple hooks is a great way to present a flatlined sardine. "Low Water Look" Low tide may not be an ideal fishing time in a lot of spots,but it is a GREAT time to take a look and see what's around. Fishy things like; rocks, oyster bars, deep potholes, and other fish holding structure often become highly visible at low tide/low water. Make a note of these areas, and go back at high tide. The fish will be waiting! "Mix it up" Sometimes a slight lure change is all it takes to fire up fish that have turned off. If they won't bite the DOA Shrimp anymore, toss a Vudu shrimp at them. A slight variation can get a school of fish fired back up in a hurry! Pro Tip: When fishing schooling redfish; try throwing a slightly different lure(or same lure in slightly different color) before the fish stop biting. Changing it up is a great way to keep them biting. "Pack it properly" Not every fishing trip requires as much gear as Steve and I packed away for the Everglades camping trip in this picture. But, packing tackle and other gear away securely and in a designated place is a great habit to get in. During a hot bite, or when the the need for "that" lure pops up; it's nice to know right where it is and be able to get to it quick! "Tricked Out Topwaters" Most topwater lures are great right out of the package. But sometimes slight tweaks and modifications make them even better. For example, drilling a small hole and filling topwater lures with a few BB's is a great way to add a little weight (leading to longer casts) and extra rattle. Assorted poppers and Zara Spooks are great lures for doing this with. This is very popular for surf fishing when long casts and noisy lures are necessary to get the fish fired up. "Gaff Hook Size" A key factor in picking out a gaff is the size of the hook. Gaff hook size is typically measured by the hook gap width; with 2,3,4, and 6 inch gap hooks being some of the most popular sizes. Smaller gaff hooks (2 and 3") are great for smaller fish and "picking" fish off very easily. Medium hook gaffs (4") are great all purpose hooks for a wide variety of species. Large gaff hooks (over 4") are great for bigger fish. It may not be practical to keep multiple gaffs on the boat, but if possible keep a small "pick" gaff and a larger gap hook gaff on the boat. The smaller gaff makes sticking small to medium fish easier, and the big hook is great when a true trophy pops up next to the boat. |
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