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Miss Judy Charters
Captain Judy Helmey
Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956!”
124 Palmetto Drive
Savannah, Georgia 31410
912-897-4921 or 912-897-3460 fax
http://www.missjudycharters.com/
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Captain Judy's Fishing Report April 21, 2008
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and "Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain JudySend your fishing questions directly to Captain Judy
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Unconfirmed Tarpon Sighting/hookup
A fisherman while bottom fishing for whiting in Warsaw Sound this past weekend had an interesting visitor. Although the encounter was a short one, a large tarpon picked up his small bait offering and sky rocketed with it. At first the fisherman thought is was a large stingray, because of the way it first moved his line. However, after seconds into the fight and having his Zebco 202 internal gears stripped the large hooked up tarpon took an unscheduled flight. One of the young fishermen on board screamed, "it was a big as me!" And that's the rest of the story!
King Mackerel
King mackerel are being caught at the artificial reefs located in 50 feet plus of water. Live bait in these areas are here one day and gone the next. There is a rule of thumb that we fishermen follow: When you have bait you have fish especially in the case of king mackerel!
Captain Rick Reynolds April 12, 13, and 20 2008
Although it was windy, Captain Rick still prevailed! While having many of his fish drops deleted out of his fish plan, due to conditions, he still caught fish! The winds howled out of the west/south west causing muddy as well as rough water conditions! Charter boat captain are faced with this sort of situation almost on a daily basis. When they leave the dock the wind might be calm, but then a weather change can take place instantly. When this happens your so-called "foul proof fish plan" can crash leaving you with a lot less options than you started with. Captain Rick on these particular fish days had all of it to deal with for sure. These days mentioned were packed with strong winds. The first couple of days mentioned were windy for sure, but it had just started to blow. This past weekend proved to be even harder to deal with, because it was compounded muddy with winds causing the domino effect for sure.
We charter boats captains, especially those that fish inshore, at least have some fishing plan options when it comes to "wind values!" Offshore charter boat captains don't have many options especially when the "wind she howls at 20 knots plus!" Lets just say, "Captain Rick had at least 100 plus good fish drops to fish on any given day!" However, when you throw in "high winds, muddy waters, and rough conditions" your firm list of 100 plus great fishing spots could be cut in half.
Looking For Reds in all the right places!
Captain Ray Crawley of Miss Judy Charters once again proves that "eyes wide open" work especially when targeting the cunning red fish. While using is electric motor and cruising the bank Captain Ray thought he saw a "red fish wake," but wasn't sure. So he basically paused and watched. As he looked towards the marsh line he saw a small opening in the marsh, which he couldn't actually call a slough. (However, this what we are going to call it!) It was very small, however this opening had an underwater ditch, which fed it. What was amazing about the whole thing was had this big red fish not been following the ditch into the small slough Captain Ray might have missed this serious fish catching opportunity.
As I listen to Captain Ray described this now call "new honey hole" I could see it my mind. So here's what was conveyed to me. The slough even though it was small was still an opening the marsh, which provided the red fish with an easy entry into the marsh. In this case we don't know which came first the "slough or the fish!" The underwater ditch was about 2 ½ feet wide and about 3 feet deep. It was quickly ascertained by Captain Ray that the fish moving in and out probably had some dredging effect on this spot. After all, the slough really wasn't big enough to move that much water. The red fish single filed their way into the marsh offering up his customers an opportunity to catch and release quite a few real nice red fish.
As soon as Captain Ray watched and perceived what was happening he came up with a fish catching plan. While using his power pole he anchored the boat up current of said newly found ditch, which would shortly become known as the "honey hole." Captain Ray was pre-rigged with mini floats, small weights, 12-inch leaders, and small #4 Kale hooks. For bait he was using live shrimp. Casting directly to the spot was an option, but two corks or more could make too much of a noise intrusion. This would slow down or scare off any sort of red fish bite as well as moving pattern. So henceforth "floating the bait in with the current" was the best option. All the customers had to do was to place their corks not cast them and be real quiet while doing it. The end results to this fish day was astounding, because when red fish made a "swim by in the ditch" they couldn't pass up eating that dangling shrimp.
A red fish's main goal is to get where it feels safe and can feed at the same time. Flooded marshes areas are great spots for them to target snail, crabs, eels, and anything else that happens by. If you happen to ever find a spot like Captain Ray's "Honey Hole" I suggest looking beyond it once the tide is completely high. Red fish are big-bodied fish and always follow the path of less friction. In this case, those clearing spots in the area in which the marsh glass is missing or basically laid over should be consider spots to fish. Lures rigged weed less that naturally sleek their way to the bottom on the fall are good baits to use. The best of the best is a lure such as "jerk bait or the plain old plastic worm types." These styles are easy to rig weed less and are very workable when dealing with some sort of structure. In this case "semi water covered marsh grass!"
OFFSHORE
Chris Newton's Wire Leader and Butter fly Jigs discovery!
This is where the "old dog" gets taught some new tricks by the smarter younger dogs! Chris Newton emailed me some interesting information in regards to wire leaders and butter fly jigs. Not only did he email me, he stopped by and showed me. Believe me, I am now a believer of wire leaders when using Butter fly jigs. The reason being when rigged like Chris suggests you may never loose another jig. If you do it certainly might be from angler error.
I must say in my defense that whenf I think of wire leaders the first thing that comes to my mind is "single strand wire!" Back in the old day we used this type of wire. There are a few things about it this old style wire that was seared into my memory banks. The only kind I remember is 100 pound test plus. As far a light wire like we use now when live lining for king mackerel it didn't exists or maybe it did, but daddy just didn't use it. Back in the old days the fish that we caught had to be seriously dealt with. Now that I think about it according to daddy, "light tackle applications were used mostly in fresh water." The fish that we caught had lots of large sharp teeth, were strong runners, and knew how to take advantage of the ocean currents putting these natural efforts in their favor. Heck, I even remember when reels didn't even have drag systems at all! You just reeled them in on your loaded rope like line. I guess you could say, "sportsmanship hadn't been introduced as of yet at least not in Helmey-ville!" (Our last name is Helmey and as a small child we had several family members living on the property. Daddy had "Helmey-ville" printed on the mailbox.)
As I mentioned earlier my father raised me using "single strand heavy duty wire" types! This wire was so heavy that the offering of any sort of flexibility just wasn't there. I never knew much about, much less understood the "fisherman's haywire twist!' Back in the old days, daddy's wire twist was done with a pair of pliers. He held the wire with the pliers and twisted it, but not like you think. It wasn't uniform at all. Each loop around wasn't "laid in," it was just wrapped "crazy like." When it came to breaking off the leftover wrapping tail end this posed another big problem. We didn't back it off like you do the regular fisherman's haywire twist. It was broke off with the pliers leaving a jagged edge that nicked you bad every time you hand or arm crossed it. Believe me, back in real old days I had scars to prove it. In this case grabbing the leader was going to hurt you and bad. Now I do have to remember in our case "cuts on you hand" meant a great day of catching as well as pain!"
I know you are probably tried of hearing about the good old days! It time to hear what "Chris Newton "smarter and younger dog" showed me. Firstly, before I get started, this works, I have tried it, and it's definitely the way to go! As I reported previously "single strand wire wouldn't offer much flexibility." However, in this case this wire suggest by Chris is as good as any leader line available. For wire Chris uses "Surflon" 1X7 nylon coated stainless steel leader" materials. I purchased this coated wire in 30-foot length small spools, which as suggested by Chris, is the way to go. The pound test is "60 lb" and the color is "CAMO." This wire is coated with nylon and it's very flexible. For those wanting to tie it that's possible. However, I am as Chris suggested going with NO 4 sleeve to make my connections. When looping in with sleeve connections the extra movement on the ring offers a more flexibility meaning a better hook up value!
The "Shimano Butter Fly Jig Set Up Theory Is A Good one!" However, when you throw a fisherman such as Chris into the mix "changes happen!" Butterfly jigs when purchase come packaged naked meaning "no hooks attached!" It's up to you to decide, which size assist hooks that you need to attach. They suggest using two assist hooks, which when attached to the head of the lure hang down about mid column of the artificial bait. All is good with these suggestions. However, as you know perfection is only good until the next working suggestion is thrown into the mix. In this case, purchasing package hooks with pre-rigged leaders is going to be in your past. I know it's in mine. However, we should never forget where this all came from, because Shimano started it! Fishermen like Chris are just making it better!
I need to get this out of the way before it escapes my fishing mind. The Butter Fly Jigs come in different lengths. So therefore leader length matter in accordance to the size lure used. Keeping this in mind, you need to make different length leader and hooks set up so that you will have them on hand to mix and match.
Chris Newton's Tackle Recipe List!
Not that you need one, but here's a serious reason for visiting the old tackle store!
SURFLON 1X7 nylon coated stainless steel leader. (This wire comes in 30-foot small reels. When finding it I suggest purchasing plenty!") NO. 4 sleeves I.D .071 (25 to the package) 6/0 to 7/0 short shank "J" style hooks (or any hook that fits you) Solid "Owner" #7.5 rings, and assorted size heavy duty split rigs (I suggest purchasing a set up box of assorted sizes. That's what I did!)
Here's how to make Chris Butter Fly lead set up!
Cut off two feet of coated wire. One end will be attached to your main line/fluorocarbon leader and the other will be where the hook set up starts. Chris suggests attaching the solid ring to this end. He does so with two sleeves. He runs the wire through the solid ring and then loops it over a few times making what we call a "circle wrap with a double sleeves attached." When going this way, it allows your solid ring more free movement. This leans to the fact that the ring's not set in any particular direction meaning it moves with the flow of movement "quick style!"
This type of circle wraps sometimes call "free loop knot" when sleeves aren't involved, allows extra moving freedom. When this type of application is used on hooks or lures "hook ups" are more solid, because all parts involved follow the path of lease friction.
Now that we have the leader and the solid ring attached its time to "hook set up!" The length of Butter Fly jig used determines the distance between the hook and the solid ring. I know you have already probably figured this out, but "the shorter the lure the short the leader used" and "the longer the lure the longer the leader used." I suggest making up the lengths that fits your lure inventory. Since I have what I would call small, medium, and extra long lures I will be "putting together" three different lengths.
The next step is to get out hooks attached. This is also a very simple step. Cut yourself about 6 inches of wire and then attach the hook using a single sleeve. Chris doesn't circle wrap the hooks. He just suggests going through the hook's eye pulling it up and crimping the sleeve. Don't forget to slide on the sleeves first, then stick through hook's eye, take the end and slip it through the sleeve and crimp it. The other end is attached the same way to the solid ring. Now when this is finished you have yourself a fine set up wire leader with hooks attached.
Adding your new leader design to the jigging lure is another simple method at least if you follow Chris instructions. You need to add the proper size split rings to all of your lures. When you get ready to jig, take the lure with the split ring attached, and slide on to the solid ring made into the hook's leader. You need to place the split ring so that it's in the middle of the two hooks. Now, when you are finished using the lure or want to change up simply remove lure by the split and slide another one on. It almost to simple to do!
Main Line and Fluorocarbon Leaders
The best main line that I have used when doing the butter fly jigging thing has been some sort of braided line. I have been using Power Pro main line. On my heavier jigging out fits I am going with 80 pound test main line. For the lighter rod/reel set-ups I have been using 30-pound test line. To the main line I am added a 10 to 20 foot wind on flounder carbon leader. The pound test wind on leader has been 60 to 100 pounds.
Fluorocarbon leaders are great, because they do the disappearing act once hitting the water. All a fish sees is what it's looking at, not what delivering. I have always said, "if the fish's eyes stray for a 10th of a second the desire to attack as well as eat goes to the way side!' It's not that the fish isn't still hungry it's just there are more feeding opportunities in the sea that don't look so strange. This leader material also has another good quality, which means a lot to a bottom fisherman. It's the leader material that offers up quite a bit of abrasion resistance meaning you can rub it against rocks, drag it over ledges, and pull it through ditches with confidence.
GULF STREAM
This fishing report is already too long…however, the blue water bite is heating up with nice dolphin being caught and quite a few bill fish strutting their stuff this week. The word is deep, deep water. Most all fish were caught while fishing in 1,400 to 1,700 feet water while fishing temperature breaks. Look for the feeding birds and you will find the bait, which is just about where the fish are going to be!"
Just Teasin"
Captain "Little" Tommy Williams
This group aboard the "Just Teasin" took that blue water plunge. As I reported earlier the most of the fish were caught in deep blue water from 1,400 to 1,700 feet deep. As they took the heading to the east all eyes watched for any signs of surface life from birds to bait. Upon finding what looked "fishy" dolphin (mahi mahi) was sighted, surface pulled baits were rigged with ballyhoo, and main lines were stretched.
Here's a blue water story for you…Captain Little Tommy William along with fishing crew "The Cracker," Jamie Keeren, Bubba Palmer, and Chris Herrington as I reported took the long ride. Upon arriving at the first designated point, which was the "South Ledge" the sharks took over. As soon as they pulled there hard rigged baits over the ledge large hammerhead sharks ran through their rigged baits cutting and slicing as they went. They even hooked one up for a moment, at least until it went "ballistic on them!" At any rate, at this time, if you want to see or catch a big hammerhead shark the best place to head out too is the South "Big Shark Haven" Ledge.
As soon as it was ascertained that the sharks ruled the ledge, Captain Tommy steered the boat to deeper water in search of another fish bite source. While making way, away from the area they caught one 20 pound big eye tuna and several slinger dolphin. For those that don't know "slinger dolphin" is the size that you can just grab the leader and sling the fish directly into the cooler. Thus the name slinger fit this size fish just fine. They found some semi-interested birds that were diving and then sitting some. As they made way to this area several hookups were had. This score was even better than the first. They now had landed two thirty-pound dolphins, which could be called "gaffers" at least if you were getting name technical. As they were cleaning up a bit from the last double landing a small school of 5 to 10 pound fish came to the boat. They quickly landed about four of these so-called "schoolies." Then it happened, from out of the blue came a large bull dolphin to the boat. This fish was all "lit up" with raging yellow, blue, and green colors. The square head on this bull was big and when it skimmed the surface it created a wake that look like it was "motor made!" All eyes watch as the big boy, which would have easily weighted in at over fifty pounds plus, strutted its stuff. Apparently, it had small dolphin snack on the mind, because it started charging those that were still hanging around the boat. All eye bulged as this large lit-up fish charged around the boat looking for something special to kill. For a split second, Captain Tommy had an idea and he acted on it. Well, he grabbed the large gaff, reached over, and stuck the fish. As soon as he applied the pressure, Captain Tommy then, coming to his senses thought, "what the heck am I doing?"
I guess I need to explain what made him come to his senses. All fishermen know that to gaff a "green fish" can be a serious offense to your own self. The first thing that can happen is that you might get basically pulled out of the boat or you could even get your arm pulled out of the socket. The bottom line to this situation is that you had best think before shoving a gaff at a green fish such as this, because "a swimming you might involuntarily take!" Little Tommy's gaff was straight and true. However, thank goodness the thought process took over and he barely nicked the fish. The bad news is they didn't get the fish. The good news is that Little Tommy was still in the boat with gaff in hand ready for another exciting fishing day!
Marlin, Marlin, and Marlin
Now this is an un-official, but sort of official report. The crew on the "Trashman" while fishing in about 1,700 feet of water had three marlins run through and look at their trolling spread. Before you go thinking that this was just one fish, get that out of your head. They temporally hooked up a 350-pound blue marlin, which properly released itself. After that a 125-pound marlin ran through their trolling spread, lit up a bit, took a look, but didn't stay long enough to make anything happen. As if that wasn't enough, number three cruised by sporting some of those great "I hungry and going to eat colors," but didn't stay long. The last fish would have tipped the scales to about 175 pounds. Here's the real deal for sure. If you added the total estimated weight of the fish that passed by you would be at around 650 pounds! Now that a whole lot of action for sure! The bottom line to this report is not simple or small, because "the man in the blue suit is dressed to kill!" It time to be there!
FRESHIES REPORT
Don't fight going to the light fish it!
It's short and to the point…It time to consider doing a little "night fishing!" You can either fish where you know they have been before or you can provide for the fish to come to you. To beginning calling fish install some type of bug-o-matic light. Once you go this route here's what happens: First the bugs come to the light, get stunned, they fall in the water, buzz around, and attract those that eat them. This happens time after time. Now just before the light comes on those that eat will be waiting to feed. This is just about when and where you need to fish.
For those interested in purchasing a "Bug-o-matic or another fish attention getters…. give Ken's at Hatchery and Fish Farms, Inc a call 1 229 532 6135 or visit www.kens-fishfarm.com
"Little Miss Judy's Believe It or Not!"
Part Three "Mr. Helmey in the forties!"
This story is a continuation of last week's interview with A. L. Smith. He worked for my father, Mr. Helmey, in the forties. I must add that these things that Mr. Smith told me I didn't know about…This is real interesting stuff….I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
As I mentioned in my part two of this story my father had three wreckers. Two were for cars and one was for big trucks. According to Mr. Smith, my father sold and towed trucks a lot for "Smithfield Ham." According to Mr. Smith when a truck pulled in from "Smithfield Ham" it normally had a trailer load of live hogs in tow.
Mr. Smith remembered this one time that a Smithfield Ham truck pulled in and yes; it had a trailer full of live hogs. According to this story the plans had already been made for this driver to pick up a new Auto Car Truck. So therefore as soon as the truck arrived Mr. Smith was to change out the trailer, remove the fifth wheel, and replace on the new truck. This as well as everything else at daddy's shop went fast. Mr. Smith said, "The reason being was that all workers got paid "50 50!" This meant that each worker got 50% of the total job fee after costs were deducted. According to Mr. Smith there wasn't any workers "sitting on benches swinging your feet" at daddy's garage.
When the old Smithfield truck arrived for the new change out it was almost at freezing. The driver while waiting for the new changes to be made had to continuously keep the live pigs from freezing to death. Even thought they were heading straight to the slaughterhouse they had to be alive on arrival or no sale! So therefore there was lots of poking and prodding taking place while Mr. Smith was trying to do his job. It wasn't long before the new rig was ready to roll with livestock "eyes wide open" in tow.
Mr. Smith watched as the big rig rolled out the place. When the brand new truck got about 5 miles up the road towards the slaughterhouse, the oil light came on, and it basically stopped. The driver pulled over best he could, walked until he found a phone and made the call. As soon as daddy was made aware of the situation Mr. Smith was sent with tools, ladder, and lots of spare parts. My father was having a fit, because the new truck had stopped them from making their live hog delivery. He basically went crazy at least for the moment.
When Mr. Smith arrived he set up his ladder so that he could climb up so as to access the problem at hand. The brand new big truck had dropped a valve damaging the crankshaft. According to Mr. Smith it was truly a mess, because it was cold, the trailer pulled was full of live hogs, and the new truck was certainly going to take some time to fix. Well, believe this or not, but Mr. Smith rebuilt the entire engine in less than 6 hours. The bottom line is that the hogs did make it to the market and Mr. Smith's paycheck was going to be big this week!
Hope you enjoy!
Captain Judy
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