There were reports of some fish being caught this week but not a lot. Mostly a few seatrout and redfish. Lots of reports of fishermen still catching lots of small trout. Providing there isn’t a prolonged freeze seatrout action should be hot this Spring! One nice catch of redfish, seatrout and sheepshead reported from St. Catherine sound. Most of the catches in the Savannah/Richmondhill area have been nine fish or less. Capt. Eric Traub said he and his father caught five trout and a couple of reds. The fish were keepers but not large. This can be winter fishing. Sometimes fish will be stressed because of difficultly finding bait, cold water and porpoises. There were reports striper action is picking up. One 27 pound striper was caught around Fields Cut trolling. Striper action is still slow. Those finding success are likely putting in lots of hours for a few fish. Plastics can work well for winter fishing. We caught some nice seatrout and redfish on 6″ salt n’ pepper jerk worm. The bites were fewer but the fish were larger. Large fish like big baits even in the winter. It’s all about energy. A big bait makes a fish think it’s worth its while to eat it! Casts that slam into the water can ruin a fisherman’s chance for success. It’s sometimes hard to do. You’ve caught one fish and in the excitement to get your bait back in the water your bait slams into the water. This isn’t the worst thing. Take a deep breath and refocus. Remember fishing is about fun. Catching fish is the bonus. Jokingly I’ve said you’re going to have to go the time out corner. Not really the point is if your casting is going awry while in front of fish just notice that something isn’t working. Listen to your captain. Good things can happen. Some days the fish will seem to jump on your line. Other days we have to work. Nonetheless, it’s fun, fish or no fish!
Game Fish Status for Redfish
The CCA Coastal Conservation of Georgia is supporting legislation in support of game fish for redfish. This is a positive step towards the protection of this fishery. Other states with a significant redfish fishery have already taken this step. Let hope our legislature recognizes the importance of fishery by granting game fish status to redfish. To voice your opinion either way contact Bob Lane, Chairman Game, Fish and Parks 912.764.7450.
The benefit of fishing seminars
Fishing seminars are great! Most seminars are held during the off season so not only do seminars provide something to do, they’ll provide information to think about and act on. When I listen to a seminar what I pay attention to are things I heard before or things I’ll hear the speaker repeat. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn and what a speaker is willing to share. Like George Poveromo (Saltwater Sportsman magazine) has said use the information to improve your fishing skills not to abuse the fishery. Miss Judy of Miss Judy Charters has put together a series of seminars for both the inshore and offshore fisherman. What a resource! This is likely the quickest most efficient way to gain an understanding of the fishery and fishing in Georgia waters. Whether a fisherman is a veteran or novice there is also something to learn or perhaps share. I fish most days of the year and I still enjoy attending a seminar when I have the opportunity to take in one. I try to take in the ones that I believe the best of the best. Then when you’re around the best like a Lefty Kregh in fly casting or a Miss Judy in Georgia fishing you’re going to try to cling every word. A seminar wont cure all bad fishing habits but hopefully it will expose you to plenty of good ones: keep a journal, find out about the bite from fishing reports, tackle shops and your network to a name a few. Miss Judy has put together a top series of seminars that could benefit any fishermen or aspiring fishermen. Check www.missjudycharters.com
Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan