HHI Report 8/27

[FishRung]

8/27: Fished the uptide through early downtide 8AM-4PM from the beach - infront of the "Home Depot" house. Too much wave action for surface popper and float so netted 7-10" mullet in the surf and fished cut-bait. Had 17 shark to 40", lost 4 to breakoffs and had several runs that didn't find the hook. No rays. Lots of activity about 500yds off the beach with predators smashing through large schools of baitfish.

8/28: Fished same tide same place. Nothing to net; too murky for popper; too much wave action for float. Caught bait (whiting, ladyfish, blues and 1 catfish) on shrimp. Fished cutbait for sharks including one at 50". One carhood ray took off for Bermuda and wouldn't stop. Still it was a lot of fun.

[smallie53]

Will be fishing south for. beach area 9-18. Have fished before with a several break-bite offs. I Have upgraded tackle to an 11' rod with a high cap. reel with 30# power pro. Is this enough? Do you use steel leaders? How long. Hook size and type? I do cast a net alittle, and have always done best on surf bait, even if only pinfish. Thanks Steve

[FishRung]

Hi Steve,

If I'm deliberately after shark I'll use an 8" wire leader and a Gamagatsu 6/0 circle hook. I've only had one fish that wasn't hooked in the corner of the mouth, so I like them. Main line is 14lb hi-viz Sufix. I use a 30' shock leader of 40lb mono with a bimini twist. I also make sure I check the bottom 10' of line every cast because I've lost fish to frayed line before.

Otherwise I use 24" 40lb fluorocarbon hook length and a 6/0 Gamagatsu circle hook. Main line is still 14lb hi-viz Sufix, but no shock leader.

You should find plenty of mullet in the surf.

Best of luck ...

[smallie53]

Thanks for the detailed info. Usually all I can get is real general info. It is real hard to find a system when you only fish every couple of years. I would never have used more than a 3/0 hook. One more question. If you are only going for a Big bite, what type of rig would you use? I plan on fishing Sunday the 18th. I know the moon will not be right but the tide will be right for early morning fishing{I think} I have had my best luck on the incoming tide . But this might be because I usually quit when the beach gets crowded. Next time my wife says I can pick the week. Right. Later . Steve

[FishRung]

Steve,

Check out

http://hwee_surfcast.tripod.com/AdvanceRigDesign.htm

I use the Pulley Rig because it casts a lot further with the bait not spinning around in the air and resists tangles. This is a very functional rig You'll need to find the Breakaway Bait Shields.

http://hwee_surfcast.tripod.com/AccessoryBreakaway.htm

For shark the hook length should be wire. I use the 10" or 12" rigs you can buy for Bluefish.

As I mentioned before, keep checking the bottom 10' of your end tackle for fraying and replace it whenever you see any.

Good luck.

[smallie53]

Is there anywhere in Beaufort County to buy a pulley rig?

[johnnyleo11]

you can go to BPS in Savannah and purchase a good bit of rigging supplies and equipment. I make my own rigs now. There was a good amount of money put in to making my own rigs initially, but I know it will pay off in the long run.

[smallie53]

My wife want's to go to Paula's Restraunt in Savanaah. Maybe I can go to bps then . Thanks. steve

[johnnyleo11]

Are you talking about Paula Deen's restaurant? I believe it's called Mother and Sons' and it is downtown. The BPS is about 10 miles from there and towards where exit 94 is on I-95. If you're smart, you can sign her up for a "cooking class" at the restaurant which will keep her occupied for at least half of the day and you can spend some time at the shop and pick up supplies.

[smallie53]

Thanks for the idea. But,at 250 for the class plus the dinner plus the gas I think I will use my two hook rig or my fish finder rig . [the class was full by the way] Do you think I am waisting my time fishing at the full moon? Thanks Steve

[FishRung]

Only if there's a werewolf about :D .

[smallie53]

What should Iuse for bait?

[smallie53]

for werewolfs?