|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 28, 2019 13:33:53 GMT -5
I'm pumped for Gag season!!! Was at the NSP Thursday Night and managed one small Gag. Was back Saturday morning and they were chewin' hard! Caught (and released) 4 Gags and got snapped off 5 times by what I presume to also be Gags. Was running 40 LB test too! The sardines were thicker then I have ever seen them all the way down the NSP all morning long. Gag's were under the pier and under the sardines. Technique was simple, 40 LB test, 3OZ of lead, Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook (would have used larger but didn't have them with me) castnet live sardine, float under pier, hang on tight! People around me on other techniques and set-ups were not catching at all and kept asking what I was doing. Nothing is a secret to me, if I am catching I always share what is working.
Anyway, given that I got snapped off 5 times by some big fish, do you guys think I should move up to 60 LB test for opening day Saturday? I'm afraid of getting less/no action using line that thick. I do always use 3-4 feet of flouro and usually the same test as my line.
|
|
|
Post by phishead on May 28, 2019 14:04:19 GMT -5
I'm pumped for Gag season!!! Was at the NSP Thursday Night and managed one small Gag. Was back Saturday morning and they were chewin' hard! Caught (and released) 4 Gags and got snapped off 5 times by what I presume to also be Gags. Was running 40 LB test too! The sardines were thicker then I have ever seen them all the way down the NSP all morning long. Gag's were under the pier and under the sardines. Technique was simple, 40 LB test, 3OZ of lead, Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook (would have used larger but didn't have them with me) castnet live sardine, float under pier, hang on tight! People around me on other techniques and set-ups were not catching at all and kept asking what I was doing. Nothing is a secret to me, if I am catching I always share what is working.
Anyway, given that I got snapped off 5 times by some big fish, do you guys think I should move up to 60 LB test for opening day Saturday? I'm afraid of getting less/no action using line that thick. I do always use 3-4 feet of flouro and usually the same test as my line. Sounds like you had fun. Quick question. What do you mean float under the pier. If you are using 3 oz lead, how and what are you floating?
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 28, 2019 14:14:09 GMT -5
I'm pumped for Gag season!!! Was at the NSP Thursday Night and managed one small Gag. Was back Saturday morning and they were chewin' hard! Caught (and released) 4 Gags and got snapped off 5 times by what I presume to also be Gags. Was running 40 LB test too! The sardines were thicker then I have ever seen them all the way down the NSP all morning long. Gag's were under the pier and under the sardines. Technique was simple, 40 LB test, 3OZ of lead, Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook (would have used larger but didn't have them with me) castnet live sardine, float under pier, hang on tight! People around me on other techniques and set-ups were not catching at all and kept asking what I was doing. Nothing is a secret to me, if I am catching I always share what is working.
Anyway, given that I got snapped off 5 times by some big fish, do you guys think I should move up to 60 LB test for opening day Saturday? I'm afraid of getting less/no action using line that thick. I do always use 3-4 feet of flouro and usually the same test as my line. Sounds like you had fun. Quick question. What do you mean float under the pier. If you are using 3 oz lead, how and what are you floating? Maybe float is the wrong word. The point being that you want to let the current take your bait under the pier, but yes the bait is on the bottom. Don't use so much lead that the current doesn't take it, you want the current to take it. Use just enough lead to keep your bait down.
|
|
|
Post by corpuszero on May 28, 2019 15:13:08 GMT -5
I'm pumped for Gag season!!! Was at the NSP Thursday Night and managed one small Gag. Was back Saturday morning and they were chewin' hard! Caught (and released) 4 Gags and got snapped off 5 times by what I presume to also be Gags. Was running 40 LB test too! The sardines were thicker then I have ever seen them all the way down the NSP all morning long. Gag's were under the pier and under the sardines. Technique was simple, 40 LB test, 3OZ of lead, Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook (would have used larger but didn't have them with me) castnet live sardine, float under pier, hang on tight! People around me on other techniques and set-ups were not catching at all and kept asking what I was doing. Nothing is a secret to me, if I am catching I always share what is working.
Anyway, given that I got snapped off 5 times by some big fish, do you guys think I should move up to 60 LB test for opening day Saturday? I'm afraid of getting less/no action using line that thick. I do always use 3-4 feet of flouro and usually the same test as my line. Are you using any chum to catch the sardines? Or did you mean you were using greenbacks/threadfins? Also, how do you hold a grouper? (newbie here )
|
|
|
Post by parkpass on May 28, 2019 18:26:22 GMT -5
Using sardines the breakoffs could have been big mackerel or bluefish. You won't have that with pinfish, and I always use heavy tackle around the pilings when fishing for gags, up to 100# test, drag locked
|
|
|
Post by Fish.On. on May 28, 2019 18:42:44 GMT -5
I'm pumped for Gag season!!! Was at the NSP Thursday Night and managed one small Gag. Was back Saturday morning and they were chewin' hard! Caught (and released) 4 Gags and got snapped off 5 times by what I presume to also be Gags. Was running 40 LB test too! The sardines were thicker then I have ever seen them all the way down the NSP all morning long. Gag's were under the pier and under the sardines. Technique was simple, 40 LB test, 3OZ of lead, Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook (would have used larger but didn't have them with me) castnet live sardine, float under pier, hang on tight! People around me on other techniques and set-ups were not catching at all and kept asking what I was doing. Nothing is a secret to me, if I am catching I always share what is working.
Anyway, given that I got snapped off 5 times by some big fish, do you guys think I should move up to 60 LB test for opening day Saturday? I'm afraid of getting less/no action using line that thick. I do always use 3-4 feet of flouro and usually the same test as my line. Were you drifting under the old bridge or the actual NSP?
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 28, 2019 19:11:49 GMT -5
I'm pumped for Gag season!!! Was at the NSP Thursday Night and managed one small Gag. Was back Saturday morning and they were chewin' hard! Caught (and released) 4 Gags and got snapped off 5 times by what I presume to also be Gags. Was running 40 LB test too! The sardines were thicker then I have ever seen them all the way down the NSP all morning long. Gag's were under the pier and under the sardines. Technique was simple, 40 LB test, 3OZ of lead, Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook (would have used larger but didn't have them with me) castnet live sardine, float under pier, hang on tight! People around me on other techniques and set-ups were not catching at all and kept asking what I was doing. Nothing is a secret to me, if I am catching I always share what is working.
Anyway, given that I got snapped off 5 times by some big fish, do you guys think I should move up to 60 LB test for opening day Saturday? I'm afraid of getting less/no action using line that thick. I do always use 3-4 feet of flouro and usually the same test as my line. Were you drifting under the old bridge or the actual NSP? right under my feet!
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 28, 2019 20:51:25 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by parkpass on May 30, 2019 16:24:00 GMT -5
Anyone that's fished SSP much knows that guy in the video. And I doubt he'll be on the pier on opening day, could be there around midnight with me while some toss and turn anticipating a gag bonanza....
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 30, 2019 19:18:24 GMT -5
hes spot on on the tackles the reason i shared tgd video. man can catch some can catch some dam grouper now. he posted on here a few times but not lately. gotta have some heavy tackle to turn those 26-30's
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 30, 2019 19:22:41 GMT -5
Anyone that's fished SSP much knows that guy in the video. And I doubt he'll be on the pier on opening day, could be there around midnight with me while some toss and turn anticipating a gag bonanza.... Do the Gags bite well at night? I had heard they generally only feed during daylight
|
|
|
Post by parkpass on May 30, 2019 19:47:27 GMT -5
Guess nobody told the gags
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 30, 2019 19:53:09 GMT -5
personally ive done better on the big'ns at night. but around a full moon. but yeah the bite at night.
not as often but yes
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 30, 2019 20:08:25 GMT -5
I’m just trying to decide what time I’m going to head out there Saturday morning!
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 30, 2019 20:14:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by parkpass on May 30, 2019 20:16:49 GMT -5
Gonna be a good incoming, but you gotta fish under the old pier to reach the kill zone, not that many that will try that
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 30, 2019 20:24:22 GMT -5
Gonna be a good incoming, but you gotta fish under the old pier to reach the kill zone, not that many that will try that Since I caught 4 Gags last weekend right under the NSP I am going to start with that. If it’s not working then I will head over to SSP on the outgoing and drift pinfish out to the rockpiles
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 30, 2019 20:27:10 GMT -5
Gonna be a good incoming, but you gotta fish under the old pier to reach the kill zone, not that many that will try that Since I caught 4 Gags last weekend right under the NSP I am going to start with that. If it’s not working then I will head over to SSP on the outgoing and drift pinfish out to the rockpiles [br Either way I’m not leaving until I get my 2! Then it’s sammich and beer time!
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 30, 2019 20:27:28 GMT -5
anybody serious about catchin keepers will have their bait caught and lines in when that moon rises rather they fishin east or west. me? im bettin my money on da bayside baby. Ive seen those rocks over there on sonar. theyre stacked. dont be suprised if your boater friends show up to crash the party too. edit ah hell thats mays moon chart hang on😩
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 30, 2019 20:35:12 GMT -5
there bite o the day will be about an hour before first light till that sun gets up and beamin bright
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 30, 2019 20:37:18 GMT -5
I always try to run the lightest gear possible. I seen the video and heard all the talk about using 100Lb + line and leaders. But I just believe that results in less bites. I did however, reline with 60 since I got snapped off on 40 so many times last week
While I have grouper fished out of boats for many years this is going to be my 1st year really concentrating on groupers from the pier. So maybe I’ll learn the hard way that 60 Lb line isn’t enough either, we shall see!😎
|
|
|
Post by havetofish on May 30, 2019 21:35:41 GMT -5
At night use some chunks of stinky bait if not freelining. Just stay on the edges of the rockpiles.
|
|
|
Post by tears143 on May 30, 2019 21:45:18 GMT -5
I have caught 22" grouper with 10lbs test with 20# leader freelining for snapper. You can do it with 40# leader at certain area. It all depends on the area and how u fish. Under the bridge might need lesser #, while on the rock pile might need more due to pulling it in at a bad angle, while on the the bridge pulling up, need lesser strength.
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on May 30, 2019 23:43:47 GMT -5
I use 60,50 sometimes even 40 to grouper fish offshore. i learned the hard way at the skyway as most have or will. The idea here is catching k e e p e r Gags. a 24 inch full grown Gag Grouper is a bad dude. a 28 or a 30 is a whole diferent animal though and yes they are there. You gotta turn that puppy, get his head up and keep him coming all the way to the deck at the piers. There is zero margin for error. Yes the ocaisional nice one gets caught on lighter line but they are lucky unicorn fish. Ive been cut/busted off enough to realize this. I still get cut off using 100 out there pretty regular. Another reason for the heavy gear other than the obvious need to get em outta those rocks is all the miles and miles of crap out there you get hung up in. Old line and leader is every where. When youre fishing 40-60 you cant rip it out as good as with 100. Youll lose more terminal tackle. Its meat fishin / tight drag toe to toe horse fishin any ways so why take a chance? Also as far as the heavier gear costing you bites, this is true. But moreso offshore, than at the piers. Those fish are out there swimmimg around in tons of fishing line and debri anyway. The big guys arent real leader shy at the pier like they are some places. And this aint Snapper fishin. To each his own though ill get off my soapbox for now. Just hate to see you lose that fish you worked so hard to catch. Theres some sharp sharp stuff out there and miles of braided line that cuts throu 60 like butter. The 100 just gives you better odds. one other thing, as Huy pointed out in his video, always use a loop knot when live baiting. and never forget- b i g b a i t b i g f i s h. anybody got a bluefish? lol
|
|
|
Post by havetofish on May 30, 2019 23:54:59 GMT -5
I use 60,50 sometimes even 40 to grouper fish offshore. i learned the hard way at the skyway as most have or will. The idea here is catching k e e p e r Gags. a 24 inch full grown Gag Grouper is a bad dude. a 28 or a 30 is a whole diferent animal though and yes they are there. You gotta turn that puppy, get his head up and keep him coming all the way to the deck at the piers. There is zero margin for error. Yes the ocaisional nice one gets caught on lighter line but they are lucky unicorn fish. Ive been cut/busted off enough to realize this. I still get cut off using 100 out there pretty regular. Another reason for the heavy gear other than the obvious need to get em outta those rocks is all the miles and miles of crap out there you get hung up in. Old line and leader is every where. When youre fishing 40-60 you cant rip it out as good as with 100. Youll lose more terminal tackle. Its meat fishin / tight drag toe to toe horse fishin any ways so why take a chance? Also as far as the heavier gear costing you bites, this is true. But moreso offshore, than at the piers. Those fish are out there swimmimg around in tons of fishing line and debri anyway. The big guys arent real leader shy at the pier like they are some places. And this aint Snapper fishin. To each his own though ill get off my soapbox for now. Just hate to see you lose that fish you worked so hard to catch. Theres some sharp sharp stuff out there and miles of braided line that cuts throu 60 like butter. The 100 just gives you better odds. one other thing, as Huy pointed out in his video, always use a loop knot when live baiting. and never forget- b i g b a i t b i g f i s h. anybody got a bluefish? lol Take this advise to the bank. There is nothing as challenging as pulling a big gag out of the rockpiles. This is not normal fishing. Something that most of us learned by years of experience. Remember to locked down the drag and if you get hung up, keep the line tight and wait a while to see if he comes out of his hole. As SkyJay coined the phrase "One man one Rod" is totally true. Putting the rod in a holder can work, but you seldom have the chance to get to it before he's back in his hole. Makes everything you know about gag fishing a thing of the past. Just a neurotic old skyway piers fisherman's opinion. Read up a little on the thread skywaypiers.proboards.com/thread/527
|
|
|
Post by sigeptrooper02 on May 31, 2019 5:12:21 GMT -5
I use 60,50 sometimes even 40 to grouper fish offshore. i learned the hard way at the skyway as most have or will. The idea here is catching k e e p e r Gags. a 24 inch full grown Gag Grouper is a bad dude. a 28 or a 30 is a whole diferent animal though and yes they are there. You gotta turn that puppy, get his head up and keep him coming all the way to the deck at the piers. There is zero margin for error. Yes the ocaisional nice one gets caught on lighter line but they are lucky unicorn fish. Ive been cut/busted off enough to realize this. I still get cut off using 100 out there pretty regular. Another reason for the heavy gear other than the obvious need to get em outta those rocks is all the miles and miles of crap out there you get hung up in. Old line and leader is every where. When youre fishing 40-60 you cant rip it out as good as with 100. Youll lose more terminal tackle. Its meat fishin / tight drag toe to toe horse fishin any ways so why take a chance? Also as far as the heavier gear costing you bites, this is true. But moreso offshore, than at the piers. Those fish are out there swimmimg around in tons of fishing line and debri anyway. The big guys arent real leader shy at the pier like they are some places. And this aint Snapper fishin. To each his own though ill get off my soapbox for now. Just hate to see you lose that fish you worked so hard to catch. Theres some sharp sharp stuff out there and miles of braided line that cuts throu 60 like butter. The 100 just gives you better odds. one other thing, as Huy pointed out in his video, always use a loop knot when live baiting. and never forget- b i g b a i t b i g f i s h. anybody got a bluefish? lol Take this advise to the bank. There is nothing as challenging as pulling a big gag out of the rockpiles. This is not normal fishing. Something that most of us learned by years of experience. Remember to locked down the drag and if you get hung up, keep the line tight and wait a while to see if he comes out of his hole. As SkyJay coined the phrase "One man one Rod" is totally true. Putting the rod in a holder can work, but you seldom have the chance to get to it before he's back in his hole. Makes everything you know about gag fishing a thing of the past. Just a neurotic old skyway piers fisherman's opinion. Read up a little on the thread skywaypiers.proboards.com/thread/527Thanks for the advice guys! As always I take the advice to heart and respect the fact y’all have been doing it a long time!
|
|
|
Post by parkpass on May 31, 2019 10:09:53 GMT -5
If I'm fishing the pilings I'm fishing as close as I can get, preferably behind them in the washouts where fish hide which means my leader will make contact, so heavy line is a must. And I use a sinker pegged about 6" above the hook so that pinfish can't roam around and wrap me up and I never free line the pilings, try it and you'll see why
|
|
|
Post by Fish.On. on May 31, 2019 10:17:45 GMT -5
I use 60,50 sometimes even 40 to grouper fish offshore. i learned the hard way at the skyway as most have or will. The idea here is catching k e e p e r Gags. a 24 inch full grown Gag Grouper is a bad dude. a 28 or a 30 is a whole diferent animal though and yes they are there. You gotta turn that puppy, get his head up and keep him coming all the way to the deck at the piers. There is zero margin for error. Yes the ocaisional nice one gets caught on lighter line but they are lucky unicorn fish. Ive been cut/busted off enough to realize this. I still get cut off using 100 out there pretty regular. Another reason for the heavy gear other than the obvious need to get em outta those rocks is all the miles and miles of crap out there you get hung up in. Old line and leader is every where. When youre fishing 40-60 you cant rip it out as good as with 100. Youll lose more terminal tackle. Its meat fishin / tight drag toe to toe horse fishin any ways so why take a chance? Also as far as the heavier gear costing you bites, this is true. But moreso offshore, than at the piers. Those fish are out there swimmimg around in tons of fishing line and debri anyway. The big guys arent real leader shy at the pier like they are some places. And this aint Snapper fishin. To each his own though ill get off my soapbox for now. Just hate to see you lose that fish you worked so hard to catch. Theres some sharp sharp stuff out there and miles of braided line that cuts throu 60 like butter. The 100 just gives you better odds. one other thing, as Huy pointed out in his video, always use a loop knot when live baiting. and never forget- b i g b a i t b i g f i s h. anybody got a bluefish? lol How long does it usually take before you get a bite?
|
|
|
Post by corpuszero on May 31, 2019 10:47:58 GMT -5
All this excitement over grouper season, but I've yet to even catch one!
|
|
|
Post by parkpass on May 31, 2019 11:05:59 GMT -5
Corpuszero: it's a long season and you can learn a lot watching and getting to know some of the guys that have it down, they may not tell you everything they know but will get you off and running. Free-lining is not for everyone, takes lots of patience
|
|