|
|
Post by shuttlecommander on Jun 1, 2021 8:41:12 GMT -5
Fished the SSP this morn. No Mack’s. Had a tarpon on for two jumps. Plenty of bait.
|
|
|
|
Post by calcolater on Jun 1, 2021 9:31:13 GMT -5
Fished the SSP this morn. No Mack’s. Had a tarpon on for two jumps. Plenty of bait. Hopefully with the rain coming in fishing will get a little bit better. But we may have to stop fishing for Mackerel simply because it is no longer in the area right now |
|
|
|
Post by carlf on Jun 1, 2021 11:01:43 GMT -5
Apparently they are still pretty thick off the beaches, just not close to shore.
|
|
|
|
Post by calcolater on Jun 1, 2021 11:04:57 GMT -5
I think a lot of it has to do with the rains. Hopefully I think about two weeks after city rain at least three times a week, it will start pushing a little bit more bait out into the inlets over by the peers. And I’ll bring the macro little bit closer but I don’t think we have anything to look forward to for at least another week
|
|
|
|
Post by shuttlecommander on Jun 1, 2021 12:46:37 GMT -5
I’ll be out of town for a week - maybe fishing will be better when I get back.
|
|
|
|
Post by seabird on Jun 1, 2021 19:56:35 GMT -5
Thought there would be some reports about redfish,trout and gag grouper, given it's June 1.
|
|
|
|
Post by calcolater on Jun 2, 2021 7:19:50 GMT -5
People have been catching, but I’ve only seen small ones
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on Jun 2, 2021 12:18:46 GMT -5
If people would just invest the time catching the right baits, and put 8 or 10,
6-10" baits in the well, and then actually fish those baits as they do w a s t I n g time fiddlefkfarting around out there alot more keepers would be harvested.
The fish are there.
#onemanonerod
#100lbtest10/0gamakatsu
#bigbaitbigfish
#yagottofeedemwhattheywant
#walktheskywaymile
Just sayin 🤫
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on Jun 2, 2021 12:35:48 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on Jun 2, 2021 12:37:47 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by cabowabo on Jun 3, 2021 19:52:51 GMT -5
No reports on da groupa mean da groupa are bitin'
|
|
|
|
Post by tears143 on Jun 3, 2021 22:45:30 GMT -5
No reports on da groupa mean da groupa are bitin' LOL. Must mean the macks and snapper are also biting.. as well as pompano trout.. redfish.. etc.. LOL but yes groupa are biting. |
|
|
|
Post by Mackerelman on Jun 4, 2021 12:17:31 GMT -5
I will not tell You who, but I do know who caught the following Gags.  
The Gags are Biting at the Skyway Piers. I have also seen some smaller Gags caught out there. |
|
|
|
Post by tears143 on Jun 4, 2021 16:56:49 GMT -5
I will not tell You who, but I do know who caught the following Gags.
The Gags are Biting at the Skyway Piers. I have also seen some smaller Gags caught out there. Those groupa looks very familiar... LOL I think I know the person who caught them... LOL |
|
|
|
Post by Mackerelman on Jun 4, 2021 17:44:38 GMT -5
Someone just caught this one. Then a Throwback at the NS Pier.  
Then this Guy wants to eat a Banana on a Boat & not catch any Fish.  |
|
|
|
Post by Flatsrunner on Jun 4, 2021 18:06:41 GMT -5
Tampa Bay Fishing Channel has a video out that reported on a small fish kill up near piney point / They are still catching keeper size grouper in the shipping channel. Hopefully it wont spread..
|
|
|
|
Post by Mackerelman on Jun 4, 2021 18:27:27 GMT -5
Tampa Bay Fishing Channel has a video out that reported on a small fish kill up near piney point / They are still catching keeper size grouper in the shipping channel. Hopefully it wont spread.. That was also on the News today. The Video I saw did show some dead fish. Today Gov. DeSantis said that the State of Florida now has the money & is now going to Close Up the Piney Point for good. That will stop this crap every year. |
|
|
|
Post by SlotSnook on Jun 4, 2021 18:37:08 GMT -5
If people would just invest the time catching the right baits, and put 8 or 10, 6-10" baits in the well, and then actually fish those baits as they do w a s t I n g time fiddlefkfarting around out there alot more keepers would be harvested. The fish are there. #onemanonerod #100lbtest10/0gamakatsu #bigbaitbigfish #yagottofeedemwhattheywant #walktheskywaymile Just sayin 🤫 May be heading to skyway for my first trip to target gags. Do you guys know if it gets overly packed on weekends? Was planning to stay for 24 hrs until I can catch one but I’m worried it might be too packed to hit all the rock piles |
|
|
|
Post by carlf on Jun 4, 2021 19:58:43 GMT -5
Most recent red tide sampling from the Piney Point area does not look good.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mackerelman on Jun 4, 2021 21:01:58 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by saltybass on Jun 4, 2021 21:12:19 GMT -5
[/quote]
May be heading to skyway for my first trip to target gags. Do you guys know if it gets overly packed on weekends? Was planning to stay for 24 hrs until I can catch one but I’m worried it might be too packed to hit all the rock piles[/quote]
Conservatively there are 20 lines of rock on the ssp. A drifted live bait is going to take at least 5 minutes if not 10. It takes around 3 drifts to effectively fish each line.
You can't drift every pile on a single tide even if you were the only guy on the pier. Maybe if you get both outgoing tides you could in '12' hrs.
Yes. It's always packed on weekends.
When it's busy, have a couple setups ready to fish for anything from mackerel to gags. Stay in an area but be willing to walk 5 or 6 pilings either side of where you park to get some space.
Don't dump your whole truck out when you get there.
Like the guys above have said, 1 rod at a time. You will miss 90% of the bites when you set your rod in a drain or on the rail. Hold your rod and catch the fish.
|
|
|
|
Post by SlotSnook on Jun 4, 2021 21:30:16 GMT -5
I appreciate the tips! I’ll definitely fish one rod at a time, I usually always do. My plan was to catch bait and just walk around with grouper rod, a sabiki rod, and a bucket for bait. I know I can’t effectively hit every rock pile but I’m just not sure where to start exactly. The piers I usually fish are usually much shorter so easier to work it all and find the fish LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by Mackerelman on Jun 4, 2021 22:27:40 GMT -5
If You put Your Rod in the Drains, You may get it ran over.
Freeline a Large Pinfish, Squirrelfish, Grunt or even a Large Whitebait for the Gags.
Fish one side with the Tide going away from You & then Fish the other side with the Tide going away from You.
Fish the Rockpiles & the Bridge Openings where the bridge was taken out.
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on Jun 5, 2021 15:37:00 GMT -5
Rule number one.
(and number one reason for failure when Gag Grouper fishing the Skyway Piers)
Never-Ever leave a baited line in the water under any circumstances unless you're holding the rod, standing at ready, and actively fishing.
It's simply a waste of time and resource, and a recipe for disaster 99% of the time,
Especially when free lining for Gags.
Here's why...
With the amount of structure these fish will most always be encountered nearby,
and given the distance from the pier, the relatively shallow water, and angle of
approach from the pier the odds of landing
a legal 24 inch fish are already stacked against you, and heavily favor the fish.
You have zero time from the moment they take your bait to rip them away from the rocks or they'll beat you... Every time.
Yes sometimes but rarely once they rock up
you can coax them back out, but it's not
often, and again is a waste of valuable fishing time.
Countless times, over and over again I've seen this scenario play out over the years,
and every time the same result.
(Not to mention lost rods ect.)
Better to catch your bait first, and keep in a good livewell for use later than
to stand there,trying to catch bait with a baited line out waiting for a bite.
It's just dumb. If a Grouper does bite you've already lost because there's no way
you're going to have time to react before
He rocks you up.
Seen it a million times and had to learn the hard way myself.
Better to move around and check different spots for good baits, than to try catching bait where you are fishing anyway.
(Need a really good reliable livewell, which is actually rule number one)
But if you must don't try and do both.
Because again, it's just dumb.
To properly present a freelined bait
takes hours and hours of dedicated practice.
You're constantly on the move.
(This is not sit down fishing, which is another big no no even if you are holding the rod, because again you're just gonna get railroaded anyway)
You have to stay closely in tune with your
bait and what it is doing at all times.
You need to know where it is, and walk it up and down feed it line out and then back
till you feel the tell tale thump.
On windy days let a small bow form in your line, (which is why I prefer high-vis for this fishing) and watch for taps in the bow or a straight up take.
Drag should be hammered down as tight as it'll go (at least until you get his head turned and away from the rocks)
Once you come tight on a fish you've got to put some serious coals on him and get him coming your way. Or you lose. Period.
Now, I told you all that- To tell you this...
That's if you do get bit.
Some or most times it's just not that simple.
But trust me, they have radar and if you lay that rod down they will teach you.
lol
Personally it stings whenever I see, or hear folks targeting anything but legal sized Gags.
Again... dumb.
Still happens but dam if understand it.
Yes, Elephants eat Peanuts, and small baits
have accounted for some amazing catches
going on 3 foot long 15 pound monsters but
the reality is small baits are also responsible for catching mostly shorts too
so why do it?
I mean don't get me wrong...
I'm not against catch and release family fun fishin by no means.
But it's the season now.
And we only get a few months before they shut em back down again.
And to me to waste valuable fishing time catching and releasing undersized fish is
keeping me from pursuing my dam dinner.
lol
Rule number 3
Big Bait Big Fish
I once caught a 22 inch Gag on a 14 inch
Bluefish. No bull.
I mention this to illustrate you really
can't go too big on bait (within common sense and reason) lol
Point being your going to waste way less time hassling with short fish using a hand
sized or bigger bait. Period.
Not dumb.
Most days in 24 hours there is a limited amount of time on each tide phase these fish will be feeding. Other factors like weather, moon phase, water temps, and 3 ounce leads raining down on their heads play an important role as well and all have
their place in the equation, but experience
has taught me it's mostly about the tidal
movement at the Skyway when freelining.
So the more time you're not swimming a large, and lively bait in the strike zone,
the less chance you have at harvesting your
target.
Simple.
Aaaand the more time you spend doing anything else, is just keeping you from your objective.
It's a smart and simple approach to all sorts of fishing.
Back to the bait. I think I've made my point.
I've been asked a gazillion times what's the best bait for Gags.
My answer is always the same.
Large, and alive... very alive.
Species isn't as important to me.
Yes, I prefer Pinfish but truthfully
I don't think it matters as much as size
and presentation. And the more frisky the bait, the better the presentation when freelining for Gags.
OK, so when and where do I find these select baits???
Answer: another tip I've picked up on is
catching select baits is way easier if you
fish for them where the frequent most instead of adjacent to the predators.
Not saying it can't be done, just saying.
It's been my experience that I catch way more Grouper if I first target my baits and then save them in a well for later.
So there's the answer for when.
Whenever I'm not fishing for Grouper I'm
fishing for bait. Aaand when I'm fishing for Grouper, it's usually the last and first hour of any given tide change. And I rest only on slack tide. As soon as the water starts to trickle either way, my baits in the water.
It's not Rocket Science, but it is Science
lol.
As far as the where do all these magical
Select baits reside, I'm gonna leave up to you to figure out.
But I will give you some hints.
Not where the Grouper are.
Usually in the shade, or at night in the lights and shadow lines.
You have to keep moving.. keep looking around from day to day and season to season.
In between bridges.
Adjacent to structure breaks like the Y, the restrooms, or the end.
Not down current, but up current (tide coming towards you).
You'll figure it out.
How? not with a store bought Sabiki unless targeting large Pelagic baits.
PS. They love Ladyfish at night.
Instead make a 3 or 4 hook Chicken rig
out of light wire Bream hooks, keeping the hooks as close to the bottom as possible but not too close together. About 3-4" will do.
I use size 4 or 2 to weed out the untargeted tiny baits.
Also if you want the best results use only
cut pieces of Shrimp.
Squid is tougher yes. And it works yes, at
least most of the time but with Shrimp you
create more interest with the older, smarter, LARGER, residents of the bait hole
and it creates a better chumline/scent trail attracting hopefully even bigger better baits.
Remember, we're going for quality not quantity here so multiple hook rigs of more
than 3 or 4 is overkill
And the fact that you have to keep rebaiting is a good thing.
Sooner or later you'll get em drawn in, and
Be culling out 6 inchers.
Once you find them don't get greedy and
overcrowd your well.
Just keep using your available time focussing on the biggest baits you can find
and don't stay in one spot for too long if they're not coming up.
Move.
Change your water often and you're a really
dedicated individual, bring frozen ice jugs
in summer to keep the temperature in your well good n chilly.
(Caution do not use straight ice, as the Chlorine could wipe you out)
Some days are tougher than others finding
and procuring the right baits.
But I'd rather start out with a half dozen
6-10 inch or even bigger baits than a whole well full of little'ns.
Aaaand the good news is to catch the Mongo
Mangos you just do the whole thing in reverse to get the tiny baits, but don't
crowd that well.
Number 4
There is already a plethora of information on here concerning tackle, and location of rockpiles.
The truth is just use what ya got but don't go too light.
Or again, you're just wasting your time.
As far as where? In the rocks, where there
is no one else fishing. Which can be a real
tall order these days on Weekends especially.
Lastly on this subject don't overlook the
structure closer to shore, and feel the need to rush to the end and fish with the tourons.
The biggest Grouper I've ever caught out there was just past the first restroom
on the east side, at night on a 12 inch Ladyfish targeting Tarpon to put it all in perspective.
#100lbtesthighvisbraid
#50'100lbtestpremiummono/florocabine
windonleader
#9-10/0Octopushook
#crankdontyank
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on Jun 5, 2021 16:05:20 GMT -5
 Pop Quiz- Based on the information given above, and assuming this tide chart is accurate and correct (which is rare lately), what time should Johnny be fishing for bait? What time should Johnny be eating a sandwich? What time should Johnny be fishing for Gag Grouper? True or False- There are no keeper Gag Grouper at the Skyway Pier anymore. It's all fished out. True or False (extra credit) A small 6-10 inch Yellowtail Jack is a terrible Gag Grouper bait. |
|
|
|
Post by cabowabo on Jun 5, 2021 20:53:07 GMT -5
If Johnny is fishing Sunday 6/6 he better have all his beauty sleep and most certainly live well juiced up by 12pm. If he's really dedicated maybe 1030am for alittle preeee action.
I agree go big or go home. Never take your thumb off your spool unless your a werido whose using spinning gear for these GaGs.
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyJay on Jun 5, 2021 23:16:21 GMT -5
Yeup
|
|
|
|
Post by seabird on Jun 6, 2021 6:51:52 GMT -5
Skyjay, He should eat before fishing and same with getting larger bait. Have it ready when he arrives. Assuming Sunday fishing, for sure he should be fishing 1 hour before and after the 1030am tidal crest.
No, they are not fished out. And any type of large bait ok, well maybe not catfish, lol. Your treatise was a good read...add that chapter to your book!
|
|
|
|
Post by saltybass on Jun 6, 2021 7:48:37 GMT -5
Johnny would still be upset from that tide chart being off by a solid 3 hrs on Saturday.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mackerelman on Jun 6, 2021 9:25:42 GMT -5
SkyJay's Quiz
1. What time should Johnny be fishing for bait?
1a. 3 to 4 hours before or after any time change
2. What time should Johnny be eating a sandwich?
2a. In the Middle hours between Tide changes
3. What time should Johnny be fishing for Gag Grouper?
3a. He should Fish 2 hours before through 2 hours after a Tide change. A total of 4 hours
4. There are no keeper Gag Grouper at the Skyway Pier anymore. It's all fished out.
4a. This is False. There are plenty of Keeper Gags at the Skyway.
Bonus: Yellowtail Jacks are Great Bait for Gag Grouper.
Someone else give it a try !
|
|
