| Author |
Topic  |
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   
170 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 11:07:06 AM
|
Got out early before the fog and rain set in. Last hour of outgoing and first half of incomming. Measured 8, broke off 12. All caught around docks in the Kiawah. Mud minnows and cracked crab. Carolina rigs, had to increase weight as the tide came in fish seemed to be staying on the bottom.
First pic is one of the only two slot sized fish, the second was the big one of the day 34", everything else was 27" and up. Wish it would have been a tourney both slot fish were over 5 lbs!

 |
|
|
DownLow
Senior Member
   

199 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 11:48:24 AM
|
| Nice fish and good report, thanks! |
 |
|
|
wino86
Intermediate Member
  

57 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 12:01:45 PM
|
| not a bad day. that 2nd one is a hog. What # test are you using b/c I'd be pissed to lose 12 reds not to mention 12 rigs! |
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 1:53:58 PM
|
Oh yea it gets frustrating. Using 20lb. braid with 30lb flouro leaders. I learned to just accept it when fishing around docks and to keep plenty of leaders made, and buy hooks in bulk to save $$. You have to get right up on them for the most part so you have a very small window to keep them from pulling you under or around poles. And thats with the drag to the point were it hurts to try and strip it bare handed. And even then sometimes I cant even slow them down, they just go. My buddy broke off a bunch and kept complaining that I had him under tackled, haha! It just takes a little practice and a few hook ups to get the technique down. I dont realy want to upgrade to 25 or 30lb braid, I honestly enjoy the fair battle, even if I dont land them all. Keeps me hungry to come back and try and land that one I couldnt slow down the trip before! All this good fishing is making it real hard to get in Turkey mode.
Get out There! |
 |
|
|
PackAttack
New Member


17 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 2:38:58 PM
|
Hey JI. I had the same problem around this time last year and started a post trying to get some advice on how to minimize the breakoffs (I broke off something like 20 over 3 trips). You mentioned trying to get the "technique down". Is that something you can put into words what you are doing, or is it one of those "you have to do it to understand it" things?
Thanks. |
 |
|
|
yakman72
Senior Member
   

1844 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 3:26:30 PM
|
i use a 40 or 50lb leader when fishing around docks if the reds just piss me off with constant break offs
There is no greater fan of fly fishing than the mud minnow. |
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 3:31:21 PM
|
I am by no means a great fisherman but a while back when I would continue to break off good hookups I realy started anyalyzing what things lg and sm may have contributed to it.
- Realized quickly that a quality reel with a good drag system are paramount - Always make sure you line is spooled on tight and even, if you have to cast it out in between hook ups to ensure it reels back on evenly it w be worth it - Realy use your range of motion availible when pulling the fish - Dont be afraid to let your rod bend, let the fish struggle to put a full bend in the rod then give him a full pull back at another angle - Use your feet, I walk foward, back and side to side, and taking a few steps back helps a ton sometimes rather than just pulling - When you are on the bottom reel just enough so that you know your weight has moved right up agianst you swivel attaching to the leader, that will keep you from having another 5 or 6 ft of slack line to give when he runs - I found it helps me to leave just a little dip in myline once this has happened. it will give the fish just enough room to turn with the circle hook and as soon as he makes up that little bit of slack and starts to bend the rod I will slowly reel until it sets - And this last tip may be be a bit unorthodox but it has been helping me, when I pull back I have found that if I keep my line tight and drop the rod tip below my waist that angle seems to do better turning them. I think being pulled at a downward angle from the hook set makes them want to head to deeper water i.e. away from the dock. Pulling up and back seems to make the fish just want to head parrallel and for the pilings.
Hope this helps, really the big thing is hooking up to them alot around structure and learning each time something that works for you to get them out! Dont just loose one and re rig and do the same thing over again, i really had to get in myhead that every fight is going to happen differently.
Get out There! |
 |
|
|
30.06Hammer
Senior Member
   

154 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 4:32:39 PM
|
| Breaking off 12 is still better than hooking up 0. Nice fish, and some good tips. |
 |
|
|
stonoman
Prolific Poster
    

12338 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 5:50:04 PM
|
I do not understand breaking off 12 fish.You are doing something wrong.Not enough drag or bad knot tie.Your boat is out of position??
Stonoman |
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 6:24:43 PM
|
It would seem like that. But i can assure you its not the knots or drag. 30lb flouro fraying on pilings! Theres no leaders comming back untied, I actually tie knots that save lives for a living so i am pretty sure I am good there, unless the palomar knot has been disproved lately. You would have to see the spot to understand. It is very close quarters fishing. And my buddy from out of town was 9 of the 12 breakoffs, hes a bit out of practice thats all, I am just happy he had a good time. Happy fishing guys, I will try and raise that batting average dont worry stonoman
Get out There! |
 |
|
|
RedsNeck
Senior Member
   
.jpg)
244 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 6:44:37 PM
|
Ditto quote: Originally posted by 30.06Hammer
Breaking off 12 is still better than hooking up 0. Nice fish, and some good tips.
19' Seapro 150 Yamaha 12' Hydrocraft 25 Evinrude If that's all I have to worry about....there's nothing to worry about. |
 |
|
|
Opps_lost
Senior Member
   

499 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 7:19:11 PM
|
JI, fish the same areas as you and had the same problem until I upgraded the line and leader. I use 30# spider wire with and 50 or 80# leader with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook in a carolina rig. Sounds heavy for the leader but it isn't for reds around structure. I crank down on the drag go the fish doesn't get the chance to get wrapped up in the pilings. I don't feel I have less hook ups and brake offs are down. Reds on cut bait are not shy of leaders in my opinion so try to upgrade the leader if thats where you are breaking off.
A wise man once said "Do as I say not as I do" Good advice when I tell you that. |
 |
|
|
Yellowfin2010
New Member


6 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 7:28:05 PM
|
Hey guys, I was hoping for some pointers on some good "general" spots. I'm 14, and me and my buddies have always just fished ellis creek by the yacht club year round, and caught some monster reds, flounder, and even some good trout. The last few months, it's been totally dead! I'm dying to find another good spot near the ji yacht club. Any tips on general spots/tackle/bait? Any help is appreciated!
Every day is a good |
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 9:10:00 PM
|
Yea I threw together a dozen leaders or so this evening and outfitted a few of them with 50lb mono, and 4/0 circles. Taking the lady friend Tuesday and I dont think she is going to be as passive as I am about break offs so i wanna make sure shes strapped and ready! Keep yall posted
Get out There! |
 |
|
|
PackAttack
New Member


17 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2012 : 9:14:45 PM
|
| Thanks for the info JI. Definitely good stuff to think about. I probably fall victim to the idea of "tie on another leader and do the same thing over again" without trying something new. Thanks again. |
 |
|
|
fominroman
Intermediate Member
  

68 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 05:35:23 AM
|
| JI. I am going to take your tips, laminate them, and put them ont he front of my boat! Thanks! |
 |
|
|
DFreedom
Senior Member
   

6727 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 08:24:47 AM
|
| I will take 8 measures and 12 break-offs any day though 12 does seem a bit high. I use 30 lb Spiderwire and 30 lb flouro and experience maybe 1 or 2 a trip but, you sound like you are fishing an area with a lot more rough edges. |
 |
|
|
FriedDOAShrimp
Intermediate Member
  

118 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 11:19:29 AM
|
quote: Originally posted by JIHUNTFISH1
I actually tie knots that save lives for a living so i am pretty sure I am good there
Unfortunately you and i both know this statement is laughable, i wouldn't have to call you out if you took me fishing (**() it |
 |
|
|
jimmyaadams
Senior Member
   

623 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 12:54:42 PM
|
Be sure to check you line and leader often for frays and nicks. Especially when fishing docks w 2o/30 lb. One abrasion a 34 inch red is whistling Dixie.
- I'd rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave. |
 |
|
|
StretchArmStrong
Senior Member
   

6543 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 1:07:11 PM
|
try shortening your leader to around 6-8" if you have not already done so.
those are some solid tips above. especially keeping the rod tip lowered and to the side when wanting to turn the fish.
gotta love those docks loaded with bruisers.
xHCFCx
Fish are too valuable to be caught only once.
|
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 1:56:48 PM
|
quote: Originally posted by FriedDOAShrimp
quote: Originally posted by JIHUNTFISH1
I actually tie knots that save lives for a living so i am pretty sure I am good there
Unfortunately you and i both know this statement is laughable, i wouldn't have to call you out if you took me fishing (**() it
haha, yea i know but we at least know how too! Just trying to prove a point haha
Get out There! |
 |
|
|
stonoman
Prolific Poster
    

12338 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 1:56:58 PM
|
Like Stretch said short short leaders.Mine are about 4-6 inches of 30 lb.5-8 lb drag.
Stonoman |
 |
|
|
RADDADDY
Captain
   

575 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 7:07:28 PM
|
| Using shorter leaders would imply braid has higher abrasion resistance (against shellfish encrusted pilings) than fluoro or mono. I have found this to absoutely be false, especially when comparing 20lb. braid (6lb. mono diameter) to 30 lb. mono or fluorocabon. There is no way you are better using straight 20lb. braid than straight 30 lb. fluorocarbon when fishing around struture. Braid is the LEAST abrasion resistant (per lb. test) of any line manufactured. Fluorocarbon is the most abrasion resistant. |
 |
|
|
jimmyaadams
Senior Member
   

623 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 7:28:27 PM
|
A shorter leader allows for more accurate casting around dock structure thus decreasing the risk of abrasion to either leader or line.
- I'd rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave. |
Edited by - jimmyaadams on 03/07/2012 7:29:58 PM |
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 8:05:44 PM
|
Now Now guys. To each his own. I amheading out tomm with 6 rods rigged. I am going to try some of the folks rigging ideas and see what happens. I am going to try all lengths of mono and flouro leaders. I have actually even landed 30" fish there with my hook tied stright to the braid w a couple split shots. Bottom line, if a bruiser pulls you under chances are your gonna bust! Winning the first 10 to 30 seconds of the battle and keeping them channel side is your best wewapon! If they get you heading were they wanna go bad news, you may get lucky and pullem out and only fray, but either way heavier/longer flouro/mono leaders with thicker circumfrence will improve your chances, but you will sacrafice some accuracy and leverage.
Get out There! |
 |
|
|
JIHUNTFISH1
Senior Member
   

170 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 8:12:01 PM
|
Oh and sport! Happy fishing fellas, glad this post got guys talking(thats a first for one of my post)haha, realy shows how different anglers are in their methods, and how so many different tactics can be employed. Good Luck! Whos Ready for Cobia? Friends on the shrimp boats already catching 50 miles out, getting closer!
Get out There! |
 |
|
Topic  |
|