Last night, Captain Jason, our mystery captain, gave an electrifying presentation in a calm and measured way. For those of us who were there, his presentation about catching big fish (Reds, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Grouper, Shark, etc., gave way to a multitude of questions. We ended the night gathered around the map with Captain Jason giving up not one but 8 sweet spots he likes to fish and how he fishes them. Your faithful reporter did his best to write notes, take pictures because he knew it was going to help many of us breakthrough to the next level in our fishing prowess. A big shout out to Captain Matt for arranging the meeting. I know the Lightning game was exciting (they won in overtime) but clearly the real action was at the Elks Club last night!
In general to catch bigger fish, Captain Jason suggested using larger bait and larger hooks to start with. He uses 6-7″ finger mullets and big pin fish with 4 ought straight J hooks. He trims the tails in a rounded fashion to present the bait as distressed to the larger fish. He also suggested using big shrimp for big fish. Be willing to pay a little extra for those showcase shrimp. It’s what the big fish will hit. He also suggested a novel way for chumming out at the reefs: take the chum, put it in a paper bag, attach a weight and let it down on one of your poles to the bottom of the reef. In a few minutes the bag will dissolve releasing all that fishy goodness – attracting the fish to where you are fishing without allowing the current to dilute your chum. When you go for bigger fish, you’ll also want to use a bigger rod and reel.
Captain Jason also told us he starts with lighter leaders until it breaks off. Once he loses a fish, he’ll use a little heavier leader line. The reason? Large fish can see the heavier line. Start lighter and go heavier if you have to.
I recorded 8 spots on three maps Captain Jason outlined, and have written a few comments about each place. I’ve passed this by Captain Jason before publishing it so he could fill in some of the details that I missed.
- Pendola Point: great location for large Snook. Use bigger bait, the 4 ought J hooks and larger tackle. This is one of Captain Jason’s favorite spots to fish.
- Artificial Island: There is a rocky corner here which is a great spot to fish for bigger Reds. There is a good drop off here and these bigger fish are constantly on patrol.
- Bird Island: On the backside of Bird Island you’ll find big reds and snook patrolling another good drop off.
- Redfish Hole: here is where Captain Jason was catching huge Reds. There is a 12′ hole on the south side. Most of what he has caught here was too big to keep but the thrill of landing one is worth the trip. Send me pictures of your trophies and I’ll put them up on the website.
- Flounder Hole: there are some big, doormat sized flounder waiting for you at location 5.
- Rock Wall: There is good fishing for big Reds and Snook all along the wall at location 6.
7. McKay Bay: another of Captain Jason’s favorite fishing spots. The southern part is a rocky area with a few mangroves. This is another good drop off where the big fish patrol. They are waiting for you to sneak up and arrest them. Remember to watch the slot limits and to send me pictures.
8. Redfish Heaven: Here is the canal where Captain Jason has been catching Reds over the limit. I’m saving the best for last. Here’s where you go past two tug boats and a red ship on your right and you’ll find the reds on the right a little further down the canal. Send me pictures of what you catch.
OK. There you have it. Please add your comments if I have forgotten anything or if you would just like to add your thoughts.
Keep Fishing!!!
