Georgia Saltwater Fishing Report June 2012

Saltwater: Inshore: Capt Judy reports, “For those inshore fishermen who just want to catch fish, I suggest purchasing or catching some live shrimp. This is the No. 1 bait that all fish like. Your chances for hooking up when baiting up with live shrimp are very good. When it comes to fishing with live shrimp, there are several good presentations. There is the traditional adjustable float, which comes in all sizes from super large to mini sizes. The ever-popular popping cork, which when popped makes a sound just like a fleeing live shrimp. The only downside to using this float is your length of leader used restricts you to depth of water fished. It shouldn’t be longer than 4 feet and can’t be shorter than 12 inches. I suggest using this float when fishing in depths from 2 to 6 feet of water. Then there is fishing naked. When fishing naked, all you do is tie on a short leader to your main line and then tie on a small Kahle hook. Then I suggest placing the hook under the shrimp’s horn located on top of the head and let the shrimp make its own way. Shrimp go where they feel safe, and larger fish have already figured the shrimp’s game of hide and seek out.”

Offshore: Capt Judy reports, “Our beachfronts and artificial reefs are holding some pretty interesting topwater catching opportunities. Topwater fish such as Spanish/king mackerel, barracuda, little tunny, jack crevalle and cobia have arrived. All fish will hit anything from a small trolled lure to a spoon being pulled slowly behind your boat. Another way to get one of these fish’s biting attentions is to cast right into the school of fish. Match the size of bait you use to the bait that the fish you are targeting are feeding on. For instance: Let’s start with Spanish mackerel, little tunny and jack crevalle. Their favorite meals are glass minnows and juvenile squid. Small silver spoons sizes 0 and 00 made by Clark are the best to use. When targeting the larger fish such as king mackerel and barracuda, I suggest using a large spoon. The best spoon for this job is a 3 1/2-inch Drone. When targeting cobia, I suggest using a 6- to 8-inch diving plug or some sort of a jig with hair tipped with some sort of a plastic worm.”