CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
"Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956"
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
www.missjudycharters.com
August 18 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and "Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Spotted Sea Trout
This is a fish that's around most of the time, but definitely has its "quirks." Just looking at this fish's build you already know that you are dealing with a "predatory fish!" It's built for "speed killing and feeding." If you looked in the dictionary for the meaning of predatory you might find this: preying upon others for food..now don't that just tare the rag right off the bush!
When it's hot this fish is like all of the other fish in the sea and also us fishermen. They do as little as possible when in need of food. This is a fish that seeks the coolest water that it can find during this time. For gosh sakes I have seen the inshore water temperatures higher than 85 degrees…unbelievable! With all this being said, small fish might feel the same way, because a large fish isn't going to stage where there isn't some sort of feeding opportunity. In this case it's especially smart to think like a fish if you want to catch one!
Always consider fishing away from the bank and away from you boat. This all boils down to fishing all points of deeper water. This plan should consist of stern, bow, and the boat's side that's facing the deepest part of the area anchored.
The best way to attack this plan is to have popping corks with leader lengths that will put your bait in the strike zone…During this time trout are normally holding 6 inches up or right on the bottom, which means your bait needs to be kept at this depth.
In the winter, spotted sea trout are known for hibernating. They look for a deep holes in which to anchor themselves right on the bottom. They do this by lying on the bottom with stomach down wiggling until they get some sort of suction. Yes, I am trying get to my point of the hot times. Trout are also known for burrowing down in the hot season. The reason being is it takes less energy to anchor and wait for the current to bring a feeding opportunity. This is why it's important to keep your offered bait 6 inches off the bottom.
When using popping corks as your float design 4-foot leaders are about the maximum length that you can use. With that being said, "once the water exceeds the 5 foot depth you will need to go traditional adjustable float style!" The best way to know if the trout have gone into this mode is to take a good look at each landed trout. If there is a ring around the stomach this is your sign that the trout are in the anchoring mode.