Pensacola Fishing Forum / Offshore Fishing / Offshore Fishing - General Q & A

Mahi HELP

Jarhead — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:44:16 GMT

My sons and I have fished for years from piers and whatnot because I didn't have a boat. I've taken them on charters and fishing with my buddies every chance I got but they were always snapper trips. I've caught snapper and redfish until I'm blue in the face. I just bought my first boat and we went for the fish we always wanted to catch. Namely Mahi ! I've read everything I can and listened to every buddy I have about how to catch dolphinfish but as soon as I got out I realized I don't know jack. I put the lures in the water and trolled for hours never having any idea if this was even the right lure to use. It's hard to know if they're biting if you don't know if you're using the right bait. Considering that I've fished every chance I got since I was a kid it's hard to admit that I'm lost but I am.

We lucked up and got a couple chicken dolphin on a king lure. I left it in the water," like I was advised" and hooked one more but the rest wouldn't bite. At the end of the day I ended up with 4 fish in the box. My sons freaked and all I hear now is dolphin, dolphin.

What lures are best and I keep hearing that "Natural Bait" is best. On this show I watched this guy hooking live bait on the lure? Please, any advise would be greatly appreciated and keep these boys from realizing their dad is clueless.

Thanks

Semper Fi

Federal Red Snapper Season

cptskinny — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:54:00 GMT

I was not aware of the August 5 closure in Federal Waters. My recent Florida Sportsman mentioned it and I then researched it on line. Seems since Texas and Florida ignored the Federal Guidlines, the total allowable catch will be taken by August 5. (Interesting how they figured that one out). Am I the only one who wasn't aware of this?

Are these reefs marked?

Hunt4Jesus — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:54:36 GMT

Well went out of destin last week and we went about 18 miles out. Along the way we seen about 10 or so rafts and circle floats. What the heck are they for. I guessed reefs that others marked, but anyone smarter than me know. I checked a few for dolphin but did not drop down. Did not want to be nosy.

Need help rigging

damdusta — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:28:41 GMT

I just need a few tips on how to make a set up for a ballyhoo. I know what the end en result is supposed to look like but i don't know exactly what size hooks, line or swivels, etc...... I think I have most the tackle for it already but if anyone has pictures or knows of a website that may shows a video of how to do it, that would be a great help. I am trying to go out Saturday what is the best place to troll that isnt to far out. THANKS

Bait boat out during week?

Fisherdad1 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:39:26 GMT

Is the bait boat out during the week? Planning a trip on Wednesday and want to know if I am going to get to buy bait or if I need to plan to catch it.

Thanks,

Fisherdad

Snapper saver

fmitchell — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:43:40 GMT

Ok - we all heard the new law about a venting tool and a de-hooker. How many saw $ signs? Well, here we have it - a guy from Alanta, Ga.figured it out! Embarrasing? Well, not really - good idea - YEaaaaaa! Check this out - and by the way - they are sold out at the present time and have about as many vender orders as they can count - One of these days I'll figure something out?? Anywayt here is the website -

http://snappersaver.com/

Tackle Suggestions for Newbie

specksnreds — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:47:23 GMT

I am beginning to venture further and further from the bays. Been catching a lot of kings here recently and have decided that I probably need to venture out a little more often. I'm missing out on some good fishing.

My current tackle once I leave the pass is a Torium 30 on a good snapper rod and a Penn 320 LW on a 30-60 Medium w/roller tip (I don't feel like this is a great matchup).

So, I'm a big enough boy to admit don't know a dang thing about rods and reels outside of inshore stuff and need some suggestions. I've never been one to buy the most expensive or high tech of things like fishing tackle, guns, etc. My dad bought me a $1,500 shotgun for X-mas one year and then proceeded to kick my butt in the back yard throwing skeet with and old 1930's Model 12 pump. I've always looked at fishing tackle the same way. I've seen dudes with a cane pole that can catch more fish in an hour than I can all day.

In any combination of what I've already got and new gear:

I'd like to have 2 good trolling setups that are big enough to handle a occasional Dophin and/or Wahoo because I will eventually be that far out. I see it coming.

And 2 good bottom fishing setups.

Not really wanting to spend much over $250 for any one setup.

I don't know that there's anything wrong with my Torium, and I like it. Just been looking at TLD 25's, Okuma Titus (SP?) and of course your old school Penn Senators.

I hope I'm on the right track. Anybody got any advice they'd like to offer I'd appreciate it.

- THX

Bait Man

JDMontgomery — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:18:32 GMT

Is there a bait man around Perdido Pass or is there a place close, by water, that I can get some live bait. I know there was one last year but cannot find him. I tried calling on the radio and had no luck. My luck has been bad on catching live and it takes a lot of time.Any help would be appreciated. JDM

Bulk gps coordinate uploading....

reel_dedicated — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:42:56 GMT

I remember reading on here a little while ago, someone asked how to bulk upload into mapsource and google earth... well i have finally figured it out and have composed over 4000 public reefs into one data sheet and a little tutorial so you can make your own... If you would like the file pm me, im sure we can trade a few decent grouper/aj/snappa numbers as a pay off... here is an exapmle of what it would look like on google earth...after that you can just send it straight over to your gps with a lil work...

fish id

floater — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:40:35 GMT

edge

floater — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:34:05 GMT

i am planning on fishing the edge tommorrow night i have these numbers 29:54.446 87:13.145 we went there last week and didnt find anything on the bottom machine is these good numbers or am i in the wrong location if so could someone give me a better set of #'s to go by and also is there anything on the way to the edge to stop at thats not out of the way i am just pushing it with 20 extra gallons on boat so i dont wanna ride and look for an hour like last time thanks for any info i can get

Yellow gravel and 29 edge

Nicelymakinway — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:40:19 GMT

I keep hearing about the yellow gravel spot and 29 edge, what ar they and where are they. Most important do they produce.

Thanks

Pelegic, tuna, HMS permits

Mariner — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:35:55 GMT

Can someone please enlighten me as to the aspects of pelegic species permits, tuna permits and highly migritory species permits. Heard the guys on Outcast Fishing Show the other night talking about these in regard to an upcoming tournament. Do these apply to recreational fishermen? What species are included? Federal and state waters? Catch and release vs. keep and eat? Who generally enforces and checks for these permits? Any info would be helpful.

Thanks,

Don

Looking for a good fishing charter for next week

danny331 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:01:14 GMT

I am from northern ky.This will be the first time that I have fished anywhere other that a lake or river. I am asking for a good reputable charter that will put me on some good fishing.There will be 2 ,maybe 4 I'm not sure yet. Thanks.

Best chum and depth

heathhampton — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:29:48 GMT

If I am fishing on some hard bottom, what is the best chum to use and how deep should I but it? I was looking for some mangrove or mingos. I am catching plenty of red snapper and it is sad having to throw so many back.

Water Vis

wjbrand — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:12:57 GMT

Has anyone fished out of Ft. Morgan lately? I was wondering what the water clarity is like in the 20 to 40 mile range.

Thanks for your help.

Fishing at Carrabelle

Georgiaboy — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:44:43 GMT

Does anyone have any experience fishing at Carrabelle. Was thinking perhaps about trolling for kings? Any ideas?

king help

SKIFFY — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:49:55 GMT

hey guys.
last weekend i was trolling a stretch 25 off the beach with bait flying everywhere and caught about 10 bonita an 1 legal king and 1 spanish. does anyone know how i can get through the bonita and only hook up with the kings??
tight lines

hook removal

answer24 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:00:53 GMT

I was wayching a fishing show on blab tv and I thought I heard them say that a pair of blout nose pliers can be used as a hook removal tool and that a pair of needle nose pliers was not allowed.also they said to go to barnes feed store and buy a needle and take the plunger out and use for a venting tool,any truth to this?

The art of jigging

heathhampton — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:45:43 GMT

Ok guys, I have finally decided to do some speed jigging. I have the right equipment and all the butterflies I could ever need in the anticipation of catching some fish. I was thinking about trying the public spots in anywhere from 75-130 feet of water. My question is, what will I catch and do any of you have any tips and/or techniques I should follow that have helped you out? Thanks in advance and good to hear the fishing is going so well this summer.

Wahoo Question

Nicelymakinway — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:18:26 GMT

Can anyone give me some advice on how to catch my first wahoo, whats a good starting point. I am new to this type of fishing, and I need a large fish to justify buying the larger boat to my wife. Any advice would help

For the ones who know more/weather?

Hunt4Jesus — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:20:19 GMT

I am bringing my boat down sunday and plan on fishing Mon-Wed for whatever bites. Plan to run 30 miles or so. What does the weather look like those days. It is hard for me to tell so what do yall think. I am learning the boat and boating each day. It looks like tues/wed will be 5mph winds with 0-1 seas according to the reefcast, but hard for me to read that sometimes. I might have a spot for tues/wed if a pro wants to jump on board, not sure will keep updated. I am leaving sunday.

*****also does anyone have a wreck anchor that they will let us borrow, and maybe some rope. I was suppose to buy one but they left to LA today. :banghead. If we lose or tear up we would purchase you a brand new one. Just hate to buy one now when they made me one.

Blue Water?

reelsmooth19 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:17:27 GMT

About how far do u have to go to see blue water. Thinking about go out the next friday. I have a 19capehorn would u guy take that out there? thanks..

Grouper Spots

heathhampton — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:54:41 GMT

I know I am clouding up the forum with all of my posts but I am from Atlanta and only come down once a year to fish and all of your information has saved me countless hours of research and experimentation. I have never caugth a keeper grouper and would like to know a good public (or private) spot where I have a chance of catching one. We are going to be jigging and using live cigs as well. Any help is, as always, appreciated! BTW, I am coming out of Pensacola Pass and have a 24' CC.

Grand Daughter fishing.....HELP!!!

redfish99999 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:06:05 GMT

Ten year old granddaughter coming next week.......She is a dedicated fisherman but I don't think strong enough to handle snappers or kings........

Where are the spanish mackeral now..... I never seek them so have no clue..... I launch from Joe's Bayou in Destin.............

Thanks in Advance......

Off Scenic Hwy

angryaccntnt — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:23:33 GMT

I'm new to this area. I did some scouting the other day and stopped by a park on Scenic Hwy (Scenic Bluffs). I parked and walked across some railroad tracks. It looks like a great spot to wade fish.

Is anyone familiar with this area along scenic hwy? What kind of fish are out there? What's the best bait?

Also, in Pensacola, how long do the Reds typically run?

bridge rubble

HOOKEM — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:28:01 GMT

Has anyone fished the bridge rubble? If so, how is the fishing there? Im trying to remember if the bride rubble was droped in more than one place. Numbers anyone? Thanks in advance.

Saddle Coordinates??

GOTCHA TOO — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:20:22 GMT

Someone please PM me the saddle coordinates... I'l take you fishing for free!

Anyone Ever Fished the Elizabeth Ann in Destin

SirLawrence — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:53:16 GMT

New to the forum but not the area even though I live in Houston. Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever fished with Capt. Bob Walter of the Elizabeth Ann, out of Destin? He used to own a boat called, Ms.Diana. Back in 1972, my dad, two brothers, a friend of my dad's and I were fishing with him and just about to come back into Destin when something hit my brothers line. The mate who was actually reeling in the line at the time, gave it to my brother to reel in. At the boat, we realized it was a 28" (inch) Sailfish. Beautiful to be sure. At the time, after some investigation, we found it was in the top 3 of the smallest ever caught worldwide. Back then the record was 18" and it was at the Smithsonian. In fact, Capt. Walters offered dad something for it but he declined and we still have that little sonofagun on the wall! I would be willing to bet that fish is still the smallest sailfish every caught out of Pensacola or Destin? Your thoughts!

Need Advise

ga redfish — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:01:28 GMT

Will be visiting Santa Rosa Island on vacation. We have 6-7 people who would like to go off shore fishing. We don't know much about the area.

Could anyone suggest a good fishing charter? other advise recommendations?

Trolling Mann's Stretch Series question

gameofcatch — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:41:29 GMT

I live in Georgia, but fish a lot out of Pensacola and have had to basically "learn on the go" how to troll and target different species of fish. I have my outriggers and down riggers running great but my flat lines are not working out so well. Last weekend and this weekend at carrabelle and keaton beach I could not get my Mann stretch 15+, 25+, and 30+ to dive. I tried every lure I owned between both weekends (including a Yozuri DD) and constantly dealt with them "popping up". They will sporadically dive then all the sudden be right back busting the top of the water. Changing speeds did not fix the problem. I even put an 8oz in front of a 5ft leader trying to get the 30's to dive. My setups are 4'o reels with 80lb. braid and stainless leaders. Going back to carrabelle this weekend and would like to figure out the problem before I am in Pensacola for the 4th of July week! Thanks for the help!

Bait Boat

heathhampton — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:51:02 GMT

Is the bait boat out pretty much every day now just outside of Pcola Pass?

gps conversion to gps

specmaster123 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:58:52 GMT

how do i convert these numbers to garmin gps 30.002433 86.680383

to number such as 2959.918 08633.851 downtime 2 i Know you know

please help

Hardtails

Ajerv — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:06:57 GMT

Is anyone catching hardtails for bait and if so, how are you catching them. Thanks!

Brining Bonito strips

Bodupp — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:53:01 GMT

What is the best formula for brining and how long should it take?

Also, for bonito strips, approx. how much longer can they be fished effectively vs fresh cut strips?

Thanks for any help. Please excuse my ignorance.

Full Moon??

Cane Pole — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:35:42 GMT

To all of the more experienced fishermen out there. I've heard that fishing the gulf on a full moon is a bad idea because the fish have been feeding all night. Would it be a complete waste of time to give it a shot in the morning seeing that tonite is THE full moon?? Thanks for the help!!

Any thoughts on Humminbird's 797 Side imaging sonar

dbyrd2100 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:03:23 GMT

Just got a new boat, thinking about installing the Humminbird 797 GPS/Sideimaging sonar. Seems like alot of "bang for the buck". Anyone used one and if so how is it?

trysler grounds

bluffman2 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:00:23 GMT

can someone tell me if these coordinates are in the trysler grounds??? i dont have my chart with me or i could get it from there

29 54.686 87 26.998

29 57.280 87 24.356

and if so whats the depth if anyone knows that as well.....

thx Stephen

snapper question

gmblnfool — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:23:35 GMT

since the limit is only 2 and you are trying for your personal best what bait and water depth would you go to for a 25-30# lb snapper. Thanks in advance

mangrove snapper

HOOKEM — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:11:45 GMT

I fished the paradise hole Monday and did great with the reds and kings. However, the mangrove snapper were everywhere and couldnt bring in but one. Damn things were even comming right up to the boat. Anyone have any good ideas for catching these guys? :banghead