[Wally Hall]

Hello fello prognastigators and malcontents,
I'm looking for fishing tips for off Okaloosa Island Pier mid May, in just a few weeks.
How to rig cigar minnows for drifting from the pier?
What pound braided main line for my big spinning rod?
Best rig for Tuna if they show up?
General tackle needs for the pier....I've got the cart....
I used to fish Queen Isabella pier a great deal in the mid 80's. ....specks, reds, small tarpon, etc...
I can cast a mile and I like using lighter tackle when possible.
Thanks for any help!!
Wally Hall
USMC VETERAN
1968/71

 

[poppop1]

Welcome Marine, don't know that area but sounds like you already know the ropes, good luck.

 

[Wally Hall]

Hey thanks. ....I'm thinking techniques off piers oughtta be generally the same

Welcome Marine, don't know that area but sounds like you already know the ropes, good luck.

Anything you've got on pier fishing for Kings or Tuna would be great, or if you know another thread that's got some info.
Surprisingly hard to find info on what hooks, size, what spoons or jigs, that kinda stuff....

 

[poppop1]

Try asking your specific questions like hooks, jigs, etc. in the North Carolina section of this forum. I myself keep my feet on the sand but there are many expert pier/king fisherman on this forum.

 

[bluefish1928]

Try asking your specific questions like hooks, jigs, etc. in the North Carolina section of this forum. I myself keep my feet on the sand but there are many expert pier/king fisherman on this forum.

Florida Panhandle king fishing an entirely different game from the Carolinas-no pin-rigging. Try Pensacola fishing forums. I do not know the specifics but know they go with 15-30 mono and an 8 foot rod. They do sometimes hook and land blackfin tuna off the piers.

 

[Wally Hall]

Thanks guy's. ....will pursue the Florida forum.....
I like the sand too......cape cod Blues hit those 6" plastic single hook skimmers like a freight train.....

 

[plotalot]

How to rig cigar minnows for drifting from the pier?

Stick a barb of a #2 or #4, 3X or stronger treble hook in top of its head between the eyes, leaving the other two barbs pointing forward and above its head. Attach the hook to a 30# seven-strand leader 10-20 inches long.

What pound braided main line for my big spinning rod?

That brings up questions from me. Why braid? What reel do you plan on using on your rod described as big?

I haven't fished OIP in five or six years, but fishing for kings with braid wouldn't make you very many new friends. I read (on another defunct forum) where some newer anglers were using braid, declaring that they knew how to fish among the mono crowd without causing any issues. I'll believe that when I see it.

Most everyone uses 12-20# mono on a 7-9 foot MH rod. I use a Penn 560L Slammer with 300 yards of 20# braid backing and about 100 yards of 16# Momoi Hi Catch.

Best rig for Tuna if they show up?

They probably won't show up that early. I haven't seen the first one caught from any pier on the upper gulf. Not to say it won't, but it seems that they are showing up less often than they had in years past, usually late summer or fall.

General tackle needs for the pier....I've got the cart....

Bring a pier net and or a gaff if you've got them. No biggie if you don't there are usually others there to help. Bring a pompano jig pole with you to cast for some tasty fish. You can bring your catch to the restaurant a the foot of the pier and they will cook it and some sides for you.

I always liked OIP and it would be my favorite one if it weren't for a porpoise problem that is decades old.

 

[Wally Hall]

Hey thanks for those bits and tips. Most curious about the braid thing. ....I used braid off the beach for Blues and Striper for distance casting big plugs to those 20 and 30 pounders.
It occurred to me that the last time I seriuosly pier fished, braided was not common, if even around yet.....mid 80's off Queen Isabella pier Padre.
So, I'll Google it but what problems does it cause? Does it cut other fishermans line when it gets crossed from a big run? Sorry for being obtuse....edumacate me please?
Thanks

 

[plotalot]

Close quarter fishing leading to crossed then cut lines, to sum up the problem with braid on a pier in one sentence.

 

[Wally Hall]

Pretty much what I thought.
I'm a fluorocarbon guy these days anyway, although it us hard to see....

 

[plotalot]

Wally if you would PM a phone number, I can fill you in more and answer any more of your questions

 

[Wally Hall]

New here, where's the PM button?

 

[Wally Hall]

I'm hearing some stuff about a dolphin problem on Oskaloosa Island Pier......anyone have the details?

 

[andypat]

In FL. we don't use braid for kingfish. 300 Yards of 20# Mono. is what most use. They don't call them smokers for nothing.

 

[Wally Hall]

That's how I'm rigging. ...thanks fellas

 

[andypat]

Good to have 300 yards. They will make long runs. Have your drag set right. Good Luck.

 

[Wally Hall]

Yessir,
Thanks for the luck, Plotalot gave me a call and he was very helpful. My biggest concern now is the reports I'm reading about the apparent thieving marauding dolphins that "own" the pier and snatched your catch. I wonder if there's another pier that doesn't have resident dolphins, or, maybe some rock jetty or other spots I can try while down there if the dolphins are too thick around the pier...?
Btw....you guys are great and super helpful.....never found more common ground than what you find with fishermen.

 

[plotalot]

You're fretting too much about them mammals Wally. There are jetties nearby, but to fish them you'll need a license, the piers have a blanket license to cover you. Navarre Beach (20 miles~ west) has a pier also, but it isn't immune to dolphins either. The fact of the matter is, if the fishing is good the dolphins will show up. This past Sunday a few of us were catching trout and after the first couple dozen fish they showed up with their bibs on, we lost the next 8 fish and managed to snake two more before calling it a day. I wish the powers to be would allow dolphin tours and non fishing tourists to feed the dolphins as they once did, so they won't rely on us to feed them.
Just like welfare, once you're used to a handout, you'll never put forth an effort. If the handouts stop most resort to theft instead of working.

 

[Garboman]

You're fretting too much about them mammals Wally. There are jetties nearby, but to fish them you'll need a license, the piers have a blanket license to cover you. Navarre Beach (20 miles~ west) has a pier also, but it isn't immune to dolphins either. The fact of the matter is, if the fishing is good the dolphins will show up. This past Sunday a few of us were catching trout and after the first couple dozen fish they showed up with their bibs on, we lost the next 8 fish and managed to snake two more before calling it a day. I wish the powers to be would allow dolphin tours and non fishing tourists to feed the dolphins as they once did, so they won't rely on us to feed them.
Just like welfare, once you're used to a handout, you'll never put forth an effort. If the handouts stop most resort to theft instead of working.

If you fellas would allow pin-fishing on the end of the Panhandle Tee's the Mammal problem would go away.

6/0 and heaver fighting rod will keep Flipper occupied and he will then tell all his friends.

I have had full size Bottlenose on, he hit a Drum Bait off of Avon Pier, it is amazing how fast these critters can swim

Anyway Dolphins are not a problem on the OBX, maybe because of greater line capacity reels in use...Dolphins are smart critters....at least Flipper the one who was on TV back in the 1960's impressed me. I mean he was smart enough to have his own TV show anyway.

 

[ez2cdave]

New here, where's the PM button?

Click on the Person's name in the upper left corner of the post they made. The Menu then gives you the options !

Tight Lines !