[Chipmeister]

Hi folks. Just found this forum and have already picked up some helpful info. But, I thought I'd throw out a few questions of my own. I'm pretty new to this surf thing. Been doing it for about 4 years, and by that I mean 4 or 5 days, 1 or twice a year. I've done tons of freshwater and lots of party boat, drift, etc. As you can see, I'm pretty much the surf fishing version of a golf hacker. So, with that level of experience (or lack thereof), I'd like to pick your brains. I'm going to be down In FL next week (Oct. 4- 12) and will be doing my fishing about 1/4 to 1/2 mile south of the Port Canaveral Jetty. Anyone know what types of fish I'm likely to run into at that time of year? Also, based on them, any good ideas for tageting specific species? I usually try to get some info from the bait shop guys but I still pretty much just throw some bait out and wait to see what I get. I'd like to try to target species that are likely to be there.

Also, I'm going to give the jetty a try. I've watched folks there a lot but am not really sure how to fish off of it. And one thing I've always wondered: how do you land a large fish (I'm an optimist) up there without busting a line? I've never seen it done and wondered if the use a net on a rope, long gaff, etc. Or, do you just reel up the dead weight? Always had me puzzled.

I love to fish and am trying to get a little more proficient at the whole surf thing since I love to do it. But, I'm still a beginner so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chip

 

[Kozlow]

Hope it helps Chipmeister

Hey Chipmeister
Welcome to P&S
Good info here on that area:

http://home.cfl.rr.com/floridafishing/main.htm

Cape Canaveral Area Rivers and Offshore Seasonal Fishing Calendar
http://home.cfl.rr.com/floridafishing/calendar.htm


FISHING CALENDAR and TRIP PLANNER
http://www.captainzac.com/gpage12.html

Fishing Tips By Species
http://www.boat-world.com/fishing/tips-Snook.html

http://www.florida-outdoors.com/fspomp.htm

FS Online -- Weekend Fishing 4cast Check before you come
http://www.floridasportsman.com/4cast/


how do you land a large fish (I'm an optimist) up there without busting a line?

USING A DROP NET
Drop nets are the best way to land a fish from a pier. Problems are caused though by the tide run.

Add plenty of lead to the bottom of the net so that it sinks easily in the water and is less affected by the running tide. There are some metal drop which have natural weight and prove more controllable in a tide run.

Aim to have the net sunk and waiting just below the surface bringing the fish to one side and slightly above the net, then letting the tide wash the fish back into the waiting net. As it does so, the netsman lifts the net allowing the fish to fall in to it.

Good Luck and Enjoy

 

[Chipmeister]

Looks Good!

Thanks for the links. Looks like some helpful stuff. I'll be reading it a lot tonight. Hey, one quick question. I saw something about ladyfish hitting pretty good right now. I used to catch a fairly good amount of them but I usually released. Are they any good eating? No one I asked seemed to know. Just wondering. All this thinking about fishing is going to make it hard to think about work this week. Thanks again

Chip

 

[Kozlow]

Only ifin your starvin.
Food Quality
Edible but not very appetizing , many bones and flesh is mushy.:barf:

 

[Chipmeister]

Hooboy....

O.K., that will not be on for vittles. Come to think of it, I've never seen one of those things ever show up on 'Iron Chef' and those people, it appears, will eat anything. Thanks.

 

[Fatback]

Yea, Ladyfish are not good to eat.....But they do make dynomite shark bait......nothing but blood and bones.