[Merritt123]

So I was fishing next to the jrb this morning around 2am, and I had a croaker head on and something picked it up and I fought it for 30 min but it ended up spoiling me. It spooled me on a release SG and I had about 15lb of drag on him. Any idea what could've done this? I'm think butterfly Ray but I saw it surface but it only had one fin and it never sucked to the bottom

 

[1BadF350]

99.9% chance it was a ray

 

[Merritt123]

So I was fishing next to the jrb this morning around 2am, and I had a croaker head on and something picked it up and I fought it for 30 min but it ended up spoiling me. It spooled me on a release SG and I had about 15lb of drag on him. Any idea what could've done this? I'm think butterfly Ray but I saw it surface but it only had one fin and it never sucked to the bottom

I've caught dozens of 70lb+ rays on the same setup with no problem

 

[rwh]

It could have been a shark (maybe bull or sandbar) or even a cobia. I have heard of both being caught or spotted in the James as far up as the Warwick River.

 

[ASK4Fish]

Like has been said, likely a ray. When side to you in the current they can easily get an upper hand result in a rapid loss of line. Same goes they'll throw one fin like we would a finger to signal they're outta there.. not saying something else isn't possible, but probably unlikely...

 

[wannabeangler]

More than likely was a ray, but I have seen adolescent bull pups out there. Hard to know for sure.

 

[1BadF350]

....but I have seen adolescent bull pups out there....

What the heck is that? Thats like saying you saw a teenage adult child

 

[TunaFish]

What the heck is that? Thats like saying you saw a teenage adult child

Ouch!! Just spit the soda and somehow, some went up my nostril and man it burns!! LMAO!!

 

[757_Fisherman]

What the heck is that? Thats like saying you saw a teenage adult child

That's hilarious!!! LMAO!!!

 

[Benji]

What the heck is that? Thats like saying you saw a teenage adult child

I have one of those living with me. Might have spooled you but as long as you offer up free food and WiFi they'll come back.

 

[vaheelsfan]

I've hooked into rays out there a few times that have come close to spooling me. Always seem to hook them on the lightest rod I'm fishing.

 

[Tom Powers]

It could have been a black drum. A buddy of mine caught a 70 pound black drum several years ago while fishing at the JRB in a boat. He was talking about it for weeks.

 

[afout07]

I think he meant young bull sharks. Baby sharks are sometimes called pups

 

[rwh]

Only one way to know for sure....get back out there and soak some more fish heads.