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Hello everyone. New to the site and pier fishing but not fishing. First what is the Octi and how do most land their fish on to deck. Second what are the top three things you hate to see newbies do. My son and i want t learn right and be good deck neighbors. Thanks
Welcome
The Octi is the end of the pier, so named for its octagonal shape
Small fish reeled or hand lined up
Larger, non toothy species (and small valuable species such as pompano), hauled up in the round pier nets you'll see on most pier carts
Large toothy species gaffed with the large 3 or 4 prong gaffs you'll see on many pier carts
I'll leave pet peeves up to the regulars
You won't find a pier anywhere that is friendlier to newbies than this one. I went last year and observed for a little while then dove right in. The pier rats were very patient and gracious.
Do what the locals do. Be sure to say thanks when you get the help that I promise will be offered.
[size=12pt]First of all, thanks for posting and welcome aboard.
The replies are on the money, observe those who know what they are doing and ask questions. Most are happy to help ya out, and it is easy to determine who knows what’s going on from those who are clueless.
Don’t know if these are the top three, but here are three don’ts:
1. Don’t leave your rod leaning or strapped on the rail unattended.
2. Don’t fish for Kings with braid line unless you are really good.
3. Don’t just stand there like a statue when someone is fighting a big fish.
Like I said, may not be the top three, but probably high on the list if there was a list.
Come on out, we’d be glad to have you. Common sense and common courtesy will get you all the help you want.
As for the nets and gaffs, there are a lot of them on the pier during the day and plenty of folks ready to help you get your fish on the deck for a photo op and a oneway trip to the dinner table! At night not so much, may want to get a net.
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Before casting a line, walk up to the rail and get a feel for what is going on. Look at the current direction, who is snobbling and who is freelining live baits.
Figure out how you want to fish and try to position yourself beside some one fishing the same way and start asking them questions. For instance, I snobble exclusively. But last Sat, you almost had to have a live bait under a cork. I had never fished that way. So, I went and observed how people were doing it.
I then got setup with a cork (thanks Slim) and I cast out off to the side to stay out of the way. I choked off two king in two casts and got laughed at a lot (mostly by Slim) but I learned what I needed and went on out to the end. Never had a problem and never caused any tangled messes.
My only pet peeve is please do not hit anyone in the head or ear with your reel when you cast.
I like to add also when someone hooks up look at the lines and go under or over them i had like 6 people just run down the rail like a tard and tangle me up with them :boohoo:
[quote author=FinChaser link=topic=899.msg8482#msg8482 date=1333932638]
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Like I said, may not be the top three, but probably high on the list if there was a list.
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Oughta be a sticky with a list of these
:poke1:
Message received
[quote author=divedeep link=topic=899.msg8486#msg8486 date=1333934281]
(cough cough) - west end - unattended rods tied down during 50 fish king run - (cough cough) :spank:
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I fish Navarre so this doesnt bother me anymore :)
Also, I am watching this thread. If it starts to get to uncivil I will start moderating posts :evil: This is one of those topics that need to be discussed, but I think I remember a couple of these threads on the old forum that turned into personal attacks.
[quote author=divedeep link=topic=899.msg8486#msg8486 date=1333934281]
Oughta be a sticky with a list of these but, as we discussed last week, the people who [size=12pt]should[/size] read them would be the ones who ignore them.
(cough cough) - west end - unattended rods tied down during 50 fish king run - (cough cough) :spank:
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You jist can’t fix inconsiderate! :guns:
^^^ Im telling ya, try fishing Navarre. You will learn how to dodge rods and fight fish. There are always rods laying on the rail at the end. But, that is just how they fish out there. You have to be a little more alert when fighting a fish and working the rail, but it just makes it more fun.
Number 1 pet peeve, someone who walks up in the middle of a group of snobblers or freeliners and starts slinging a plug for spanish. if you want to fish artificials, dont do it around everyone's wind loop if its busy. just man up and fish it straight into the wind. i was borderline freaking out on somebody today.
Number 2. if someone gives you advice, LISTEN. dont get mad, were trying to help.
Saw this on another pier website.
VERY helpful info IMHO & indicative of the nature of most local pier fishers you will encounter... :headbang:
[quote author=DEVNDEB link=topic=1261.msg8925#msg8925 date=1333940078]
Alot of peeps come down here and are used to freshwater fishing. While that's OK, here's a few things ya need to know before fishing the salt...
1) Alot of you will be bringing your normal freshwater gear...while most fish you can catch from the pier or bay can be handled with "Bass Gear", there are ones that CAN NOT. Big, springtime smoker kings will generally rip a baitcaster apart...I've actually seen it when I was a kid on the old wooden P-Cola pier. Line capacity is your biggest problem, but the line screaming runs are the death nell to your drag system...it is a FAST and POWERFUL initial run...one that alot of bait casters can't come close to handling...
2) Be SURE to wash your gear off with FRESH water AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after use...corrosion will set in almost immediately if you don't...while it might take a bit for it to be noticed, by the time you do see it, it could be too late...that goes for hooks, etc as well...
3) ASK QUESTIONS...fishermen are the same everywhere...a new spot and they want to ask the locals where to go, etc...don't be afraid to watch first and then ask a few questions BEFORE throwing your line in...it will save you a little bit on the learning curve AND keep you out of trouble with your neighbors...
4) ICE, ICE, ICE...especially if you are catching Mackerel...a good cooler with at least a bag of ice is a REQUIREMENT, especially if you are going to the pier / beach all day...it doesn't take long at ALL for macks to go bad in the heat...
5) If you aren't going to keep it, either release it or give it away...
6) KNOW the rules and regs of the state of [s]Florida[/s]Alabama...at the very least, get a free rules and regs book from any tackle shop (or online)...it will save you much angst and possibly a ticket from THE MAN
We have the best fishing along the gulf...and THE BEST piers anywhere...enjoy them as we do...and tight lines...
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Why dont we shoot a video of what to do and what not to do and put it on the forum youtube page? We can even do it with humor.
[quote author=Bubba link=topic=899.msg8507#msg8507 date=1333979789]
Why dont we shoot a video of what to do and what not to do and put it on the forum youtube page? We can even do it with humor.
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There's an idea :poke:
[size=12pt]I would be perfect for the "WHAT NOT TO DO" part! No script needed :([/size]
Yeah, some of the 'what NOT to do' would definitely be humorous! ::) :D
hmmm, don't cut bait on the rail and don't leave your freeking mess everywhere... if you do that ignorant mack slap wash all the slim that you scattered all over the place... :wall:
Number one is be careful. Mind your surroundings. The best way to learn is watch....Most of the regulars are awesome to talk to. Its an incredible experience and like Bubba said there's always something to learn.....
[quote author=stvtackett link=topic=899.msg8514#msg8514 date=1333985100]
hmmm, don't cut bait on the rail or, especially, on the handicap access spots and don't leave your freeking mess everywhere... if you do that ignorant mack slap wash all the slim that you scattered all over the place... :wall:
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FIFY
:)
[quote author=FinChaser link=topic=899.msg8482#msg8482 date=1333932638]
[size=12pt]First of all, thanks for posting and welcome aboard.
The replies are on the money, observe those who know what they are doing and ask questions. Most are happy to help ya out, and it is easy to determine who knows what’s going on from those who are clueless.
Don’t know if these are the top three, but here are three don’ts:
1. Don’t leave your rod leaning or strapped on the rail unattended.
2. Don’t fish for Kings with braid line unless you are really good.
3. Don’t just stand there like a statue when someone is fighting a big fish.
Like I said, may not be the top three, but probably high on the list if there was a list.
Come on out, we’d be glad to have you. Common sense and common courtesy will get you all the help you want.
As for the nets and gaffs, there are a lot of them on the pier during the day and plenty of folks ready to help you get your fish on the deck for a photo op and a oneway trip to the dinner table! At night not so much, may want to get a net.
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That is about the only thing that irritates me with newbs-I lost a 25+lb red on light tackle because of that, but I didn't lose my cool about it...its just a fish. Many more out there just waiting to be caught. :fishing:
Have fun, be social, catch fish, clean fish, cook fish, eat fish, and repeat
When you have a king on,instead of following it around the pier just free spool it a couple seconds and the fish will do a 180.There is no need running back and forth once the fish is 20' from the pier.
[quote author=john g link=topic=899.msg8545#msg8545 date=1334014848]
When you have a king on,instead of following it around the pier just free spool it a couple seconds and the fish will do a 180.There is no need running back and forth once the fish is 20' from the pier.
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EVERYONE PLEASE READ THIS AND TAKE NOTE
also works if a fish is heading under the pier most of the time. and also, if a fish is still green coming into the pier, dont be afraid to free spool a few more times, if only a few are fishing its not a big deal, but if alot are on the rail a green king at the pier can cause a serious mess
Screw that, lock the drag down and bring them in green. It's alot more fun gadding them that way.
haha thats true, i guess i do both, just depends on how bad you wanna land the fish,
or if your just being dumb and snobbling with wayy too light of line lol
No light line here. Got to keep them away from the big toothy critters.
^^^
Until I land a "whole" fish this year. I am only fishing my 750ss spooled with 30lb test on my beefstick Star rod that was a stand up rod converted to a spinning rod. Its the only setup I will be bringing the next few trips.
Its been pretty well covered.
My pet peeve is the people who just stand there and dont move when you are following a fish down/around the pier.
Lost a nice king last year because two guys just stood there: I hooked it 1/2 way between the T and the Octi, as I tried to follow the fish, theses guys were catching bait annd they never moved, stood right in my way. It aint rocket science; get out of the way when someone is fighting a king or other big fish. You can get back to catching bait when I get past you.
This is not a pet peeve but a rule.It happened this morning and if the person that did it is reading this I hope you now understand why I said something before you got tangled up with Shorty's king.Only fish one rod at a time.Don't cast out live bait out set your rod down, go catch another bait and put out another rod.
I like Wilson dont have that problem of people getting in the way! ;-) I do feel bad for knocking the guy down while trying to freespool the 1st king out of the pilings. I gave a good coming down warning....
I must confess to breaking some of the rules.
6# test on my mini, and 10# on my other mini. I am just addicted to light lines. :spank:
I just end up playing with my kings longer. If I can't bring it in, then it was bigger than I cared to eat, or a shark/dolphin decided thy wanted my lunch. Either way, 16# I the heaviest I will ever go--which is rare for me, and I think it is plenty enough to man handle an average king.
I got yelled at on the Pensacola pier once for landing a 22# king on 4# test. Took me 45 minutes standing in the prime corner. :boohoo: After that, I went big time and increased that reel to 6#. Now it only takes 30 minutes.
:headbang:
Oh, and I have 10# slick braid on one pole I use in harsher water conditions. But don't worry, i'm the first to cut my line if it ever offends my neighbor. :bow:
^^^ How do you get a hook set on 4lb test? I see hook pulls all the time from people using 15lb and higher. Seems like settign the hook woould break the line or the hook would never get set.
Have played with 8lb braid but never 4lb mono tip my hat! Im like you I am always courteous of my neighbors but busting a king on a "bass" rod is so so much fun!!
landed a good many on 6, and bubba, if your leader is long enough, and you feed em long enough, the fish should hook its self.
Well we spent mon and tues 7-11 trying our luck. Struck out but learned a few things and saw fish caught. We used a 25 lb wire leader about 12 inches long and gold and silver Gotchas reeling like we saw those catching. No luck. Are Spanish Mackeral leader and line shy?
Any thank yall for a nice welcome and tips. I saw how well the regulars get along on the peir. Great to be out there with my 14 yr old.
Don't use an Alabama Rig.
[quote author=Bubba link=topic=899.msg8595#msg8595 date=1334088781]
^^^ How do you get a hook set on 4lb test? I see hook pulls all the time from people using 15lb and higher. Seems like settign the hook woould break the line or the hook would never get set.
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All about the brand of line. I pull off lite lines using Yozuri Hybrid or Vicious Pro/Ultimate.
I don't set the hook at first. I let them run and I apply drag or pressure to the reel and that is usually all it takes. Once the run stops, I then give it some reassuring tugs.
Having a long enough steel leader helps. I think the reason some people get cut off on heavier lines is because of the speed at which the fish strikes. The heavier line causes more water resistance, and the steel leader is more likely to get snipped. Lighter line generally prevents that from happening, and if you give the fish some slack at first, he'll do the rest and the leader will find its way in proper place.
I personally do not like keeping or catching large kings since they cannot be eaten safely, so if a King can bust me up on anything less than 16# with a 27# SS leader, then it was too big for me to keep anyhow.
[quote author=Royalfisher link=topic=899.msg8602#msg8602 date=1334095654]
Well we spent mon and tues 7-11 trying our luck. Struck out but learned a few things and saw fish caught. We used a 25 lb wire leader about 12 inches long and gold and silver Gotchas reeling like we saw those catching. No luck. Are Spanish Mackeral leader and line shy?
Any thank yall for a nice welcome and tips. I saw how well the regulars get along on the peir. Great to be out there with my 14 yr old.
[/quote]
Was it leaders you made yourself or ones already made? You might want to go with a smaller size like 17lb and make them a bit smaller in length. Usually about 4 inches. They have swivels at J&M that you can barely see through the hole but have about 60 breaking strength. The wire comes in a plastic pack and is in a circle. You need the swivels, the wire and a pair of cutters for the wire.You stick the wire through the hole and bend it then wrap it around and around as tight as you can then clip the tag off.
Here's a pretty good video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eeg85JitLz0
^^^
Another alternative is getting 90# 7-strand wire and pulling the strands apart. You can use the individual strands to get a low 12# test wire, and since it is twisted, it appears more natural in presentation.
Also, Titanium "Tooth Proof," while expensive, works very well at reducing initial shock and cut offs as a single strand leader material.
[quote author=Royalfisher link=topic=899.msg8602#msg8602 date=1334095654]
Well we spent mon and tues 7-11 trying our luck. Struck out but learned a few things and saw fish caught. We used a 25 lb wire leader about 12 inches long and gold and silver Gotchas reeling like we saw those catching. No luck. Are Spanish Mackeral leader and line shy?
Any thank yall for a nice welcome and tips. I saw how well the regulars get along on the peir. Great to be out there with my 14 yr old.
[/quote]
If you can't catch them on a gotcha switch to a bucktail on heavy mono and just be prepared to lose some tackle. You can keep catching them when others are not by going to wire less/ lighter tackle.