I will be visiting the pier the first week of April. I have fished the pier before and loved it. I would like to try to fish for some Kings. I could use some help from what bait I should use and how to rig it. Thanks
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I will be visiting the pier the first week of April. I have fished the pier before and loved it. I would like to try to fish for some Kings. I could use some help from what bait I should use and how to rig it. Thanks
I use live spanish sardines and LYs on a #2 treble hook with a 31# wire leader. I also bring some frozen cigs as well.
Bring cigs not much bait around that time of the year.
Toss a Cig out and wait :)
I really appreciate the tips. This was was first post so I hoped I had asked the question in the right forum. Do you let the cigs sit on bottom or do you put them under a float? Thanks
I slowly reel them in, keeping them floating near the surface. No floats are required.
IF THEY AINT NO BAIT. BUT THEY WILL BE.WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. SMOKE A CIG, AND SNOBBLE A CIG. THEN SET THE HOOK CUZ.WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. :spank: :spank: :yippee: :headbang:
make sure your drags is very loose....for when they hit and smoke some line out.....then adjust after a couple runs.....tighten down when they get close to the pier..... so you can keep them from under the pier if lucky too....as Pete would say Let Them RUN....try not to bring a green king back to the pier...and the main thing is have fun and watch and learn from others :yippee:
the bait was in there good last year in April....hopefully this year too
One thing I'll add too is too be sure that if there is a wind (there usually is) that you cast into the wind and you let it drift and sink with maybe a twitch or two until you lose sight of it, then reel a little til you see it and rinse and repeat. That's how you snobble a bait. (You'll need to see it to understand better.) For live bait (Ex. LYs, Spanish Sardines, ect.) most like to fish them under a float where you cast it out and follow it, letting out line when it pulls to try to get it in a good spot and wait for a bite while keeping an eye on it. Make sure you let the king eat the bait before you tighten up (1 or 2 sec), no hook set is really needed just raise the rod enough to let it tighten. Let it run til you feel it slow, then start gaining line back. Don't give 'em any slack, but don't over tighten the drag, follow the fish. If the fish is pulling let it pull. They will swim right to you when they get tired. Once they get close keep the fish in front of you keeping pressure on them, they will still be tail swimming almost sideways. Then once you are finally there, you'll get them swimming in a death circle until someone drops the gaff and BAM. King on the deck.
Great post tofer. I can just see it. Can't wait.
Last year there were something like 180 Kings caught from the Pier in one day, APRIL 15th ....WOOOOHOOOO !!!!! Can't wait!!!
What yellowhammer said, only I use a #4 4x strong treble. Everyone else has given very good information as well.
I've got my "secret weapon" this year guys. Going strictly artificial. As far as king fishing basics hammer and Chris pretty muchand summed up how its done by the best and the most amateur of fisherman. Hook size is dealers choice. Some like #2 and some like #4 as long as they are 4x strong either one is ideal. Also use small swivels. Most of us use #10 swivels. And wire leader usually around the 30# range. Uncoated sevenstrand is what most use. About 12 to 18 inches for ur leader length. If you need help learning to tie your leaders I believe there is a sticky post in the DIY section of the forum on how to tie king leaders. If not just ask one of us when you come out we will be glad to demonstrate. One last piece of advice is don't put braid on your king reel to start with. Braid is hard to see and if someone else's fish gets wrapped up and they are using mono you will cut their fish off. Good luck and hope you get in on a good run.
Here is the link to the "how to" on tying king leaders.
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com/diy/how-to-tie-your-king-leaders-(old-ecpff-archive)/
[quote author=TopPop link=topic=698.msg6428#msg6428 date=1330925300]
Last year there were something like 180 Kings caught from the Pier in one day, APRIL 15th ....WOOOOHOOOO !!!!! Can't wait!!!
[/quote]
I was there that day!!! and what a day it was....UNBELIEVABLE to say the least....amazing and was just over 190 kings, with multiple sharks hooked bull reds, caught, a few jacks, cobia that I was fortunate to gaff for the guy....I just love a day of fishing where I leave the pier in pain from fishing, catching, netting and gaffing....a record setting day
[size=12pt]RodBender, you have gotten the basics from some of the best, just come on down and get hooked up. Nothing to really add, but reinforce the idea of observing others and asking people for advice on the pier; most are more than happy to help you out.[/size]
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The 180+ King Day was exciting to say the least, but I also remember that there were a lot of Kings left lying on the deck to ruin.
Many folks took advantage of the situation and ignored the creel limit to slaughter as many fish as they could, and then bragged about their accomplishment, Those same people then will turn right around and complain about the Net Boats and Sabiki Brigade.
If we have another day like that, just remember; the daily limits still apply even when the Kings are trying to climb the pilings to get on the deck.
If you catch two Kings, you are done with Kings for that day; it doesn’t matter if you keep them or give them away. Always come prepared to fish for other species, because your day can end quickly when it’s on; if you are only equipped for Kings.
Of course, some days they will be catching Kings all around ya and you can’t beg a bite; in that case, it can be a long day.
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[quote author=Rockinchef88 link=topic=698.msg6429#msg6429 date=1330925474]
What yellowhammer said, only I use a #4 4x strong treble.
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Same here, #4 4x trebles. I use 12" single strand leaders, 27# I believe, and a black swivel. I can make a leader in about 1 minute, so even if I run out of pre-made ones, I can re-tie quickly.
If you use cigar minnows, keep them cold, spoiled cigs fall apart on the first cast. Brining them in ice cold salt-saturated water will toughen them up & keep them from spoiling as easy.
Keep a go0d supply of hooks, swivels, wire and corks on hand. Also, a ribbon rig or sabiki on a medium rod for catching bait. J&M has plenty of all, better to give the local guys the $$ than Wally-World....
Dont be afraid to ask for help, asking for help!
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[quote author=FinChaser link=topic=698.msg6438#msg6438 date=1330955028]
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The 180+ King Day was exciting to say the least, but I also remember that there were a lot of Kings left lying on the deck to ruin.
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I saw the same thing in October, Fin, when the big Spanish were doing their thing. It was a great day, but nobody ever should waste fish. If I were a Hindu, I would say such things create bad karma, but since I'm not, I'll just say that I don't think the Creator is pleased when we waste what He has made us stewards of.
However, Fin, your post brings up a question for me. If I hook a fish and pass it off to someone else who lands it, does that still count against my limit? Also, if I hook a fish but break it off without landing it, that is allowable without affecting the daily limit, correct? If such a day ever comes around again and I get in on it, I would want to make sure I'm doing right if I break them off or hand them off and keep fishing.
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
Since sevenstrand is now made in China, I'll put in a plug for American Fishing Wire. I've dropped down to 15# for Spanish and it worked great, and their 30# works in my admittedly limited experience on kings, tarpon, reds, and jacks. It may just be my experience, but it seems like the AFW brand holds together better without frizzing like the sevenstrand brand does.
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
I dropped down to 12lb wire for the spanish....and not even 7 strand, pre made I got up here....and have caught over 75..... before changing....when I fish for them.
[quote author=Rich1 link=topic=698.msg6455#msg6455 date=1330966019]
[quote author=FinChaser link=topic=698.msg6438#msg6438 date=1330955028]
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The 180+ King Day was exciting to say the least, but I also remember that there were a lot of Kings left lying on the deck to ruin.
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[/quote]
I saw the same thing in October, Fin, when the big Spanish were doing their thing. It was a great day, but nobody ever should waste fish. If I were a Hindu, I would say such things create bad karma, but since I'm not, I'll just say that I don't think the Creator is pleased when we waste what He has made us stewards of.
However, Fin, your post brings up a question for me. If I hook a fish and pass it off to someone else who lands it, does that still count against my limit? Also, if I hook a fish but break it off without landing it, that is allowable without affecting the daily limit, correct? If such a day ever comes around again and I get in on it, I would want to make sure I'm doing right if I break them off or hand them off and keep fishing.
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As far as I know, a handoff is fine, just don’t handoff to someone that has the limit already. Also, popping them off doesn’t legally count against your limit either.
If the boys in blue are around, be sure the person you handoff to has a license or is too young/old to need one. I would hate to have a tourist experience the thrill of victory and the agony of a ticket all at the same time.
If I am wrong about the above; somebody please correct me, thanks.
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You know Bob this could start a whole new debate thread cause you can interpret all that in many different ways. As far as breaking the fish off it does not count cause you are not harvesting the fish. You could hook and fight 100 fish and break them off and be perfectly legal. The limit is 2 fish in your possession. In turn if you hook a fish and immediately hand it off that fish is considered to be the person holding the rod when the fish is landed as long as they keep it and don't give it back to the fisherman who handed him the rod. I personally do not see any problem with letting a person fight a fish whether they have a fishing license or not because it is not their rod and they were not fishing when the fish was hooked but u know the boys in blue will more than likely give that person a ticket just because they can to get the extra money for the state even though a lot of times it is a once in a lifetime chance for that person to be able to fight and land a big fish.
I saw one of the game wardens confront a bunch of Mexicans last summer. A couple of them had no license and claimed they weren't fishing. John Law said he saw them hand a rod off as he walked up. He said having a rod in hand with a line in the water constituted fishing and thus required a valid permit. I don't think they helped themselves when they prentended to no hablo Engleesh. :poke1:
Don't be afraid to ask. I think it would be safe to say that 98% of the locals will gladly help you but only if you ask and then are willing to listen and follow the instructions given to you.
Also, if I am down there and give you a dirty look. Dont get offended, that is just how I look at people. :)
Good Luck
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RodBender, we are sorry for the sidetrack! If you still have questions, post ‘em.
I was going to try and separate this other discussion into another thread, but no can do. :(
Last year, shortly after the big King runs, I asked a boy in blue about the catch and giveaway thing and was told that if you catch the limit (2), you are done for the day on that species. As for “in possession”, if you catch and keep two and then someone catches one and gives it to you, then you are eligible for a ticket and the friend who gave you the fish can still catch one more while you go pay your fine.
I also asked about the handoffs and he said as long as you do not land the fish you are ok.
I think that DiveDeep is correct about: “Having a rod in hand with a line in the water constitutes fishing and thus requires a valid permit. Plus, it probably doesn’t matter whether or not there is a fish on the hook.
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[quote author=FinChaser link=topic=698.msg6473#msg6473 date=1330979072]
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RodBender, we are sorry for the sidetrack! If you still have questions, post ‘em.
I also asked about the handoffs and he said as long as you do not land the fish you are ok.
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Wow. So many little things can get us in trouble. Good thing a lot of these laws are not strictly enforced or fishing would be a pain. Could you imagine getting a ticket for a hand off seeing as that probably increases tourist dollars?
Since we are sidetracked on fishing "morals" it makes me mad to see people killing fish just to do it. A few years back I watched some idiots killing baby sharks at Perdido Pass just so they could take pictures with them. Seems like there is never a warden around when you need one!
[quote author=ironman172 link=topic=698.msg6457#msg6457 date=1330966613]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
I dropped down to 12lb wire for the spanish....and not even 7 strand, pre made I got up here....and have caught over 75..... before changing....when I fish for them.
[/quote]
I just bought a spool of 10 lb Surfstrand 1x7 for Spanish. And I also forgot to mention I used Spro 50lb power swivels last year but am using the 35 lb ones this year. They are the smallest swivels in that line as well as the smallest swivels in general that are made by any company.
[quote author=ironman172 link=topic=698.msg6457#msg6457 date=1330966613]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
I dropped down to 12lb wire for the spanish....and not even 7 strand, pre made I got up here....and have caught over 75..... before changing....when I fish for them.
[/quote]
its really just a personal preference for me,7 strand doesn't get bent as easy.
[quote author=Rich1 link=topic=698.msg6456#msg6456 date=1330966268]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
Since sevenstrand is now made in China, I'll put in a plug for American Fishing Wire. I've dropped down to 15# for Spanish and it worked great, and their 30# works in my admittedly limited experience on kings, tarpon, reds, and jacks. It may just be my experience, but it seems like the AFW brand holds together better without frizzing like the sevenstrand brand does.
[/quote]
I use AFW too, but really like seven strand and because I bought a bunch of it last year so I kinda gotta stick with em' for a while ;D
[quote author=Rockinchef88 link=topic=698.msg6481#msg6481 date=1330988526]
[quote author=ironman172 link=topic=698.msg6457#msg6457 date=1330966613]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
I dropped down to 12lb wire for the spanish....and not even 7 strand, pre made I got up here....and have caught over 75..... before changing....when I fish for them.
[/quote]
I just bought a spool of 10 lb Surfstrand 1x7 for Spanish. And I also forgot to mention I used Spro 50lb power swivels last year but am using the 35 lb ones this year. They are the smallest swivels in that line as well as the smallest swivels in general that are made by any company.
[/quote]
You should be very pleased with the 35lb Spro swivels...I use those for flounder and spanish setups and have yet to find anything of better quality.
Very good info. Thanks. :headbang:
Love all of the information. I'm going to take some notes. I was lucky to find J&M last year and they were very helpful. I will be stopping there the first day down. I can't thank everyone enough for the info. I have been fishing all of my life and at 43 it makes me feel like a little kid. Fish ON!
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6486#msg6486 date=1330993975]
I use AFW too, but really like seven strand and because I bought a bunch of it last year so I kinda gotta stick with em' for a while ;D
[/quote]
I hear you. Overstock Bait had their 18# sevenstrand on half of half...about 75 cents for a 30 foot spool...so I ordered five. Surprise! When they came in they were the old made in the USA stuff. I planned on sharing them with some of my buds until I saw that. 8)
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6487#msg6487 date=1330994189]
[quote author=Rockinchef88 link=topic=698.msg6481#msg6481 date=1330988526]
[quote author=ironman172 link=topic=698.msg6457#msg6457 date=1330966613]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
I dropped down to 12lb wire for the spanish....and not even 7 strand, pre made I got up here....and have caught over 75..... before changing....when I fish for them.
[/quote]
I just bought a spool of 10 lb Surfstrand 1x7 for Spanish. And I also forgot to mention I used Spro 50lb power swivels last year but am using the 35 lb ones this year. They are the smallest swivels in that line as well as the smallest swivels in general that are made by any company.
[/quote]
You should be very pleased with the 35lb Spro swivels...I use those for flounder and spanish setups and have yet to find anything of better quality.
[/quote]
Like I said, I had been using the 50lb ones and loved them. Then I saw J&M had 50 count packs of the 35 lb and couldn't resist. They are just so small!
[quote author=Rockinchef88 link=topic=698.msg6492#msg6492 date=1330996397]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6487#msg6487 date=1330994189]
[quote author=Rockinchef88 link=topic=698.msg6481#msg6481 date=1330988526]
[quote author=ironman172 link=topic=698.msg6457#msg6457 date=1330966613]
[quote author=snake link=topic=698.msg6454#msg6454 date=1330965049]
seven strand wire is the way to go :headbang: 18lb for spaniards, 27lb for kings
[/quote]
I dropped down to 12lb wire for the spanish....and not even 7 strand, pre made I got up here....and have caught over 75..... before changing....when I fish for them.
[/quote]
I just bought a spool of 10 lb Surfstrand 1x7 for Spanish. And I also forgot to mention I used Spro 50lb power swivels last year but am using the 35 lb ones this year. They are the smallest swivels in that line as well as the smallest swivels in general that are made by any company.
[/quote]
You should be very pleased with the 35lb Spro swivels...I use those for flounder and spanish setups and have yet to find anything of better quality.
[/quote]
Like I said, I had been using the 50lb ones and loved them. Then I saw J&M had 50 count packs of the 35 lb and couldn't resist. They are just so small!
[/quote]
+1 ..bought a pack last week - just have to wear my glasses to tie them on :boohoo: