Want to fish for some kings

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!!!
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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.