05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia - Southeastern Angling

Changing times 05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia

Along this crazy Corona Virus covered planet we are finding some safety and piece on the water and this f05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia discusses just that. Mother ocean and her offerings have over the years brought my clients and I happiness, laughs, and memories that I reflect back on almost on a daily basis. As people panic emptying store shelves buying everything from zip loc bags and toilet paper to steaks and bread I have taken to doing what some would think strange, eating more fish. Now you probably just read that last sentence again and thought why is eating more fish strange? Those who know me know I’m all about adventure and the bend of a rod, not the bounty at the end of it. But, in these interesting times when our grocery order show up lacking most of the essential items such as meats, eggs, and milk I have been bringing home a few fresh fish for the dinner table. Oh how the world will never be the same.

Dooms Day 05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia

Most people were restricted from traveling and as you can imagine canceled all forms of vacation and travel. Winter being our slow or “off” season this could not have happened at a worse time for the fishing/guiding industry. Our season starts in March slowing down in August and by February our bank accounts resemble the toilet paper isle at your favorite grocery store. Not all was lost or bad though because when in tough times the good come out and I think as a guide I have some of the best clients/friends in the world. After suffering the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in cancelled fishing charters and refunding thousands in deposits I was thinking wow this got real very fast. As the news was filled with Government promised help and social media feeds loaded with loads of people promising help nothing happened.

Clients

What I have learned during these troubling times is Captain Rob and I have some amazing clients/friends! It started when I got a call from a client I have fished with for about 10 years. He only hires me 2 days a year but he has become a good friend and loyal client. He called and said “I know this has got to be crippling your business. Let me send you a check for the days”. I told him this wasn’t his fault and it was unforeseen to all of us and that he shouldn’t have to pay. The next morning he called and said it was eating at him and he wanted to come fish but needed to figure out the logistics. He is a farmer lives out in the country and planned to tow his motor home down and fish. Those 2 days he normally fishes a year turned into 6.

Another client who is local has booked 10 trips spread out over 6 weeks to help out and a friend/client who had a tragedy and lost everything has booked several days with another client to help out. It blows my mind sometimes at how good people can be to each other and it too gives me hope and has encouraged me to help some others who were affected as well. We all share this planet and we all should work towards a greater planet but were know that isn’t going to happen so, BUY American, Shop local, and support the United States of America!!

Now on to the good stuff

Fishing!! Triple Tail have been on fire and we have caught some big girls this year. I had one of my best days with a local couple last week when we caught 5 fish over 12 pounds! I have had several fish in the upper teens and a couple in the low 20’s. It’s been a good year for triple tail to say the least.

The nearshore bite has been hot as well. The bait on the beaches is thick and with that triple tail, cobia, spanish mackerel, sharks, and even a few tarpon have started showing up. Botton bumping with jigs is still a client favorite and continues to produce Black Sea Bass, Bull Reds, Gray Trout, Snapper, and many other species.

The Cobia showed up on the nearshore wrecks and reefs early this week and we managed to catch 9 and loose another 4-5 during the fight. Cobia are a favorite of mine and as far as an eating fish I don’t personally think there is a better. The bite started when I stopped on a near shore artificial reef and as I deployed the Minn Kota trolling motor to lock on to our spot I looked back towards the transom and saw 5 or 6 Cobia and the fun began!

Cobia Tackle 05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia

I prefer a similar setup to my tarpon outfits but I use a slightly stiffer rod. My tarpon rods are 10-20lb avid inshore rods and I use the same rod in a 15-30lbboth are 7 feet 6 inches. A Shimano 6000 or 8000 Saragosa or similar reel with 30-50 pound brain and a 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader will be sufficient and a cobia jig or Hogy are deadly.

Inshore fishing has been good when we can find some clear water and there have been some big trout around as well. We have had an abnormal amount of rain in Central and Coastal Georgia. Rivers have been well above flood stage and the amount of fresh water that has invaded our saltwater estuaries has been staggering. Marinas have had trouble keeping shrimp alive and it’s made our job as guides pretty interesting. I guess it’s helped show why people hire us as professionals as we have continued to put our clients on fish even in the toughest conditions.

05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia

Top Water Action 05/01/2020 fishing report Georgia

As water temperatures have risen glass minnows and mullet have flooded the sounds and creeks as hungry redfish and trout have started crashing the surface around sunrise and sunset. Calm summer winds and over cast days are some of the best times to be out throwing topwater lures but make sure you don’t forget your bug spray. High falling water around sunrise is my favorite time to walk the dog and bend the rod.

Don’t forget to call in advance to book you trip as day are going fast and we thank all of you for your continues support.