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By:
Penn Reels Pro Fishing Guide - Capt. Richie Lott
Georgia
Whiting Fishing
As
everybody knows, there is no real art form involved when
it comes to catching Whiting. I have a few tips to offer
for those who have problems catching these fish in large
numbers or for those who want to take their fishing to
another level.
This
is the time of year when these little hard fighting devils
show up off the local beaches in BIG numbers. Catching
50 or more fish is not uncommon from March on through
May. The action has already kicked off wide open on the
Georgia Coast.
"The
Ridges"
One
key factor in finding consistent Whiting action is ridges.
They can be found off any coastal area within reach of
this magazine. I prefer a ridge to run at around 20 feet
sloping quickly up to 15 feet or so, and then leveling
off. Anchor your boat just on the edge of the slope. If
that doesn’t produce, fish that 15 feet of water
just off the top off the slope. If that fails, the fish
have to be deep, so hit the bottom end of the slope in
20 feet. Those fish will be feeding somewhere on that
ridge running up from the deeper water.
If
your bite shuts down on the tide change, you may need
to reposition your boat on another area with similar characteristics.
However, more times than not, those fish will bite in
the area you are set up in when the current begins to
move again. In other words, stay put if you were catching
fish before the tide change. Give it at least 30 minutes
before you relocate to another ridge.
Those
are proven keys to consistency, just as there is with
any type of fishing. There is always a step to take you
to another level. With that in mind, you may want to invest
in a decent bottom machine if you have been doing without.
You can purchase a decent unit for around $100.
If
you are seeking a new Whiting Hole, run your boat out
of the sound and search for sandbars that skirt deep channels
or run off the beach toward deep water. One of the finest
Whiting Holes in Georgia is no secret. About ˝ mile off
the beach in front of the King and Prince Hotel is more
than prime this time of year. It’s pretty easy to
find on a weekend. Just look for a hundred boats piled
up together and head on over and find yourself a ridge
to anchor on.
"Squid
on the Hook!"
It
seems to me, after more than 20 years of Whiting fishing,
these fish prefer one type of bait from another. Now,
we all know how good a peeled fresh shrimp can be, but
I have found some serious consistency using locally caught
Squid. The Squid is normally very fresh and it stays on
the hook well even after several fish have been caught
on a single ˝ inch strip.
Another
key factor with using Squid over Shrimp is smell. Ever
smelled your hands after baiting up a squid? Wheeww! It
smells stronger than shrimp and a bit different as well.
This year has been especially productive using Squid for
Bait.
"The
Rig"
A
Penn 300SSM Spinning Reel loaded down with 20-pound braided
line and an Ugly Stik 12-17 Medium/Light Inshore Rod is
the ultimate combo. Rig your egg weight to free slide
above a small 20 pound swivel and tie 2 ft. of monofilament
line and a #2 hook below that swivel.
I
prefer a "Kahle" style hook for an easier hook
set in those little mouths on the bottom side of the Whiting’s
head. If you use the bronze hooks, they will rust out
after a single use. The silver stainless hooks bend a
little easier, but hey, we are only talking about a Whiting
here. The hook will make it more than one fishing trip,
too.
Remember
your size and catch limits and take your children fishing
whenever you can. As we all know, they are the future
of our fishery.
Good
Fishing!
For up to date info:
www.charterfish.com
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