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gkrane · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:31 pm Post subject: Bait Question

I have yet to master the skill of getting my cast net to open up when I throw it so I am usually using shrimp for bait instead of live or fresh mullet. This works great for whiting, the occasion slot red and black drum, but I have yet to tie into a Bull Red with shrimp. Is it better to use a finger mullet from the bait store or a small fresh whiting that I catch for Bull Reds? The obvious answer is to learn to throw the cast net better but I am not there yet.

bd0202 · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:47 pm Post subject:

I too have not yet mastered the art of cast netting but I have caught a few stragglers enough to use for bait. I get better each time I take the net out and try some throws. Start with a small one (3') and graduate yourself to larger ones as you go.

But from what I do know, the problem is just as much how you present the bait to these smart fish as it is the choice of bait and/or how you obtain it. Don't use a regular store-bought single or double drop leader...these fish are way too smart for those. Without giving too much away, you want something that they can pull on and not feel the tension of the line until its too late. They make commercial "redfish leaders", but I know a lot of guys go as far as making their own contraptions (myself included).

If you opt to go the bait store route to ensure yourself some fingerlings, ask to see what they look like first. I believe the ideal size for most redfish hunters on here is in the 4"-6" range. However, a lot of reports this month have been that they're hitting just about anything people are throwing right now - live or cut, mullet or croaker or skipjack (especially skipjack) or perch or crab or even whiting (in the right conditions, at least). And yes, I think someone did report some undersize reds on dead shrimp within the last week or two...could have been a fluke or not, but proves they can hit it too.

Now, critics please correct me amateur analysis. Laughing

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shallowsport · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:34 pm Post subject:

Do you fish the bay? If so do not get rid of skipjack. Cut it, pack it, and freeze it. This is your
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DMAC · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:45 pm Post subject:

Those durn skipjacks are a nuisance in the laguna, tear up the lures, ragout or cut your leader, and best of all, relieve themselves when you go to get 'em off the hook(kinda combination of 1&2, face orifice away from self). But next time I get into them I'll save some for you surf fishers.

Donnie · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:54 pm Post subject:

Rxfire · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 6:32 pm Post subject:

Cast netting is hard for us non-coastal transplants...

I tried the youtube things, quickly forgot them, as they did not really work logically for me. One day, I said to myself. "what would seem to work?"

I pulled the net up by the bail, and grabbed it about halfway down with my throwing arm (right). The coiled-up rope of the net was in this same hand.

I took the closest perimeter bottom skirt in my teeth (between the weights). Then I grabbed the skirt about a third of the way (to the left) around the skirt weights.

I "threw" it. Not much of a throw. Just kinda heaved it. It opened in a beautiful circle. Hmmm...Ok...how do I get this idea to go further?

That began the gradual evolution of a pathetic throw that catches a few mullet. I swear I am getting better....caught a snook in the net at Fish Pass jetties (not a mullet in the net!)

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:54 pm Post subject:

This is the method I use. My largest net is a 10 footer, and that has to be looped over twice, but if I throw it well like this, it opens great. Smaller nets
seem relatively easy after that!

Mind you, I'm not a pro. The reverse twist when the net is loading up seems to be a key, as well as releasing your right pinky finger last, for a right hander. If I get lazy or sloppy with these two things, I get a partial or lop sided opening.

http://www.calusa.com/videos/
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"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

gkrane · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 12:44 pm Post subject:

Are skipjack the same as ladyfish? If so, I seem to get into them once in a while and they are about 10-12 inches long, really fast, hit like a train, and fight well for their size. I had been letting them go, but if this is what we are talking about I will definitely keep them and vacuum freeze what I dont use. So you fillet them and use chunks for the reds? How big of pieces and wy not the whole thing minus the tail?

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 3:16 pm Post subject:

You got it, same critter, different monikers.
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Dave

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

topdog15 · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 8:36 am Post subject:

Skipjack is a great fresh bait, but it does not freeze well. It turns to mush and you'll have a heck of a time getting it to stay on the hook.
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Donnie · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 9:39 am Post subject:

ziacatcher · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 9:59 am Post subject:

Minimum length on blacktips is 24in

Donnie · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:04 am Post subject:

gkrane · Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:04 am Post subject:

Thanks for all of the help. You have all been great!!!

Ken · Finger Mullet Joined: 21 Sep 2017 Posts: 36

I found this a couple of years ago, and it works really well for me with an 8'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvH7UR81wlA

The plus is I don't get wet or have to put that nasty net in my mouth. LOL