Reds and Specks at Rudee. One Bite CBBT 4-02-17

[Jman]

Good news kayak doesn't appear to be leaking anymore, but I now carry a bilge pump in addition to some other gear, just in case.

I launched at Rudee in the AM to try for some reds/specks, while I waited for the wind to calm down at CBBT. I caught two reds @17" in two different areas and a short speck. I talked to another kayaker who said he caught a 18" flounder the other day and I saw a family catch a smaller flounder today.

I waited until about 3:00 to make the move over to the CBBT, so I didn't get the tide I wanted, but I had much safer conditions. I took my time getting out there with a bit of a wet launch, but I made it out safely and enjoyed the cruise over to the fishing grounds. I had one bite, which I couldn't set, but I enjoyed being out there, testing some gear, and learning more about the area.

Here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGaPZvsEJi0

Jake

[ComeOnFish]

Jake,
It is nice to hear that the kayak wasn't leaking any more. I am glad that you tried for tog. That was a bog beginning of a whole new adventure in you area.
Next time show us pictures of good size specks and togs.

BTW, what kinds of tackles did you use for togging?

Joe

[Jman]

I went with a Kastking Royale Legend and the rod is a Ugly Stick GX2 H. I couldn't find the Muskie rods that are lighter. It was only $39.99 and it felt comfortable out there. Still need to test the combo with a fish. I have 50 Lbs braid attached to a 50 Lbs leader with the hooks you gave me and a 5 oz weight.

I'm going out to CBBT tomorrow before I work - you were right about being hooked on it! I'll be on the outgoing tide.

[ComeOnFish]

Jake,
Your rod and reel combo looks good. No reasons to spend a lot of money. So far I like the KastKing reel for 3-4 trips. I think you will get a couple of keepers.
Depending on the current and size of the bait, you can go with 3 - 5 OZ. When I used a half shrimp, I go with 4 OZ. I won't stay with the first bridge column more than 10 minutes. I will move and fish next 7 pilings, working on the Ocean side columns (outgoing tide) for 5 minutes each. I will come back to the first piling if I have time.

Joe

[Jman]

Thanks Joe - great advice!

I managed one @14" today. I had another one similar size, but I was playing with my camera and lost it. I went about 2 miles out and worked my way back piling to piling and started getting bites near where we were before. I could only keep my kayak on the ocean side piling because of the current. Really nice out today and there were a few others out there.

[ComeOnFish]

Thanks Joe - great advice!

I managed one @14" today. I had another one similar size, but I was playing with my camera and lost it. I went about 2 miles out and worked my way back piling to piling and started getting bites near where we were before. I could only keep my kayak on the ocean side piling because of the current. Really nice out today and there were a few others out there.

I lost many fish when I was playing with the fish. It happened during the last CHSP trip (perhaps it could be the only keeper) and the last CBBT trip. Now I don't get mad at all when I loose fish when trying to start video. Loosing fish while playing with the cameras became a regular routine.

I don't have an Ugly Stick GX2 H. I can be wrong about your rod. But, I am wondering if your rod is too flexible when setting the hook in 17 - 45' of water. the hook may not go through tough area near the teeth. It can be more problematic (for flexible rod) for sheepshead. A sheepshead has 2-3 rows of teeth (upper lip).



Joe

[Jman]

I don't have an Ugly Stick GX2 H. I can be wrong about your rod. But, I am wondering if your rod is too flexible when setting the hook in 17 - 45' of water. the hook may not go through tough area near the teeth. It can be more problematic (for flexible rod) for sheepshead. A sheepshead has 2-3 rows of teeth (upper lip).



Joe

Definitely a possibility. It's not as flexible as the lighter Ugly Stik rods that have the clear flexible piece near the tip, but the reason I went with the heavy over the medium-heavy was because the MH's were too flexible. Have to test it out a little bit more and see. I may end up shortening it a bit too, which could decrease the flexibility.