My first spade at the CBBT today!

[Hanover_Yakker]

Had the chance to hit the water today with phillyjoe again, and we decided to head to the CBBT and target sheepshead and spadefish. We hit the water at 7am and battled a strong outgoing current running at a -.8 and stronger is spots near the first island of the tunnel complex. I ended up with 6 fish on the day - including 3 spades and 3 sea bass. I missed a couple as well, and I still am searching for that first sheepshead. Joe didn't have any luck with the spades, but he landed several sea bass. We both struggled to feel the bite on the sheepshead with the strong currents.

Applying what you have learned....

Hope you enjoy the trip report!

[ComeOnFish]

Thanks for the posting.
I can't fish theis weekend (two weekends in a row). So I am more pumped up now for Aug 18 trip.
Were spade on the bottom, few feet above, or in the middle of the pilings?

Your story tells me that I bring a medium action rod for spade

Thanks again
joe

[Hanover_Yakker]

Thanks for the posting.
I can't fish theis weekend (two weekends in a row). So I am more pumped up now for Aug 18 trip.
Were spade on the bottom, few feet above, or in the middle of the pilings?

Your story tells me that I bring a medium action rod for spade

Thanks again
joe

Hey Joe - they were varied to be honest. It was all dependent upon water clarity. The first one was caught about 4' down, the second 7-8' down and the third was 5-6' down. I placed the clam strip where I could barely see it and that is when it got smacked. My setup used was:

Medium Heavy casting rod with a FAST action, Revo Inshore reel and 30lb. braid with a 30lb. flouro leader.

[ictalurus]

Congrats on your first spades. Do circle hooks work on them? Have there been any big ones around? About 10 years ago, some of the guys where I worked were catching some real monster spades, but I haven't seen any pics of fish that size in a while.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Circle hooks may work but the reason you use a jighead is to get the bait down to them. There have been a few caught over 17" this year so far.