Sunday Morning - West Bay Wade

[FlyPelican]

Snuck out Sunday morning for a quick wade on the south shoreline. Wind was SW but the water was in decent shape. In the water by 6a...out by 9a. We started at the spot where we've been hammering the redfish all summer. It was slower than it has been...only picked up these 2 reds...one of which went 26". Both caught on Saltwater Assassins with 1/4 oz jig.

We hooked up on a few trout but the bite was very subtle. I lost several right at the net. Just couldn't get a good hook set.

Question...the reds have been loving the 1/4 oz jig...that's all they'll hit at this spot. Do y'all think changing to an 1/8 oz head would make a difference in catching the trout? Like I said, the trout bit was subtle and sometimes you didn't hardly feel them at all. The water is 3 - 4' deep.

-FP

[BlueDawg]

I have noticed the same thing. I prefer the 1/4 oz jig. What I have found when the fish are feeding you can get away with 1/4 but when they are not feeding and you are working the bait for an opportunity bite a 1/8 oz jig is the way to go.

[trophytroutman]

I use 1/16 most of the time. I'll go to an 1/8 in about 6' of water.

[FlyPelican]

Thanks for the replies. I know most people prefer 1/8 or 1/16 but in this one particular spot the reds just don't want anything else. I'm looking to increase my catches of trout so hence the question. Will try a lighter jig next time I get out.

[Flounderpounder420]

Thanks for the report.

[BlueDawg]

Got to give them what they want!

[TroutSupport]

in that shallow a water profile there isn't much difference. It will depend more on how fast you are working your lure and your line diameter. If they are wanting it erratic along the bottom for some reason, then that 1/4 sounds like the ticket. If the are up in the water column or near the surface and your fishing erratically then maybe the 1/16th. You could bounce a 1/8th on the bottom as well, it would just have to be a little slower... and along the lines of what blue dwg said... give them what they want. if you are getting bit and you're confident fishing it, dont change anything.

As for the trout... bait presentation is going to be much better and more natural fishing the 1/16th in that depth. The 1/8th is doable as well. Plus they'll help keep you out of the grass and shell on the bottom. Subtle bite.. what line are you using and how big are the fish? if they are small then might have to switch to a smaller bait. they might be just swiping at it and missing. If it's better fish, then just try to keep better contact with the lure and feel the bite, reel down and BillDance their eyeballs. Setting the hook isn't what looses trout, it's how the drag is set for the fight and how they are fought.

hope that helps.
Get ya some!

[FlyPelican]

Thanks Tobin! I fish with Fins Windtamer...20lb/6lb dia. The trout were all smaller keepers...guessing 15" - 17". I was fishing with a 5" saltwater assassin. Sounds like I should have switched to a lighter jig head and smaller plastic to put some trout on the stringer.

Thanks for the feedback!

-FP

[Curmudgeon]

Good report, questions, and advice!

[FlyPelican]

Hey Tobin...your last comment about how the drag is set for the fight and how they are fought got me thinking...we mainly go to this spot to catch redfish...and the drags are set to fight slot reds. Occasionally we get in to the trout there...Are you suggesting the drag may need to be loosened a bit if I'm looking to catch trout? On the "how they are fought" front, I'm pretty sure I was horsing em. Couldn't help it. :-)

-FP