All,
I’m still in Biloxi and I’m into an area where the speckled trout (at least the ones I’m catching) are very small juveniles. I started this afternoon with a 5/0 circle hook and could not catch anything. My first thought is the hook is too big. Turns out I’m right because I switch to a 2/0 and I start landing small specks and white trout. However that hook is small enough to fit down the gullet and I inadvertently kill two fish. This is not acceptable to me, so I move to 3/0 and I’m back to landing no fish. I prefer this too killing needlessly because I’m here for fun, not dinner, but boy does it suck!!!!
StevenT: Sir, you are in an area of schooling fish. Both the weak fish (trout) and sand trout you are catching are schooling fish. You aren't going to catch anything different until you move. So, leave where you are and find another spot. When you find a different spot that you are catching a larger sized trout or sand trout, that is where your luck will change. Just Sayin...RJS
Have you tried an artificial or just live or dead bait? Even a 3” tout tail on a jighead cast out and retrieved or under a popping cork. Much harder for them to swallow and generally they get hooked in the jaw.
I’ve walked about 3 miles of beach and jetties today. Pretty much all the same. I’ll keep at it… 👍
StevenT wrote:
I’ve walked about 3 miles of beach and jetties today. Pretty much all the same. I’ll keep at it… 👍
Squeeze down the barbs on your hooks,it makes it easier to remove without killing the fish.
StevenT wrote:
All,
I’m still in Biloxi and I’m into an area where the speckled trout (at least the ones I’m catching) are very small juveniles. I started this afternoon with a 5/0 circle hook and could not catch anything. My first thought is the hook is too big. Turns out I’m right because I switch to a 2/0 and I start landing small specks and white trout. However that hook is small enough to fit down the gullet and I inadvertently kill two fish. This is not acceptable to me, so I move to 3/0 and I’m back to landing no fish. I prefer this too killing needlessly because I’m here for fun, not dinner, but boy does it suck!!!!
All, br I’m still in Biloxi and I’m into an area w... (
show quote)
Here's your attaboy.
Now you do know that one aw chit will wipe out 10 of those. Right?
You're doing it right. Good for you.
Swallowing, unfortunately. As careful as i can be, it’s not a pretty ending
Do you have a long set of "surgeons" forceps to assist with hook removal? With barbs pinched down, and a careful steady hand, the forceps will be very helpful. Remember that childhood game of "Operation", by Milton Bradley...reach in and don't touch the sides of the "breadbox" (a reference to one of the game maneuvers)!
It sounds like you are covering a lot of water and as has been mentioned...these small fish must be in large schools. the funny thing is that usually, large predator fish will zero in on schools and be roaming around in proximity. Maybe trying to use an artificial lure that mimics these small fish, but is unusually different from the actual "real" ones, could trigger strikes from the big ones...? Just an idea. Sometimes that is what triggers aggression in a big fish...seeing something interesting that is different from the "boring" school of many small fish.
By the looks of those fish, in terms of size, they would be a blast to catch on an ultralite spinning rod or fly rod too!
flyguy
Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
StevenT wrote:
All,
I’m still in Biloxi and I’m into an area where the speckled trout (at least the ones I’m catching) are very small juveniles. I started this afternoon with a 5/0 circle hook and could not catch anything. My first thought is the hook is too big. Turns out I’m right because I switch to a 2/0 and I start landing small specks and white trout. However that hook is small enough to fit down the gullet and I inadvertently kill two fish. This is not acceptable to me, so I move to 3/0 and I’m back to landing no fish. I prefer this too killing needlessly because I’m here for fun, not dinner, but boy does it suck!!!!
All, br I’m still in Biloxi and I’m into an area w... (
show quote)
Use a circle hook. Problem solved.
I only use circle hooks, inline
Better fisherman? He who finds and catches the biggest fish, or he who catches a fish smaller than his gear? 😂😂😂
My thought exactly. I assumed I’d hit something sizable at some point.
I did try some swim baits and such, no takers
Thank you, I never heard of doing that, I will start now. I really only catch and release (cause I really do not like to clean them), I will clean them if I accidentally kill them, this should help with that.
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