Redfish Everywhere

[Capt. Mick]

The son and I took the new skiff out this morning to snoop out skinny water places to fish. Got behind Masonboro Island at dead low water and poled around for an hour or so. I know we saw at least a hundred Reds, slot size or better. they were all in less than a foot of water and 25 to 30 fish to a school. Sunny and 70 degrees. beautiful day on the water.

[Big Will]

For scientific purposes, I'll report that the same thing appears to be going on here in FL. We've caught 12 over the last 4 days.

[Dave]

Very encouraging news Capt Mick! I was just thinking that these warm days would bring some reds to the shallows where the daytime highs bring water temps up considerably. Don't suppose you had any rigs with ya to try and see it they would eat anything???

Dave

[bobreeves]

You salt water guys are really starting to p#ss me off 021. I'm up here in muddy water competing with thousands upon thousands of bait fish - they're jumping out of the water and you can literally pick them up with your hands.

[TooTall]

slot size???

[Gunnar]

Tootall,
Slot size is 18" to 27" you're allowed to keep one per day in NC 014
Gregg

[Capt. Mick]

1st Sarge - Was just exploring, but had some Gulp and Bucktails with me. Problem was they saw us at the same time we saw them. They were in about 6" of water. Amazing thast the 218 could be poled in that shallow of water.

[Dave]

Problem was they saw us at the same time we saw them.

Dontcha just hate when that happens ;D I may be doing a little exploring myself this coming week before our chapter "Easter Weekend" gathering. I may have to get one of those poles to sneak in the marshes. Do you have a TM or poling platform on your 218? Any recommendations for a good, inexpensive "pole"?

Dave

[Capt. Mick]

I'm using a cheap one off the internet. Cabelas $79.00. hell, if it only works a year it's cheaper than the $700.00 ones sold locally. I am really surprised how easy it is to pole a 218dlv. Most of the time my 14 year old was poling.

[Redfish]

Two comments: First on the pole. You can invest a lot of money in a fancy-smancy poll if you like (not knocking anyones choice), but I have always used a 10 ft. piece of 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" sch 40 PVC with both ends capped. Works very well, slightly flexible (use the 1-1/2 if you want a stiff pole), and if floats if you drop it over board. I ain't never broke one, and they aren't any where near $79.

As to the "slot" ours in FL is the same as NC: one redfish per person 18" - 27". Also, we have a net-ban law (no commercial gill-netting in near-shore waters) that has tremendously helped the redfish population here. There has been some complaints about the one-fish rule, but mostly from the old crackers and airboaters who were used to catching them by the bushell basket from 12" up some years ago. Personnally, with a family of four, we never have trouble having all the fish we can eat with the one-fish limit. Three (or four fish if Mama goes) is all we can eat at two meals, and all those fish we are now seeing are a result of this good management practice.

[Capt. Mick]

Redfish - Great suggestion with the pole. I borrowed one that my moron friend paid $650.00 for. I would never own one at that price. I will own one tomorrow as you described.

I appreciate the slot limit in NC. We usually practice catch and release on Redfish except for the occaisional one for supper.

Last summer I start keeping a bunch of finger mullet and soaking them in brine, then freezing them a dozen to the baggie. The fish with lock jaw yesterday enjoyed them today. Carolina rigged them and used a 1/4 egg sinker in the shallow water.

[bobreeves]

Also, we have a net-ban law (no commercial gill-netting in near-shore waters) that has tremendously helped the redfish population here.
Nice to see a government law that makes sense every now and then.

[skunkape]

Also, we have a net-ban law (no commercial gill-netting in near-shore waters) that has tremendously helped the redfish population here.
Nice to see a government law that makes sense every now and then.

Depends on which side of the law you're on. 012

[Willie]

For a push pole, I bought an aluminum pool pool. Collapses into itself and can be stored under the front deck and put a rubber v on the end . Have not used it to the extent you guys would, but seemed to work for me. Cost about $15-20.00. Keep on skiffin...Willie 017 014

[Shakespeare]

Lowes Home Improvement.

10 foot x 1 & 1/4" closet rod = push pole

Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Mike C.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

On a small boat i had before i was using an 8' boat hook.It worked for me.

[Big Will]

I cut down a laurel oak from my back yard, dried it for about a month then took the skill saw to it to knock the bark off and slim it down a mite. I kept whittling on it till my daughter thought it was light enough then coated it in spar urethane. Shure is pretty and it only cost me a few hours and a tree. Strong too - but not nearly as light as those $700 jobs.

[shaggy3131]

Re: the Push Pole discussion

I combined two of the previous ideas: inserted a 10 ft. 1 1/4 inch closet rod into a 10 ft. section of 1 1/4 inch pvc schedule 40 pipe, capped both ends and added a foot made of a 1 1/2 inch by 3 inch T fitting capped on each end. The closet rod inserted into the pvc increased strength. The 1 1/4 inch fits the hand better than the 1 1/2 inch pvc. The foot helps in mud and sand. Total cost, less than $25.

[Dave]

Well, let it be said that we have no shortage of creativity here! 012

I just planted a hickory nut in the back yard this morning - stronger and more pliable than oak ;D

Dave

[Slim to None]

i use the wooden closet dowel for a pole, but will be purchasing a lighter fiberglass pole real soon. i spent several hours last weekend on the platform pushing around some friends and it was too much work with the wooden pole. way too heavy to be using for hours on end. so i'm going to invest some money into a nice (used) fiberglass pole from a friend of mine. normally i wouldn't consider spending the big bucks on something i could make myself, but i see this as a "need" not a "want".