Mar 06 2008
Boating and Fishing Information
Tybee is the perfect place for the fishing novice or serious sports person. From family reunions, to corporate excursions, from Dolphin tours and inshore fishing to deep sea fishing, from sunset cruises to educational jaunts, we can provide it for you. You can fish all day and have experts filet your catch and prepare it for your trip home, or you can do it yourself. Need bait and tackle? We’ve got it. Here is a listing of information for your pleasure.
Inshore and deep-sea fishing - Miss Judy Charters - 912.897.4921 or 897.2478
Dolphin Tours - Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours - 912.786.5848
Bait, Tackle, Fishing - Tybee Island Bait and Tackle - 912.786.7472
Ship Watching on the Savannah River
Understanding the tides and the effects on boating and fishing.
Good afternnoon “World Class Act!”
I will just looking at your site and you certainly have done a great job with it….
Here’s my current fishing report
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Will The State Speckled Sea Trout Record Fall this Fall?
By: Capt. Rick Reynolds of Miss Judy Charters
We are fast approaching the fall trout season and the question some anglers are asking is if the current Georgia State Speckled Sea Trout Record is going to fall this year? If you are thinking that the cooler autumn days are a long way off, think again.
For instance on July 25th, sunrise was at 6:19 am and sunset was at 8:33pm. June 25th, sunrise was 6:34 and sunset was 8:25 pm. That is a difference of 23 minutes of daylight. You can expect that trend to continue. Also step outside at noon and you will see the sun is not directly overhead, but falling slowly to the south.
The spring and summer fishery has been excellent this year. We are catching more large speckled sea trout this year, than in the last several years that I can remember.
Tommy Hall holds the current Georgia state men’s record. His sea trout weighed in at 9lbs and 7 oz and was caught in 1976 in Christmas Creek, near Cumberland Island. Now that’s a big boy, but it is time for another, bigger trout to be caught!
At Miss Judy Charters, all the Captains have brought in large trout this year at one time or another. It is not unusual to catch trout in the 18-inch range, but occasionally we see trout that exceed 23 inches. These are not State records, but they are nice size trout by Georgia standards.
What has to happen to catch one of these guys? We might all disagree on the correct bait, as some people will only use artificial bait; others prefer finger mullet and menhaden, or the lowly shrimp. However, we all agree that you need to find clear water flowing around some sort of structure.
I prefer mud minnows or live shrimp for my bait. I also like the last 2 hours of the incoming tide and the first 2 hours of the outgoing. I try to find some structure that will cause the natural bait to be trapped and confused. Oyster and Grass points are my favorite. If you find that type structure and combine it with very clear, moving water, then I suggest anchoring in a position to where you can drift your bait to it. I like oyster Rakes that allow the water to flow over them. Often sea trout will be on either side of that rake or point, waiting on a minnow or shrimp to float by.
If using live shrimp or minnows, always use the liveliest ones you have. Sometimes you will be treated to seeing your shrimp literally trying to jump up on your float, as he is about 2 seconds from having his head knocked off. Trout will always hit a live shrimp in the head. – They are natural born predators. Their eyes are on top of their head and they have a streamlined body and 2 deadly fangs on the top of the mouth.
About floats, I am currently having a lot of success using a popping cork developed by Midcoast Products. I like the Inticer. It is easy to cast and makes an unusual noise when popped that seems to invoke a bite, when other corks don’t.
I also use the traditional 9-inch float to drift a shrimp or minnow to the structure when fishing in water over 6 feet deep. My rule of thumb is to use a popper type cork in depths up to 6 feet, then go with the traditional float for deeper water. I am also using about 4 feet of 20lb fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 Kahle style hook. I always hook my shrimp between the 2 black spots under the horn. With mud minnows, I hook them thru the lips from the bottom side up.
The Big trout that we have caught this year has always been in less than 5 feet of water, using a popping cork and live bait. When looking at an oyster rake that is covered with water you should see some smooth water near that structure. I call that a rip and many times those big ones are at the edge of the rip. Bottom line is you have to get out there and try it. Good luck and don’t forget to weight that big fish in when you catch it!
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Juvenile Red Snapper At The Artificial Reefs
Shawn Pritchard along with his young motley fishing crew went out to do a little catching this past week. Their destination was the artificial reef “White Water and KC Buoy.” These artificial reefs areas were holding lots of genuine red snapper, which were caught while doing a little bottom fishing. The only problem with this catching scenario was the fact that all of the fish caught were a bit undersize.
Normally at this time of the year it’s not usual to find schools of these fish holding at the artificial reefs. The problem is most of these fish don’t make the legal size of 20 inches plus to keep. Red snapper fit into the classification of “schooling same size.” This means if you are catching 18 to 19 inch red snapper the chances of catching a large fish isn’t very good. However, when catching fish such as this in less than fifty feet water simple as well as careful releasing means they will probably survive.
I asked Shawn, “What were you using as bait?” His answer was a good one, which offered up a great fish catching tip. Shawn was using the standard two-hook bottom rig made from 80-pound test monofilament and 4/0 hooks. For bait he was using strips cut from fresh caught menhaden. The strips used were about ¾ inch wide, 3 inches long, and were tapered to a point. Shawn cut these strips from the head to the tail.
The method of delivery was a good one for sure. After baiting up both hooks, he dropped these shinny oily strips to the bottom, and jigged them in about one-foot strokes. This action received lots good solid bit action! When the bottom bite slowed the crew took to trolling. This prompted a bite from some of the biggest Spanish mackerel that Shawn has seen in a while. For this fish plan he pulled a Drone Spoon behind a #2 planner, had a rigged Williamson ribbonfish in his spread, and also pulled some Clark Spoons. For those that don’t know Shawn has it all covered. If a regular fish wanted to hit he was ready and if real big fish took action he was ready for that too!
The bottom line to the report is a good one for sure. They went, they caught fish, had a great time, and are still taking about it! Thanks to Shawn Pritchard for such a fine report and as we are all reading those released fish are still growing!
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Straight from Captain Jack’s McGowan Helm….
Creeks and rivers are full of shrimp! One fisherman said in about twenty casts he had about two quarts. That’s pretty good! Shrimp are still a little small but most part ideal for fishing. As tides build in the next few days anticipate some shrimp to be pulled into the sounds. Nonetheless there should be plenty of bait shrimp for those casting a net. The sea trout bite has ranged from average to excellent. On some days sea trout are biting fast and furious. On other days catching a few is good. Catching sea trout is all about the drift and finding clean water.
Some tarpon are in. We have been seeing one or two tarpon while trout fishing. Although large menhaden are in the sounds and around the beachfronts large numbers of tarpon have yet to push in. With large bait in it wont be long till predators fish find them: tarpon, large sharks, jacks, Spanish and even kings.
Look for baits being pushed to the surface or pelicans working the bait. Large baits means “large fish.” In other words “Fish Here!”
While trout fishing a nice tarpon cruised between our boat and a shell rake. The 70 or 80 pound tarpon cruised against the current as gentle as you please. Jon’s took a cast at the tarpon, which landed well onto the shells. Fish fever! I told him not to worry had we hook up that fish likely would have jumped and landed on the shells. The fish was within a couple of feet of the shell rake. Jon and Sydney landed a few large black tips earlier in the morning then we switched to trout fishing. Fishing has been good!
The shark bite is changing. There have been lots of small sharks in local waters. Bonnet heads are still plentiful. The large concentration of Atlantic sharp nose appears to have moved out of Warsaw. However, large sharks have taken their place!
A couple of reports of lots of black tip sharks north of Savannah.
The word has been pretty consistent some tarpon are in local waters. Look for more tarpon in the coming weeks. Those targeting reds on the flats are finding fish more difficult. As tidal flats heat up small fish push in. Redfish usually will seek deeper cooler water as conditions heat up. Look for the best inshore days when there is some sort of cloud coverage. High pressure, clear skies along with a little breeze often means slow fishing. We’ve had many days with lots of cloud coverage. Usually the best bet during the summer is to start fishing early and try to be off the water by two. Usually around one thirty in the afternoon a sea breeze will kick in. This breeze is out of the east and typically brisk.
There have been lots of sea trout in all size ranges. Good fishing now is an indicator of good fishing this fall! There are lots of little redfish around. It’s common to catch a redfish or two in your cast net. One fisherman said he recently caught a couple of keeper Spanish mackerel while throwing his cast net for some menhaden. Plenty of small three inch finger mullet as well as larger mullet in the rivers.
In the past few weeks we’ve hooked up and landed dozens of big black tips. One thing that I keep saying is “the bend is your friend”. Let the rod fight the fish. In just a couple of fights a fisherman can get to experience what it’s like to fight a large fish. Last week a charter, Hurricane Mike, hooked up, fought and successfully landed several large fish. We got a few glimpses, two or three, at a silver king but did not hook up one that day. When large baits are in and the water quality is good large fish wont be far behind!
As July winds down tides are increasing. Large tides are in the evening and not over 8.4 feet. Despite large tides fishing should be good! Expect fishing to be slower on days with little or no cloud coverage. Try to avoid the heat of the day. My suggestion is to “Fish early in the morning or late in the afternoon.” Contrary to conventional thought a few stripers being landed as well as some trout in rivers that have a fresh water source. Shrimp are doing well. Crabs are doing fair to poor. Not sure why crabs are hard to come by.
That’s all! Hope this report of interest and help! Please “Practice catch and release and support your local CCA Chapter.” Good fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan, Miss Judy Charters
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
My South Carolina Connection Has Scored Big!
Captain Wally of Sea Wolf Charters had an interesting catching day this past week. While fishing the “Beaufort 45” he hooked and landed up a 72 inch 49 pound sailfish. The fight lasted about 45 minutes with the sail showing its colors while taking to the air on several occasions. I will add, this was certainly a large one for sure. Most sails caught in this area don’t reach that almost 50 pound weight limit. So therefore in my book this was a large sailfish! A big congratulation goes out to Captain Wally and his fishing crew! Thanks for the report!
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Sail Fish Any Where at Any Time!
During this time of the year blue water fish such as this “make their way” closer to shore. So therefore it’s very possible that while just rigging up for the standard mackerel bite you could hook yourself up a billfish. In this case a billfish hits what you are trolling, which is not the norm when you are targeting them. The means you could catch them on anything from artificial bait to a rigged ballyhoo. So therefore with this being said, “it time to nail a sail!”
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Good Offshore Trolling Plan
I talked with Captain Shelby of the “Fish’in Fool” this past week and he offered up some good solid offshore trolling information. His plan is so simple that you are going to want to try it for sure. He runs to the artificial reef “J Buoy,” put his trolling lines out, and then trolls directly to the R-2 Naval tower. This trolling scheme has been very productive. He has been catching king as well large Spanish mackerel, little tunny, and dolphin. As far as best baits used deep he is pulling #3 planers, 30 feet leaders, and 31/2-inch Drone spoons trolled at 6 to 7 knots. This has been a winning combination!
This trolling plan is a good one for sure. The reason being is that this is one those plans that opens lot of catching opportunities. The first thing is that this fish catching plan has been working while trolling from point A artificial “J Buoy” to point B “R-2 naval tower.” This one thing right there is worth a try.
Here are a few suggestions on what to look for as well as what to do with what you might see!
Every time you see any sort of holding bait, turtles, birds-a-feeding, get a hit, hook up, or mark anything on the bottom I suggest writing these coordinates down. After writing them down make a note to as why you did so. Although these sound like “no-brainer suggestions” you would be surprised how many fishermen forget to put themselves into that “watch every thing mode!” All these noted spots are current as well as future locations to fish.
There is about 10 to 12 miles of surface water that you cover making this suggested trolling run. I call going into the mode a big opportunity to take time to watch the bottom and what it looks like!
In the first part to this report I suggest pulling #3 planer with 30 feet of 80-pound test leader, and then attaching a 31/2 Drone spoon. This is the best-pulled bait that there is, because you really never know what fish might take a liking to it. While in this phase, why not drop those outriggers and pull some extra lines. It’s known fact that the more lines in the water the better the chances for hook up! Since I am one of those basic fisherman that’s believes in the “old school” that’s exactly what I do. I pull what I have on hand.
The first thing for sure that always works is a rigged ballyhoo. However, if you don’t happen to have any of those give the artificial AKA “fake ones” a try. The main secret to a rigged ballyhoo is that it has to pull right or it will basically scare fish away. The best way to check your pre-pulled ballyhoo is to pull it right by the boat so as to see if it’s rigged properly. Rigged baits that jump stupidly AKA not somewhat normally definitely aren’t going to get the attentions of these sometimes very smart top water big fish. This boils down to the fact that baits need to run straight and somewhat normal. Knowing your options and what to do with them is a big! This all boils down to pulling what your have!
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Freshies Report
The Lizards are Back!
During this time of the year plastic lizards are in especially when large mouth bass are your targeted species. The dependable Carolina-rig-with-a-lizard rig is an excellent “search lure!” The reason being is that it enables you to cover a lot of water without re-rigging, because “it’s a sure deal for finding what’s real!”
CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY
“Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956”
POB 30771
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410
912 897 4921
912 897 3460 FAX
http://www.missjudycharters.com
August 2, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and “Little Miss Judy’s story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
“Little Miss Judy’s Believe It or Not!”
Used Car Salesman
Part Four! Many parts to come!
If you have been reading my Used Car Salesman stories about my father you already know he did some pretty unusual as well as possible illegal things in regards to this business.
Well, you know the old saying, in my case especially when it came to fishing it was and a little bit of the used car business “like father like daughter!” I must share this story with you. However, I am going on the record as it could have allegedly happened or I could have just made it up! I will let you be the judge of that! No matter what you think this my readers is a good “story tell” for sure
Many years ago I decided to give the used car business a try. Lets get all this out of the way. My plan wasn’t to sit on a used car lot, wait for customers to walk up, and try to sell them a car. I decided to get my sales a different way.
The first thing I did was to start a “word of mouth selling plan.” This meant I would tell all of my friends that I was going to be handling and selling used cars. So therefore anyone that was in the purchasing a car mode I was there for them. This meant if you were looking for a particular car I could find it for you. This seemed to work out well, because as soon as I made mention that this was my plan lot of potential customers came forth. This all worked with my friends and then their friends. I was purchasing everything from sports cars to old stand by “clunkers” for my newly found customers.
One day while having a cool one an old friend, we will call her “Frances” happened by and we started talking. The conversation went from past, present, to future times. I told Frances that I was still fishing and now selling used cars. Once I made the statement of “selling used cars,” she asked “what kind?” I simply remarked, “any kind that the customer purchasing wants!”
As Frances and I talked it became clear that she just might be in the market for a car, which was very good for me. After all I needed all of the customers that I could get, because without them “no sales.” In this case, I had to smile knowing that I was picking up a customer by just sitting in one place and having a cold beer.
As we talked, Frances told me that she indeed was interested in purchasing a car. She didn’t want a new one, just one that was somewhat dependable. The main thing she was looking for was what I called at the time a “land barge!” The meaning of a “land barge” is simple; at least after you hear it. It’s a big car with a big engine. Back in the old days V-8’s were very popular, because not only did they sound good, they were fast. After all a large car needed lots of power to get it going! I truly loved the “V-8” era.
I never really asked a customer while they needed a car, because in my world it was “rule of thumb!” It was needed for transportation and everyone wanted a good clean dependable car. The good news was that’s what I was all about, which was finding good used cars. I liked to purchase used cars that had a little history. I especially liked those cars with one owner only. Heck, back in the old days, you could take a ride in the country and find used cars by the dozens. They would just be sitting in the front yard with a “for sale” sign. In my world this was where the term original “rode trip” first started. Heck, it added a whole new meaning to taking ride in the country! On these trips I got to meet the nicest people, drink the sweetest tea, and buy the best cars.
Now that I think about it I even brought some cars that weren’t even for sale. When I saw a car that looked like it hadn’t been used in a while, I would stop to make an inquiry. My other specialty was spotting new cars in the garage and the older ones just parked right by it. Back in the old days you could stop anywhere to ask questions, because it just seemed like the thing to do. Upon arriving at said location I introduced myself and told them exactly why I was there.
I know I am rambling again, but as you already know this is what I do best! At any rate, back to “Frances.” She wanted a four-door land barge. I immediately asked if she minded if it had been re-titled. Frances remarked quickly, “I don’t care!” And then she cursorily asked, “What the heck do you mean by that?” Here’s my answer to this question: Some used cars when wrecked are declared “savage,” which means supposedly un-repairable. However, some cars were savaged for other reasons not just damaged. With all this being said a different kind of business was derived from this situation. So therefore there were body shops that specialize in these sorts of repairs and then there were used car salesman that sold them. Now we are getting to where I came in. The main thing was the cars were great and probably fixed better than the others. The reason being is that most of the parts were either brand new or taken from another automobile that were only slightly used. My father used to say, “just like they put them together at the factory, which was one piece at a time!” The best news of all was the fact that you could purchase the said wreck on the cheap and then repair them with other parts purchased. The bottom line is that you could get any kind of car cheap! You might have to pay cash, but it was cheap not cheaply done!
It seems as write this I think of more information that I want to share with you. Some dealers re titled the car, but didn’t tell the purchaser. We never did that. We were always up front with our customers. However, it really wasn’t a big deal and I really don’t know why they wanted to hide the fact unless they were trying to get top dollars for a savaged automobile. As with everything else banks wouldn’t finance savage automobile so therefore car dealers with said circumstances just ordered a new title to be issued. One forest of trees covering up another! As time went on all was wise to everything. However, it never effected our small business of selling proclaimed savaged re-titled cars……
Now I it’s time to get back to the story of exactly what happened when I delivered Frances her 4 door V-8 land barge, proclaimed savaged, untitled car directly to her door. That’s another thing, since we didn’t have a lot “as per say” all cars were delivered directly to the purchaser. Back then cash was indeed what sealed the deal!
As I drove up to her house, which was slap dab in the middle of downtown historical Savannah, I luckily found a close parking spot. After parking I stepped back to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything that she had requested. I went over my list, new belts, new hoses, new tires, recent oil change, new battery, basic check up, and boring hubcaps. The only thing I noticed as I walk off from the car was part of the headliner had started to fall. It wasn’t a lot, but I would have to Frances about it. The reason being is because eventually it would have to be fixed, if not replaced! Some of these cars spend days uncovered before they make it into shop.
I knocked on the door, Frances answered, asked me in, and she then pointed to the couch. I sat down and Frances then handed me a cardboard box with $4,800.00 big ones inside. I said thanks, offered up the new bill of sale and the title transfer papers. These cars were never titled to me personally. So therefore new titles were always issued. After the paperwork was finish. I said, “Would you like to take the car for a spin?” She nodded, “No.” As I handed her the keys, she said I don’t plan on using it but one time. I look puzzled for sure, but still tried not too. I figured she was going to give it to someone. Wow, all I could think was, “great gift!”
Frances then got up and said, “Now let me show you what I do for a living.” Frances came out of the bedroom with a pillowcase full of something. As she stood in front of me, Frances dumped what was in the case at my feet. Out on the floor bounced about 20 gallons bags of what she called “sensimillia!” I was so shocked I basically was speechless. There I stood with a cardboard box full of money and what looked like an orchard of big bagged up pot.
As I looked at the front door as well as the open curtains right in front of me I knew that any second cops and plain-clothes policemen would be come crashing in. After a few seconds not a thing happened. Before this shock was a minute old I was ready to get the heck out of there.
As I sat there wondering how the heck I was going to explain this, Frances started talking about locations and jobs. The car was prefect for this one time job that she had in mind. Something about running through cornfields picking the ripe ready mixed in bushes, something, something, and more something. At this point all I wanted to do was to get the heck out of dodge!
As soon as it was time to make my exit I happily did so. Once making it to the sidewalk still leery, I looked both ways for sure! I heard a voice over my shoulder saying, “when I’m finished with the car you want to sale it for me?” I turned and started walking backwards and replied, “Just give me a call!” After all I was a used car salesman!
Here’s my line now bite my hook?
Captain Judy