Smash down your hook barbs!

Historically, April is the month that the top water bite goes off. This year, the top water bite started a bit earlier. However, this week, it was particularly good. Perhaps better than ever.

Early in the week, I set out to catch my first Redfish of the season on a top water lure. So, I concentrated my fishing effort (early in the morning and late in the afternoon) around shallow, oyster laden areas. My lure of choice was a Rapala Skitter V. In my haste to start fishing, I took one right out of the packaging and tied it onto my line. I did not smash down the hook barbs like I usually do. While I was targeting Redfish, a large Trout smashed the Skitter V. Typically, I try to release all Trout over 20 inches. Marine biologists tell me that the larger Trout specimens are females and critically important to the reproduction process. Whenever possible, I release the big ones (without handling them). That is exactly what I was hoping to do with this one. The fish was in the water and I was trying to remove the hook. This was made more difficult because I failed to smash down the barbs. As I was struggling to gently remove the hook, the big Trout shook its head and impaled the second hook in my finger. Take it from me, it is easier (and less painful) to remove a hook from a fish or your hand if the barb is smashed down.

After a bit of self-administered first aid, I smashed down the barbs on my hooks and returned to fishing. A few minutes later, a slot-size Redfish ate the Skitter V. It was not a big one but it was my first top water Redfish of the year.

I wonder if catching a Trout, Redfish and my finger qualifies as an inshore slam?

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.