Warmer weather and new techniques mean more fish on the hook

At long last, spring is here! Winter is officially in our rear-view mirror. Warmer weather and easier fishing are on the way. Many of our warm weather species are already making appearances. This past week, flounder and bluefish were surprise catches. I released the bluefish and invited the flounder home for dinner. Flounder are almost always dinner guests. They taste delicious (but are not much for conversation).

Now that fishing is easier, I have been experimenting with a couple of new techniques, Wacky and Neko rigs. Both techniques impale the hook in the middle of the lure. This creates more water resistance and subsequently, the lure falls more slowly. When predators are chasing baitfish, a Wacky or Neko rigged Z-Man Big TRD is deadly. The slower sink rate mimics an injured baitfish and almost always triggers the fish to strike.

One of the things I like about these techniques is that they are easy to work. Simply lift the rod and let the lure sink. No special retrieve cadence is needed. A slow lift of the rod and letting the lure sink gets the job done. Light tackle is recommended as it makes casting the lure and feeling the strike easier.

I will be sharing these techniques at my April 13 fishing class (9:30-11:30) at the Daniel Island Library. The class is free. However, I am asking attendees to consider a donation to The Lucy Boyle Memorial Fund or Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. If you would like to reserve a seat, please send a note to captgregp@gmail.com.

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