Hey Gang,

Another successful day at Green Pt. Nailed this
fish at 147' on the Sonic Edge Glo Green Splatter 42" behind a Glo Hotspot flasher. She measured 28.75" x 16" Puts her at 11.3 pounds.
Having some folks over for crab, shrimp and this baby for dinner tonight... Gonna taste mighty good with a few brewskis...

This will probably be my last time to get out until December. Heading south for a few weeks. I'll get on the board when I can.

Downriggin'

Have you been getting your blackmouth on or near the tide change?

Got this hen three hours (9am) after the change...(6am) I am keeping out of the the main stem of the current... Had a nice fish on at 210' right after this one...

Area 13...two fish limit!!!!

Downriggin'

what are the fish hitting on?

Been nailing them on "Double Glo" Sonic Edge Spoons... Army Truck or Glo Green Splatter Back.

Downriggin'

Is it safe to say you can catch blackmouth all day long? Unlike migrating kings that seem to feed only on the tide changes. Just curious, I have not done much blackmouth fishing.

Easy,

Don't let anyone pull your chain on the "first light" or "tide change" routine with Blackmouth.
Those two times are just optimal times. Might have been a different story if we had clear skies with the 98% moon this morning.

Gotta keep that bait on the bottom to within 10' unless the Candlefish are there- 5 feet then. I lower the ball until its hits and crank 'er up 1-2 feet... This generally keeps my ball at roughly 3' and the bait at 6'-10' depending on how fast I am trolling. Watch the f/finder when the ball hits, stay two feet either side of that depth... This takes a little practice to get the "feel" of where your ball is at.... So try and lower the ball at a slow speed until you get the bounce. Lastly, on the big tide swings (greater than plus/minus 6') , gotta get out in that deeper water out of the current. Don't be afraid of fishing 150'-250' deep. Herring do not tolerate big tide swings... You'll be suprise how many fish you'll catch greater than 200'.

The above is "text book" however, last season, I caught a lot suspended 50'-90' (go figure) in the deeper water... These will be your "first light" fish. Just when you think you have it figured out huh?

Downriggin'

Thanks DR!

Good information Downriggin'.

I've wondered how best to keep the downrigger ball close to the bottom without snagging. Based on your post it sounds like it takes some practice. Do you snag bottom very often? If/when you do snag bottom how do you manage to pull loose? Any general tips that you might have for using this technique that you have not mentioned? Thanks in advance for your help.
James

I do not snag the bottom very often, but when I do, I immediately spin the boat (if I am by myself) to the side of the downrigger I am using and run a course 180 degress back over the spot. 9 times out of 10 this frees the ball.
Not to mention, I had the plastic clip break more times than I have had to cut the wire. I never try and pull it free. That's too much stress on the boat. If I have two riggers in, I just throw the boat in reverse. I would rather have the fishing line wrapped on the wires than the wire(s) caught in the prop any day.

The Scotty's have a clutch system which allows for the line to pay out if you snag. This is a great feature... especially when I am not paying any attention....

Some folks swear by the heavy green snubber.
I personally do not like because the clips are inadequate and a pain. Plus I like the "feel" of a straight wire/ball connection.

The only time you can really worry about snagging the bottom is when you are fishing into ledges or fast dropping/ascending depressions on the bottom. However, you never know what's down there!

Lastly, avoid fishing fast and strong currents while downrigging... This could spell BIG TROBLE if you snag up. If fishing in strong currents is unavoidable, make sure you have the wire cutters sharp and handy- don't delay!

Downriggin'

Thanks Downriggin'.

James

Downriggin...ITN ZBZ, Got the day off tomorrow so let's fish. This will definetely be our last time to bang some blackmouth till who knows when. Call me tonight and let me know the plan.
I bowl tonight so leave a message with Dangerous Dave JR if I'm not at home. Should be back btwn 2045 and 2115. Fish-On

Downriggin...INT ZBZ, Got the day off tomorrow so let's fish. This will definetely be our last time to bang some blackmouth till who knows when. Call me tonight and let me know the plan.
I bowl tonight so leave a message with Dangerous Dave JR if I'm not at home. Should be back btwn 2045 and 2115. Fish-On

Hey DD & DR,
It must be nice! This place I'm at sucks, we hardly ever get time to fish! You two don't know how good you have it!!

Good luck tomorrow!!