New to fishing; Islamorada recreational fishing tips?

[jayd305]

Hi. I recently started going out to fish and I really enjoy it, even if I don't catch anything worth taking home.

But I think it's time for me to land at least one nice fish. I usually go to ch. 2 bridge. I've managed to catch those small fish that are in groups, I don't know the name. They are silver with blue/yellow horizontal lines, about 6" in size.

On one weekend night I spotted several large fish under the bridge that is used for driving. In other words, behind the ch. 2 fishing bridge. I gave it a try but no luck. I use fresh shrimp (they die by the time I get there) and mullet or herring chunks sometimes. My hooks are round and my biggest one is a 7/0 bur I use either a 5/0 or 6/0.

I'd really appreciate any tips on what I should do to improve my chances or what I'm doing wrong or what I should be doing instead..

I've read the article that you guys have recommended on bridge fishing at Islamorada. It is very informative but since I am new, I'd like some more info perhaps worded differently that I can understand. I don't go fishing for a specific fish, I usually go just to see if I can catch something, recreational fun.

Thanks!

[big red]

Welcome to the fishing world. To me that is better than any other sports in the world. Better than hitting that little ball and walking down to hit it again and again. ???

I think you will get a better hook up ratio if you go to some smaller hooks. Might try some 1/0 size hook and even smaller to see how they work for you. It is not the size of the targeted fish but how big their mouth is.

Do let us here on the forum know what pound test line,sinker weight,rod and reel type etc,etc you are currently using so someone could offer some suggestions.

Those larger fish under the bridge are most likely Tarpons. I never could get one to take a bait when you could see them. I almost always ended up hooking them while bottom fishing for something else. Then they either throw the hook when they jump or run under the bridge and cut my line.

[jayd305]

Hey Big Red. I was using a Jarvis Walker 8' rod/reel combo. It's an inexpensive rod. The line came with the reel, it might be a 20 lbs test line but I've bought a 14 lbs fluoro line as an extra. For sinkers I usually use a 1/4 ounce egg sinker.

I just bought a Penn Fierce rod and reel combo. The reel is fierce 4000.

I don't tend to use leaders but when I have I use the wire type that are 12" and about 60 lbs test.

If I am missing any other info that would help please let me know, Thanks!!

[big red]

The Penn Fierce rod and reel is good enough quality gear for all around fishng.

Most time the less expensive stuff will come apart in your hand when a really good size fish hit. It could be simple stuff like hooks,line and the drag on the reel just stopped working ( I was on a party boat one time and seen it happen to some guy,he ended up trying to pull the fish in by hand the last 50 ft or so ).

If you are fishing the shallow end of the Ch 2 bridge,you should be ok with 1/4 oz sinker,but if you walk out further on the bridge and with a tide running. You won't have a chance of hitting bottom with that. I assume you will be using the #14 line on the Penn reel. Light line like that mean you really can't use too heavy of a sinker. I would said around 2oz max,chance you might snap the line if you try a long cast with anything more. But you can just dropping your line straight down or go for a shorter side cast.

The leader I refer to is a fishing line material that is stronger then your main line. As most fish have bony or rough lips,not so much as in sharp teeth like a Shark or Mackerel. The light line will get fray just by rubbing against it or rocks,coral and everything else by their home. Just feel your line by the hook or around 7-10 inches above it after even bringing in a small fish. The thicker fishing leader material will give you more time to bring the fish in before it is bite or rub through.

Now that I know you are using #20 line max,#60 leader will be too much. #30 or #40 will be about right.

Fish get good eye sight and they might just see the wire leader you are using. And do you know those store bought leader do pull out from that crimping down metal sleeve under pressure like when youe fish is pulling against your reel drags.

Do check out online on tying some easy and strong fishing knots. I kick my self a few time before when my knot fail and lose the fish.

[jayd305]

I was under the impression (being new) that the size of your hook is relative to the size of the fish. So the bigger the fish I want to catch, the bigger the hook I need to use..

But you say I should try 1/0 which is smaller than what I've been using. Could I really catch nice fish with those size hooks?

[big red]

I think there is a not so fine line and there is alway looking at something from a different point of view and trying to balance out the fishing gear setup you are currently using.

a hooked large fish will not bend or straighten out the larger 5/0,6/0 or 7/0 hook you are using as easy as the smaller size hook. Be remember you are right now using only #14 to #20 lbs test line. The large bait you put on those large hook will surely attract the Sharks and other large fish which your lighter tackles might not be able to handle.

1/0 hook is not that small to used for saltwater fishing,You could get nice size Snapper,Jack on those,plus you will hook and landed more fish then have them nibble your bait until it is gone. 3/0 is what I used fishing from the bridge and aboard a party boat for Snapper and Grouper on #50 test line. I rarely used the larger 7/0 size hook unless I have a 7"-10" Grunt or Jack to toss over the side. The small size 2 or 4 hook is more for general fishing and catching live baits.

[jayd305]

Great info man, I really appreciate it. I've learned quite a bit and hope to put it to use soon if this horrible weather clears up any time!

As for line goes, what test line would you recommend for bridge? I usually go to the middle of the bridge. I have 14-20 like I said and also because I've read that the heavier the line the more noticeable to fish... So I try to stay low.

[ricky9]

penn fierce with a 1 oz sinker and a 2/0 hook & 2 feet of mono leader #30 will get you fish.
Since the current in the bridges can rip i would suggest casting against it and letting it come back in with it.

for the shrimps, make sure you keep the water cooler and use the air bubbles(frozen water bottle)

[big red]

this weekend fishing I got a 18in black on a troll rite.

Hi Rare, Alway wanted to know what a troll rite is ? Is that some type of jigs ?

[jayd305]

Thanks guys for your awesome input. Hope I can post soon enough any catches I make.

[big red]

Just go out and have fun. There will be days that seems like all the fish are on vacations. But everytime you hit the bridge,you learn from your experience.

The #20 line is more then enough for now to catch you some nice quality fish on Ch 2. No sense spending tons of money when you just starting out.

I will be fishing on one of the bridge this coming Wednesday. Going for my Grouper.

[big red]

Hi Rare, Alway wanted to know what a troll rite is ? Is that some type of jigs ?

Correct!

Just a jighead, but the ones we use look like the pic below.

Oh ! Those..

They look like the Yellowtail jig they used on the boat. Now I know.

Thanks !