Casting a lure in January

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 6:53 pm

Hi Steve

If it isn't giving too much away - which lures are you loosing fish on.

I'd like to know, so I can avoid loosing jacks. That's a habit I don't want to get into.

Cheers
Steve

Stephen Hull · Post by **Stephen Hull** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 5:28 pm

Steve

Mostly using a Bomber Long A (bright orange) - it was one of the few things I had that rattled when the water was murky. It fishes a couple of feet below the surface. I shouldn't blame the lure, just its owner.

Steve

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:37 pm

Hi Steve

That may go some way in explaining your experiences.
The hooks on Bombers are not brilliant - far too meaty for my liking and you really need to strike hard to get a good hook-hold sometimes.

If the Bomber is getting hit, but you're not getting secure hook-ups, try changing the hooks for those on a Rapala. The VMCs they use are very strong and sharp.

You have nothing to loose (exept more jacks)

Cheers
Steve

Stephen Hull · Post by **Stephen Hull** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 12:58 am

Steve

Believe it or not I have been using VMCs which I'd taken off a J13 (the original Bomber hooks got straightened by an earlier fish..which got away...!). I've now put on some Owner trebles...

As before, have you ever tried fishing with double or single hooks and, if so, any views on whether these improve hook up rates? It seems a bit of a conundrum out here - you need fairly large trebles to be strong enough to hold big fish, but this may mean that fish don't always get the treble inside their mouths? Using doubles or singles might go some way to solving this problem?

Steve

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 5:24 pm

Steve

If you still can't hook them on Owners - give up.

They have to be the best trebles around - razor-sharp and pretty salt resistant. I used them on my lures during our trip to Belize and found them to be marvelous. Size 4s and 2s should be about the right size in the stinger range.

I would stick with them, rather than fanny about with singles and doubles.

Cheers
Steve

Stephen Hull · Post by **Stephen Hull** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 1:09 am

Well it's now into February and we really ought to be starting a new chain, but this email hopefully brings to an end some of the earlier threads.

Laurence and his wife Mandy (who started this thread) duly arrived in Tobago and we managed a few trips together. Went out with Kester Herbert in Bon Accord Lagoon (1 good snapper) and then on to the flats for bonefish (I'll leave Laurence to talk us through the one that got away, but those fish sure can run).

Following the advice of Steve and Toine, we also spent a happy morning with Barry trying to catch kingfish off Plymouth. We didn't catch any biguns but managed quite a few in the 3-5lbs range (well mostly Barry and Laurence did) as well as some Southern Sonnet (small but tasty). The fish seemed happy to bite on almost anything, although Laurence's handpainted Storm deep divers seemed most popular.

We took some photos but I can't post them from here.

And finally, Toine - Barry mentioned you might be back out again in May, in which case, it would be great if we could manage some trips together.

Steve H

PS - for Steve - Barry says Crevalle's do jump, so I think this is probably what I'm hooking at Bacolet. Maybe February's thread will be able to report some success on that score.

Toine & Lia · Post by **Toine & Lia** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:50 pm

Hi Steve,

Good to hear that Barry managed to get you into some fish. And Yes, we’ll be in Tobago from 22nd of May till 5th of June. Of course we can take some trips to catch some big ones. I’m pretty sure Barry will go along and take us beyond the outer FAD’s to see if there something with a sword around.
By the time we’re off, I’ll contact you by email.

Tight lines,
Toine

Mike Northcott · Post by **Mike Northcott** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:08 pm

So Stephen whereabouts did you get the takes at Bacolet??

We will be there next week and would love to get a hit or two on plugs, familiar with Sandy/Crown point but not Bacolet.

Do you just look for working birds /baitfish or just suck it and see

Mike

Stephen Hull · Post by **Stephen Hull** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:02 am

Mike

The spot I fish is at Bacolet Point - you drive past Bacolet Beach and take the right turn to Bacolet Point (about half a mile past Bacolet Beach). Bear right at the fork and park about 100yds further on (where a new house is being built). Follow the (overgrown) steps down to the shore, immediately past the building plot. You can either fish to the left or right. To the right there are various vantage point from the rocks and a samll lagoon - at LW you can wade across the lagoon to some more good rock marks. To the left there are some good rocks about 100 yards along.

I have only fished at dawn and dusk here. You also need low water to access many of the rocks - there is a pretty constant swell of about 1m so you have to pick your rock carefully. If you want tide information have a look on UKHO site - they make free predictions for Scarborough up to 7 days ahead - but I'm not sure the tides will be too good for dawn/dusk next week.

I normally get at least a bite here (Yo Zuris, Bombers) and keep trying poppers without much success. There are big jacks around and some snappers, also some tarpon.

There are a couple of local pelicans that are around from time to time, but I have rarely seen any baitfish jumping. I just try to cover as many of the marks as are accessible on any given day.

Send me an email and I'll let you have my cell no.
and we can meet up when you're over.

Steve Hull

Chris Sykes · Post by **Chris Sykes** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 8:03 pm

The information here is fantastic I have three weeks to go and only booked it the other day and allready waking at 2am thinking about the fishing

If any one would like to meet up for some fishing while I am over there that would be good(8th april for two weeks)I am not very good with computers so how do you view the photos? and people are refering to the fishing pages does that mean these pages? I will be placing my orders for the lures shortly but I wory willnot have any room for clothes in the luggage! any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance Chris

Paul Williams · Post by **Paul Williams** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 8:40 pm

Hi Chris
The best way to learn about the fishing is to go to the top of this page and go into "out and about"then into "activities" and then "fishing" and you will find a terrific amount of info.
Might see you at the airport on the 8th April
Regards
Paul

Stephen Hull · Post by **Stephen Hull** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 5:43 pm

Chris

As a resident non-expert, I am happy to join you on some trips and show you a few places worth trying. Friendship Flats and Canoe Bay are both round the corner from you. There are also some good fish (tarpon, snapper, barracuda) in Petit Trou lagoon which can be accessed from the hotel grounds.

Give me a call when you're over - (001 868) 721 9815

Paul

By the end of this week I should be able to report back on what's happening on the boats out of Castara as we have some sessions planned - that said, we went out for tarpon on Saturday but there were no signs of fish at Celery Bay, Cotton Bay or King Peter's Bay - just small snapper and ladyfish that couldn't swallow the livebait.

Steve H

Chris Sykes · Post by **Chris Sykes** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:13 pm

Thanks Paul you will easily spot us we will have more tackle than sportsfish

I would realy appreciate some advice on the where and when Steve as this is our first time in Tobago. I have fished in the Keys quite a bit and know an excellent guide there he always puts us on the fish and works hard to achieve that. We fish alot off the shore there but it can be very slow. lots of mention of people seeing sting rays in Tobago but not much about fishing for them! I have caught some huge rays and nurse sharks (9` lng) in the keys off the shore. is it because no one thinks they are worthy adversary's ? I know in america we get some rather strange looks and comments when we catch one

.

Regards Chris

Neil Roberts · Post by **Neil Roberts** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:23 pm

Dear Chris,
I would really appreciate the name of the guide you would recommend, together with any information about him.

Many thanks,
Neil Roberts.

Chris Sykes · Post by **Chris Sykes** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:05 pm

Neil
The guide in the Florida keys goes by the name Bill Bender and he can be found on Islamorada at the Chessapeak(not sure on the spelling of that) I would say it is around mile markers 84 to 90. Islamorada bait and tackle will be able to put you in touch with him. They are at mile marker 82 opposite Cheeca lodge. I hope this helps I will try to find his number out and post it later
Regards Chris

Neil Roberts · Post by **Neil Roberts** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:47 am

Thanks very much, Neil.

Stuart P · Post by **Stuart P** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 1:51 pm

Hi guys,

My wife and I are flying out to Tobago tomorrow! Can't wait!!!

We are booked to go Sport Fishing next week, hopefully to catch some big ones!

I wanted to ask you guys if it is good fishing at the moment? I'm hoping to catch SailFish, Tuna, Wahoo or Dorado...

Also wanted to see if anyone could tell me what the weather and sea conditions have been like lately. Will we get a tan?

Thanks in advance

Stuart

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:01 pm

Hi Stuart

We are just enjoying our last full day on the island, so feeling a bit down. I can't comment on the fishing, but can on the weather. The overall weather for the last seven weeks has been gorgeous. We had two rainy days early on and then its been very unsettled for the last week, with about three days "rained off". However, it seems to have settled now and today is clear blue skies and blisteringly hot and humid.

Have a great trip - I'm confident you will.

Stuart P · Post by **Stuart P** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:07 pm

Thanks a lot Steve.

Fingers crossed it stays sunny for us. Is the Sea calm at present, or choppy?

We'll be staying at the Arnos Vale, so really hoping for calm water for snorkelling etc!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:34 pm

Hi Stuart

Conditions can vary enormously around the island. I can only tell you that the area from Store Bay to Pigeon Point is like a millpond at the moment. I had to make visits in Grafton and Castara yesterday and can confirm that conditions all the way along the Caribbean coast appeared very, very calm. The wind is very light and as a result, the humidity is a little more oppresive than normal. It is a little hazy this afternoon, but VERY hot and still. Personally, I have a feeling that there could be a really good downpour tonight. I hope so. It will clear the air and freshen everything up.

myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Casting a lure in January

Bacolet

Fishing

Fishing

Good guide for the keys