fishing near coco reef rocks

[Phil Dean]

We're going to coco reef for our second honeymoon having gone there in June 2001. Last time my wife banned me from taking the fishing tackle...seemed fair, however this time I'm going with some gear.

I think I've read all the fishing related posts over the last couple of days and wonder if i might make a further enquiry?

I remember seeing some huge sargeant major fish last time I was out hiding in the rocks in front of the beach. Some local guys were fishing there but didn't catch any. I've subsequently caught small ones elsewhere, but nothing of the size I saw (in excess of 2kg), has anyone ever caught one and am I permitted to fish from this artificial reef whilst my wife sunbathes? (I remember that coco reef banned fishing from its beach)

Stephen/Steve i promise to post a fishing report when I get back, though I'm not going until November.

[Paul Tallet]

Phil

If you are fishing off the Coco Reef rocks and I am snorkelling there ... don't be surprised if you hook yourself a pair of underpants.

It is a little snorkellers' paradise.

Regards

[Phil Dean]

The last time I was there the rocks had a decent heaqd of fish hiding out but little plant life, I guess by now that they're a far more established reef.

They were the only place I've ever snorkeled near to squid, they were amazing to just hang there and watch as the pulses of light ran through them.

When snorkelling past the rock between coco reef and store bay i found a young jack with a hook still in it's mouth with nylon attached. I grabbed the line to unhook the fish, but the jack went mad trying to escape.

It's was only after it shook itself off that I realised how many fish were around trying to work out what the disturbance was.................kind of explained the benefit of lures but also freeked me out in a JAWS kind of way.

Ah well, only 6 months to wait before i can go back.

[Phil Dean]

I can't believe that no-one has had the larger sargeant major fish.

they look like they'll be great dun on light tackle under a float.

[Richard Watson]

I have just returned from Tobago and there has been good Tarpon fishing in front of the Conrado Hotel for the last few weeks, particularly at twilight. The 'Grand Slam' boys have been catching them on light tackle in their boat just off the reef most nights. Anything up to 40lbs.

[Phil Dean]

I've never had a "proper" tarpon.

I've had a few smaller ones (5 -6 lb) in barbados and hooked up and lost alot more, one part of me wants to have a go, the other part of me quite likes my knew shimano exage and would like to keep it in one piece.

to be honest I'm happy just catching. I broke my leg on day two of my last holiday and couldn't leave the hotel so I'm desperate for some warm water fishing. Though I'm lucky enough to live next to the tyne and get more than my fair share of salmon fishing, the tropical game fish are in a different league and the odd tuna/barracuda I've had have been great fun.

Does using wire reduce your hook up rate with tarpon? Just wondering whether I should always use a wire leader given the teeth on some of the fish out there.

[Stephen Hull]

Phil

Catching a good tarpon is an experience not to be missed! You should sort out a session or two with Grand Slam when you are in Tobago. Sorry I won't still be here to join you.

You don't need wire for tarpon - see Mike Northcott's posts under "Beach Rods" - a 6ft length of 100lb mono below the float is fine. Tarpon don't have teeth, just strong crushing plates - these can abrade the mono and it normally needs renewing after a big fish, but they don't bite through it.

Steve H

[Phil Dean]

i was just mentioning the wire trace as I'm concerned at catching barracuda with the same bait.

[Stephen Hull]

Phil

It sometimes happens that you get bitten off by barracuda or kingfish while fishing for tarpon. If you get bitten off more than once during a session, you could always put a bit of wire on but I wouldn't fish with wire from the start.

Steve H

[Phil Dean]

Thanks, I'll get the 100lb mono then