Fighting Big AJ and Grouper:

[Uncle Russ]

Although I have never fought a truly large specimen of either, I have done a lot of research on the gear required, and the best baits and how to hook them. I also understand the general principle that they will run to structure and you have to stop them fast. This topic addresses the best way to begin the fight on a headboat (i.e., where you cannot use the boat to pull them out of structure):

OK, so with tuna, I am either feeding line out with the rod tucked under my arm OR sitting in the rod holder. In either case, the reel is in freespool. When the fish begins to run, I slowly bring the lever up to some pre-determined point--let's say strike.

But what is the preferred technique when you are standing at the rail, dropping, let's say, 300 feet, with a 4-pound live bait on an 11/0 circle hook with 2 or 3 pounds of lead and a 400 pound leader?

1. Do you start with the reel in freespool as you would with a tuna?

2. Do you hold the rod under your arm or place it in the holder?

3. What would be the ideal drag settings at (a) just past free spool, (b) strike, and (c) full? My thinking on this has been, to the extent possible, something like (a) = 20#, (b) = 35#, and (c) = 45#.

4. When the fish begins to run with the bait, what do you do with the lever? (a) gradually increase drag until he slows, (b) ram it up to a high but not brutal setting (say, for example 35#), or (c) ramp it up immediately to the unbearable 45# or whatever, to stop him NOW?

Thanks for you your help.

Russ

[d-a]

Uncle Russ,

I have never caught any trully large ones either. I do know that with larger baits such as Blue Runners that you have to let them take the bait for a bit before you lock the reel in. I generally use a 3-5 count befor engaging the reel.

d-a

[Sea Crappie]

1. Generally the reel is in gear. This is especially true for AJ's in midwater depths. When fishing for grouper with dead baits, sometimes I'll "feed" them the bait by keeping the reel in freespool and playing line out. With live bait, neither groupers nor AJ's peck at the bait like perch on a nightcrawler (you'll be very aware you're hit). And when I say in gear, I mean just enough drag to keep the bait where I want it in the water column.

2. If you're asking about bottom fishing, always under the arm or already in the harness. From the rod holder, the line would be straight up and down (no bueno).

3. However much drag you and your gear can safely control is what I'd use.

4. I fish circles w/ live bait and Owner Jobus with dead. In both cases, after getting hit I smoothly (over the course of 2 sec or so I'd guess) move the drag to strike and reel tight on the fish (usually already in low gear) and keep cranking.

Once at your fighting drag (strike or full, your choice), the goal is "no line out" if at all possible. The crappy thing about fishing rigs, is that you can exert enormous pressure, but the fish can swim upwards toward the rig legs, creating enough slack to make it back and cut you off. Then all the drag in the world won't help unless you stay tight. This is why people pull away from the rig w/ their boats, to keep constant pressure on the fish (much more so than just by cranking).

Russ, I hope you're taking notes, cause I think my head would explode by this point.......................

For me though, I think I'm leaving all that heavy unwieldy bait fishin' gear at home for the 4th of July trip.

[ALW]

My last trip out on the Big E. First two stops on way out. I had two 50 lb AJ's and a 50 Lb warsaw. Had my Pen 50 VSW 35lbs drag, in low gear on a Calstar Baby Boomer rod. Smitty harness. Rig in the harness. 130lb JB and a 130 lb mo top shot. Big 12 O circle hook. Dropper loop rig made by the deck hands. Soon as the rod loaded up I was cranking. Rod was bent double. Fish came right up no problems. I really don't see how you could do anyting with a rod under the arm or on the rail unless you just want to torture yourself or you are a young buck with some weight lifting background. Will fish the same way July 4. With 40 fishermen the longer you take to get the fish in the more problems. If some guys have wimpy rods and gear avoid fishing near them.

[etan]

I agree with ALW. Just let the rod load up with the circle hook and start reeling. There is no hook setting necessary with AJ and a circle hook. Most of the AJ misses I've seen with AJ are being impatient and not letting the fish load the rod and set the circle hook. If you can keep it out of the rig you are set!

[xs_tackle]

The above is consistent with what I've done on many, including the largest (87 and 83# respectively) goupers and AJ's I've caught in the Gulf. One small tweak: as soon as you have hook-up, be walking briskly toward the back of the boat (away from the structure). If the water is very deep, the boat is over the base of the rig, so up is as important as away. Short rod, stout tackle and good rail technique help.

[ALW]

The last trip I was on. I caught my AJ about mid deck, not close to the rig and at the depth they were marking the fish. Did not have rig problems. I don't think it is necessary to fish as close to the rig as posible. With a harness you can fight the fish. When you use the rail you fight it and the fish and the torque on the rod cranking the fish in.

[Uncle Russ]

Thanks Gentlemen. I realized about loading the rod for the circle hook and not trying to set it. What I had never encountered or thought about was the fact that the angle of the rig's legs and the depth lets the fish get into the structure just by coming up and out faster than you can pull him toward you. Makes more sense now. The tips are, as always appreciated.

Crappie: If I had more big fish under my belt, I would join you in going with jigs and poppers. I just ain't there yet. Plus, if I don't bring home fish I don't go again so easy.

Russ

[BretABaker]

jig for the AJs, theyll destroy the jigs. just use a spinner with good drag