[fishr1989]

I'm going to key west and the keys from the 8th to the 14th, to do some butterfly jigging for AJ's as well as some flats fishing/shallow water sharks, and was wondering if there were any specific places i should make sure to fish.

I am going with a guide out of key west, he does use the Trevala rods, and yes I will definitely post a review of how the rods hold up. anybody think i should bring some big bucktails for grouper?

I am also going to bring a Stella 20K with a shimano T-curve popper rod for casting, what pound leader should i have on it, and should i be using a wind on? there will be 80lb power pro with a short top of 100 on the stella.

 

[d-a]

Heres a recent post on the jigging and popping forum.

Jigging and Popping Forum

d-a

 

[fishr1989]

there's some good news! sounds like I'm going to have a good trip AJ wise

 

[gman]

not in key west but the Islamorada Hump is insane for AJ jigging beasts over 100 lbs roam there.

 

[fishr1989]

that would be aomething I'd love to catch. a 100lb AJ would give me some pretty serious bragging rights up here, not to mention be a hell of a catch

 

[Fishhead56]

G-Mans right. The middle keys. ie mile marker 84 I think.
Bud and Marys Marina. and Islemarada. They can put you
in on partial charters if need be. Also some good press on day time swords
out of Bud and Mary's....
I've only fished the Tortugas out of K.W. so I can't comment.
But It's full of fishermen for a reason. Sound like a great time.

I also understand that.....
Square Grupers are harder to come across down there now a days as compared to the
70's and 80's.

 

[rtran]

that trip should be a blast. im trying to set me one up too!

 

[fishr1989]

We have a charter booked out of Isla with someone already, but if I can get them to go for AJ's, even with bait, I'd be all over it...we'll have to see how it goes

 

[Guest]

that would be aomething I'd love to catch. a 100lb AJ would give me some pretty serious bragging rights up here, not to mention be a hell of a catch
screw your drags down, use some strong lines and dont let em run

 

[fishr1989]

screw your drags down, use some strong lines and dont let em run

Excellent advice, that's what I've heard was the trick
that and use low gear if you got it

 

[gman]

ummm lock the drag at like 35 lbs, get ready to get absolutely rocked and hold on without giving any line or your done. I dropped a HUGE runner one day off Venice and it got slammed at 150' I mean it almost ripped my arms off. Then 5 minutes later it got really slammed again when I got it up it there was only a huge head of what used to be an AJ

Got sharked

 

[fishr1989]

My new Barefoot jigging rod just arrived!!!
250-325g
I should be able to rip fish in half with this thing...now I HAVE to order some OTI jigs

 

[fishr1989]

How is everyone rigging their jig rods, aside from the colored spectra, what pound leader, and how would you rig it to solid braid?

I was thinking a bimini to an albright or reverse, 80lb leader w/ 65lb braid

 

[gman]

You can do that or make a bimini and a wind on leader. I use varivas shock leader from Anglers Pro shop the leader is so soft its insane. I use a uni/uni

Angler's Pro Shop

If you just jigging for Aj's then you can go with a heavy leader like 100 leader and 65 mainline. It depends if you over heavy structure

 

[fishr1989]

You can do that or make a bimini and a wind on leader. I use varivas shock leader from Anglers Pro shop the leader is so soft its insane. I use a uni/uni

Angler's Pro Shop

If you just jigging for Aj's then you can go with a heavy leader like 100 leader and 65 mainline. It depends if you over heavy structure

I thought about the wind-on option as well, but wasn't quite sure
But they use it for the butterfly system, so it must work...I think I'll go with the bimini/albright for right now, and try the windon system too.

 

[Guest]

if this is JUST for AJ - go as thick as you can in terms of line. they're not going to run out, just down and into structure. If it's for everything else as well then I agree with what glenn said.

To put it in perspective - I caught a lot of baby AJs this past weekend (nothing over 15lbs) - and they were taking drag when first hooked (set at 20lbs). They're strong

 

[fishr1989]

I'm impressed...now I REALLY can't wait to go!

How to catch AJ's (what i've learned so far)

1. Rig with Heavy Leader
2. Lock Drag
3. Drop Bait/Jig
4. HOLD ON
5. Brag/act disappointed (depending on outcome)

 

[Ragman]

I've had good success when jigging for AJ's by really ripping the jig up on a fast, but steady retrieve.