Bitten off

[eightwt]

Fished St Marks today, got a number of trout, but got bit off cleanly a few times. Would there be some Spanish around now? If so, any suggestions other than wire? Thanks

[fishinfool]

Probably Bluefish, caught and missed a couple this past weekend. They were mixed in with the Trout.

[silverking]

Spaniards were around before the last cold snap. I caught one on the last day of February. Agree with FF though. Bluefish were probably the culprit. You can bump your leader up to 30-pound test or higher. Still won't stop all cut-offs and it could put a damper on the trout bite. Unless you're targeting Spanish, you might want to keep doing what you have been and bring plenty of leader material.

[randymullaly]

Yup. Got 2 Blue's last week on the East Flats last week. With that said, it is about time for the Spanish to arrive. As for the leader, I use 30lb mono and do fine with the trout. Get bit off occasionally but the best option if not running a wire leader.

[fishfalcon]

I agree. I fish 30 lb flouro and sacrifice a few baits in order to get bit more often instead of using wire. When using live baits, I have found using a longer shank hook (O'shaunessy, etc.) helps reduce cut offs. Check your leader after every fish and retie if it is nicked in any way. I caught a Spanish December 31st on the flats so sometimes they show up where you do not expect them.

[leonreno]

We caught two nice sized bluefish about two weeks ago out of Keaton Beach, and one bite off. I usually fish with 20lb fluorocarbon leader until I start getting regular bite offs, then I switch to 40 lb leader. If I target Spanish mackerel specifically I use 50lb mono leader. It has to be replaced regularly but will hold up fairly well. For live bait Spanish mackerel dishing I would use long shank hooks and heavy mono leader if the water is clear. If it's stained I would use small lengths of titanium leader with a treble hook.

[leonreno]

We caught two nice sized bluefish about two weeks ago out of Keaton Beach, and one bite off. I usually fish with 20lb fluorocarbon leader until I start getting regular bite offs, then I switch to 40 lb leader. If I target Spanish mackerel specifically I use 50lb mono leader. It has to be replaced regularly but will hold up fairly well. For live bait Spanish mackerel dishing I would use long shank hooks and heavy mono leader if the water is clear. If it's stained I would use small lengths of titanium leader with a treble hook.

[bman]

The Spanish are here- Friends caught 20 out of St Marks yesterday!

[eightwt]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will beef up my tippet next time. What size do blues/spanish run in the Big Bend?

[FishWithChris]

the spanish grow until they become kings

the blues grow until they become small AJs


...at least in size

[MudDucker]

the spanish grow until they become kings

the blues grow until they become small AJs


...at least in size

And this manure grows until it becomes full blown bull manure!