BigBendFishing.Net

The water was calm Sunday so we decided to take our second trip in two years to Rotary Reef from St. Marks. It was a great time although we encountered rougher water coming back around 2:00.

The water was fairly clear and it was nice to be somewhere different targeting something different. We picked up some pinfish near the bird rack around 8:30 and headed west with a stop by Okalochanee Shoals to see the area since we hadn't been there before. It was pretty.

We found some structure near one of the reefs in the Rotary Reef area toward the east side. It must have been a decent area because we were joined by five other boats. We caught a bunch of spade fish that ended up being some nice blackend fish tacos. We caught two grouper that were about an 1/8 and inch shy of 22". We so wanted them to be legal but we tossed them back. We caught two big fighters but they got away due to poorly tied knots. I've got to figure out the best knot for braid to swivels.

One of the coolest things about the day was a huge shark that was hanging around. I have no idea what type but it was atleast 10' to 12'. At one point I had a mullet head on my line when the shark came by for another visit. This was about the fifth time it came by. Of course it had a few nice cobia in tow. I just knew it was going to snatch the fish head. I was so sure that I told my wife and daughter that if the shark took the bait we were going to cut the line. Sure enough, within a minute the beast came slowly by, grabbed it and kept on moving. A few seconds later my poorly tied knot broke loose...I was happy about that one.

Has anyone seen this shark at the reef? I wonder what kind it is. It was an awesome sight. I wish I had an underwater camera to see it better.

Cool report! The tacos sound good too. You might want to practice up a tad on you knot skills......it makes a HUGE difference in what you put in the boat.

I know this sounds almost too simple, but the best thing I have found for braid is 3 overhand knots followed by a noose knot. Others I try seem to loosen up and come apart.

Dubble

I double loop and then palomar.

Works like a charm.....I tie an equalizer on a rod at the begining of the year....and take it off a year later when I flip the line.

kikstand454 wrote:I double loop and then palomar.

What he said. Super easy to tie.

palomar that is the best knot I have ever used on braid will not come loose
It is also the only knot that I have found to work on Berkley Fire Line

bayrunner22 wrote:palomar that is the best knot I have ever used on braid will not come loose
It is also the only knot that I have found to work on Berkley Fire Line

A wise old man taught me that knot 20 years ago.......

knew what he was talkin about didnt he that old man knows alot

Saw that tiger shark last week at rotary.
Biggest animal I have ever seen in the wild.
There have been other reports of her too.
She had about a dozen cobia following her when she got up to the boat, and one less when she left.
Hooked an 8ft tiger later that was a pup compared to momma.
Eddie Joe says it's puppin time for them around here.

It might not be your knots if the sharks are snappin'
If you don't have a long enough leader, their tail will cut the line as it swims away.

Sounds like fun!

Another knot tip, Dab a little super glue on it - That will keep it from slipping.
I buy the cheep stuff at the Dollar Store.

bman wrote:Sounds like fun!

Another knot tip, Dab a little super glue on it - That will keep it from slipping.
I buy the cheep stuff at the Dollar Store.

good for deep cuts too, don't ask how I know.

Thanks for the responses. I'll try some of the knots this weekend.

Are sharks this size usually in that area? She was awesome site. I'd love to see her again but not too close.

Catherine and I were on the back of the boat catching Spadefish. That shark came by several times with her cadre of Cobia (none of which we could get to bite). We have a 27' pontoon boat and that shark was at least 14'. Awesome sight and a good reason not to take a dip out there! Of course, she got Ken's pin fish and a bunch of his line on her way through. Great day! Can't wait for calm weather to get back out there!

I took the family on a boat ride to the Rotary reef out of St Marks 2 years ago. We were almost there when my wife and daughter decided they had had enough salt and sun, so we turned around and headed home. On the way in, I could see baitfish being worked over by something big so I angled the boat that direction and started slowing down. I told the girls to pay attention as we eased in front of the bait and they started to come to the boat. None of us were prepared for the 13' greater hammerhead that swam directly under the boat and then slapped the transom with his tail. The most awesome fish I have ever seen. So in answer to your question, yes there are big sharks of several species out there.