Hogy Southern Playbook

SOUTHERN INSHORE FISHING PLAYBOOK

NOTES FROM 14+ YEARS FILMING

Capt. Ross Gallagher

Fish Smart. Fish Simple.

Capt.

Ross

Gallagher

SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

TELLS

Understanding how and why fish are feeding.

+ APPROACH

Tactical methods that complements the situation.

+ OUTFITS

The right tools for the job.

+ LURES

Learn when to choose lures that match the hatch and when to stand out.

A Systematic Approach

The Hogy Playbook

As a transplant to the South East nearly 20 years ago, I’ve spent my life dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of becoming a proficient saltwater angler in the waters of Southwest Florida.

With a wide array of available species to target both inshore and offshore, it can quickly become overwhelming to find the time and energy to focus on specific techniques and patterns to successfully target and catch a specific species on a given day.

As I consumed piles of information on improving my fishing success, spending countless hours on the water and communicating with veteran Captains and Guides, I was able to hone my skills and knowledge and began a career as a fishing guide based out of Florida and Southeast Alaska.

My goal for this playbook is to provide insight on specific methods for targeting a number of popular inshore and offshore species across the Southeast. I’ve found taking the time to focus on a specific species and location, based on tides and season, provide the most rewarding experience.

As anglers, we often over complicate our trips with piles of gear and enough rods to host half a dozen anglers. With these techniques, a couple of rods and a handful of lures, you will be able to successfully target some of the more elusive game fish species that inhabit local waters.

Minnow Run, Vero Beach, FL

4 - 21 Tarpon

22 - 29 Snook

30 - 31 Jacks

32 - 33 Spanish Mack

34 - 35 Tripletail

36 - 37 Cobia

38 - 39 Tuna

GEAR & TERMINAL SYSTEMS

40 - 42 Species Trouble Shooting

43 - 45 Gear Checklists

46 - 51 Rod & Reel Outfits

TECHNICAL TIPS & INFO

52 Fishing Knots & Line

53 Marine Electronics

Stalking Flats & Shallows

Stealth. Silence. Fineness.

It’s hard to get more iconic in tarpon fishing than pursuing these fish in the super shallow, clear waters of South Florida. Sight fishing these weary tarpon presents one of angling’s toughest challenges. Accurate casts and ultimate patience will reward savvy anglers.

APPROACH: This is quite possibly the most exciting and iconic scenario for targeting tarpon. Anglers will need to utilize stealth, stalking and silence to maximize opportunities for success, as tarpon in shallow water will flee at the slightest unnatural vibration.

1On sunny days, tarpon can be seen from a distance. Quietly poll or troll to position yourself well ahead of the incoming school. Anchor or stake out along side any sand bar, cut or edge the tarpon appear to be traveling along. Quietly wait until fish get into casting range, place an accurate cast across and in front of the lead fish.

2Color choice is pretty simple on the flats. In sunny conditions choose Bone or Bubblegum patterns, on overcast days or choppy days, Darker patterns are often the most effective.

3Shallow water tarpon tend to be the most line shy, I always recommend using light fluorocarbon leaders from 40lb - 50lb at least 48” in length. When fish are feeding aggressively, increase your leader size to 60lb - 80lb for decreased chances of loosing fish to chafe.

SLOWTAILS: Our go-to slow retrieve presentation. Designed for super slow swimming, ideal for very shallow water.

3 BEST BETS

STALKING SHALLOW FLATS

PROTAIL PADDLES: Best used for quickly covering ground. The Protail Paddle is best fished at medium-fast speeds. An excellent choice for covering ground quickly.

ORIGINAL SERIES: These eels can be fished weightless for ultra slow twitching action. Bone and Black are the top two colors for most scenarios.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Sunrise Tarpon, Gasparilla, FL

Boca Grande Pass

Tarpon Capital Of The World

Located in Southwest Florida, Boca Grande Pass hosts a nearly year round tarpon fishery with migratory populations peaking in April - June. From deep water and swift currents to neighboring sand bars & beaches. This area offers a variety of conditions to target the Silver King.

APPROACH: While boat traffic and fishing pressure can make for challenging conditions during the peak of tarpon season. Early to rise anglers can have excellent opportunities to hook tarpon on a variety of artificial presentations in the pass and nearby beaches.

1

FISH THE TIDES: Success in Boca Grande can be heavily dependent on tide changes and timing. During the spring migration, outgoing tides trigger a release of “pass crabs” pushing tarpon near the surface to feed on drifting nearby crabs. During low-light periods weighted swimbaits swam along the surface can produce savage strikes. Use a slow, steady retrieve swam across or down tide for a natural presentation.

2JIGGING THE PASS: Often times, large schools of tarpon can be found near the bottom in deep holes along the northern edge of the pass.

Pair heavy 2oz - 3oz swimbaits on stout tackle. Drop the bait to the bottom, retrieve five feet from the bottom and use a light jigging action while maintaining close contact with the bottom. Pay extra close attention to your line for any slight “ticks” on the line. Often times the strikes from deep water tarpon are very subtle and can be missed without close attention.

SLOWTAILS: Best suited for fishing right along the surface in heavy current, or retrieved slowly around slack tide. Use a slow speed retrieve for finicky tarpon.

3 BEST BETS

BOCA GRANDE PASS

PROTAIL PADDLES: The 5.5” Protail Paddle excels for surface presentations. Heavier 3oz5oz paddles can be used for vertical presentations in the heaviest currents.

PROTAIL THUMPER: Perfect for vertical jigging in deep, fast moving water. During the heaviest tides, 3oz Ultra Barbarian Jig Heads assist with maintaining bottom contact.

Topwater Tarpon, Stuart, FL

Casting Shallow Channels

Backwater Super Highways

These backwater tarpon highways provide some of the most consistent fishing opportunities during the tarpon migration. Often, the most productive channels slither their way through shallow flats like an artery, with branching veins reaching into nearby drop offs.

APPROACH: Locate an area with a sharp drop off, back eddy, quick bend, or sand bar dropping into deeper water. Any of these feature changes create a stopping point for tarpon as they move in and out of the channel with the tide. Stake out your boat along the shallow edge of the channel within long casting distance of the attractive feature.

1On a falling tide fish will often be sliding into the channel from the flats, keep an eye 360 degrees around you for fish pushing into deeper water. On a rising tide, you’ll find fish coming in with the tide, popping out of the channel and making their way toward the shallows. Large, deep channels can hold large numbers of fish, shallow channels along grass flat edges can hold decent numbers of fish that may be less pressured and more apt to feed on artificial.

2Slow, steady retrieves often receive to most attention vs erratic fast moving presentations. Make it a practice to keep your rod tip pointed towards your lure while using a consistent, slow speed to entice bites from the most lethargic tarpon.

SLOWTAILS: Our go-to slow retrieve presentation. Designed for super slow swimming, ideal for very shallow water.

3 BEST BETS

SWINGING SHALLOW CHANNELS

PROTAIL PADDLES: Best used for quickly covering ground. The Protail Paddle is best fished at medium-fast speeds. An excellent choice for covering ground quickly.

ORIGINAL SERIES: These eels can be fished weightless for ultra slow twitching action. Bone and Black are the top two colors for most scenarios.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Minnow Run Tarpon, Vero, FL

The Minnow Run

World Class Land Based Tarpon Fishing

These minnow runs usually happen in late July into early August along the coast of Central Florida, while the Gulf runs happen a little later in September and October. Both have the same characteristics, with massive schools of baitfish collecting in large schools right in the surf.

APPROACH: Smaller, lightweight presentations are key for imitating micro-forage. Trophy grade rigging found on the smallest 3.5-inch, 4.25-inch and 5.5-inch Protail Paddles and Slowtail Swimbaits are an excellent choice for casting into the shallow surf.

1PLACEMENT: Try to place your casts along the outside edges of bait schools, giving your lure the chance to be seen and targeted by a roaming fish. It’s much harder for a fish to find your bait when you cast directly into a school of hundreds of thousands baitfish. Utilize a steady retrieve just a few inches below the surface. Tarpon will track the bait a short distance before committing to strike.

2LURE SIZE: In heavy surf and windy conditions, larger and heavier protail paddles will stay below the wash and in the strike zone. When conditions are rough, the 5.5” 2oz Paddle offers extreme casting distance and a larger profile to get noticed in cloudy water conditions.

3HEAVY LEADERS: While I generally try to use the lightest leader possible, targeting large tarpon from the beach often results in longer fight time. In this case, I’ll opt for fluorocarbon leaders from 60lb - 100lb, going heaviest in silty conditions.

SLOWTAILS: Best suited for fishing right along the surface edges of bait pods, or blind casted around feeding tarpon. Use a slow speed retrieve when fish are ultra finicky.

3 BEST BETS

LAND BASED MINNOW RUN

PROTAIL PADDLES: Downsizing for the minnow run offers the biggest rewards. Smaller 4.25” or 5.5” paddles provide the most action.

PROTAIL THUMPER: Easily customize jig head weight depending on depth and surf conditions. Light 7/8oz weights for calm conditions, heavier 1.5oz in heavy surf.

Inlet Tarpon, Ft. Pierce, FL

INLETS & PASSES

Migratory Tarpon Staging Areas

Inlets and passes offer the perfect combination of forage, current, structure and passageways between the ocean and inland waterways. There is a good chance that tarpon will be available at nearly any Florida coastal inlet or pass at some point during their annual migration.

APPROACH: Generally speaking, inlets and passes feature deep water and fast moving current, requiring anglers to deploy a heavier range of presentations to appropriately cover the water column.

1

SHORE FISHING INLETS: Top choice for making these 50 - 90 yard casts are heavy 3oz - 5oz Pro Tail Paddle Swim Baits. They have a perfect profile at 6.5”, which easily imitates a wide variety of forage that may be sweeping out with the tide.

2JETTY BACKWASH: There are high odds fish will use these disturbed water areas as feeding stations when conditions are right. Many jetties will have these on the outside edges, opposite of the inlet. Water will curl around the point and break direction, causing a large wash area to form. This area has significantly less current, making it an easy spot for fish to hold and wait for bait to swept to them.

3LURE SIZE: You’ll have the best success making long casts at a 45-degree angle up tide, this will allow your bait to be presented as it’s drifting with the current for about eighty percent of the retrieve.

SLOWTAILS: Best suited for fishing right along the surface in heavy current, or retrieved slowly around slack tide. Use a slow speed retrieve for finicky tarpon.

3 BEST BETS INLETS & PASSES

PROTAIL PADDLES: The 3oz model will cover most fast current situations. Cast up tide, allowing the bait to sink then begin a medium speed steady retrieve. Use short pauses.

PROTAIL THUMPER: Easily customize jig head weight depending on depth and current conditions. Light 7/8oz weights for calm conditions, heavier 3oz for choppy conditions.

The Mullet Run

Fall’s Epic Baitfish Migration

The mullet run, like the minnow run, offers shore anglers excellent opportunities for targeting trophy grade fish right from the surf. Mullet will often hang right inside the first break on the beach, well within casting distance of anglers using heavy surf casting outfits.

APPROACH: When the fall Mullet Run is in full swing, it offers one of the most visually stunning marine events many will ever witness. Finding success with artificial lures in an abundance of live bait can prove challenging, but not impossible.

1FISH THE EDGES: You’ll find the best success making your presentations along the outside edges of the mullet school and targeting smaller groups in individual fish away from the main mullet run. Singling out fish with accurate casts and blind casting along the outside edges of the school are the most productive methods for getting hooked up.

2RETRIEVE SPEED: As with most tarpon retrieves, a slow to medium, steady speed retrieve often produces the best action. Pause occasionally to allow the bait to sink a few feet, but avoid highly erratic jerking of the lure, which can spook the fish.

3HEAVY LEADERS: While I generally try to use the lightest leader possible, targeting large tarpon from the beach often results in longer fight time. In this case, I’ll opt for fluorocarbon leaders from 60lb - 100lb, going heaviest in silty conditions.

SLOWTAILS: Best suited for fishing right along the surface in heavy current, or retrieved slowly around slack tide. Use a slow speed retrieve for finicky tarpon.

3 BEST BETS

THE MULLET RUN

PROTAIL PADDLES: Match the hatch by choosing a size closest to the available forage size. 4.25” paddles for finger mullet and larger 6.5” sizes for larger forage.

PROTAIL THUMPER: Easily customize jig head weight depending on depth and surf conditions. Light 7/8oz weights for calm conditions, heavier 1.5oz in heavy surf.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Canal Tarpon, St. Lucie, FL

LIGHT TACKLE CANAL TARPON

Back Water Haunts. Back Yard Angling.

A majority of canal tarpon will be in the 5lb to 40lb range, often times these small tarpon can be seen tail slapping or rolling on the surface. A light tackle outfit will be the most enjoyable for casting to these smaller sized tarpon.

APPROACH: To begin your search for canal tarpon, look for deep water haunts with a minimum depth of ten feet. Generally, tarpon will hold in deep, slow moving water. While these fish may appear rolling throughout the day, feeding times are generally around low-light periods. Imitate smaller forage using small swimbaits or unweighted Original Eels. Light tackle outfits will allow the most enjoyment.

1SIGHT CAST AT ROLLING FISH: Then impart a vertical jigging presentation worked in the mid water column. Just after a fish rolls, make a cast within two feet of the roll. Let the jig sink to about one third the depth of the canal. Give the rod tip quick twitches and allow to sink on a slightly slack line allowing the bait to spiral on the drop. A majority of canal tarpon strikes will occur while the lure is falling.

2MAKE LONG CASTS: Down the center of the canal systems and begin your retrieve just after the lure lands. Keep you rod tip low and be prepared to set the hook at the slightest bump. These fish won’t aggressively attack a lure, but they will lightly pop up and bump it as it goes by.

SLOWTAILS: The 3.5” Slowtail Swimbait is perfect for sight fishing canal tarpon. Light weight and small profile allows for maximum time in the strike zone.

3 BEST BETS

LIGHT TACKLE CANALS

PROTAIL PADDLE: Small 3.5” - 4.25” swimbaits are excellent for mid-water jigging on suspended canal tarpon. Use short rod twitches to “pop” the bait.

ORIGINAL SERIES: It’s hard to beat the 7” Original Eel for light tackle topwater presentations for mid-sized tarpon. For best action use a 4/0 soft circle hook.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Beach Tarpon, Stuart, FL

DEEP BEACH TARPON

Open Water Migratory Tarpon.

This deep water fishery can be a little challenging when targeting fish with artificial. You’ve got a lot of water column to cover and the fish are constantly on the move. Generally speaking, when the tarpon are in a feeding mood, they will be in the upper third of the water column.

APPROACH: One of the most common areas to find tarpon during the migration is deep water coastal beaches. Tarpon pods in deep water will constantly be on the move, stopping to feed on schools of threadfin herring and menhaden. Begin your search in depths of twelve to thirty foot depths. If fish can’t be seen rolling on the surface, use side scan imaging to locate tarpon pods holding at deeper depths.

1

DAISY CHAINING: Is a common phenomena during the migration, with tarpon swimming together in a loop nose to tail near the surface. This is an excellent opportunity for a delicate topwater presentation, like an unweighted 10-inch Original rigged on a swim bait hook. Cast along the outside edge of the daisy chain, trying to be within three to five feet of the school, but not casting directly into the group.

2BAIT PODS: The 6.5” Pro Tail Paddle in 2oz or 3oz weight. These heavier baits can be accurately heaved long distances, useful for casting to feeding fish without getting too close and spooking them. When possible, aim for the outside edges of the school and begin your retrieve as soon as the lure hits the water. Use a slow to medium steady pace retrieve, simulating a tired bait fish moving away from the school.

PROTAIL THUMPER: Excellent thumping action in a variety of depths & current conditions. Use the lightest jig head weight for desired retrieve depth.

3 BEST BETS

DEEP WATER BEACHES

PROTAIL PADDLES: Cast up tide on an incoming school, allowing the bait to sink then begin a medium speed steady retrieve.

ORIGINAL SERIES: These eels can be fished weightless for ultra slow twitching action. Work the bait at slow speeds right along the surface for slow milling tarpon pods.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Topwater Snook, Stuart, FL

PLUG CASTING SNOOK

Fishing Plugs Around Structure

From topwater, to sub-surface sliders, Hogy’s plug selection is perfect for imitating larger forage species like mullet, threadfin and pilchards. These heavy-duty through-wired plugs are perfect for casting along heavy structure and attract big snook from a distance!

APPROACH: When fishing plugs for snook, it’s important to keep your casts and retrieves within close proximity to structure likely to hold fish. For covering ground quickly, reach for the Hogy Dog Walker for excellent surface spook action. When working small areas methodically, the Charter Grade Popper is perfect for subtle popping surface action.

1LOCATE THE BAIT: Identify areas with schooling mullet near heavy structure. These bait pods can be located by finding surface disturbances or jumping mullet. Place casts tight to structure, snook will use this to ambush prey and strike aggressively. Use a slow walk-the-dog style retrieve by using a steady rod tip twitch on a steady retrieve. If a strike is missed, give a short pause then a speedy retrieve to trigger a strike.

2LOW AND SLOW: Most topwater plugs should be fished a slow to medium speed retrieve when targeting snook, allowing you to maximize your time in the strike zone and entice a bite for weary fish that may ignore a target moving too quickly. If a fish strikes and misses the topwater, maintain your retrieve, fish will often return multiple times after a bait before getting hooked.

CHARTER GRADE POPPER: Excellent for working precise areas at slow speeds. Seductive pop and sputter calls fish from a distance.

3 BEST BETS

DOG WALKERS: Easy to use walk-the-dog surface action. These large plugs imitate big forage and allow anglers to quickly cover ground with a steady retrieve.

CHARTER GRADE SLIDERS: These slow sinking sliders are perfect for sub-surface side to side kick. Best used mid-day when fish are reluctant to feed on top, but still want a large profile.

WATCH THE VIDEO

BOTTOM BOUNCING SWIMBAITS

Swinging Current Around Structure For Snook

One of the most common methods for target larger snook in deep, fast moving inlets and bridges. Swinging swimbaits allows anglers to keep their presentations near the bottom where big snook hang. The perfect scenario for using heavy Protail Paddle and Protail Thumper baits.

APPROACH: When swinging swimbaits in deep, fast current, you’ll want to choose the appropriate weight lure for the conditions. For shallow depths under 10’ use up to 1.5oz sizes, 10’-20’ use 2oz - 3oz sizes, for 20’ and deeper 3oz - 4oz weights may be required to maintain proper contact with the bottom.

1CAST UP CURRENT / AHEAD OF STRUCTURE: A key element to getting your bait in the strike zone is casting well ahead of the structure you intend to fish. This allows time for the bait to reach the bottom well before reaching structure, allowing you to begin the retrieve, maximizing time in the strike zone, producing more bites consistently.

2RETRIEVE STYLE: Heavy Swimbaits can be fished a few ways. A steady retrieve, just fast enough to produce a thumping action is a classic way to fish swimbaits. Alternatively, you can add short rod tip twitches and pauses to allow the bait to dart, fall and pause. This method is ideal when fish are finicky and reluctant to strike. Be sure to swim your lure fast enough to feel the rhythmic thump of the swimbait tail.

PROTAIL THUMPER: Easily swap out jig head sizes to match the water current and depth. Replaceable tails allow for quick change of colors & tails as needed.

3 BEST BETS

BOTTOM BOUNCING FOR SNOOK

SLOWTAILS: Recommended for light current, shallow water or slack tide. These baits will sink slowly and offer amazing action at the slowest retrieve speeds.

PROTAIL PADDLES: Available in multiple sizes and weights, we recommend matching the hatch with an appropriate bait size and adjusting weight based on conditions.

SPILLWAY SNOOK

Open The Flood Gates For Hot Summer Fishing

This niche style of fishing most often occurs during the rainy season where local locks and weirs begin releasing excess water from fresh water canal system. Similar to fishing rivers, spillway releases will flush and disorientate baitfish, creating a ripe feeding ground for snook.

APPROACH: Throughout the year in South Florida waters, the fast moving current associated with spillways, weirs, dams and locks offer an extensive feeding ground for snook of all sizes. Offering a wide variety of forage, structure and ambush points, these productive fishing areas can be a bit daunting for anglers unfamiliar with how to fish in heavy current.

1SURFACE SWING: When fish are visibly feeding near the surface and baitfish activity is evident, lures can be retrieved right at, or just below the surface. To accomplish this, cast up current and begin your retrieve as soon as the lure hits the water. While pointing your rod tip towards the lure, use a medium speed retrieve to retrieve slack, while imparting short rod tip twitches to impart an erratic darting action.

2BOTTOM SWING: This challenging method requires extreme attention from the angler. Your goal when bottom swinging is to keep the lure in near constant contact with the bottom. Reaction strikes from finicky fish will occur as the lure rolls and bounces off rocks, ledges and boulders. Unfortunately, this technique requires your presentation to be in close contact with heavy snags. Pay very close attention!

PROTAIL THUMPER: Easily swap out jig head sizes to match the water current and depth. Replaceable tails allow for quick change of colors & tails as needed.

3 BEST BETS

SLOWTAILS: Recommended for lighter current. These baits will sink slowly and offer amazing action at the slowest retrieve speeds.

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER: The 5” Charter Grade Slider is perfect for fishing the upper water column and imitating bigger forage like mullet, pin fish and small ladyfish.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Flats Snook, Punta Rassa, FL

MANGROVE SNOOK

Light Tackle Structure For Quality Snook

When fish are holding in shallow grassy water, poppers and slowtail swimbaits are an excellent presentation to avoid snagging grass while creating commotion to draw fish out of heavy structure.

APPROACH: To maximize time in the strike zone, position your casts parallel to shorelines and close to structure. Fish will often be hiding under mangroves in ambush. Working poppers and slowtails along the outside edges keeps you in the strike zone. When fishing deeper mangrove shorelines, the Slowtail Swimbait is a great option for hopping along the bottom tight to structure edges.

1TOPWATER SHALLOWS: When fish are staged in shallow, grassy water, surface plugs like the Charter Grade Popper allow anglers to work baits slowly while avoiding fouling on grass. Work these plugs with a consistent, slow popping action for aggressive topwater strikes.

2SLOWTAILS ON DROP OFFS: On deeper shorelines, weighted swimbaits like the slowtail allow anglers to bottom bounce tight to structure. Use short rod tip twitches while popping the slowtail along the bottom. Alternatively, you can use a slow, steady retrieve to quickly cover water searching for active fish.

PROTAIL PADDLE: Featuring heavy thumping action in a compact profile. These swimbaits are great for quickly covering ground to locate active fish.

3 BEST BETS

MANGROVE SNOOK

SLOWTAILS: Recommended for deeper cuts along mangrove structure. Allow the Slowtail to reach bottom and use a steady slow retrieve with short rod pops.

CHARTER GRADE POPPER: Our smaller 3.5” and 5.5” Charter Grade Poppers are perfect for working shallow, grassy edges. The floating design allows for slow retrieves.

BEACH JACKS

One of Florida’s Hardest Fighting Inshore Species

Jacks can often be found along the outside edges of large bait pods near coastal beaches and inlets. While sometimes considered a “trash fish” many anglers know what these fish lack in table fare, they make up for in tackle busting runs and explosive topwater strikes.

APPROACH: Begin searching for schools of jacks along coastal inlets and nearby beaches. Tell tale signs of a jack’s presence are bait pods being aggressively attacked near the surface. Like all species, it’s recommended to approach these feeding schools quietly and begin casting along the outside edges of feed to minimize spooking fish and sending them down deep.

1NOISY TOPWATERS: One of the most popular methods for targeting jacks it to utilize large, noisily surface plugs like the Charter Grade Popper. Work these plugs at a medium-fast speed, using an aggressive chugging action. The most spit and sputter, the more frenzied jacks will become until aggressively attacking you bait.

2LARGE SWIMBAITS: When jacks hold deeper in the water column, it’s a great time to work heavy swimbaits, like the Hogy Protail Thumper paired with the Ultra Barb. Jig Head. Heavier jig weights can be used for added casting distance and better action on super fast retrieves. Simply cast, allow the bait to sink and begin a very fast retrieve. You won’t be able to get your bait to outrun a jack in pursuit.

IN-LINE EPOXY JIGS: These versatile surface casting jigs feature extra long-range casting distance and erratic surface skipping retrieve. Perfect for high speed jacks near the surface.

3 BEST BETS

DOG WALKERS: These walk the dog style topwater can quickly cover ground and call in fish from a distance. Heavy weight allows for extra long casting range.

CHARTER GRADE POPPER: Big and noisy is best when fishing topwaters for jacks. We recommend using the 5.5” and 7” poppers to imitate large, distressed baitfish.

OPEN WATER SPANISH MACKEREL

Hard Fighting, Aggressive Light Tackle Surface Mackerel Casting

Most commonly found in SE waters during late spring and early fall, these abundant near-shore mackerel are easily targeting using surface swimming jigs & metals fished mid-water column. For larger specimens, small topwater plugs can provide exciting action!

APPROACH: Begin searching for schools of mackerel in large open water bays, or coastal beaches. Flurries of bird & surface activity can be a sure fire method of locating fast moving schools. Approach schools at a steady speed up wind. Utilize long casting lures, like the Surface Eraser, Heavy Minnow Jig or Epoxy Jigs. These jigs can easily cover the long distance casts needed to reach fast moving schools.

1

FAST ACTION TOPWATERS: The Surface Eraser Plug is ideal for rapid speed retrieves along the surface. Cast up-wind of the feeding school and begin a high speed retrieve with the rod tip pointed up. Use sharp rod tip twitches to erratically work the bait along the surface. Single hook options allow for quick un-hooking, providing the angler more time to cast and catch during the feed.

2METALS & EPOXY JIGS: When mackerel are feeding on micro forage, small Heavy Minnow Jigs and Epoxy Jigs can often turn on a finicky bite. These jigs can be quickly retrieved along the surface, or fished with a “softbait” style retrieved suspended mid-water column. Erratic fast twitches & pauses should be used to trigger reaction strikes by imitating wounded baitfish.

SURFACE ERASER: Ultra-long casting single hook surface plug quickly covers ground for aggressive mackerel feeding near the surface on larger bait.

3 BEST BETS

SPANISH MACKEREL CASTING

EPOXY JIGS: Ultra-imitative finish on the surface swimming jigs attracts mackerel from a distance. Surface skipping retrieves often result in aggressive strikes on top.

HEAVY MINNOW JIG: These mighty “micro-metals” easily imitate the smallest baits mackerel often feed on. Heavy weight to length ratio allows for long range casting in a small package.

TRIPLETAIL ON CRAB POTS & FLOTSAM

Sight Casting To Tripletail Floating on Crab Pots and Structure

Tripletail can be found nearly year round relating to floating and vertical structure from inshore to far offshore waters. These aggressive fish will actively take well presented lures that imitate small forage. Slow sinking softbaits are a great choice for sight casting and jigging.

APPROACH: A common method for targeting triple tail involves a run and gun approach to visually inspect floating or vertical structure, like crab pots, flotsam and navigation markers. Often times, tripletail will be visible on or just below the surface lying flat on their side, patiently awaiting their next meal. Small, slow sinking presentations allow for the greatest time in the strike zone on slow retrieves.

1

SLOWTAIL SWIMBAITS: The unique slow sinking design of these swimbaits makes them an excellent choice for casting to tripletail on the surface. Cast beyond the target and slowly retrieve directly towards the tripletail (within twelve inches ideal). On your first cast, use a slow, steady retrieve to see how interested they are. If the fish follows, but doesn’t commit, repeat cast but impart short twitches near the surface.

2SMALL METALS & EPOXY JIGS: If you find tripletail are retreating to the depths on your surface casts, it’s time to deploy light weight Heavy Minnow and Epoxy Jigs up to 1/2oz. Cast just beyond the target, allow the lure to sink to desired depth and use a short, sharp rod tip twitch to dance the jig vertically near structure. Often times, tripletail will attack the jig while it flutters on the drop.

SLOWTAIL SWIMBAITS: The slow surface swimming ability of this lure is perfect for targeting twitching retrieves near the surface.

3 BEST BETS

TRIPLETAIL CASTING

EPOXY JIGS: Ultra-imitative finish on the surface swimming jigs attracts tripletail from a distance. Slow, flutter fall action allows anglers to work tight to structure.

HEAVY MINNOW JIG: These mighty “micro-metals” easily imitate the smallest baitfish often found around floating structure. Work the jigs with sharp rod tip twitches mid-water column.

Oceanside Cobia, Cocoa Beach, FL

OFFSHORE CASTING & JIGGING COBIA

Sight Casting & Jigging Cobia on Wrecks & Structure

Cobia can be found in a variety of environments. Most commonly, they can be targeting offshore when they appear while fishing bottom structure for other species. Have a rod with a dedicated casting setup at the ready is crucial to quickly react and cast when they are visible.

APPROACH: Cobia are often found offshore around vertical structure like shipwrecks, reefs and towers. A majority of anglers will only target cobia visually as they come to investigate commotion near the surface. Likewise, if cobia are seen in the area, presenting large swimbaits suspended in the water column can be a productive method for hooking up on these aggressive pelagic.

1SURFACE TWITCH: When cobia appear on the surface, quickly deploy a slow sinking swimbait, like the Slowtail and begin a steady retrieve near the surface. Once the fish shows interest, impart a quick twitch and pause action to trigger a strike. If the cobia begin sinking down, use a longer pause to allow the bait to sink 10’ - 12’ then impart the twitching action.

2LOW TWITCH: Work the middle and lower column by allowing a heavy swimbait, like the 3oz Protail Paddle to sink towards the bottom.

When at the desired depth, crank the swimbait up 5’ - 10’, then pause allow the bait to thump on the fall. Repeat this retrieve across the structure while paying close attention to any slight line taps on the drop. Many times, cobia will pick up the bait lightly on the fall.

PROTAIL PADDLE: Featuring heavy thumping action in a compact profile. These swimbaits are great for working the mid-water column with a jigging retrieve.

3 BEST BETS STRUCTURE COBIA

SLOWTAILS: Recommended for sight casting to fish swimming near the surface. The Slowtail is perfect for stop and drop retrieves just below to surface.

SLAPPY EELS: These imitative oversized eel softbaits offer a very large profile, wriggling profile imitating oceanic eels. Cobia will often travel from a distance to gulp down these baits.

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Bait Ball Blackfin Tuna, Stuart, FL

TOPWATER POPPERS FOR BLACKFIN

Light Tackle Topwater Techniques For Blackfin Tuna

While most commonly targeting on the troll, Blackfin Tuna are extremely receptive to well presented topwater lures when schooled up and feeding on baitfish near the surface. Translucent style poppers are very effective for triggering strikes from ultra finicky tuna.

APPROACH: Locate surface feeding tuna by looking for signs of bird activity or free jumping tuna hear structure, bait, or current rips. Utilize the “walk-and-gun” style approach, using slow and steady speeds to approach surface feeds without sending fish down. Long casts with plugs working the outer edges of feeds tend to produce the best results. Use a slow popping action for subtle movement on finicky fish.

1SLOW TWITCH POPPING: Often times, aggressive surface popping action isn’t what tuna are looking for. Translucent colored plugs offer a more imitative and subtle appearance when paired with a slow popping action along the surface. Use frequent three to five second pauses in between surface pops to imitate a wounded baitfish.

2WALK AND GUN APPROACH: Slowly approach surface feeds and try to maintain a steady RPM to reduce the chances of spooking feeding fish. If possible, position the boat up tide or up wind to drift towards the feed slowly. Use balanced tackle that offers the longest casting range with smaller presentations. Often times, 20-30lb braid with 30lb fluorocarbon is quite balanced for light tackle topwater tuna.

PROTAIL PADDLE: Featuring heavy thumping action in a compact profile. These baits are great for working the upper-water column with a jigging retrieve.

3 BEST BETS

TOPWATER FEEDING BLACKFIN

SLOWTAILS: Recommended for sight casting to fish swimming near the surface. The Slowtail is perfect for stop and drop retrieves just below to surface.

CHARTER GRADE POPPER: Our smaller 3.5” and 5.5” Charter Grade Poppers in translucent colors are perfect for imitating small forage topwater tuna often feed on.

INSHORE GEAR SYSTEMS

SURFACE TWITCH ORIGINAL SERIES EELS

THE BITE

Slow moving tarpon feeding along shallow flats, channels & beaches.

THE CHALLENGE

Tarpon can be very weary when laid up in shallow water. Subtle, slow presentations allow the angler to reach fish behavior and adjust accordingly.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Original Series Eel has been a staple presentation for guides targeting migrating tarpon along shallow grass flats and channels. In calm mid-day conditions, the smaller 7-inch Original offers a subtle presentation with great casting distance. During low-light or breezy conditions, the 10-inch Original offers the best casting distance and more pronounced profile for increased visibility in silty & stained water.

HEAVY THUMPING PROTAIL PADDLES

THE BITE

Tarpon feeding in areas with heavy current and/or deep water.

THE CHALLENGE

Tarpon suspended mid-water column require heavier than normal presentations to precisely target feeding zones.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Protail Paddle series offers a variety of lure sizes, weights and colors to easily match the hatch and target required depths. Choose an appropriate size of swimbait and begin fan casting areas where tarpon are holding. The Protail Paddle offers a heavy thumping action at medium to medium fast retrieves, perfect for calling fish in from a distance, or getting noticed in silty conditions. Impart short pauses to allow the bait to drop and stop.

SLOW AND LOW SLOWTAIL SWIMBAITS

THE BITE

Tarpon holding in shallow bays, beaches and flats feeding on slow moving baitfish.

THE CHALLENGE

In slow moving, shallow water conditions, tarpon prefer very slow moving presentations.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Slowtail was designed for fishing laid up, ultra-finicky tarpon. Offering extremely slow swimming action, the Slowtail shines when tarpon are reluctant to chase down traditional presentations. The Slowtail is best fished with a very slow, steady retrieve, with an occasional pause and drop can be imparted with fishing in deeper water.

RIG YOUR OWN PROTAIL THUMPERS

THE BITE

Fishing locations with a variety of depth and water current speed.

THE CHALLENGE

When fishing areas with rapidly changing depths and current, having a variety of jig head weights and heavy thumping tails allows you to fish target depths.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Protail Thumper series offers a quick way to rig your favorite paddle tails on a variety of heavy-duty jig head weights. Perfect for fishing tide swings where light weight heads can be used around slack tide and heavier weights when current speed is at it’s maximum. These conditions are most frequently found around coastal inlets and passes where water movement can vary throughout the tide cycle.

WALK THE DOG TOPWATER PLUGS

THE BITE

Snook feeding on large baitfish around shallow structure like docks, seawalls and canals.

THE CHALLENGE

When snook are keyed in on very large forage, like mullet, large presentations are necessary to match the hatch and cause enough commotion to get a snook’s interest in the presentation.

THE SOLUTION

The Charter Grade Dog Walker is available in two large imitative sizes from 6” to nearly 9”. These big plugs are best used when large baitfish are the primary forage. The bait’s large profile creates a big surface commotion and natural swimming action, which drawls fish out of heavy cover, perfect for fishing around docks and seawalls where mullet are often trapped by snook.

BOTTOM BOUNCE PROTAIL PADDLES

THE BITE

When snook are hanging tight to the bottom, sweeping swimbaits low in the strike zone is a productive technique for both daytime and nighttime anglers.

THE CHALLENGE

Snook will often hug the bottom in areas with heavy current. To quickly reach the bottom and have the most time in the strike zone, heavy bodied swimbaits, like the Protail Paddle can quickly reach and maintain contact near bottom.

THE SOLUTION

Sweeping swimbaits in current is one of the most productive methods for targeting snook in current. Simply cast ahead of target structure, allowing the bait to reach bottom, then utilize a steady retrieve, just fast enough to naturally swim with the current. Add occasional pauses on retrieve.

SHALLOW FLATS SLOWTAIL SWIMBAITS

THE BITE

Snook staging in shallow, slow moving water keyed in on small to medium size baitfish.

THE CHALLENGE

When snook are staged in shallows, slower finesse style presentations allow anglers to throughly work fish holding cover.

THE SOLUTION

Designed to swim at ultra-slow speeds with a steady, subtle twin ribbon tail design, the Slowtail Swimbait is a top choice when fishing water 2’ - 6’ depths. Excellent for steady retrieves, or a stop and drop jigging method tight to structure. Available in small 3.5” to medium 5.5” lengths, these baits are great for imitating smaller pilchards and finger mullet. A lighter weight body allows these

SURFACE POPPING CHARTER POPPERS

THE BITE

Snook staging in shallow water tight to heavy structure, feeding on baitfish near the surface.

THE CHALLENGE

When snook are really fired up, but holding tight to heavy cover like mangrove shorelines, poppers are a great choice for surface commotion and slow retrieves.

THE SOLUTION

Cast the popper parallel to structure and use a pop-pop-pop-pause retrieve. This erratic popping action will send vibrations deep into cover getting the snooks attention. Imparting short pauses is key, as the fish will often tail the bait over a distance before committing to strike. Be sure to place casts as tight to cover as possible as snook will often be hiding in the shadows waiting in

TARPON GEAR CHECKLIST

PROTAIL PADDLE

SLOWTAIL

PROTAIL THUMPER

ORIGINAL EEL: The Hogy Original Series Eel has been a go-to unweighted softbait for professional captains and technical anglers since 2006. The eel’s naturally buoyant hand poured plastic offers a horizontal slow sinking presentation, ideal for slow twitching retrieves in the shallows or surface retrieves in deeper locations. The Original series can be rigged weedless on our Heavy Duty Barbarian Swimbait Hooks or rigged with our Soft Circle Hook system for maximum softbait dart and wiggle. Available in a 7” and 10” length, these softbaits are ideal for imitating larger forage species.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: SLOW & MEDIUM

STYLE: IMITATOR

PROTAIL PADDLE: Designed to call fish in from a distance, the Hogy Protail Paddles offers industry leading strength and durability with heavy thumping swimbait action. Uniquely offered in a variety of heavier weights, these baits are designed to be fished in faster moving current and deep water scenarios, perfect for fishing open beaches, inlets and passes across the tide cycle. Available in sizes from 3.5” to 6.5” allowing anglers to imitate a wide variety of baitfish profiles for an imitative presentation.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: MEDIUM & FAST

STYLE: ATTRACTOR

SLOWTAIL SWIMBAIT: The shallow water sibling to our Protail Paddle, the Slowtail Swimbait offers the same strength and durability, but offers anglers an option for ultra-slow swimming presentations. The Slowtails unique twin ribbon dial produces undulating action and the slowest of retrieve speeds, perfect for finicky tarpon near the surface or fan casting shallow open water flats. Recommended to be used in slow moving current, perfect for flats, bays, canals and shallow channels.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: SLOW

STYLE: IMITATOR

PROTAIL THUMPER: For anglers who prefer to rig their own swimbaits, the Protail Thumper system provides a variety of jig head weights and paddle tail softbait colors that can be custom rigged for any scenario. The Protail Paddle offers beautiful heavy thumping action at slow and medium speeds, perfect for more vertical presentations working your bait throughout the water column. Lighter weight jig heads are suitable for fishing the shallows, while our heaviest jig head models provide enough weight to fish ripping current in passes and inlets with ease. Simply pair your jig head weight to the conditions and choose a softbait color that closely matches the available forage.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: MEDIUM & FAST

STYLE: ATTRACTOR

INSHORE GEAR CHECKLIST

CHARTER POPPER

PROTAIL PADDLE

SLOWTAIL

HEAVY MINNOW

CHARTER POPPER: Designed for medium to slow speed retrieves, the Charter Grade Popper is a go-to bait for low light conditions around a variety of structure. Smaller 4” poppers are perfect for targeting snook, redfish and sea trout along grass flat edges, mangroves and docks. The popper’s slow surface chugging action can call fish in from a distance and out of heavy cover. I prefer to use poppers to cover wide areas and dial in a pattern as to where fish are staging on a given tide cycle. On open grass flats, work poppers along pot hole edges, imparting frequent pauses to trigger aggressive trout. Along mangrove edges, I’ll work the baits at a medium speed with long pause intervals, while using a slightly more aggressive popping action to pull fish from deep in the bushes.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: SLOW & MEDIUM

STYLE: IMITATOR

PROTAIL PADDLE: Best suited for deep shorelines, docks and faster moving the current, the Protail Paddle offers a rhythmic thumping action when swam on a medium speed retrieve. To fish mid water column, simply retrieve at a steady pace, when targeting near the bottom, impart pauses to allow the swimbait to hit bottom and use rod tip twitches to hop the bait along with the tide. I’ll often use the Protail Paddle when targeting snook along deeper docks and cuts, or on deeper open water flats along pot holes for big trout. For more inshore applications the 3.5” or 4.25” length Protail Paddles imitates most forage species.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: MEDIUM & FAST STYLE: ATTRACTOR

SLOWTAIL SWIMBAIT: It’s hard to beat the slowtails for quickly covering ground in shallow water. Fished at a slow to medium speed, I can throughly cover all angles of structure from the surface down to the bottom. I’ll use the Slowtail for targeting all inshore species in just about any type of cover. With a variety of color patterns, I’ll either match the hatch with an imitator color like Bone or Olive and in murky or brackish water, opt for reflective patterns like Gold or Root beer. Be sure to tie your leader using a loop knot for maximum swimming action at all speeds.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: SLOW

STYLE: IMITATOR

HEAVY MINNOW JIG: When fish show blitzing on the top, it’s hard to beat a small 1/2oz or 3/4oz Heavy Minnow Jig for ultra long casts and high speed retrieves. Often times in open bays, schools of inshore Spanish Mackerel, Jacks or Ladyfish will corral baitfish near the surface. Keeping your rod tip high in the water column will allow the jig to skip and dart just below the surface, drawing rod jarring strikes from aggressive species, a favorite for novice or younger anglers who “just want to keep the rod bent!” Applied in a jigging fashion, the Heavy Minnow Jig is perfect for working deeper inshore structure for inshore Snapper and Grouper lurking in channels and deep water docks and canals. Allow the jig to hit bottom and use rapid, sharp rod tip twitches to stop and drop the jig while targeting the strike zone.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING & JIGGING

SPEED: MEDIUM & FAST

STYLE: ATTRACTOR

NEAR SHORE GEAR CHECKLIST

HOGY EPOXY JIG

PROTAIL PADDLE

SURFACE ERASER

SQUINNOW

HOGY EPOXY JIG®: This unique highly imitative surface swimming jig is always tied on a rod when headed off to near shore waters. Featuring a solid metal core with highly reflective epoxy finish, these jigs are designed to quickly swim and dart along the surface, triggering reaction strikes for a variety of pelagic species like Spanish Mackerel, False Albacore, Kingfish and Jacks. When visible signs of surface feeds are seen, I’ll quickly cast the Epoxy Jig into the feed and immediately begin a quick, surface skipping action. Often times, line shy or finicky species will quickly track down and strike a well presented Epoxy Jig on the surface.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: MEDIUM-FAST

STYLE: IMITATOR

PROTAIL PADDLE: Just as at home near shore as it is inshore, larger 5.5” and 6.5” Protail Paddles can be worked from top to bottom depending on the species. A favorite for sight casting to cobia on the surface, along with deep water tarpon. Cast the swimbait along outside edges of a school and begin a stop and drop retrieve. Swimming the bait at medium speed for 4 -5 turns, then pausing, allowing the bait to sink several feet before repeating. This allows the angler to easily cover the upper water column with one retrieve. For bottom species like grouper, use a heavier 3oz - 4oz Protail Paddle cast towards structure and allow the bait to sink to the bottom. Using the rod tip, work the swimbait in 3-4 foot hops, pausing to allow the bait to settle on bottom often. This bottom jigging retrieve will draw strikes from any species holding deep.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING & JIGGING

SPEED: MEDIUM & FAST

STYLE: ATTRACTOR

SURFACE ERASER: This simple, surface swimming plug offers amazing casting distance and a variety of retrieve styles for anglers targeting fast moving species like Kingfish, False Albacore, Blackfin Tuna and more. Simply cast along the edges of visible bait schools or surface feeds, point the rod tip towards the surface and reel at a fast speed to allow the lure to kick side to side in an erratic action. Paired with a large, single in-line hook, these plugs are angler and toothy fish friendly for fast and safe boat side releases.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: CASTING

SPEED: FAST

STYLE: ATTRACTOR

SQUINNOW JIG: The Squinnow Jig has accounted for a majority of the near shore groundfish catches I’ve had since the products release. The Squinnow’s compact design imitates smaller forage and quickly reaches the bottom in deeper water and faster current. Paired with a teaser assist hook, these jigs produce some notable catches of Snapper, Grouper, Porgy and Triggerfish along near shore ledges, rock piles and artificial reefs. The Squinnow Jig can be casted towards structure and retrieved back to the angler with short hops along the bottom, or vertically jigged on target structure using a slow twitch jigging retrieve, sharply snapping the jig in a short rod tip twitch, then allowing the jig to flutter fall on a lightly slack line back to the bottom. An absolute near shore groundfish killer!

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: JIGGING

SPEED: SLOW

STYLE: IMITATOR

CASTING OUTFITS

LIGHT TACKLE INSHORE

Spinning Tackle For 1/2oz - 2oz Inshore Casting

I’ve always preferred to run my day to day inshore casting outfits a little heavier than most by running a 7’ Medium-Heavy rod with a nicely balanced 5000 sized spinning rod. For the best balance of casting distance and abrasion resistance, I’ll spool these reels up with 20lb braided line and use leader from 20lb - 50lb depending on the species and type of structure I’m fishing. These outfits are light enough to cast small swimbaits, jigs and topwater for trout and redfish, but still have enough backbone to target large snook and juvenile tarpon in a pinch.

THE 7’ MH INSHORE HYBRID SPINNING:

While there are numerous models of rods that fit this category, I’ve been very happy using the custom designed Hogy 7’ MH inshore hybrid rod for my day to day inshore casting applications. Built with a soft, yet sensitive blank, these rods resist accidental breakage due to high sticking, but still offer high sensitivity to light bites on smaller presentations, plus they have plenty of backbone in the blank to apply added pressure to pull larger snook and small tarpon away from heavy structure. Paired with an appropriate sized reel, these are a please to fish for daily applications.

REEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

You’ll find these rods are best balanced with a size 4000-5000 high quality spinning reel with a smooth drag. Choose your favorite based on budget, but these are reels that work well for me.

• SHIMANO STRADIC 5000

• DAIWA SALTIST 3000

LINE RECOMMENDATIONS:

No need to overthink this one. I find 20lb braid offers the best balance of knot strength, casting distance and abrasion resistance around heavy structure. Leaders range from 20lb - 50lb depending on species, often using heavier line for abrasive mouths on snook and tarpon.

HOGY INSHORE

7’ MH 1/2OZ - 1.5OZ

VIEW THE ROD

LIGHT TACKLE TARPON & OFFSHORE

Spinning Tackle For 1oz - 4oz Tarpon and Offshore Casting

It can be a challenge to find a comfortable, balanced casting setup for anglers throwing artificial lures for hours on end. The right rod offers a balance of comfort, weight, backbone, casting ability and quality components to last season after season. For tarpon and light tackle offshore casting, I prefer outfits in the 6000 - 10000 reel size paired with 30lb - 50lb braided line. Depending on water clarity and species, these outfits will be paired with 30lb to 80lb fluorocarbon leader.

THE 7’ MH HYBRID SPINNING ROD:

I’ve found this rod to be perfect for casting a variety of swimbaits and plugs for snook, tarpon, cobia and blackfin tuna. Offering a parabolic action, these rods offer excellent casting distance and sensitivity, yet enough backbone to subdue fish upwards of 200lbs.

REEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

These outfits are best paired with high quality spinning reels in the 6000 - 10000 range, depending on application and line used. Larger sized reels are used with increased line capacity in necessary, like land based tarpon fishing and larger offshore species.

• SHIMANO SARAGOSSA 6000 - 10000

• SHIMANO STELLA 6000 - 10000

• DAIWA SALTIST 4500 - 5500

LINE RECOMMENDATIONS:

High quality braided line offers increased sensitivity and limited line stretch for powerful hook sets. For open water tarpon fishing 30lb40lb braided line offers exceptional casting distance. Around heavy structure, 60lb - 80lb line will offer increased abrasion resistance.

HOGY HYBRID SPIN

7’ MH 1OZ - 4OZ

VIEW THE ROD

HEAVY TACKLE TARPON & OFFSHORE

Spinning Tackle For 3oz - 8oz Tarpon and Offshore Casting

When fishing around heavy structure like docks, bridges and high profile wrecks offshore, a stouter spinning outfit will give anglers the ability to put maximum drag pressure on fish and increase your chances of landing “the big one”. In these situations, I prefer to use a 7’ heavy spinning outfit, paired with a larger 8000 - 18000 sized reel. These heavy outfits also allow anglers to throw heavier than normal baits to battle heavy current and deeper depths offshore.

THE 7’ HEAVY “TUNA” SPINNING ROD:

While this rod was built with casting for large bluefin tuna in mind, the length and action are perfect for targeting big game fish down south. These weight rods are commonly used in live / dead bait style techniques for tarpon and other species, but are quite useful when heavy swimbaits and plugs are being used.

REEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

These outfits are best paired with high quality spinning reels in the 8000 - 18000 range, depending on application and line used. Larger sized reels are used with increased line capacity in necessary, like land based tarpon fishing and larger offshore species.

• SHIMANO SARAGOSSA 8000 - 18000

• SHIMANO STELLA 8000 - 18000

• DAIWA SALTIST 5500 - 8000

LINE RECOMMENDATIONS:

High quality braided line offers increased sensitivity and limited line stretch for powerful hook sets. For fishing around heavy structure 50lb - 80lb braided line offers exceptional abrasion resistance and strength.

HOGY HEAVY SPIN

7’ MH 3OZ - 8OZ

VIEW THE ROD

FISHING KNOTS & LINE SELECTION

The most important skill an angler can possess is a firm understanding of fishing knots and when to use each one. While basic light tackle inshore species can be caught using simple connections, targeting large tarpon and offshore species will require the best line to leader connections for long fights on light tackle. Here are a handful of basic knots that will cover any scenario you may encounter on the water.

DOUBLE UNI KNOT: LINE TO LEADER

Simple, fast and effective for light tackle inshore species. This basic knot rarely fails and can be tied quickly, with limited visibility and in adverse conditions. This is my preferred knot for inshore species.

Pros: Simple and fast to tie. Solid knot strength and reliability.

Cons: Can be difficult to seat knot properly with heavy leader material. Breaking strength is lower than more advanced knots.

Recommended Leader Size: 12lb - 50lb.

LOOP KNOT: LEADER TO LURE

The loop knot is recommended for connecting your lure to leader. The loop knot allows for free swinging action, maximizing action.

Pros: High breaking strength, maximum lure action.

Cons: May take practice to tie appropriate sized loop.

Recommended Leader Size: 12lb - 80lb.

FG KNOT: LINE TO LEADER

One of the highest breaking strength knots, featuring an ultra slim profile for seamless casting through rod guides, recommended for heavy tackle applications and large game fish.

Pros: Extremely high breaking strength, slim profile.

Cons: Knot can clip if tied incorrectly and can take considerably longer to tie than double uni knot.

Recommended Leader Size: 30lb - 80lb.

SAN DIEGO JAM KNOT: LEADER TO LURE

Fast to tie, high breaking strength rigid knot for tying direct to lure.

Recommended for walk-the-dog style topwater lures.

Pros: High breaking strength, rigid connection.

Cons: Minimizes action on certain lure styles.

Recommended Leader Size: 20lb - 80lb.

CHOOSING LEADER MATERIAL

The two primary leader materials available for anglers are monofiliment and fluorocarbon line.

Mono: Generally, a less expensive option that offers abrasion resistance, while having higher visibility in the water.

Fluoro: Generally, the least visible material in the water, higher abrasion resistance at a much higher cost vs mono material.

CHOOSING MAIN LINE

The two primary leader materials available for anglers are monofiliment and braided line.

Mono: Inexpensive, low visibility at the cost of decreased casting distance and lure sensitivity.

Braid: Higher cost, best casting distance, lower abrasion resistance, high breaking strength to line diameter ratio.

MARINE ELECTRONICS

Advanced marine electronics and fish finding capabilities assist anglers in finding productive water faster than ever! How to read and understand modern electronics for greater understanding of your surroundings.

CHIRP “DOWNWARD” SONAR

The most basic sonar tool for locating bait, fish and structure, this setting is ideal for scanning your surroundings at cruising speed. Best for quickly locating bait schools and identifying submerged structure.

I’ll use CHIRP sonar when arriving to new areas to quickly scout for signs of bait or game fish schools. Best used in depths of 6 foot and deeper. This basic feature is available on all fish finder models.

FISH

SIDE SCAN SONAR

This type of sonar requires additional components, usually in the form of a dedicated side scan transducer. Side scan technology offers it’s greatest benefit when used in areas where bait, structure or game fish have been located via surface visual cues or data from CHIRP sonar.

I find side scan sonar best utilized at slow idle speeds up to 8 miles per hour. Side scan can be used to locate targets on either side of the boat.

FISH

STRUCTURE

STRUCTURE

IDENTIFYING BAITFISH

Learning how to properly identify baitfish returns vs “clutter” on your electronics is essential for assessing the potential of a fishing location.

Baitfish will often show as large puffy blobs from red to yellow in color, while the clutter or noise in the water will often return in lighter blue hues and should not be confused with one another. Generally speaking, the darker red the return, the more compact the bait school.

IDENTIFYING GAME FISH

Differentiating game fish from bait fish can be tricky, especially if the target species is relatively small. In most instances, you may be able to see individual fish, or schools of close together as dark red returns.

When using side scan technology, often times you will see the entire outline of a single fish, assisting in determining the size and species seen on the display.

FISH

BAIT FISH

GAME

GAME

BAIT FISH

GAME

BAIT FISH

STRUCTURE

BAIT FISH

PB-SOUTH