Kicking off the new year Tortugas Style
Written by Chase Cornell Friday, January 15, 2010 12:15 pm
For the second year in a row we were making our way down the Florida Turnpike in my brother-in-law Andrew’s truck with his 32 White Water, Willpower, in tow. The truck was filled with five guys. Andrew was fixated at the wheel, patiently waiting to finish the arduous drive and have the boat in the water at Key West City Marina. His high school buddies Rob and Derrick, who have become my close friends over countless tournaments and runs to the Islands occupied the front seat and back right seat respectively. The fellow with strange facial hair and the neck pillow riding directly next to me in the backseat is James, who has been late for the Tortugas trip two years in a row.
This trip is the one that all five of us look forward to each year. It is a way for us to settle thoughts from the year that has past and set the new year off right. I look forward to the Tortugas because I know my rod is going to have a bend and that the scenery will not disappoint my camera.
(The Crew)
We grabbed a breakfast sandwich before dropping the boat in the water and storing the truck and trailer at the marina. Easing our way out into the harbor the water was glassy and the sun was shining. This however, would not last. We opened up the throttles and headed for the Atlantic. Before we could make it to the bait spot, the wind was howling and the water was marred with white caps. A trip in January is always a gamble and if your not prepared for inclement weather, things can get frustrating in a hurry. Everybody on board knew that the weather was going to be bad, the cold fronts have pounded us this winter.
We fished our way towards Fort Jefferson, but the bite was slow. The current was ripping against the wind, making the fishing very difficult. By the time we made it to Rebecca Shoal, the tide was really moving. The boat was rocking steadily between the waves and wind. I cast out a yellow buck tail and came up with a nice Yellowtail. The sky to the west was darkening. After a look at the radar it was obvious that the front was about to hit.
(Flag Yellowtail Snapper are suckers for buck tails topped with fresh ballyhoo. The Author all smiles under stormy Skies)
Andrew pulled us up to the loading dock and we took all our gear to the camp site. Setting up camp was a challenge as the wind was blowing around 30-35 knots and even the giant fort that stood between us and the teeth of the front was little help. With the implementation of countless safety stakes and lines, camp was made. We poured rum drinks, fired up the grill and embraced the cold front.
(Who Says rough weather makes for a bad trip? Rob Young, grille master, Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas.)
Day two arrived with one of the most beautiful sun rises I have ever seen. The wind was still howling 25 knots and you could see the elephants on the horizon. During conditions like this that you have to be smart. Running out to the deep water off the ledge is dangerous with a small craft advisory in affect. We made a team decision to alter our original fish catching plans and focus on safer techniques that would allow us to bend our rods while avoiding the severe swell we saw on the horizon.
Here are some alternative techniques that will save your trip and put fish in your box:
Technique One-
Hit the Shrimp Boats
Shrimp boats can be found outside the park boundary in the Gulf of Mexico. If the shrimp boats have been dragging their nets at night, the next morning they will be clearing their by-catch and a myriad of fish gather for the feast. Bring a case of beer for the fisherman and they will trade you totes of shrimp, small fish, and crabs that would normally be tossed over the side. Use this as chum and the action is almost instant.
(By-catch can turn your transom into a feeding frenzy. Don't forgot to bring some extra-beer, it is a great barter in
the Tortugas!)
(Action is close to the shrimpers, don't be afraid to immerse yourself in the war zone.)
(Try a 40lb. Flourocarbon leader to temp fiesty blackfins. These fish tend to swarm just behind the shrimp boats, and can easily be targeted with the right gear.)
Technique Two-
Staying Shallow
When the seas are too rough to venture outside the reef, find yourself a spot to fish in shallow water. Day two of our trip we were fishing off the Marquesas. The Marquesas offer good protection from the wind and if you get on the right ledge, nice snapper are available to the chum slick. Stick with light leader, jigs and chunk bait but don’t forget that a live bait in the slick is often the ticket to fooling a big snapper. Let the chum soak for a while and then toss a live bait back for a Mutton or Flag Yellowtail.
(Author with a nice Tortugas Mutton)
(These Snapper were fooled by live pilchards free lined in the chum slick.)
Technique Three-
On the Edge
If its manageable, fish on the edge of the reef in sixty to eighty feet of water. In the winter time, pelagics frequent the shallow reef lines. Try live chumming pilchards along with the chum bag to entice king fish, dolphin and tuna.
(There is nothing better than seeing a nice dolphin come into the slick when you have a Yellowtail rod in your hands.)
(Andrew Russell putting on a dolphin clinic with light spinning tackle. The weather is not always going to cooperate, but a little work can always save your trip.)
(A great battle on light tackle anyday!)
Technique Four-
Going Goliath
Just about any piece of structure, or serious ledge from Key West to Fort Jefferson is sure to have a Goliath Grouper. Try twisting a heavy wire leader to a super strong hook with a lead weight and use a blue runner or mackerel for bait. Use enough lead to get to the bottom and crank down the drag. These big fish are willing eaters and one serious wrestling match. To make things more interesting, try using a stout spinning rod to test your angling skills.
(Rob Young in a Goliath-sized wrestling match.)
(Big baits are no problem for these bucket mouths. A pair of gloves is required)
(Proper ventilation will ensure a healthy release.)
The wind never stopped blowing, but it did not stop our crew from having a great time. If you take what the weather gives you and apply techniques that are proven for catching fish, your sure to have a successful trip. For me, the Tortugas is a place where I can find peace. The sunsets and sunrises will take your breath away and there is always something to catch.
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