Jamaica Jan 2nd Sea Bass Fishing

[tautog]

Went out with 48 others on the first offshore sea bass trip of the year. Was a bit snotty and cold but we landed on the sea bass. Had to pick your way thru loads of 2-5lb blues and some doggies. Sea bass were more large than jumbos, average fish was 1 3/4-2lbs. Porgy fishing was not so hot but some very nice ones were caught. I wound up with a limit plus of sea bass, 9 porgies and at least 30 blues. Everyone had a limit of sea bass and I would recommend bringing something to vent them as it is not worth keeping many 15" fish when you only get to keep 15. Catch the day was an 8lb lobster, no cod or pollack so the pools were won by sea bass.

[blkbear]

nice report, sound like the blues were a pain

[tautog]

Yes the blues in the dark were a big time pain. Not very many after the sun came up, at least there weren't very many over 5lbs.

[tombanjo]

Send 'em back inshore, wouldn't mind some bluefishing right about now.

[tautog]

Dogfish Doug or Blackfish Dog with two nice ones.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/154481_10151312420787708_38028883_n.jpg

[PaBeerGuy]

Yes the blues in the dark were a big time pain. Not very many after the sun came up, at least there weren't very many over 5lbs.
so how long did you run before they started fishing? get any shut eye?

[tautog]

Don't want to give exact time, but it was a fairly long run. I had my eyes shut, but did not really sleep. Only way I sleep on a boat is if the water is like a millpond. It was around a 5 ft chop, not uncomfortable but enough to jostle you from time to time.

[Blackfish Doug]

I was fishing in the dog-pound yesterday too much jewelry I guess I never learn. If I stuck to the basics I may have had more Pork Chops to round up with my catch. I did get quite a few of those cocktail blues to add to my catch.

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/BlackfishDoug/JamicaSeaBass_zps51395810.jpg

[RnK]

how deep are the average drops on these trips?

[nancy corigan]

So February will be the month to go, thanks for the report!

[slim]

guys, how much weight were you using?

[tautog]

We were around 180 ft. I pretty much always use 16oz on these trips. As for Feb, who knows if it is the month to go based on one trip and assumptions about future weather. A blizzard followed by a snowmelt could shut things down early.

[AndyS]

I've been on the Big J in as deep as 300 ft. for sea bass. You gotta love the guy who clips on 12 oz. and tangles everyone, but he says I am using braid - HA ! Start with 32 oz., drop to 24 oz. if conditions seem right. A full moon you may definately want to start with 32 oz. don't be shy, others fishing around you will like your style. Paint your sinkers different colors to get out of tangles quickly. I use an 8/0 hook, who knows what lurks in the depths, sea bass have no problem swallowing an 8/0 bait holder.