Blackfishing Help

[jcstriper1]

Hi All, was wondering if i could get some advice on whether to use a conventional or spinning outfit?? I Never blackfished before, so i could use some useful advice. I have bought some jigs to try out, but i heard thats for shallow water. I have my own boat to try this species out if that matters.Need some desperate help here????? Maybe i should try a party boat first, due to the fact that i would have to anchor which i'm not use to doing as well.

Thanks always
John

[bulletbob]

A few guys use spinners, especially when using jigs... Most guys using standard blackfish rigs use conventional.. Spinner is fine if that's what you like, but it needs some serious backbone, and strong line .. Don't bring a 15 lb outfit out there.. Must be able to handle 8 ounces of lead, strong current, and bottom that fishes like its full of broken glass and rusty razors

Personally, if you have never gone before, you should get yourself on a head boat or open charter boat that specializes in blackfish, and let the mates know you have never done it before and could use a hand, and they will get you set up, and show you the ropes, and you'll be up and running in short order.. They are used to guys that have "never been", and tend to take care of newbies very well.. I would certainly consider doing that before going it alone... bob

[Finprof]

If just started on blackfish last year. The first few trips I went on a 6-pack that had a captain and a mate. Most of the other guys were pretty experienced so the mate had the time to spend teaching me the basics. There is a lot to learn.

I have my own boat but would have no clue as to where to go. The blackfish tend to congregate in specific locations and it takes a while to learn those locations.
On of the boats (in MD) will not allow cell phones with GPS capability so you can't steal the captain's co-ordinates. They can be very picky about their "numbers".

[TerriMc223]

Learning how to fish for and catch blackfish has been a lengthy but very enjoyable experience for me. There is always more to learn but even first timers can be successful. Being teachable has served me well.
I fish primarily on party boats and the mates I know are always very helpful with beginners as well as old timers. I have also found it helpful to get to know some of the sharpies who seem to do much better than anyone else.
( there is one friend of mine whom I am convinced could pull a tog out of a puddle in the parking lot!).
They may not share any of their secrets but just keeping an eye to what they do can be very educational.
In addition, since there is sometimes a lot of swinging and missing, one hears a lot of colorful language
My secret to fishing for blackfish, or any fish for that matter, is to just get out there and fish. There is no better teacher than time of the water. I never catch anything sitting on by sofa at home, I need to get myself out on the water.
Catch 'em up!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Great advice above.... There's definitely is a steeper learning curve then with most other species. Your first challenge is finding them and anchoring up correctly and the next is getting them to bite and actually hooking them...

So as mentioned above if you're new to Blackfishing, a trip on a charter or party boat will definitely help you catch on faster...

To answer some of your questions:

Most sharpies are fishing 2 different outfits. A conventional with braided line for fishing rigs and sinkers and a spinner with braid for fishing Jigs. Each method is very different and although both work, with the right angler, you'll find one can be more effective then the other. On the conventional side you need a rod that can fish 8 -10 ounces of weight since this is what you'll be using most of the time. On the spin side you want to have something very light weight but with a strong backbone. Heavy spinning outfits make it very difficult to feel the jig bite.

Fishing with braid is practically a must here since you need the extra sensitivity to feel the structure and the bite.

Just like the real estate business, the 3 most important things in blackfishing are location, location and location. You need to anchor the boat on a good piece of rock, rubble or snag or you are not going to catch fish. In fact a foot or 2 either way can mean the difference between fishing and catching. You'll know you are in a good general area when you see other boats around that are stomping their feet, screaming out load and talking to themselves. Best way I have found to set up is to search the bottom with your fish finder and hone in on the rockiest lump you can find. Once you find that spot, drop a marker buoy over. Pull the boat up along side the marker and let your boat drift 20 feet or so, so you can see which way the current and wind will eventually make you lie on anchor. Take a straight line back to the maker buoy and continue on that line past your maker, Drop your anchor so that when it comes tight you are on or near your marker. Many sharpies use 2 anchors, one in the 10 o'clock position and another in the 2 o'clock position... This does 2 things, it keeps the boat from swinging off the piece and it allows you to adjust your position over the piece by letting out or taking in scope from one anchor or the other.

The last bit of advice is your not just waiting for a bite, you're waiting for the right bite. If you try and set your hook on every little tick you feel, you're going to get very frustrated very fast... There are usually a lot of smaller fish that hang in and around the rocks and reefs you'll be fishing and you'll feel them ticking your bait.... Try and resist the ticks and set your hook on the thumps.

There are lots more details and great advice on rigs, methods, rods, jigging etc here on the board... Just get yourself a cup of coffee or an adult beverage, look up at the top of the board, click on search and key in "Blackfish tips"... You'll be glad you did.

Oh yeah and please be forewarned.... Out of all the fish that swim in our local waters, Blackfish can be most frustrating, rewarding yet addictive fish you'll ever encounter.. If you're the obsessive compulsive type you are in for a long cold ride

[Taxman]

I read Gerry's articles but watch Joey fish

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Taxman

I read Gerry's articles but watch Joey fish

Now that’s some funny stuff right there... I don’t care who you are

[Joey Dah Fish]

Originally Posted by Taxman

I read Gerry's articles but watch Joey fish

You sir are a very smart man !!!! My advice to original poster is this. Just go fishing enjoy your time on the water you can catch tog on any rod. Last but not least save extra money for therapy sessions this fish will drive you nuts !!!! In all seriousness find a charter that Specialize in Tog take a couple trips pay attention to what guys that are catching are doing and feel the bottom with your sinker. Bottom is the most important thing in togging.

[jcstriper1]

Thanks guys for the helpful advice, i'll let you know how i do.
Going to try this week.
Joe i have enough $ for maybe 2or 3 therapy sessions, not sure if that's going to do it. lol

Thanks Again
John

[bulletbob]

To the OP.. Lots of guys say blackfishing is tough, but I am not so sure about that.. I have seen a LOT of young kids or first timers kick ass... On many days I personally have made MUCH better fishermen than myself look foolish, and on others was made to look like a dope by a little snot nose kid out there for the first time... Best advice?.. Jump on a boat, and go... bob