The Santos Popping Special

Shopping List

• Shakespeare Excursion spinning rod 7 foot graphite composite, medium action, 6-12 lbs.
• Shimano FX 2000 spinning reel lightweight, dependable drag, long cast aluminum spool
• Spiderwire Fusion 150 yards 6 lbs. diameter and 10 pound test handles a quarter to half ounce. Near zero stretch.
• Lures
  • Quarter and half ounce DOA shrimp
  • Quarter ounce DOA Terroreyz
  • Half ounce silver spoon
  • Quarter ounce 'Pompano' jigs optional
    • Pompano jigs are designed for the short striking fish, but they are also good for catching all inshore saltwater species.
  • Some lures are designed to catch fish. Most lures are designed to catch fishermen.
  • Local colors include chartreuse, yellow, white, and rootbeer, not in any particular order.
• Leader
  • 20 lbs. Stren Original in clear
  • 6 inch 20 lbs. steel leaders
• Etc.
  • small weighted popping corks
  • quarter and half ounce egg sinkers
  • #10 black snap swivels
  • #4 Eagle Claw nickel hooks
  • sharpening stone

Notes

Small baits catch all sizes of fish. That said, this is a light inshore spinning outfit designed to cast small baits, including the local favorite, live shrimp (with a popping cork or without; with a sinker or without), as well as the often abundant 'greenie.' More and more fisherman are finding that natural baits are often unnecessary, and artifical baits work as well, sometimes even better than natural ones. DOA shrimp and Terroreyz are good to have on hand if live bait is, or becomes, scarce. The steel leader and silver spoon are for mackerel and bluefish that may show up unexpectedly, or, if the fishing is so good that the fish have killed all your baits, as a final, more 'durable,' presentation, or, if fish are simply feeding on larger baits. The half ounce spoon will also allow one to cast the longest possible distance given the recommended rod and line.

Location and presentation are the two most important things. Location is not only where to fish, but when during the day, actually night, and during which stage of the tide. Remember that the ocean is a very hostile environment, and that food and safety are the two things fish desire the most. Fish do not want to expend energy to eat, and they don't want to be eaten by other fish. Presentation follows suit, and the most 'natural' presentation will almost always catch the most fish. Present the bait to the fish the way they're using to seeing it. E.g. a dead bait pinned to bottom is not a natural presentation.

[ Top | Articles | Home ]