Need drift fishing advice

[Jared D]

Hey all.... Ok, its that time of year for me to break out the big guns, and go after giant sharks (Tigers in the 10-14 foot range). We have a spot we have been fishing for about 8 years, that turns out some beheamoths, and lots of them to boot.... however as of May last year, the National Marine Fisheries Service closed the area (scary thing is, its a test run on a proposed closure that expands from NC to South FLorida, and encompasses reefs from 100-200 feet in depth) to all anchoring causing us to have to rethink things. So basically we need a crash course on how to drift fish effectively. We really want to basically be a stationary vessel.... but thats not going to happen.

The biggest thing we need is our chum to drift over a specific ledge that seems to hold the tigers (when I say hold em... on a smooth clear day, its nothing to have a dozen tigers and 1/2 dozen hammers in the slick). We have considered a couple things. First is buying a sea anchor. I think this is a viable choice, however it only slows down the drift, right?

Second is, using the outboards to basically reverse us into the current. Problem with that is, I am afraid as soon as we get the first shark on, we will have to go to neutral and then get pulled all over the place breaking the slick. (usually fishing from a 26' CC.).

So I am just looking for some tips. Was going to put this in Big Game, but I know the brain power of the Box's World has enough to get me pointed in the right direction.

[SeaBiscuit]

Very interesting question Jared D. Do you have any further information on the proposed closing to anchoring in 100 - 200 feet from NC to Fla? I have not heard that before.
I have fished with a sea anchor before. You are correct in that it will slow the drift, but not stop it. You'd probably want to bring it in while fighting a big fish to avoid getting fouled in the ropes.

Holding the boat over a spot with the engine(s) is possible, but only for brief periods of time. Some of the Key West bottom fishing captains are masters at that when fishing in 250 + feet. I have trouble holding for more than a few minutes at a time in the typical NC currents.

Have you thought of a 200 foot long power pole?

I'm sure you'll figure it out, but it will take some adjusting.
Good Luck,
SeaBiscuit

[joeksr]

If you can't anchor and your going to be near protected area,
How far from the protected area will you start your drift ?.
Might be possible to drift awhile then run back up your slick and begin chumming again. The chum will keep moving toward the area you want.
sometimes I use a milk crate with a kids swimmy tied around the top. put the bucket of chum in the basket upside down with the lid off or cut a hole in the lid to regulate amount of chum going out. Tie a rod (bycicle flag works) .
when fighting a fish release the basket and let it float, go back and pick up on it when your done fighting the fish.

Good luck.

[Mokarran]

Jared, call me. If you are going to be on the island tomorrow I will give you Russ's copy of Sport fishing for sharks as I have read it like 6 times and my bride got me a hard copy. It covers the basics for drift fishing. I also have a few Big Game Journal magazines with several great articles on the subject. BTW can I go!!?????

[Jared D]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...01&ft=1&f=1001

Bisquit, thats a link to the article regarding the closures.
As to the size of the area, its vast. Probably 6 miles by 4 miles (wouldnt you say Travis?) There are numerous reefs and ledges throughout the area, but to establish a slick, we would be forced to anchor well away from the ledges we want to fish. Or we could drift the entire area. We have been brainstorming as to how to effect the drift so our boat remains stationary with out violating the law. I am hoping there are ideas we havent thought of that would work. I like the powerpole idea... where can I get one 100 feet long? Really like the idea of the drifting chum bucket. That may be a keeper worth trying, though I am sure it would be over a mile away by the time we landed the shark.... it may be gone forever, taking our sharks with it.

Travis, wil call you later today. I am trying to get a trip together for next Sat... Either Brads boat, a contender, or Tom's boat. Will let you know later. I will be on the island tonight (staying at my pops house)
Jared

[Bert Rodgers]

You can make a float and mark your spot. Then determine the drift and hold the boat in position up current from the float as best you can under power. A lot easier than holding a spot by looking at the plotter screen. This will require someone at the helm all the time though.

That said, we drift when chunking tuna as often if not more than we anchor. Once fish get on the chum they follow the boat.

Bert