Menhaden and a catching report

King mackerel anglers have enjoyed a great start to the season this year. The king bite has been very hot, especially near shore with plenty being caught from both pier and boats.

One of the big reasons is the abundance of menhaden schools near the beaches this year. Often referred to as pogies or bunker by local anglers, they are tops on the menu for king mackerel. I have seen school after school pogies this year. Some of the schools are as big as a football field. They often are so thick they form a big dark blotch in the water when seen from above.

While some of the largest schools are in the ocean, many smaller schools have moved into the waterway and the salty portions of the creeks. It is easy to spot a pogy, especially in the early mornings or late evenings they like to flip just at the surface. Not a fully exposed out of the water jump like a mullet. Rather a popping like action right at the surface. In the dark just before dawn, you can often find the schools by listening for them.

Most anglers use a 5/8inch mesh net in the 8 -12 foot diameter range to catch menhaden. It helps to have at least 1.5 pounds of lead per foot of net to get the net down fast. Menhaden spook easy and move fast.

Once caught it is important to keep menhaden well aerated in a live well as they are somewhat fragile. Once there noses start to turn red or they loose the slim coating on their scales, the kings will loose interest in them.

The pogy is then put on a hook and wither tethered to an anchor line from the pier or slow trolled behind a boat. Once the king finds the pogy swimming about, he usually tries to make a quick meal of it. Then the fight begins!

Catching report:

Kings are being caught off the piers and near shore. We are starting to see some of the bigger ones too with some reaching over 30 pounds. Some medium to small Spanish mackerel are also being caught near shore.

Off shore the Mahi bite has been strong with ballyhoo and squid chains being the most effective baits right now. Some very nice grouper are being landed in the 35 – 45 mile range. A few bill fish and wahoo are being reported in the stream.

Inshore some keeper flounder are being caught near the inlets with a few large specimens being landed near bridge and pier pilings. The red drum bite has been a little slow but they are starting to show up in the surf. Some nice catches of black drum and sheephead are being reported as well.

Tight lines to all!