Garry Truax
Dateline: 3/6/00
Howdy from Tulsa Oklahoma,
I caught the red fish & gray snapper in Marathon Florida from the bank in Dec 98 while there working damage from Hurricane Georges. This was my 1st. keeper redfish ever caught. Redfish is so delicious. Easily identified by the spot on the tail. I believe they have to be between 18 & 28" to keep in Florida. The gray snapper was tasty also.
photo by Garry Truax
An advantage to working catastrophes is getting to fish in various places. For saltwater bank fishing, the Keys rule!
During the few times various good eating fish are not biting from the bank, cuda can be a prime target for anglers. I caught this cuda from a small bridge on Coco plum rode in Marathon. Usually I carry a small cast net and never have to pay for bait. This time I was in a hurry so I decided to make use of a bright orange Yosuri brand lure recently purchased. It worked pretty good for it's 1st time! You can deep sea fish with these lures also.
photo by Garry Truax
For the deep I'de suggest a bigger rig than I used ha. After much saltwater bank fishing a smaller rig like the one shown was my choice of weapons. Spider wire is a must due to huge redfish, stingrays, cuda, snook, tarpon, moray eels, and whos knows what else??? Don't forget your steel leaders. A smaller pole is lighter and easier to carry for the average saltwater bank fishing.
By the way I suggest an exellent book named Sport fish of Florida by Vic Dunaway. I released the cuda. I understand they are good eating this size. Larger size run a risk of Ciguatera poisoning. Meanwhile, think I'll skin a cat. A cat fish that is. Until my next return to the ocean. May The Lord Richly Bless You! GT
