For this Ask an Expert we speak with Captain Chuck Jones of Salty Siren Fishing. Our topic: Catching fish when they're breaking water.
Q: What's your go-to offering when you spot fish of mixed species breaking water? And what about if you spot single-species schools of rockfish, versus blues or Spanish mackerel?
A: I'm throwing a 1-1/8 or 1-1/2oz Stingsilvers with a single 3/O hook. I prefer a 1-1/4oz Hogy Epoxy Jig for Spanish mackerel, but do not like losing them to the Big Blues. I like the longer four-inch profile for toothy critters to help prevent bite-offs.
Q: What's your standard rod/reel/line setup?
A: For mixed breaking fish I am using a Backyard Custom MH 6’6” Fast Action with a Diawa Fuego 3000 Reel, 15-pound braid, and 40-pound mono leader. I prefer 25-pound for the Spanish mackerel but we always have to be prepared for the big blues.
Q: What's the best way to approach a school of fish on the surface without busting them up? Let's just pretend for the sake of argument there aren’t 20 other boats racing over the first time three birds come within 100 miles of each other.
A: The absolute best way to approach breaking fish is to run straight through them... Kidding! I prefer to back off at 100 yards out (give or take), then approach very softly if possible. Depending on wind, I’ll set up my drift on the up-current side. Concessions must be made depending on other boats and wind direction and speed.
Q: Okay, now let’s say there are 20 other boats rushing around. How does this change your tactics?
A: I like to play this one a little smarter. Being on “The Bad Side" and up north, I am used to fishing around other boats and catching fish. I like to get myself in position and let all the other boats do the work for me, so everyone else pushes the fish to me. If the boats are rushing in from the north, for example, set up on the south side of the breaking fish. Then when all the other boats charge in, they’ll push the fish in your direction.
Q: Everyone's had the surprising experience where you see fish breaking water, but don't get bites. What do you do in this situation to get fish on the line?
A: Unfortunately, with breaking fish you don't always get a lot of time to figure things out. They may only be up and breaking for a short period of time. My immediate go-to is changing up my technique. Rather than ripping across the top, I may vary my retrieval speed, or snap-jig. The only correct way to do it is what catches fish.
Q: We can spot fish with our eyes, but do you use your electronics to help find more/bigger/better even when they're breaking? If so, how?
A: Absolutely, I run my side scan out 300’ until I find life. Then I will halve that distance as I close in on what looks like good opportunities.
Q: What's the biggest mistake you see people make when they're trying to catch fish in a breaking situation (on your boat, or on other boats)?
A: Coming in hot!
Q: Open Mic - if you could say anything to all the anglers out there, what would it be?
A: Have FUN, enjoy the learning process and the challenge, and be courteous to others. Also, you would be shocked at how much information you will learn on a guided fishing trip. If you haven’t gone, don't miss out and book a trip. Support your local guides.
You can call or text Captain Chuck to book a trip at (410) 353-0589 or visit saltysirenfishing.com. Spring/fall trips are out of White Rocks Marina in the Upper Bay, and summer/winter depart from Drury’s in Ridge.