Most porgies are fun to bait and catch, and there are over 100 species.You can fish the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast in late spring and early summer.To catch "scup" porgies, you need the right gear, including a lightweight rod, an ample amount of bait, and lots of smelly chum.With a bit of patience, you will be well on your way to reeling in some porgies and using them in a tasty recipe or for show.
Step 1: A lightweight rod is needed for porgies.
The porgy won't tear its lips as it struggles on the hook if it has a flexible rod.You will be able to feel light bites with a more rigid rod.Don't be afraid to spend a bit of your fishing budget to get the right model if you choose the wrong fishing rod.Talk to fellow porgy anglers and knowledgeable fishing supply store employees.A good quality rod that is suited to the type of fish you are trying to catch will give you a better feel for the fish and control of the line.
Step 2: Attach a reel to reach the water's floor.
The porgies eat crabs, clams, and other small sea creatures.You need enough line to reach the floor of the water where you are fishing.Modern rods and reels come together very easily, you just need to insert the reel's attachment arm into the designated slot in the rod, then hand-tighten the screw caps.Refer to the manual for more information.The waters range in depth from 6–120 ft.If you plan to fish from a pier or on a boat in open water, plan your reel and line needs accordingly.
Step 3: Use a fluorocarbon leader with a fused line.
When fishing for porgies, fused lines are more abrasion resistant and less likely to become knotted up in the wind.The lower end of the fused line scale is preferred by most porgy enthusiasts.Select a fluorocarbon leader that is at least 4 ft in length and has a rating of 30 lbs.Ask for advice at the bait and tackle shop or along the docks if you are new to fishing line.
Step 4: Attach multiple hooks to your terminal rig.
At the top of the rig line, clip on a barrel swivel rated for 50 lbs, and tie or clip a 4oz bank sinker at the bottom.Tie dropper loops into the line using your preferred knot.Each loop has 4/0 beak bait hooks.To complete your terminal rig setup, clip the other end of the barrel to the fluorocarbon leader line.Attach multiple hooks is important.Thegies will rip the bait away before you can catch them.There is a higher chance of a hookup with multiple hooks.
Step 5: Thin strips of packaged clam tongue or belly meat are a good bait.
Different baits have different benefits.The clam tongue is less appealing than the belly meat.Belly meat from almost any fish variety can attract porgies, but it can also attract other types of fish that you aren't interested in.If the bait is cut into small pieces, porgies will respond.If the bait isn't already cut into narrow strips, use a knife to trim them further.squid strips are a great bait for porgy.You can get tips on the best bait from other porgy fishermen.
Step 6: There are porgies all along the mid-Atlantic coast.
The porgy species prefer water depths of 6–120 feet.They can be found in open water as well as in bays, harbors, and sounds.Scup can be found from Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Cod, MA.There are over 100 species of porgy in the ocean.There may be differences in the best ways to catch other porgy.You should consult with local experts.
Step 7: Wait for the water temperature to get to 60 F.
The water temperature is between 55 and 75 F.It usually goes from May to late September or early October along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast.The best time to fish for porgies is in May and June.
Step 8: A boat is in the middle of a bay.
Most porgies and scups move with the tides and sandy bottoms looking for food.They congregate in the middle of the bays and sounds.Drop anchor to fish for porgies in that location.Ask the locals where to drop anchor to fish for porgies.
Step 9: You can catch fish on a pier or jetty.
You don't have to fish from a boat to catch porgy.During times when the tide is coming in, piers and jetties are great places to fish for scup.Whether you are fishing from a boat or on shore, use the same rod, reel, and tackle.Less fishing line is required to fish from land into shallow waters.
Step 10: You can check the water frequently by dropping a bucket into it.
Purchase a bucket of frozen chum and lower it into the water with a rope.If the smell wears off or the bucket runs low, you should replace it.You can make your own bucket with some know-how.Ask an experienced fisherman for tips.porgies are not picky about chum.Some people say clam chum is the most effective.The scent of an artificially scented soft bait may last longer.
Step 11: You can cast your line.
If there are porgies around, you can cast your line in quick succession from a boat.If you are fishing from a pier or jetty, get your line in the water as soon as possible.If you feel the tug of a fish on the bait, you may want to be patient.You will often find that a second porgy will be attracted by the other bait on your line.Smaller porgies congregate right at the chum, while the bigger ones remain near the fringes.You might want to try casting nearby, but not right at.
Step 12: Slowly raising the rod, you will be able to hook the porgy.
The fish can snatch the bait without taking the hook.Pull up slowly to get the fish onto the hook instead of yanking up on the rod.You can begin to reel in your catch once you feel the tug of the fish on the line.
Step 13: Quickly get the porgy from the surface to the boat.
You have to reel them in slowly but get them out of the water quickly.When the fish is below the surface, lower the tip of the rod about 1 ft (30 cm) above the water.Lift the fish out of the water and into the boat.If you are fishing from a pier or similar spot on land, you will probably not be able to get your rod tip so close to the water.You shouldn't be out of control if you move quickly.
Step 14: Unhook
Work carefully as you unhook the fish, since porgies can cut through thin fabrics and your skin.You can either save the fish for a meal or release it back into the water after you remove the hook.Like most aspects of fishing, the best way to master unhooking a fish is to watch, chat with, learn from, and fish alongside experienced anglers.If you are going to eat fish, baked porgy is a good alternative.