07-13-2001, 01:25 AM
Hi MJB. That manta had us guessing because even though i am very familiar with a stingray's run and sit pattern when hooked, no one expected his cousin to show up and eat the jig. And yes you are on the mark when you say that jack crevalle are around. That particular spot is known for large schools of really big tacklebustin jacks, though not as often as before according to the older fishermen. Cobia are a much rarer catch,but man those fish have real muscle and a real will to run a long distance. One of my cousins hooked into one a couple of years ago that took him and his mates on an hour long trip over a couple of miles in a pirogue! (a locally built wooden or fiberglass boat any where between 20 and 30 ft. with an outboard and baitwell and not much protection from the weather, but it can really slice through the water). The fish turned out to be a real whopper over sixty lbs.<br>About those jigs, they were home made with 6/0 stainless steel hooks, built just for the purpose of tackling real big fish. Even though most of the fish caught from this same spot are school size, the occasional over 35lb. king turns up, and to tell the truth that's what it's all about, spending days and weeks fishing and hoping for the big one. When he turns up you have to be ready or he might not show up again. In addition those jacks dive right down and bump into everything, also those kings and spanish have razor sharp teeth so a trace of coffee colored single strand wire is added for protection.<br><br>