We ran up the J-hook to fish the surf at Pass Cavallo on Sunday. Perfect conditions - calm, green, clear water to the beach! We hooked up a few trout and Spanish Mackerel but the damn Ladyfish "ruined" the day. Pretty much every other cast on top-waters got on a ladyfish. While they are awesome fun they don't put meat in the cooler.

How do you work around the ladyfish while going after trout and reds? They just can't resist the top-water action. Drop down to soft baits bumped along the bottom?

I'd like to know too. Lady fish seem to beat other fish to the punch when they are mixed in with the good fish. They do it with plugs like topwaters and they mess up flies with their slimy, leader destroying mouths. I generally just move someplace else when they show up. I don't even like how they jump.

hey brother!

Lots of fun they are but like you said.. no meat!

I'd keep enjoying the ladies on topwater, but cut one up and fish a second rod with some cut bait on the bottom. Great shot at redfish there.

true...