This month we huddle with Captain Tim Sughrue of School of Rockfish, a former Maryland DNR research biologist turned fishing guide.
Q: We hear you have a long history studying those fish, so we’re guessing you know more about the critters we’re chasing after than the average angler. What are some of the things about the biology of fish that you learned through the years, which influence the way you try to catch them?
A: I have been trained to always look for the scientific explanation for most fish behaviors. Fish want to position themselves in the highest density of food while expending the least amount of energy. I show anglers how food compresses in the water column. I teach them about a fish’s “lateral line” system, which is basically their eyes and ears and allows them to find prey (including your lure) in zero to low visibility as long as the tide is moving.
Q: The trips you offer are as much about learning as they are about catching fish. Tell us about a few of the standout things folks have learned while fishing with you that they seemed genuinely surprised about.
A: The Chesapeake Bay is like a gigantic trout stream. You just have to be able to envision it on that level. My goal is for my customers to fully understand the concepts behind why fish behave the way they do. They can then go out and apply those concepts anywhere in the Bay, find their own spots, and catch fish consistently.
Q: On your website you talk about fish handling. Tell us why that’s an important lesson to learn, and also the most common mistake you see people make that could be harming the fish.
A: In today’s world, all anglers must be extremely cognizant of “release mortality” (the number of fish that are caught and released but die because of the encounter). That’s why over 90 percent of the time, I fish with single barbless hooks on swim baits. In that way, the fish can be released quickly with little or no touching of the fish. The most common mistake I see anglers make is using lures with two or more sets of treble hooks, especially once the water gets hot in the summer. There is very little dissolved oxygen in water above 80 degrees. The time it takes to unhook that fish and get it back in the water must be minimized, or it might die.
Q: You cast the shallows a lot, so tell us: what are your three favorite light tackle shallow water lures?
A: My favorite lure is a ZMans five-inch Diesel Minnow paddletail. I usually only use two colors: Opening Night and Slam Shady. But if I’m in trout and redfish country I’ll use Electric Chicken. I also throw a Yo-Zuri Golden Minnow on occasion, as well as Lonely Angler surface plugs.
Q: Open mic—what haven't we covered that all the anglers out there should know?
A: I try to teach my customers how to read the surface of the water. This is extremely important. The surface of the water is trying to tell you what is underneath there, but it’s not always obvious. Being able to recognize very subtle changes in the distances between waves will help you find some great fishing spots.
Thanks for the insights, Captain Tim! If you’d like to fish—and learn—with School of Rockfish, visit schoolofrockfish.com or give Captain Tim a call or text at (410) 935-4023.