what are they eating?

[merch]

I feel kind of stupid asking this because I should already know. But I don't. We all know what works in these classic early season schoolie spots but I want to know what they are actually chassing in the sand an surf when they aren't eating our cocahoes, storms and streamers. What draws them there? I would first assume silversides (or maybe even small sandeels) but I've never actually ID'd anything while fishing for these guys. All I ever see is small clouds of unidentified bait swimming in the surf. Anyone ever actually bothered to look closer?

Tom

[Jim D]

i saw a bunch of silversides the other day at a few newport spots while catching schoolies

[Frightnight]

Will fishing be horrible this weekend because of the rain? I would like to do a little fishing on Sunday, but should I wait until Monday or later?

[kickin' bass ass]

i went yesterday evening got caught in a couple of down pours,still caught fish.i dont think rain is an issue ive fished fresh and salt in the rain with good luck sometimes better in the rain and it also keeps the yahoos at home

[arden]

Originally Posted by merch

I feel kind of stupid asking this because I should already know. But I don't. We all know what works in these classic early season schoolie spots but I want to know what they are actually chassing in the sand an surf when they aren't eating our cocahoes, storms and streamers. What draws them there? I would first assume silversides (or maybe even small sandeels) but I've never actually ID'd anything while fishing for these guys. All I ever see is small clouds of unidentified bait swimming in the surf. Anyone ever actually bothered to look closer?

Tom

young of the year, species wise u name it. alot of fish larva stay in the bay year round and are now out and about and growing quickly. in addition new young are allready hear, u may not realize it but bunker, herring, eels and more are allready in our waters and spawning.

mainly though i feel these first fish are feeding on coppepods, which is why the very first are so small. though willing to eat anything the only stuff that is around in any number in early april are small shrimps and worms that hatch and become active in abundance any time we get good weather early on

[arden]

well eels arnt spawning but there here and so are their young