In the video “I Tossed! A Fishing Camera Into The Surf And Saw Crazy Things!” by FISHGUM, the YouTuber attaches a go fish cam to a surf fishing rig and casts it into the Gulf of Mexico near Florida. The camera captures an assortment of interesting events and observations in the ocean, providing viewers with a unique perspective. Throughout the video, the YouTuber discusses the fishing rig setup, the clarity of the water, the presence of June grass, and encounters with various fish species, including ladyfish, blue runner, Spanish mackerel, and Pompano. The video serves as an informative and entertaining exploration of what happens beneath the surface when fishing in the surf.

The Beginning: Preparations and Expectations

Attaching the Go Fish Camera

You are excited to start your fishing adventure, and the first step is attaching the Go Fish Camera to your surf fishing rig. This camera will allow you to see what is happening underwater and gain valuable insights from your fishing experience.

Surf Fishing Rig Details

As you prepare for your cast into the Gulf of Mexico, you take a moment to appreciate the details of your surf fishing rig. You notice the green get them rig bead on the bottom dropper, which is the closest to the camera. The blue and green float adds buoyancy to your rig, helping it stay afloat in the water. These little details contribute to the effectiveness of your fishing setup.

Casting Specifications

With your surf fishing rig ready to go, you take a moment to consider your casting technique. You want to ensure that your cast reaches the optimal spot in the ocean. By casting with precision and accuracy, you increase your chances of attracting fish and capturing interesting underwater footage.

Choosing Bait: The Role of Sand Fleas

One crucial aspect of fishing is selecting the right bait. Sand fleas are your choice for this fishing trip, and you take a moment to appreciate their importance. These live sand fleas are securely hooked, ensuring they stay in place and attract fish. You are confident that sand fleas will entice the fish you hope to catch.

First Sighting: Ladyfish

Understanding Ladyfish Behavior

As you start observing the underwater footage from your Go Fish Camera, you are intrigued by the presence of ladyfish. These fish are known for their unique behavior and characteristics. By studying their behavior, you can gain a better understanding of their feeding habits and how they interact with their environment.

Identifying the Ladyfish

Through the footage, you are able to identify the ladyfish swimming by. Their slender bodies and shiny scales make them easily recognizable. It is exciting to see these fish up close and witness their graceful movements in the water.

Noticing the Dissent Interest

Although the ladyfish swim by without showing much interest in your bait, you remain patient and optimistic. Fishing is a game of patience, and you understand that not every fish will be immediately intrigued by your offering. You eagerly anticipate the arrival of other fish species that might be more interested in your bait.

Unnoticed Predators: The Olive Snails

Identifying Olive Snails

While observing the underwater footage, you notice the presence of olive snails. These small creatures are often overlooked but play a significant role in the fishing experience. It is crucial to be able to identify them and understand how they can impact your bait and attract or deter fish.

Noticing a Change of behavior of the Bait

You observe that when an olive snail grabs onto your bait, its behavior changes. The sand flea is no longer drifting freely, indicating that the snail has taken the bait down into the sand. It’s important to pay attention to these subtle changes as they can greatly affect the attractiveness of your bait to the fish.

Understanding Olive Snail Behaviour

You take a moment to learn more about olive snail behavior. You realize that when the conditions are calm, like on this flat day, there tends to be a lot of olive snail activity. These creatures can render anything on the bottom useless if not checked regularly. Monitoring your bait every 15 minutes or sooner is essential to ensure its effectiveness.

Making a Catch: The Blue Runner

Identifying the Blue Runner

As you continue to watch the footage, you spot a blue runner approaching your bait. This fish species is known for its aggressive nature and swift movements. Being able to identify different fish species helps you better understand their behavior and adapt your fishing strategy accordingly.

Understanding the Catch: How a Fish Reacts

You observe how the blue runner engages with your bait. It bites down and begins shaking its head in an attempt to free itself before starting to swim away. Understanding how fish react when caught allows you to anticipate their movements and handle the situation with more confidence.

Appreciating the Make of the Hook

As you reel in the blue runner, you appreciate the effectiveness of the hook. The circle hook you are using ensures that the fish hooks itself, making the fishing process easier for you as a surf fisherman. You take a moment to reflect on the importance of choosing the right hooks for different fishing situations.

Exploring the Underwater: Other Species Sightings

Recognizing Other Fish: Spanish Mackerel and Pompano

While watching the underwater footage, you spot other fish species, including Spanish mackerel and pompano. Recognizing different species is crucial for understanding the diversity of marine life in the area and increasing your chances of catching various fish.

Understanding the Importance of the Circle Hooks

The underwater footage reaffirms the effectiveness of circle hooks. The fish in the footage hook themselves, alleviating the need for you to manually set the hook. This knowledge gives you confidence in using circle hooks for your surf fishing expeditions.

Examining How Fish React to the Bait

Through the underwater footage, you gain insight into how fish react to the bait. Observing their behavior and feeding patterns allows you to refine your fishing techniques and make adjustments to attract more fish. Learning from their reactions is an essential part of becoming a successful surf fisherman.

Choosing the Right Fishing Gear

The Role of J-Hooks and Circle Hooks

Understanding the benefits and differences between J-hooks and circle hooks is crucial when choosing the right fishing gear. Both options have their advantages, and it’s important to consider your fishing style and target species when deciding which hook type to use.

Choosing the Right Surf Fishing Rigs

Selecting the appropriate surf fishing rig is essential for a successful fishing trip. Different rigs offer unique advantages in attracting fish and ensuring the bait is presented effectively. Assessing the conditions and target species will help you choose the right rig for your specific fishing goals.

The Importance of Staying Close to the Rods

While fishing, it is crucial to stay close to your rods to ensure you can respond quickly when a fish takes the bait. This is particularly important when using circle hooks, as the fish will hook themselves. Being within reach of your rods increases your chances of landing a catch successfully.

Unexpected Discoveries: Floating June Grass

Understanding What the Floating June Grass Is

While examining the footage, you notice the presence of floating June grass. June grass is a type of seaweed that can sometimes be a challenge during fishing trips. Understanding its behavior and impact on your fishing gear is essential for adapting your strategy accordingly.

Identifying the Changing Levels of June Grass

The footage allows you to observe the changing levels of June grass in the water. Sometimes it floats high, while other times it may be lower in the water column. By recognizing these fluctuations, you can adjust your bait placement and rig setup to avoid entanglement.

Impact of June Grass on Bait

June grass can potentially affect the effectiveness of your bait. It might cover the dropper or entangle with the bait, making it less appealing to fish. Understanding how June grass behaves and finding strategies to minimize its impact on your fishing gear is key to a successful fishing experience.

Exploring Different Rigs: Comparison and Choices

Introducing the Naked Float Rig

In the footage, you experiment with a different rig known as the naked float rig. This rig features a segment of fluorocarbon line without any float, which provides a unique action to attract fish. You are excited to observe how this rig performs compared to others.

Comparing the Naked Float Rig with Other Rigs

By comparing the footage from the naked float rig with your previous setups, you can evaluate its effectiveness and determine if it attracts different fish species. Comparisons like these help you refine your fishing techniques and choose the best rig for each fishing situation.

Understanding the Action of the Naked Float Rig

As you observe the underwater footage, you notice the distinct action of the naked float rig. Its dangling fluorocarbon segment creates a subtle movement that entices fish to investigate the bait. This rig offers a unique presentation that can be particularly effective in specific fishing scenarios.

More Encounters: Pompano and Cigar Minnows

Understanding Pompano Behavior

In the footage, you encounter pompano, a prized fish species for many surf fishers. Observing their behavior and feeding patterns provides valuable insights into their preferences and habits. Understanding pompano behavior is key to increasing your chances of catching this sought-after fish.

Recognizing Cigar Minnows

While exploring the underwater world, you come across schools of cigar minnows. These small bait fish play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and can attract larger predatory fish. Recognizing them allows you to tailor your bait choices and increase your chances of attracting more fish.

Exploring Bait Choices to Attract More Fish

The encounters with pompano and cigar minnows prompt you to consider different bait options. Adapting your bait choices to match the preferences of the fish species in the area can significantly enhance your fishing success. Experimenting with various bait types allows you to maximize your chances of making a catch.

Conclusion: Lessons and Understanding

Learning from Unexpected Sightings

Throughout your fishing expedition, you have encountered unexpected sightings, such as ladyfish, olive snails, and floating June grass. These encounters have taught you valuable lessons about the underwater ecosystem and the factors that influence fish behavior. Embracing these unexpected moments enhances your overall fishing experience.

Establishing the Importance of Regular Bait Checks

The presence of olive snails and their impact on the bait serves as a reminder of the importance of regularly checking your bait. Monitoring your bait every 15 minutes or sooner can make a significant difference in attracting fish and maximizing your chances of a successful catch.

Understanding How Fish Are Drawn to the Bait

Throughout the underwater footage, you have witnessed how various fish species interact with the bait. Understanding their behavior and preferences helps you strategically position your bait and improve your chances of enticing the fish. This understanding allows you to become a more skilled and successful surf fisherman.

By following these guidelines and embracing the lessons learned from your fishing expedition, you are well on your way to becoming an expert in surf fishing. With each trip, you will continue to gain valuable insights and enhance your skills as you explore the underwater world and make memorable catches. Happy fishing!