Blessed coast beauties & more

[up2specks]

After unsuccessfully filling an open seat, I was off to unlock the beauties of Florida's Blessed Coast. The advantages of fishing solo are unquestionably on target when considering scheduling, timeliness, presentation efficiency, compatibility, degree of safety etc. and subsequently a non-slowdown in fulfilling my obsession. After concluding some sideline chores and needs, the put in time turned into mid-morning vs. daylight = doesn't really seem to matter now. The trout candidates for the ice-down were measurable(12) with undersized trout/reds/pompano/ladyfish/sea bass/pinfish/pigfish to keep me busy until just before the crescendo of sunset reached treetop level. New Pompano preparation is scale(with spoon), gut, remove head, cut 4 skin-slashes(each way) to make diamond shapes, 1 hour of chosen margination, pat semi-dry dust with flour/corn starch/panko and if available(Large iron skillet) deep fry(whole) until golden brown about 4 - 5 minutes @350*. Unreal!! I guess baking is an option(haven't tried it).
On another note, here is a hook removal device that has been necessary due to a number of reasons. I've invested in titanium/stainless/carbon steel longnose/combination pliers, stainless hemostats, but it seems that the saltwater influence takes it's toll on everything metal. Here's a tip whether you have teeth or not,lol!! = Old toothbrushes! Yep, Cut off the bristle end, saw a I/4 " groove, spread it into a V-notch, 30* bend VOILA...Trash to Treasure! Drill a 1/8 hole in top for a neck lanyard or leave clip-on and your done. Works fabulous, field tested with some of these energetic, deeply hooked candidates to be released unharmed. After eyeballing this one, a great idea of reusing a cutdown, bent arrow shaft using the nock end as your hook remover. Geezers now have a well-invested "free time" that yielded another candidate...twisted stainless stiffer wire that is inserted into an old ballpoint pen and epoxied in place than refastening the top. I actually put a couple minor wire bends inside to eliminate twist tendency. Crappie.com hook-disgorgers?? Hey Ed- How are you fixed for old tooth brushes
Enjoy the pics, think outside the box- Nobody should be boxed in!
u2s