Thread: Salty surprises can

always present themselves when least expected...that to me is the alluring factor that keeps bringing me back! With yesterday's forecasted winds being a timid E @5mph, I easily switched gear/s to pursue the new seasonal arrival Mr. Snook. My go to private/pay ramp has been closed for repair(10 days now) by the new owner, so last week I chose Yankeetown's new, beautifully renovated(last year) with only 3 nice keeper trout to bring home. So yesterday's put in spot was my old stomping grounds, Homosassa, that I haven't used in 3 years. Nice, dejavu experience ensued. Aside from the aggravated no-see-ems(nth degree) that welcomed me @rampside, the day unfolded handsomely. Numbers of fat spotted trout(most <15" limit) were net-massaged/released after being fooled with the new Dedly Dudley shrimp-mauler artificial. No Snook were encountered, although a 5 fish limit(including 20" trophy) of trout were ice-bathed. Ladyfish were also cooperative so I chose to cut one up for Redfish on two poles(rod-holdered)while anchored and fan casting artificials. Lost one unseen behemoth(red/ray?) that broke leader amongst shell bottom but after re-rigging, snagged the "gemstone" of the day an in season Stone crab that got wrapped in leader while feasting on my ladyfish cut-bait! As the saying goes- "messin' with the Ladies can eventually land you in HOT water!" More reason to bring me back were the encounters with delicious but pesky pufferfish. Bitten-off plastic tails(including pricey VuDu shrimp) caused by toothy puffers(witnessed 3 come unbuttoned on trip to net). Bottom-fished shrimp bits will be their demise next week! Numerous dolphin and Manatees rounded out my pleasurable saltwater outing. Incidentally, worth noting for no-see-em antidote is Avon skin so soft as well as a fabric softener dryer sheet worn under your hat. I'll let you know on that...enjoy the pics- thanks for the read.



u2s