Salute to the salt

In an effort to appraise the saltwater bite, after being consumed by the satisfying freshwater action for the last two months, I set out to my Ozello/Homosassa venue with guarded expectations. 1st cast yielded a pinfish, 2nd cast yielded the best fish but not the largest fish of the trip. Slipping the net under a well fought tug-o-war opponent, the Snook measured an honest 29" squeeze tail measurement. After rechecking FWC regulations for west coast size(28-33'), limit(1)and season('til Nov. 30), I easily slid this dinner guest into my ice-filled cooler. The clicker began gettin' busy as I landed a sea robin(flying fish), countless acrobatic Ladyfish, 14-15 trout(kept limit of 5 from 15-17 fatties, 4 juvenile Snook, 5 under slot Reds, a 2 lb. 13 oz Pompano, more pinfish, and the surprise of the day landed on my trout gear...that I just knew was going to be my new personal best Snook(>40"). Had the measurement right but species wrong= 48" Gar hooked in the eye!! Very memorable altercation no doubt. I have a few testimonial pics-

Attachment 322549Attachment 322550Attachment 322553Attachment 322552Attachment 322554Attachment 322555

u2s

Great job!

You had a very nice day. Sea Robins and Flying fish aren't the same species however.
There are lots of flying fish in the keys when you get into deeper water beyond the reef.
Best way to get them is to sit on the bow with a shotgun. lol

That's what we called em in MD. many moons ago.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Wow, great job.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by up2specks

That's what we called em in MD. many moons ago.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

---

Sea Robbins were commonly caught for years thruout the N E on party boats by anglers while bottom fishing.
They were considered a nuisance fish until someone found they had an area of good meat worth cleaning them for.
Their large fins would appear to enable them to fly, but they actually don't.
Flying fish on the other hand are a tropical species, and actually do fly above the water for considerable distances to evade preditor fish. While trolling offshore in the keys it's quite common to spook them with the boat,
and see them fly above the water for maybe 100' before diving back into the water.
They are also commonly taken by Frigate birds, a k a man o war birds when they fly above the water.
Frigate birds are very helpful in locating gamefish offshore. They cannot land on the water like Gulls do, and therefore must take their prey and remain flying.

An excellent trip. I would bet the freezer looks pretty good right about now. Looking forward to some of that myself, been years since some trout fillets have crossed my table. Hope you had a good thanksgiving.

Stellar morning Doug....only thing to top that would be a "REPEAT"...good luck to ya's in the morning:popcorn

Great pics, looks like a very busy day !! Fun trip for sure & meat in the freezer.

salty fun and good eats