Table salt

Was anxious to get back to the alluring Saltwater venue from last week, so I chose the same basics minus Skeetbum. The discovery of the plummeted water temp @54* was considerably lower than a week earlier @74* and definitely forecasted a SLOW bite. Except for countless lizardfish, 21" Black drum, a 15.5" trout on topwater, few ladyfish, missed blow up on topwater things were what I consider tame. I decided to wait out the tide change and the sun's heat up factor= glad I did...7 rat reds, 8 rat trout, 2 more nice trout( 17.25 - 19.25")= TABLE worthy SALT fish. Good results with water temps. ending @59*. Possibly same might be said on the current freshwater bite although seasonal temps are now back for awhile.

u2s

u2sAttachment 323309Attachment 323310Attachment 323311

Nice haul! Some fine eating !

I caught my first Black drum in Southport NC a few weeks back. Caught plenty of Red Drum and Specs but that was my first Black Drum and man you talking about good eating fresh off the grill.
We caught ours off the pier with shrimp. Going back up shortly to fish for specs in the creeks. How did you catch the drum? Never fished for them before so not familiar with popular techniques. I've caught lots of Red Drum trolling jigs and plugs but never a Black so figured I needed to do something different.

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

I caught my first Black drum in Southport NC a few weeks back. Caught plenty of Red Drum and Specs but that was my first Black Drum and man you talking about good eating fresh off the grill.
We caught ours off the pier with shrimp. Going back up shortly to fish for specs in the creeks. How did you catch the drum? Never fished for them before so not familiar with popular techniques. I've caught lots of Red Drum trolling jigs and plugs but never a Black so figured I needed to do something different.

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Actually, it was a well-fought surprise species for me, didn't know what it was until I saw it. Figured a snook, redfish etc. after casting my stereo-typical saltwater offering= 3/16 oz. jig with a 3 -4" plastic artificial. This one fell victim to a 3" Mann's Sting Ray grub in avocado. Probably only caught 3 in many years of fishin'. There is a member(Bassman) who catches them frequently, pretty sure he will comment to help you. I think they are primarily targeted with bait eg. whole live shrimp or pieces. Have heard they are as good or better than reds. This 3 -4 lbr. is a good eating class size to try. Really above average battle on the med-light tackle I love using, good luck.

u2s

Love Trout! Real nice mess of fish.

You had a good day Doug. Been thinking about the trip since I got home. Though you didn’t get as many keepers they were some bigger. I found a 19’ skiff over here for $4500, too much going on to consider it but it would do the job very well. I think the trout may be on the table tomorrow, I’ll post pics if we do. I was wondering if the cold would drive more in or run em out for deeper water.

I'd say you have a nice routine going on there, thanks for posting.

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

You had a good day Doug. Been thinking about the trip since I got home. Though you didn’t get as many keepers they were some bigger. I found a 19’ skiff over here for $4500, too much going on to consider it but it would do the job very well. I think the trout may be on the table tomorrow, I’ll post pics if we do. I was wondering if the cold would drive more in or run em out for deeper water.

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Actually, it brings em in from Gulf to inland access, however, this sudden cold snap shuts their mouth till temps warm a few degrees. Sometimes, as in this case, same day bump up, creates the better yield. Trout are very cold snap intolerant even if you downsize/slow down retrieve. Snook are BIGTIME cold intolerant=death!

u2s

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congrats !!! that some good eats for sure !!! nice fish !!!!

Thanks for sharing that report and pics

Great report

Nice, thanks for sharing.

Great day Doug. Yall have an amazing fishery over there around Crystal river. Fish were still on lockdown her yesterday morning. Couple trout and small snook with the typical mangrove marauders by the thousands.

Did a little "blackening" for Mr. Black=Attachment 323637
quote: If I had 3 hands, this would be a 3 thumber!!:HandsClapping
u2s

Looks yummy

Cool! Thanks for the report.
I really enjoy the salt posts, because I’ve never fished it.
All the fish look alien and cool!
Also the names, .....


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