I said somewhere yesterday that Phil and I were slated to go chase a few this morning, so I took him to my Office. No place I’d rather be. He’s been hearing of the Gills and Redbellies that have been visiting lately, and they must have heard he was coming cuz quite a few came to say hello. Had a somewhat dicey start by not having the plug in when I slid off the trailer. He got back from parking the truck and sat down and the water came out by our feet. I instantly knew what I had done and beached the boat and let the outboard keep it in place. Try as I might I could not reach the drain to put it in from inside the boat, bilge pump steady running but I know it doesn’t keep up. Take everything out of the pockets and walk around behind and in she went. Walk back to the front of the boat and slap my pocket to find my IPhone was still in it. All I can say is so far , so good and no hiccups.
Shirt over the console to dry, off we went in search of some nice fish. And we found them. Not like it was last Saturday but before the day was over, it was a strong second. We had barely gotten started and I hear Phil’s drag talking. A redbelly didn’t like Phil’s jig being close by and hit it with the attitude they’re famous for. Very pretty, I’ll never get tired of their colors and personality. We did very well at our first area by adding a very nice 9 1/2” CNBG that wanted no part of coming to the boat. A trip in the net and it was time for pictures. A very close cousin to the ones that get posted from California, looked like a hubcap. Very thick behind the fins. Phil got one not long after that was only a quarter inch shorter and built very similar. We eased around to some areas close by and boated a few more, but all good things must come to an end.
Next stop was a canal that is a dead end and gets little to no traffic. We boated a few more, more good ones than I expected, saw a lizard or two and some Manatees, but we needed to try some new stuff nearby before we ran out of time. We must have been fishing the right places cuz we got a few fish and found some more areas to keep us busy next time out.
We stayed longer than what I had told my wife we would, so off we went towards the ramp. As expected, the river was busy and the traffic was heavier than I like by the time we got to the ramp to be fifth in line to pull out. By leaving when we did, we dodged the bullet of the crazy traffic. We just got lucky. Back at the house about 2 after a 7am launch it was a bit longer than either of us planned but when it’s good you stay a little longer. A relaxing morning where we both decompressed from a work week we’d rather leave in the rear view. No matter the species, I hope you get out and get some time doing what we all love. By no means should anyone forget those who aren’t able to do this because they gave all for us. God Bless our fallen veterans and their families. Remember them out loud because anyone that has died and is forgotten dies twice, they deserve better. Hope your holiday is a good one. Til next we meet again, hopefully on the water..........Skeet.
