Too many options. This may be lengthy so if you have anything you’re waiting to do, you might want to get after it and do this later. It all started with several invitations that I wasn’t able to respond to for as many reasons. Finally I got a call at 0dark30 on Tuesday morning saying that it was now or never (almost) as other commitments had him busy. I had the time at work, the question was could I get them to come off of it on such short notice. A little dumb luck doesn’t hurt because I got a yes late in the day. Do I have to tell you how much I had once learned to dance? The alarm went off at 4 and I had to be rolling at 4:30. Everything had gone well so far and the trip over was no exception. We met just after 6 and headed for the ramp.
After a stop for ice and coffee, we headed for the ramp. A simple affair done so many times that all I could do was stand and watch, then hold the rope. Reminded me of my Dad, shut up and hold the flashlight. Did i say it was a bit cool? I saw 41 on the thermometer pretty near Doug’s house.Attachment 360256 We were fishing before we got out of the idle zone and the fish were cooperating. First cast I made there was something that left the reel and hit the top of the cooler, the front deck, and then made an unceremonious plop into the water in front of the boat. What The (fill in the blank). The drag knob had broken and the plastic knob portion said goodbye. Still worked but it was way different than before.Having never caught a fish on a mirrolure Mirrodine, I had one on one of the rods and had to throw it. And they liked it. I don’t remember if it was the first one I got but one of the first was the 21” trout in the picture.Attachment 360255
Not wanting to give up the inside straight, we got out of there when we heard another boat coming. We had caught several good fish and I understood why he didn’t want to educate anyone. As we motored to another area we saw a commotion on the surface, dolphins. It was time for breakfast and the buffet was stocked. Attachment 360257Attachment 360258
And we moved along, finding fish but not like the first place. The farther we went, the less activity we had. Unless you count the gar that were the size of a submarine. We did our best but wound up going back toward where we started, and the closer we got the better the fishing got. One stop was covered up in Ladyfish. While they're fun they have no table value. With a few trout mixed in we stuck it out for a while before moving on. Attachment 360259
One place we stopped had bait showering in the deeper part of the cut. I went back to the mirrodine and got a few, but most action was on jigs later in the day. We used no live bait. Then Doug gets a hit and the drag starts talking. Much more serious than any other today. I had a feeling that a lineside had made an appearance and I wasn’t disappointed. What a great fight it was.Attachment 360262Attachment 360263Attachment 360264Attachment 360265
After a good accounting of himself he came to the net, got admired, and then went to the yardstick. Disappointment, just a few inches short. Over the side and we began looking for more, but none showed. We eased along, 50’ at a time, seeing what we could find. I pitched into the shade, felt the tic, and set back on the rod. With the drag making noise he just kept stripping line and wanting nothing to do with whatever we had in mind. A few surges later, and a visit to the net, he was found to be a keeper at 19”. Attachment 360266I’m rubbing my belly now after him being tonight’s dinner. Skin on fillet, broiled with Old Bays seasoning, dried garlic, and butter. Some kind of good. I was extra hungry and forgot to take a pic before it was gone. We both got a few reds but that was the only keeper for the day. The day was getting long and I had a good drive home yet, so off to the ramp we went. An excellent day, very good company and good conditions that warmed by 9 and never got any more than a gentle breeze. Attachment 360267Attachment 360268Total take for the day was 8 Seatrout and the one Redfish, which Doug sent home with me to fatten the freezer. From the time I left the house til I was done cleaning fish was 15 hours. A virtual marathon for me who likes to fish about 5 hours and throw em all back. Back to work today with a raccoon mask sunburn, it was a long one. I needed a nap. It was an outstanding day, more than I thought it would be. Doug had been saying that it was waaaayyy good and he didn’t lie. Thanks for the day Mister, give me a chance and I’ll return the trip to ya one day soon. Hope to see everyone Saturday, and until then.......Skeet
