Pullin' from the Pumpkin Patch

Friday had me visiting my diverse Saltwater venue, and assuredly ...pics don't lie! Just the day before, my ultralight 6'6" /1000 combo. saw incredible "arching" with speckled trout to 21" on artificial-only presentation. A limit of five was brought home to share w/special peeps. Near the end of my day, while casting a point, the familiar "tick" only 15 feet from the boat. I've caught many Redfish on this spot, but the quick sighting and subsequent Drag washer SMOKE was fish specie specific! My skinny outfit would be validated by the upper slot(30-33") SNOOK! The last encounter was almost 3 months ago, just days prior to the open season. This time, ironically, was only a week from season closure. My taste buds wanted this victory, lol. The anchored-up factor would challenge this accomplishment. Two to three fow would add more negative vibes to my equation. Occasional line gain would be negated by more Smoke! I decided to pull anchor with my idle hand and start motor to chase. With my opponent, now 75 yards away, I felt the sadness when my 12 lb. braid was sliced by the rock/ oyster massage.[emoji3525] The old saying "Never bring a slingshot to a Gunfight" proved merit. Well, finally, back to the next day's action= the same nice trout action blessed my day. On my return to ramp, I started casting the same 1000 reel but with a beefier 7' medium-light rod. FYI, this was the same spot that I introduced Slab to just 3 years ago. Hopefully, this pic will jog Ed's old guy memory, LOL!Attachment 486208
On very close to my last cast of the 8 hour trip, the infamous "tick" started the clock for my 40 minute challenge. Fortunately, I wasn't anchored-up, so keeping my line closer in this mostly shallow encounter. Probably motored/reeled about 1/2 mile back and forth. Fortunately, I was able to keep her out of the mangrove-laced shorelines by cutting it off with the boat. I decided to try camera photo shots AND video during the fiasco (as if it wasn't challenging enuf!!lol) One more issue to evaluate= How do I land this dinosaur? My net couldn't handle it, but tire the fish and net the head should work!?? IT DID!!
Enjoy my personal best Redfish taping out @38"(notice the yardstick).Attachment 486210Attachment 486213
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Thanks for Reelin'/Ridin'/Readin'...go get ya some!

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WTG Doug! sounds like you were in same area you took bymo and I couple years ago and those shallow gulf waters and oyster beds could be a beatch to fight a monster fish in. Hooking up and fighting a huge snook with very light tackle had to be challenging and then hooking into this monster Redfish? Tough to be moving the boat and fighting that bigun by yourself for such a long time. so WTG!

Awesome share

Certainly some fun times there

Spot on the location and challenges Keith. Videoes are real cool too. Many attempted/aborted video and pics = extenuating circumstances...guess one can say I was in the RED!:hatchet::highfive
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Extra good post Doug.sorry that line sides got the better of you this time but there will be others to come. That red is bigger than any I’ve ever wrestled with, way to go Mister!! The snook would’ve made a few good dinners but I know the red gets a pass. Glad it’s going on over by you. Basic Betty had to go to the doctor so I’m waiting for her return, and not very patiently! Fuel issue and I wanted it right so I didn’t have to call seatow. Hope you get out soon before the month changes along with the season.

That is one wow fishing trip! WTG!

Congrats. Beautiful catch

WOW! IS ALL CAN SAY!!! WOW

Maybe these pics will make it this time?Attachment 486328Attachment 486329Attachment 486330Attachment 486331

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Looks like a great trip...Congrats on some nice fish.

Those Bull Reds can do some pulling

Another attachment attempt=
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Wowser!!!! Doug you are amazing. I am sure I would need a Coors Lite after catching this monster! Being a fan of cool fishing hats, I will have to say you win the prize for one great looking hat. Miss ya buddy. Hope to get on the water with you this year.
Tight Lines.
JJ

Only right to dress right, Jim! Actually, borrowed the hat idea from Taterlicious from St. Auggie. Initially conceived as a "looker",lol...Florida's fishing benefits should not be compromised by the Sun![emoji41]
Incidentally, 11 more compliments like that may get US two 6 pks of CL!![emoji1787][emoji482]

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