Like most good fishing days it started out with an early morning run to the local tackle shop to resupply on gear and snacks. After a quick pit stop to grab a new battery for the trolling motor, Ben, Chris,Colton and myself soon set off into the bay. As we cast off we all shared a mixture of feelings from uneasiness and trepidation due to the weather. We quickly forgot about the weather due to Ben hooking our first fish of the day,which turned out to be a huge 25 inch Red Fish.
Confidence was high from bagging our first fish of the day after only being on the water for 15 minutes . This newfound confidence soon turned into a bit of frustration as we were soon plagued by a swarm of Lady fish stealing our baits. After trolling along the shallow grass flats, we decided enough was enough and headed to a nearby railroad bridge to attempt to bring in some Sheepshead.
As we soon came to realize the bridge itself was not only still being used, but two osprey had made it their home. They then treated us to the spectacle of watching them bring home their dinner, a large catfish caught not too far from where we were fishing. After passing under the large structure, graphing the ocean floor as we went, we soon decided to drop anchor and get some bait in the water. We didn’t have long to wait as our baits were soon being stolen by arguably the most annoying fish in the ocean the infamous: Sail Cat. We were slowly becoming annoyed and disheartened by the vexing and slimy fish. Our persistence though, soon paid off with a reward no one was expecting.
After a 5 minute fight we received the surprise of the trip so far, with Colton reeling in a massive 21 lbs. Black Drum. Sadly once they get to that size they become infested with parasites, so instead of keeping him we let him go back to his gloomy underwater dwelling between the pylons.
Not long after catching that monstrous fish we felt the winds and barometric pressure change, the telltale signs of an incoming storm. We quickly packed our gear and headed back for the dock getting off the water just in time to avoid the rain and wind. After only being on the water for a few hours we filled the rest of our day with numerous games of poker, Halo, and even a game of tennis when the weather allowed. After diligently looking over the radar we’re hoping to get back out again tomorrow wether that means fishing either on the boat or just off the beach. Till then I’ll just leave you with a view of a gorgeous sunset we witnessed on my first night of being here.
