Fished with Capt D.P. this morning for a little fun fishing. We Trout fished first thing. Had a few awesome blow-ups, missed a few and pulled the hooks on one really nice fish...oh well, no pressure today! They were short striking, when they'd do more than just follow behind it, but watching those fish follow and push the bait out of the water was enough for us (we eat that stuff up). We made a run across the bay, in the fog, and pulled up to another of our favorite Trout flats. 30-40 casts later without a bite we notice a bunch of commotion in the deeper water.
A school of nice Spanish was tearing up the rain minnows. We must of watched this go on for 2 or 3 minutes, until we just couldn't stand it anymore and changed or attention from the Trout to the Mackerel. Having Spanish chase down a walking dog on top is one of the most exciting things to see. These fish were HOT. It only took me a few casts before my soft plastic bait was torn to shreds. We got a few fish close enough to have to handle them. The Spanish moved on, and so did we.
Ran to the Pass and Sheepshead fished for an hour or so. We went through 2 1/2 dozen baits, released a dozen fish or more Then headed back to the ramp...we both had to get home before sleeping on our couches was our only option.
Thanks again, D.P.
Oh and Timmy, if you read this, you really missed out on this one!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
28 Mar 2008
Chris, Kari, Cody, Claire and I left Galvez @ 0720. Todays quarry was again the Sheepshead; but the fish had other plans for us. We arrived at our first rock pile and we were greated by my first school of Spanish Mackerel of the year. Even though we were fishing mono leaders we still got two fish in the boat. Here's Kari showing her fish.
Not long after the Spanish departed Claire hooked into todays wierdest fish, the Porcupine Pufferfish.
We tried and tried to get a Sheepshead to bite. Capt Wes was next to us and managed to coax a few sheepies into his boat, it just didn't happen for us there. Cody found the answer to the failing sheepies, a big flounder. This fish was 4 lbs with the mouth of a fish twice that size! Congrats Cody, fish like that don't come around very often.
What a difference the camera angle can make!!!
We made a short run to the next "Sheepshead Hole", and didn't catch any there either! Instead Chris connected with this Redfish; I guess you can't complain about the Sheepies when you're finding fish like this.
A few small Groupers and a Pigfish found their way to our baits as well and it was time for another move. I slid us over to yet another bit of structure and finally we scored on our target species. Kari and Cody both landed nice fish to round out our morning.
Thanks again Chris, Kari, Cody, and Claire, you were great, I look forward to seeing you again next year.
Not long after the Spanish departed Claire hooked into todays wierdest fish, the Porcupine Pufferfish.
We tried and tried to get a Sheepshead to bite. Capt Wes was next to us and managed to coax a few sheepies into his boat, it just didn't happen for us there. Cody found the answer to the failing sheepies, a big flounder. This fish was 4 lbs with the mouth of a fish twice that size! Congrats Cody, fish like that don't come around very often. 
What a difference the camera angle can make!!!
We made a short run to the next "Sheepshead Hole", and didn't catch any there either! Instead Chris connected with this Redfish; I guess you can't complain about the Sheepies when you're finding fish like this.
A few small Groupers and a Pigfish found their way to our baits as well and it was time for another move. I slid us over to yet another bit of structure and finally we scored on our target species. Kari and Cody both landed nice fish to round out our morning.
Thanks again Chris, Kari, Cody, and Claire, you were great, I look forward to seeing you again next year.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
22 Mar 2008
The day started off bleak, I got stood up at the ramp. It's rare, but it happens. I went home on an awesome fishing day and commenced my domestic chores, not happy about it, but oh well, it's got to get done. Around 1300, I got a call from Adam, looking for an afternoon charter. I dropped the laundry like a bad habit and got my stuff together in time to realize my wife was gone and the kids were home! A quick call back to Adam to ask for a short extension until she got home. When she walked in the door, I almost knocked her over going out! Adam and his wife, Barby, met me at Shoreline at @ 1500, and off we went.
The bite was again very light, and the Sheepshead made fools of us. After nearly an hour of losing bait after bait and boating a small Grouper and a couple of Pigfish I decided that maybe we needed a different target species. We switched tactics and sought redder pastures. The bite didn't improve much, at first. Then Adams rod, loaded with 12lb, bent hard. The fish neared the surface and it was RED, too red! As the 5lb snapper cleared the rail, Adam exclaimed "Woohoo! We got dinner!". Me: "Well..."
Adam: "What's it not big enough?"
Me: "Oh he's plenty big..."
Adam: "So?"
Me: "'bout three weeks outta season"
Adam: "You're kidding!"
Me: "Wish I was."
We got a nice pic and sent the fish on his way.
Once Adam recovered from his broken heart we reset and it was Barby's turn. I wasn't sure at first if she was hung or not, then line just started pouring off the spool. Definitely NOT hung! Barby did a great job up against such a tough fish and 15 min later a huge redfish comes out from under the boat. Adam is floored and again announces "Great job hon, you got us dinner!"
Me: "Well..."
Adam: "What is it this time?"
Me: "You're really not going to like this"
Adam: "What?"
Me: "He's too big"
Adam: "What do you mean TOO BIG?"
I explained our slot regulations, took a couple of pics of Barby with her trophy Redfish, vented the fish and returned it to fight again another day.
The sun had faded beyond the horizon and we followed the stars home shortly after.
Thanks again Adam and Barby for turning my day around and sharing the sunset fun.
The bite was again very light, and the Sheepshead made fools of us. After nearly an hour of losing bait after bait and boating a small Grouper and a couple of Pigfish I decided that maybe we needed a different target species. We switched tactics and sought redder pastures. The bite didn't improve much, at first. Then Adams rod, loaded with 12lb, bent hard. The fish neared the surface and it was RED, too red! As the 5lb snapper cleared the rail, Adam exclaimed "Woohoo! We got dinner!". Me: "Well..."
Adam: "What's it not big enough?"
Me: "Oh he's plenty big..."
Adam: "So?"
Me: "'bout three weeks outta season"
Adam: "You're kidding!"
Me: "Wish I was."
We got a nice pic and sent the fish on his way.
Once Adam recovered from his broken heart we reset and it was Barby's turn. I wasn't sure at first if she was hung or not, then line just started pouring off the spool. Definitely NOT hung! Barby did a great job up against such a tough fish and 15 min later a huge redfish comes out from under the boat. Adam is floored and again announces "Great job hon, you got us dinner!"
Me: "Well..."
Adam: "What is it this time?"
Me: "You're really not going to like this"
Adam: "What?"
Me: "He's too big"
Adam: "What do you mean TOO BIG?"
I explained our slot regulations, took a couple of pics of Barby with her trophy Redfish, vented the fish and returned it to fight again another day.
The sun had faded beyond the horizon and we followed the stars home shortly after.
Thanks again Adam and Barby for turning my day around and sharing the sunset fun.
Friday, March 21, 2008
21 Mar 2008
Dan and his son, Nathaniel, pulled into the parking lot at Gray's B&T at 0700; and pulled back out behind me at 0705, headed for Galvez Landing. The livewell was full of fiddlers and shrimp and we were bound for the Pass. As we approach the North Cut I notice three guys waving at me from the island, appearing in distress. I slid over to them and they asked if I could give them a ride back to Sherman Cove. Well I couldn't just leave them there, they had under estimated last nights cold, having only one sleeping bag between them, and were hungry. When I asked how they had gotten over there in the first place, they tell me they bummed a ride over! ...You did what? OoooK.I dropped them off and got a good laugh as we resumed our original plan.
We round the bend into the pass and are greeted by a constantly increasing East wind. The anchors set and the fishing begins, and empty hooks start coming back. The bites are sporadic and the hooks aren't hooking. So I pulled the anchor and repositioned, and did it again 15 min. later, and finally I get it right.
Nathaniel Puts a nice fish in the boat almost instantly. Then the bait losing started again. The bite continued to be constant but slow and extremely light. Over the course of a couple hours we managed to pour through 7-9 dozen assorted baits. We were repaid for our offerings with 5 more Sheepsheads, and this nice 7lb Black Drum, Dans best fish of the day. His other catches included a Porcupine Pufferfish.
Nathaniel was the show-off today, putting most of the fish in the well. I succeeded in getting rocked about 100,000 times and losing my only fish on the way up! After we had gone through all of our live baits and most of the dead stuff, we packed it in and made the run back to Galvez. We got the boat back on the trailer and pulled the fish out of the livewell. The guys admired their catch then Dan told me they only needed 2 Sheepies and the Drum for dinner and offered me the rest of the fish. I really appreciated him letting me have the other four to do with as I pleased, so I turned, to the surprise of on-lookers, and threw them back! Thanks Dan for showing sportsmanship and conservation!
We round the bend into the pass and are greeted by a constantly increasing East wind. The anchors set and the fishing begins, and empty hooks start coming back. The bites are sporadic and the hooks aren't hooking. So I pulled the anchor and repositioned, and did it again 15 min. later, and finally I get it right.
Nathaniel Puts a nice fish in the boat almost instantly. Then the bait losing started again. The bite continued to be constant but slow and extremely light. Over the course of a couple hours we managed to pour through 7-9 dozen assorted baits. We were repaid for our offerings with 5 more Sheepsheads, and this nice 7lb Black Drum, Dans best fish of the day. His other catches included a Porcupine Pufferfish.
Nathaniel was the show-off today, putting most of the fish in the well. I succeeded in getting rocked about 100,000 times and losing my only fish on the way up! After we had gone through all of our live baits and most of the dead stuff, we packed it in and made the run back to Galvez. We got the boat back on the trailer and pulled the fish out of the livewell. The guys admired their catch then Dan told me they only needed 2 Sheepies and the Drum for dinner and offered me the rest of the fish. I really appreciated him letting me have the other four to do with as I pleased, so I turned, to the surprise of on-lookers, and threw them back! Thanks Dan for showing sportsmanship and conservation! 
Sunday, March 16, 2008
15 Mar 2008
Here's a great example of the accuracy of the weatherman. I've been talking with Quinn and Greg for the past week about a trip today, the weatherman was calling for a SW wind at 20-30kts, and we were worried we'd have to cancel. Well, once again the weatherman shows his true colors and we awoke to a southerly breeze at around 7kts, perfect (except for the fog). I can deal with a little fog much better than a wind SW @20-30.
Along with Greg and Quinn came Cameron and Tyler, 0730 and we're underway into the fog and in pursuit of fish. We made our way back to yesterdays rock pile armed with Fiddler Crabs and more Sand Fleas. The bite wasn't any faster than yesterday, but with patience we got a slow (but consistent) bite going.
Quinn scored with this slot Redfish.
Cameron quickly followed with a Black Drum.
Seven Sheepsheads also fell to our offerings along with another Black Drum. As the clock was winding down we decided to check on another of my favorite Sheepshead holes. Although there were loads of fish covering the rock pile, most weren't interested in feeding. We pulled one more nice fish before heading for the dock.
Thanks again guys for a great morning.
Along with Greg and Quinn came Cameron and Tyler, 0730 and we're underway into the fog and in pursuit of fish. We made our way back to yesterdays rock pile armed with Fiddler Crabs and more Sand Fleas. The bite wasn't any faster than yesterday, but with patience we got a slow (but consistent) bite going.
Quinn scored with this slot Redfish.
Cameron quickly followed with a Black Drum.
Seven Sheepsheads also fell to our offerings along with another Black Drum. As the clock was winding down we decided to check on another of my favorite Sheepshead holes. Although there were loads of fish covering the rock pile, most weren't interested in feeding. We pulled one more nice fish before heading for the dock.
Thanks again guys for a great morning.
14 Mar 2008
I met Capt Dusty Powers and his brother Capt Buddy Powers at Galvez landing @0800. The bad weather had finally passed, allowing us to pick up our crew for the day, a group of 12 guys here for a bachelor party. My crew consisted of Ryan (self professed non-fisherperson), Seth, Paul and Kenny. Once everyone was loaded and ready we headed for the Pass in search of bent rods. Sheepshead, Redfish, and Black Drum were the target species for the day.
The bite was extremely slow so we all split up to find a consistent bite. After an hour or so of moving spot to spot with a bite here, bite there and only a couple of Catfish to account for the dwindling bait supply, Capt Dusty found a decent bite that we all exploited. We got our three boats anchored near the rock pile and commenced pitching shrimp, talking smack, and catching fish. We all got a few Sheepies and Black Drum and the bite switched off as suddenly as it had switched on. Dusty and Buddy decided to once again go on the hunt for a bite.
My guys had discovered the beer in the cooler and were content to sit right there for a little while and enjoy a cold one, what a great choice that turned out to be. Half an hour had passed with very few lost baits when I opened my cooler and pulled out the few Sand Fleas I'd caught the day before. Immediately upon changing baits the bite turned back on! Ryan put this nice Pompano (one of two we caught) in the boat.
I placed calls to the other two captains, calling them back over. Before they could get back we'd loaded the livewell with 6 Sheepsheads, another Pompano and 4 Black Drum. Here's Seth and Kenny with two nice Drum, each tipping the scales at nearly 7lbs.
The cavalry arrived just in time to catch the end of this bite, a few more bent rods before the clock caught up with us. On the way back we all got stopped by the FWC who checked our fish and our paperwork and sent us on our way. We appreciate these guys being out here protecting our resources.
Once back at the dock we got all the guys together for a group shot, made our salutations, got an invite for a fried fish dinner and headed back to the ramp to finish our post-fishing chores.
Thanks again Ryan, Seth, Kenny, and Paul for a hilarious day on the water. And a special thanks to Jay for setting this whole thing up.
The bite was extremely slow so we all split up to find a consistent bite. After an hour or so of moving spot to spot with a bite here, bite there and only a couple of Catfish to account for the dwindling bait supply, Capt Dusty found a decent bite that we all exploited. We got our three boats anchored near the rock pile and commenced pitching shrimp, talking smack, and catching fish. We all got a few Sheepies and Black Drum and the bite switched off as suddenly as it had switched on. Dusty and Buddy decided to once again go on the hunt for a bite.
My guys had discovered the beer in the cooler and were content to sit right there for a little while and enjoy a cold one, what a great choice that turned out to be. Half an hour had passed with very few lost baits when I opened my cooler and pulled out the few Sand Fleas I'd caught the day before. Immediately upon changing baits the bite turned back on! Ryan put this nice Pompano (one of two we caught) in the boat.
I placed calls to the other two captains, calling them back over. Before they could get back we'd loaded the livewell with 6 Sheepsheads, another Pompano and 4 Black Drum. Here's Seth and Kenny with two nice Drum, each tipping the scales at nearly 7lbs.
The cavalry arrived just in time to catch the end of this bite, a few more bent rods before the clock caught up with us. On the way back we all got stopped by the FWC who checked our fish and our paperwork and sent us on our way. We appreciate these guys being out here protecting our resources.
Once back at the dock we got all the guys together for a group shot, made our salutations, got an invite for a fried fish dinner and headed back to the ramp to finish our post-fishing chores.
Thanks again Ryan, Seth, Kenny, and Paul for a hilarious day on the water. And a special thanks to Jay for setting this whole thing up.
09 Mar 2008
I met Capt Dusty Powers, Tim Land and Joe Z to hunt the elusive Speckled Trout. We launched the boat and headed for some canals to flip some live shrimp around the docks. The fishing was difficult due to the wind, but with a little patience and determination, we found what we were after.
Here's Timmy with a nice 17.5" fish.
We also found a few small Redfish and a couple of sting rays in the canals before deciding to move on. We made the run to The Pass to find Drum of any variety. It was immediate success. We caught half a dozen Redfish (4 in the slot) and one Black Drum to round out our day before heading back to the ramp. An awesome day to share with good friends. Thanks alot guys.
Here's Timmy with a nice 17.5" fish.
We also found a few small Redfish and a couple of sting rays in the canals before deciding to move on. We made the run to The Pass to find Drum of any variety. It was immediate success. We caught half a dozen Redfish (4 in the slot) and one Black Drum to round out our day before heading back to the ramp. An awesome day to share with good friends. Thanks alot guys.
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