tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53747369553941839252024-03-05T08:18:30.461-05:00Coastal Kayak FishingKayak fishing in fresh, brackish, and salt water in Virginia, North Carolina, and beyond.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-12858059543027673062016-11-01T09:37:00.002-04:002016-11-01T09:37:56.574-04:00Changes are coming.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu37aIVdJVNlyPAN4Jf5e0go-QWRwJ0N0Wo9xSxWer4y2llEXO7OMidPiwzQ4Jy9zJay0VxJAobGraC-vTA55Kpx_y9q87xXy7NryG4lcUC8vi4CQtpSKT_PjxGu3wXzDiSLnz6LAR528/s1600/_DSC0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu37aIVdJVNlyPAN4Jf5e0go-QWRwJ0N0Wo9xSxWer4y2llEXO7OMidPiwzQ4Jy9zJay0VxJAobGraC-vTA55Kpx_y9q87xXy7NryG4lcUC8vi4CQtpSKT_PjxGu3wXzDiSLnz6LAR528/s320/_DSC0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
There are some substantial changes coming down the pike. Many of them are still to premature to discuss, but one that is occurring now involves this blog in particular. In the coming days, all future posts will be transfered over to <a href="http://www.alloutkayakfishing.com/">www.alloutkayakfishing.com</a>. Some of the more informational and popular posts will be moved to this site. While Coastal Kayak Fishing will not be going away, there will no longer be any new content posted here.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the years of readership and support. Please bear with me until everything is up and running, but we hope to see you at All Out Kayak Fishing.<br />
<br />
William Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-58588631035454910562016-06-07T10:50:00.000-04:002016-06-07T10:50:06.371-04:00Product Review - Werner Paddles Cyprus: HookedHere is a little review I did for Appomattox River Company on the Werner Cyprus: Hooked (High Angle) paddle.<br />
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ64UcSj2a-V6CK3ydUYanRoINPr9sgEd10L4ac4MeHIVZpY3Scke7CM8OKPqJuT4Typt8vjDQCxfTX6AvOM9FN3mDrJmgURXMtZPKO1cHXIZR88QN-vnlg7O4HIQYIybnziHFhpK__A/s1600/_DSC0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ64UcSj2a-V6CK3ydUYanRoINPr9sgEd10L4ac4MeHIVZpY3Scke7CM8OKPqJuT4Typt8vjDQCxfTX6AvOM9FN3mDrJmgURXMtZPKO1cHXIZR88QN-vnlg7O4HIQYIybnziHFhpK__A/s400/_DSC0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.paddleva.com/product-review-werner-cyprus-hooked-william-ragulsky-kayak-fishing-pro-staff/" target="_blank">View Review</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Between my Kalliste and Cyprus paddles are both part of the Performance Core series. While all of the paddles in the Werner line are great paddling paddles, the Performance Core are like paddling with a feather. For more information, go to the <a href="http://wernerpaddles.com/" target="_blank">Werner Paddles website</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-78502213146497729432016-06-07T10:38:00.001-04:002016-06-07T10:40:08.939-04:00Springtime Striper Fishing in the Chesapeake BayA few weeks ago, <a href="http://kayakkevin.com/" target="_blank">Kayak Kevin Whitley,</a> Virginia Marine Police Officer Ron Cagle, and I were invited to the Hampton <a href="http://www.paddleva.com/" target="_blank">Appomattox River Company</a> location speak on springtime striper fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay.<br />
<br />
<br />
Officer Cagle was awesome, speaking to the changes in striper regulations, and rules in general if you plan on keeping any striped bass in particular.<br />
<br />
<br />
Kevin and I presented in more of a forum type style, which was really enjoyable. Whether you are interested in the conventional or fly fishing aspect of springtime striper fishing, Im sure you will enjoy the video.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ByfrvozEtQU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ByfrvozEtQU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Video courtesy of Kayak Kevin</div>
<br />
<br />
Below you will find some information I came up with to aid the kayak fly angler. I hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsKUsol-AREV7w9V3I-WgGXybFVZJkPiBsj2nFh3FxD0627izp01Wkr18XDLi-H-wQVBvtbAPu8M3uiqoWXv-L6Kh8rZNRSRJ-QX92sl0c7IbyB5uaStMAN_wZwD0t6nONXi8fFeIw8I/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsKUsol-AREV7w9V3I-WgGXybFVZJkPiBsj2nFh3FxD0627izp01Wkr18XDLi-H-wQVBvtbAPu8M3uiqoWXv-L6Kh8rZNRSRJ-QX92sl0c7IbyB5uaStMAN_wZwD0t6nONXi8fFeIw8I/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadqDeY4fWc5Sq_KaUmsDOGxI4fXQozA55QeDJqtC3d1wyDC7d35FUwBGvY9QNY5mA0DM2TS-9gPxXVcn7IyOtsvcaKUcx6AC6RRUFaQD5H1iAoocw3UWfcc4HHg5AppTFDhxpma3Z-CY/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadqDeY4fWc5Sq_KaUmsDOGxI4fXQozA55QeDJqtC3d1wyDC7d35FUwBGvY9QNY5mA0DM2TS-9gPxXVcn7IyOtsvcaKUcx6AC6RRUFaQD5H1iAoocw3UWfcc4HHg5AppTFDhxpma3Z-CY/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWTWpXpIWBwA-g1b1by10v0s8rWVvT2uOQLSGunK0P9uJbWItjQ_6IDYxdtWAffltWtj_yXYG5D4rQhlpIjCYXjlXeVe5xoLmT0qnDUmua6h1qe0LSscU21KNhREk9gdKWtvNrd9c9l0/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWTWpXpIWBwA-g1b1by10v0s8rWVvT2uOQLSGunK0P9uJbWItjQ_6IDYxdtWAffltWtj_yXYG5D4rQhlpIjCYXjlXeVe5xoLmT0qnDUmua6h1qe0LSscU21KNhREk9gdKWtvNrd9c9l0/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFtEJIcX6J0seu1BLV9XDHZ3-Id-POqp0NxvVbCn3n-umK4wAW0W21K3bVFw3sKmHl-xat8GcZ21MSLH2F0Q_dWd17CVVbcQE1rS5H6Zq_cb2iBPGD37JmLlDGHw7axdadzz95NWHr-o/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFtEJIcX6J0seu1BLV9XDHZ3-Id-POqp0NxvVbCn3n-umK4wAW0W21K3bVFw3sKmHl-xat8GcZ21MSLH2F0Q_dWd17CVVbcQE1rS5H6Zq_cb2iBPGD37JmLlDGHw7axdadzz95NWHr-o/s640/Slide4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWeI04H5oHFjjMnRvgLqdv-5Hdw_m7MN9ULN7gdZE6GIMKqChZbRnk-sUA85VbzgDO3rOxwbwsdZbokpHXnqcCb75yWyieDxItNmxSkk1DOyxrYxGxXyBnraifaVzVatrh7i59DQguyY/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWeI04H5oHFjjMnRvgLqdv-5Hdw_m7MN9ULN7gdZE6GIMKqChZbRnk-sUA85VbzgDO3rOxwbwsdZbokpHXnqcCb75yWyieDxItNmxSkk1DOyxrYxGxXyBnraifaVzVatrh7i59DQguyY/s640/Slide5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzd9GK3QgUmdNRlXUggCplFW0f4Us-qrh3bJCGLmhlSJ4wAokUtq1iHNvboPT7xbk3bkGB9yZz9z-AlNKuRw6kTOcrbTnAQ9U-SDP6YvOXeCT5NL8brIRUttoJsfZ8YDjq-GfB28JCOQ/s1600/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzd9GK3QgUmdNRlXUggCplFW0f4Us-qrh3bJCGLmhlSJ4wAokUtq1iHNvboPT7xbk3bkGB9yZz9z-AlNKuRw6kTOcrbTnAQ9U-SDP6YvOXeCT5NL8brIRUttoJsfZ8YDjq-GfB28JCOQ/s640/Slide6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoydxv2OOYf9esypeJn-6exYuP-jajZkC7GK2RBs4xkTD86CJslgoIeomnWnyhZzmWNkvQd4-1shGgCojrhIp0G6nEpG9BSqdpBdE9crvFYr24hqBBvpGP63p2DULJqOUFFqxngwVYZI/s1600/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoydxv2OOYf9esypeJn-6exYuP-jajZkC7GK2RBs4xkTD86CJslgoIeomnWnyhZzmWNkvQd4-1shGgCojrhIp0G6nEpG9BSqdpBdE9crvFYr24hqBBvpGP63p2DULJqOUFFqxngwVYZI/s640/Slide7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupNyqcb9qik2-ayF_LtCcKno-fMXY-6e6fR1iN0_nvDsB2FfSSdeUx-Xzx6LX-qfBnlx3mRxzBbLbJiun-GqdXpJ20Y-kUlTTSRimgU7DZs-P92JM5-_S_l2eUzru19UW5vA1VQC9Bcs/s1600/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupNyqcb9qik2-ayF_LtCcKno-fMXY-6e6fR1iN0_nvDsB2FfSSdeUx-Xzx6LX-qfBnlx3mRxzBbLbJiun-GqdXpJ20Y-kUlTTSRimgU7DZs-P92JM5-_S_l2eUzru19UW5vA1VQC9Bcs/s640/Slide8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqhdsCozynprllc0Ccce1nldoYaNvjXl-Ngxq1zDMSCRcKbDhoLvGRk6G-CM_xvggwi2DyaIxpsDNaTSxGIQ568tIgkIYJ_ZUG5eYihEQt3Xx8TRMlvramSKDRE6uajgUbInE2GhATsE/s1600/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqhdsCozynprllc0Ccce1nldoYaNvjXl-Ngxq1zDMSCRcKbDhoLvGRk6G-CM_xvggwi2DyaIxpsDNaTSxGIQ568tIgkIYJ_ZUG5eYihEQt3Xx8TRMlvramSKDRE6uajgUbInE2GhATsE/s640/Slide9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ymM9DyHYog0B0_UVrSiUE8o3GoeA4zLyQDt5q9WI4cpkak2v5L0C_ALfN4G3XO5-eEw95EHEBZodAJHIxdWv9sBZmxDCU0TahgblMdo0pGuvOdo8rJyRAMqzYztxUdiR077H7wAESU8/s1600/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ymM9DyHYog0B0_UVrSiUE8o3GoeA4zLyQDt5q9WI4cpkak2v5L0C_ALfN4G3XO5-eEw95EHEBZodAJHIxdWv9sBZmxDCU0TahgblMdo0pGuvOdo8rJyRAMqzYztxUdiR077H7wAESU8/s640/Slide10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaBYS2RdD9GhrMlTYn-4LmIccvg8tRZvJvZ3uL7udnocF4ZkqAbQ_3e3t0mz6Au9ym-WDyl5tR2E4hKQEzprQ1nTtXWJ2uPQjzObcmJMobcbNkoKXbAHk0OnQnK3dNtiPA3oT0KssW38/s1600/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaBYS2RdD9GhrMlTYn-4LmIccvg8tRZvJvZ3uL7udnocF4ZkqAbQ_3e3t0mz6Au9ym-WDyl5tR2E4hKQEzprQ1nTtXWJ2uPQjzObcmJMobcbNkoKXbAHk0OnQnK3dNtiPA3oT0KssW38/s640/Slide11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe0jRz2TvTKbGPMu2fncnnVbgSnZp1hDA2r_rXJFBWhWBlBJyOatwafQiuWxoivBeaXOLRqJCTw0mEzecec9TPv5sSeOq5KwApLebvANiaWyc9NV1bTuNbVrgUD4l8z1IIrgSc3rTnO4/s1600/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe0jRz2TvTKbGPMu2fncnnVbgSnZp1hDA2r_rXJFBWhWBlBJyOatwafQiuWxoivBeaXOLRqJCTw0mEzecec9TPv5sSeOq5KwApLebvANiaWyc9NV1bTuNbVrgUD4l8z1IIrgSc3rTnO4/s640/Slide12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpYU1NlKYNlEc7ryj5X7ZauQDerfLnRGNw4EpXQHDD7o0xWkpmmm2l8ahUht0ap7aEExkBKYXeq4lTn86THc9zEMXpUNn9cIlpXnvlVlwIyHlo8_d-35Y_2A3QkrRxG8ptmhgOJrOmdQ/s1600/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpYU1NlKYNlEc7ryj5X7ZauQDerfLnRGNw4EpXQHDD7o0xWkpmmm2l8ahUht0ap7aEExkBKYXeq4lTn86THc9zEMXpUNn9cIlpXnvlVlwIyHlo8_d-35Y_2A3QkrRxG8ptmhgOJrOmdQ/s640/Slide13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhivuokLA3pBsjnQ0bkbh1-yjzWHWU2q3k3TWY67YprhjBn1lYJKNlsUpX7gBMxXK3AqqwvC2Mt7Ca21sJfydJeGsXx_6dLy0nBuwNQiayzLVXWlcpJOhQFIMl6a-ZPUUfeTVtIR1eEE/s1600/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhivuokLA3pBsjnQ0bkbh1-yjzWHWU2q3k3TWY67YprhjBn1lYJKNlsUpX7gBMxXK3AqqwvC2Mt7Ca21sJfydJeGsXx_6dLy0nBuwNQiayzLVXWlcpJOhQFIMl6a-ZPUUfeTVtIR1eEE/s640/Slide14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEcBeW-y8Pej2ksiGR7J8tJ3BqlriPH3kdrmSZm1aRBP_NNebVk6XJTsCYvKGFjSxvlvRy_5xFOb-jrFzDn6FYVVp2C88ZrAPOeTZmBv_nv7sZE6E-iCSA3ZNZIGEFhyAHfszdGN8Pvg/s1600/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEcBeW-y8Pej2ksiGR7J8tJ3BqlriPH3kdrmSZm1aRBP_NNebVk6XJTsCYvKGFjSxvlvRy_5xFOb-jrFzDn6FYVVp2C88ZrAPOeTZmBv_nv7sZE6E-iCSA3ZNZIGEFhyAHfszdGN8Pvg/s640/Slide15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3WtAyUPFNMAF_EQ3XGizWqY5IvX_8ivH2ZhtVYFH930TQI00iPXlgOBUDNEhn-HySIPlKb8YjjvApn1IuPCKKPXnq_07FcaMr11mwrratCr4fNkLGd58WAjeDIYbyySuFmpAfCJIDi8/s1600/Slide16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3WtAyUPFNMAF_EQ3XGizWqY5IvX_8ivH2ZhtVYFH930TQI00iPXlgOBUDNEhn-HySIPlKb8YjjvApn1IuPCKKPXnq_07FcaMr11mwrratCr4fNkLGd58WAjeDIYbyySuFmpAfCJIDi8/s640/Slide16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-38563734182579502582016-04-14T14:31:00.000-04:002016-04-14T14:38:20.185-04:00Down in good ole' Delacroix (2016 Adventure Fishing World Championships)Like many people, life gets in the way of a lot of the cool things we like to do. The end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 has been on exception. So when 4pm on the 5th of April came around, I departed a cold and blustery Norfolk, Virginia on a trip that will always have a special place in my memory. <br />
<br />
After meeting with my partner Joe at his house in North Carolina, we quickly load up his truck and start our journey south. 14 hours and almost 900 miles later we found our home for the next 4 nights at the <a href="http://www.thedelacroixlodge.com/" target="_blank">Delacroix Lodge</a>. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknedb0oNPEMdqTRKNx3O6PxMbGwOVF3uMJ5lBDbtF_CMxFPfsUKGhmxTGBt8kKGI1qRciSW6xg0yTVa8vb6QyIRlum2c9oIoinD22LVg4dLSpq9YZo6YSaU6Uhyphenhyphenmp92zP9pXXtvpycB0/s1600/Delacroix+Lodge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknedb0oNPEMdqTRKNx3O6PxMbGwOVF3uMJ5lBDbtF_CMxFPfsUKGhmxTGBt8kKGI1qRciSW6xg0yTVa8vb6QyIRlum2c9oIoinD22LVg4dLSpq9YZo6YSaU6Uhyphenhyphenmp92zP9pXXtvpycB0/s320/Delacroix+Lodge+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Delacroix Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The "cabins" are nicer than you would expect for being so deep in the Louisiana Bayou. They have twin bunks, cable TV, a full bathroom, and a decent little kitchenette. At $150 a night they are a bit pricey, but beat any other alternative on the island. This was our second year staying at the lodge and you can bet that when I make my next trip down, it will be where I will continue to stay. Another consideration about the area is the necessity for both a Basic and Saltwater license. At $5.00 and $17.50 respectively for a day licence, anything under 3 days this is your best option. If you are going 4 or more days, the $90 seasonal option will be your best bet. With that being said, we opted for 3 days from Thursday to Saturday, and enjoyed warm showers, cold beers, and amazing "Adult Grilled Cheese"sandwiches made by fellow competitors and friends <a href="http://1stlandingyakfish.net/" target="_blank">Kris and Mark Lozier</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Thursday, before the sun rose my internal alarm was sounding loudly. Some Community Coffee got the day going and we were off. Launching right down the road at <a href="http://www.delacroixfishing.com/" target="_blank">Sweetwater Marina</a> put us on the water quickly and safely. Joe and I launched with Mark and Kris for a trip to the "Graveyard".</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcLX2peLNnl-19lIOEIRuwud7KMOkCpvgN5iQAKwoTLUuLbDSZWt9sbZuljjq-F1Wv4GlLohCfDyf7SAln23iOgIdYJrVaAT1yz_OcHpDUUoYqAXSLnZ923sVzomcgkrExcMMduV1Q0A/s1600/Graveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcLX2peLNnl-19lIOEIRuwud7KMOkCpvgN5iQAKwoTLUuLbDSZWt9sbZuljjq-F1Wv4GlLohCfDyf7SAln23iOgIdYJrVaAT1yz_OcHpDUUoYqAXSLnZ923sVzomcgkrExcMMduV1Q0A/s320/Graveyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Amy Angelopoulos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not far into the trip, we started finding Redfish blowing out from under us. I paddle a bit further to find a spot I am comfortable with, chuck a watermelon <a href="http://www.aquadreamliving.com/" target="_blank">Aqua Dream</a> spoon and proceed to hook up with my first, and largest fish of the trip at 29".</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV4yjItucxdb-7Q5i2mQtw1bAqIgM3PqXRiK9reFM8vOyJjp3C-4qyilB4zXJw5qAabL_a2bWKAtVUTOlSVju3ULkzCFiPq-1pZcjegjIetIEiqpLb-KuWLgXZEcMANQJSjEbY14VShM/s1600/Ragu+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV4yjItucxdb-7Q5i2mQtw1bAqIgM3PqXRiK9reFM8vOyJjp3C-4qyilB4zXJw5qAabL_a2bWKAtVUTOlSVju3ULkzCFiPq-1pZcjegjIetIEiqpLb-KuWLgXZEcMANQJSjEbY14VShM/s320/Ragu+Red.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Redfish of the Trip<br />
Photo - Mark Lozier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While this was the only fish to come out of the graveyard for us, we worked our way further up the bayou looking for spots to mark in the GPS. I found an area with some wood structure on a flat adjacent to deeper water. This held reds, with schools surrounding the structure. It didn't take to long to hook up to another red on the same watermelon spoon, so that went back into the box and I proceeded to catch more reds on copper spoons, inline spinnerbaits, <a href="http://www.egretbaits.com/" target="_blank">Egret Baits </a>vudu shrimp, and <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/" target="_blank">Power Team Lures </a>swinging hammers rigged weightless. I was feeling good marking spots, catching fish, and working new areas with friends. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-2OIDT3pt61dPVLqG0RXQ-0fye7Rp7XwT5xBCbwSELgWSCV_FS45VK1xF4H2wzsd-9JTH1jySIzxiElM6GKN9pGZ8_t0DQ7bCkbt9fbNDKvoLR9P5vHBoAmis9zRVSMO5kQIW8GH0ok/s1600/20160407_104208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-2OIDT3pt61dPVLqG0RXQ-0fye7Rp7XwT5xBCbwSELgWSCV_FS45VK1xF4H2wzsd-9JTH1jySIzxiElM6GKN9pGZ8_t0DQ7bCkbt9fbNDKvoLR9P5vHBoAmis9zRVSMO5kQIW8GH0ok/s320/20160407_104208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many day 1 fatties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZQZt_bkZmWn1DnHEZ2q4F5z9bI6RkUYPMimaAC_fl4gq6_0gJb2oC0UT7bZCz2o7j9rz_GdKp3p8t4MXLLcqeqlbLtdN0cWdrWZI5fhx27375m-63vfE6JQxaRvVA0uEEGVEKSyRkB4/s1600/20160407_083956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZQZt_bkZmWn1DnHEZ2q4F5z9bI6RkUYPMimaAC_fl4gq6_0gJb2oC0UT7bZCz2o7j9rz_GdKp3p8t4MXLLcqeqlbLtdN0cWdrWZI5fhx27375m-63vfE6JQxaRvVA0uEEGVEKSyRkB4/s320/20160407_083956.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some well fed drum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As our day ended, I was not ready to stop. Back at the lodge, I loaded the kayak on wheels and proceeded to fish the north side of Delacroix Highway. Lots of gators, nutria, and gar made it more of a scenic paddle until I got to a spot that held lots of reds and Speckled Trout. My first cast with a copper spoon produced a solid thump and a massive run (in which I ended up loosing the fish to a broken Tactical Angler Clip).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI2ZaphZc2T0omqtwEYccz-nTyaBG7rrl03WgkcUKxdtKDwEE_z0uto0l-NF2HHERVei6w3T_HnYFLQHlGccHxWAahVBRkwBs0CuBmqUhehuob_hJvADTWIsn_OSJp-bMzhuNVZhdzFM/s1600/TA+clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI2ZaphZc2T0omqtwEYccz-nTyaBG7rrl03WgkcUKxdtKDwEE_z0uto0l-NF2HHERVei6w3T_HnYFLQHlGccHxWAahVBRkwBs0CuBmqUhehuob_hJvADTWIsn_OSJp-bMzhuNVZhdzFM/s320/TA+clip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a 50lb clip broke, but at least my knots held</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was struck with utter shock and disbelief at the fact that I finally managed to break a clip. I quickly regrouped and got on a few speckled trout that fought extremely hard for their size.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwU8McGAHDZZY6vfuFGf7iMzdQYq6F3Jt_h9-0N57-ozfnOpd_iwjbRpkgm3nU7z6X1W1GSe-whwEcfmffX4sYkRPXqtvRwzYwIGzPvXDLy15UrWvqnyDzIXTzERRhXYM_39Qh9NSWHA/s1600/20160407_181535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwU8McGAHDZZY6vfuFGf7iMzdQYq6F3Jt_h9-0N57-ozfnOpd_iwjbRpkgm3nU7z6X1W1GSe-whwEcfmffX4sYkRPXqtvRwzYwIGzPvXDLy15UrWvqnyDzIXTzERRhXYM_39Qh9NSWHA/s320/20160407_181535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some feisty little trout.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After an amazing dinner cooked by my teammate, it was off to sleep to prepare for day two. In the morning, we decided to do something a little different. We were off to either Shell Beach to fish Lake Borgne and see the old spanish fort, or over to Hopedale. Shell Beach was blown out, so going to a spot that I have seen thousands of times in what I consider the best Fly Fishing video of all times was an amazing experience for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7yH7fHpAgMs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7yH7fHpAgMs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q0LS149diyJSBdKGUNitdHXTCzQNy1PiAoOq5-4Tijs2yNRGqYOm89JLujY-Ikl5FFG2CGXyIrUMXDqVFB9-HtQyBqHiuaFaVBcTxZDPtVtp13mgVjnMDC00tJ3DxEaEHLW0yaEgRxE/s1600/IMG_20160414_130131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q0LS149diyJSBdKGUNitdHXTCzQNy1PiAoOq5-4Tijs2yNRGqYOm89JLujY-Ikl5FFG2CGXyIrUMXDqVFB9-HtQyBqHiuaFaVBcTxZDPtVtp13mgVjnMDC00tJ3DxEaEHLW0yaEgRxE/s320/IMG_20160414_130131.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big ass gator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joe and the Loziers ended up finding some decent numbers of specks, while I ended up with a skunk. It's ok though because you can guarantee that I will be back to Hopedale one day to find some Bulls on Top! Dinner that night was made by fellow Virginia anglers Amy and Andy and consisted of some amazing carnitas tacos and the best dirty rice I think ive ever eaten.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh_y1CPl9WrOLIcyl16qYZbP0qgTyz2Cg4Q8UJCJ7Q7nmy9YmHaeA9BSxG5lqsDdKtd9is_2CRimOBMTC0VrDVfMr8ZXWJKdsCcxGc1oZYTKrMsP7ur7FSKpxu4Dy6KRCrAKZh23hgsw/s1600/20160408_191021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh_y1CPl9WrOLIcyl16qYZbP0qgTyz2Cg4Q8UJCJ7Q7nmy9YmHaeA9BSxG5lqsDdKtd9is_2CRimOBMTC0VrDVfMr8ZXWJKdsCcxGc1oZYTKrMsP7ur7FSKpxu4Dy6KRCrAKZh23hgsw/s320/20160408_191021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view across the Bayou from Sweetwater Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As Saturday came around, things changed big time. Unlike other events, the Adventure Fishing World Championship is unique in the fact that it challenges you as a paddler, navigator, planner, and angler. Some more information about last year's event can be found in <a href="http://coastalkayakfishing.blogspot.com/2015/04/adventure-fishing-world-championship.html" target="_blank">my post from 2015</a>. Much like last year, every team received their map sheets and scorecard. At 7am, teams were allowed to open their maps and launch. Joe and I opted to relax, finalize our plans, and proceed with fishing the tournament. Unlike previous years, every team was given a token in which they had to keep on them the entire time. You could catch 4 fish before you go to any CP, with a photo of you in your yak being the proof you made the course. If you only have proof of hitting 2 points, you could only score two fish. Furthermore, you had to go to the manned double checkpoint in order to get the special token to score a double fish. We were the last team out of the gate and decided to proceed to our first (and only) double checkpoint. Checkpoint 1was our double, and our first target. The plan was to bang out a fish quick, and work the course in one big circle. Things change though and soon came the first obstacle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sa35UoTI0g_A3LygvRb-0VHtv0d3jc3akPmuLZX3XJT2a3UYgtCUtPBk6xRZiruLtAZw-11-kmmO1VmxGYqvcf5uLoJjKfsT8UyagoWtzg-B32ah1tknrhWc42teFIgyL3eF8UgUzTI/s1600/Checkpoints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sa35UoTI0g_A3LygvRb-0VHtv0d3jc3akPmuLZX3XJT2a3UYgtCUtPBk6xRZiruLtAZw-11-kmmO1VmxGYqvcf5uLoJjKfsT8UyagoWtzg-B32ah1tknrhWc42teFIgyL3eF8UgUzTI/s320/Checkpoints.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - <a href="https://amongstit.com/" target="_blank">AMONGSTiT</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
About 3/4 or a mile away from CP 1, we ran over reds. Quietly but frantically, I told Joe "cast...CAST!!!" He got the strike, and quickly slammed our first, and largest of the day at 26.5"</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPv1rGbHot6JzgFhmjFuwIyJ0T1Jvf-xx-arlAvejV6_Ra-SEyoQECKKmAaQ3Exg65zyOEpKjuUnONcrFhbCHjvWiUc2PJKELQmXT1amxcEGu6nwtmQgQ2pvhMHvQZaWlbQ_K33-oqXY/s1600/IMGP0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPv1rGbHot6JzgFhmjFuwIyJ0T1Jvf-xx-arlAvejV6_Ra-SEyoQECKKmAaQ3Exg65zyOEpKjuUnONcrFhbCHjvWiUc2PJKELQmXT1amxcEGu6nwtmQgQ2pvhMHvQZaWlbQ_K33-oqXY/s320/IMGP0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFVavxz9Dyp4kS4EE7nTcN8IY8gXT7-6S_fs5p4mW5lkklVSCrrZpN4JZL5m5YrTDr1IVefrRzCHxityp2LJ06tj0YHlJyXYqZMkNughyCFpRBngOEJPiGgKcecW0EoMwqEJ9xmPFkCA/s1600/IMGP0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFVavxz9Dyp4kS4EE7nTcN8IY8gXT7-6S_fs5p4mW5lkklVSCrrZpN4JZL5m5YrTDr1IVefrRzCHxityp2LJ06tj0YHlJyXYqZMkNughyCFpRBngOEJPiGgKcecW0EoMwqEJ9xmPFkCA/s320/IMGP0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe with a fat multi-spotted redfish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were feeling good. In just over an hour we had a good fish on board. Just a bit further up the shoreline we found these fish in, I casted a spoon into a cut and landed a 22.5" red.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDauBKyvxL5FzF8C7_pFWwX0IlHCqMmBrJR7pskjIGIzUOh3KpDpAKVIguExZ0pZTvC7x_KRVQgFXqOguUHK7RPZPtkkmKs-5K2qFpwsFTtsSCYECelhr75MgT32IHlYqOZYYKbxtH-g/s1600/IMGP0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDauBKyvxL5FzF8C7_pFWwX0IlHCqMmBrJR7pskjIGIzUOh3KpDpAKVIguExZ0pZTvC7x_KRVQgFXqOguUHK7RPZPtkkmKs-5K2qFpwsFTtsSCYECelhr75MgT32IHlYqOZYYKbxtH-g/s320/IMGP0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In only in 1:30 we managed to make it near our CP, and had 49 points. We paddled looking for a few more fish, then went to the checkpoint at about 0900. Almost immediately upon receiving our double token, I saw a mid 20" red tailing. I make a beautiful cast with a spoon. On cue I feel "tap", and slam the hook home. Unfortunately, the hook didn't purchase and the spoon wizzed behind me. It wasn't the end of the world at the time, but as minutes - then hours passed without as much as a follow, the early missed fish was becoming a monumental mistake that we didn't feel we could overcome. We hit all the areas within a mile radius of the CP that we knew held fish, with no luck coming our way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around 1230, we had all but given up. We were both in horrible moods knowing that our tournament was all but over. Beaten and battered, we paddled towards CP1 when like a ray of sunshine focusing on a pot of gold I saw 3 reds tailing towards me. We quickly staked out and I casted the old trusty watermelon spoon to the fish. I felt "tap...THUMP". This time the hook got purchase in the grill of this gangsta ass redfish. The fight was less than a minute, but felt like it was over an hour. I get the fish in the boat, sweep my legs over it, and started shaking uncontrollably. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWXYEScN0itu1qVzKQN-PQHGZsp0ckJPtTc_V86RVo0nOji_LkbzfGBRlYSKFPt-1Ajw0FY0szpy_glnCemcI8QOumsYlrWpFFqozw2EKVyBSe8MIub1cRpEobX7SdP8-7tkmvepDQ0o/s1600/IMGP0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWXYEScN0itu1qVzKQN-PQHGZsp0ckJPtTc_V86RVo0nOji_LkbzfGBRlYSKFPt-1Ajw0FY0szpy_glnCemcI8QOumsYlrWpFFqozw2EKVyBSe8MIub1cRpEobX7SdP8-7tkmvepDQ0o/s320/IMGP0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25.75" double points!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aDi2dI71Z13I4A-jUQCGNj7p3fPTkoWQnSXXn5_DKXTGCIYK3WcHAkHzMzEZVMhIp319x-_CJ_BvX1xMRpgdWSlBMssy8cmllC4ao1Oan_fEn2QG2gjVBwLVac6A3UW2wAFa2sB3B-s/s1600/12973435_1181378041873221_728254727359376191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aDi2dI71Z13I4A-jUQCGNj7p3fPTkoWQnSXXn5_DKXTGCIYK3WcHAkHzMzEZVMhIp319x-_CJ_BvX1xMRpgdWSlBMssy8cmllC4ao1Oan_fEn2QG2gjVBwLVac6A3UW2wAFa2sB3B-s/s320/12973435_1181378041873221_728254727359376191_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally!!!<br />
Photo - Joe M.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was so happy and relieved that my eyes started to well (and I expected tears of joy that never came). Joe's attitude improved and instead of silence, we were chatting it up on the way to our next checkpoint. Again, happiness quickly subsided as we realized that we had over 4 miles to go to reach our next checkpoint. The thought quickly turned to "can we reach 2 more points to even qualify". 4.34 miles later, we reach CP 5 at 1400. We were excited, but didn't spend any time fishing as we had to get moving to the next point. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oMlkEKGMxYVzXeeoDmSegvnlGrEqBheQWsCm9dya3zgIgQ8W0e0hQ58bMbDmtbUX8qjHKyXuW2xX96BSVMVuXVt2e32U53T7buQR9mMkq3HW58kjbyhwE-L1olqN4d51Dd8cQJbIUEY/s1600/IMGP0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oMlkEKGMxYVzXeeoDmSegvnlGrEqBheQWsCm9dya3zgIgQ8W0e0hQ58bMbDmtbUX8qjHKyXuW2xX96BSVMVuXVt2e32U53T7buQR9mMkq3HW58kjbyhwE-L1olqN4d51Dd8cQJbIUEY/s320/IMGP0447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoint 5 at 1411</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way to CP 4, we were discussing our plan. It was along the lines of "as long as we can make it to CP 4 by 1500, the tournament is ours for the taking. We can finish from here."<br />
<br />
Joe was not as optimistic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36v0f8yXahj0xKnRtePMqDqUCEXZD2ZgWxNizrQCXMzhRaIN1Lojr7yeUZObsrB5_oaJcHVbiPBWzvPJwDbhWvonZEODLZR_7xNqFg218JhtkLPAjXJ52bdSPTeRaqVpq2Npe9hhaEpM/s1600/IMGP0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36v0f8yXahj0xKnRtePMqDqUCEXZD2ZgWxNizrQCXMzhRaIN1Lojr7yeUZObsrB5_oaJcHVbiPBWzvPJwDbhWvonZEODLZR_7xNqFg218JhtkLPAjXJ52bdSPTeRaqVpq2Npe9hhaEpM/s320/IMGP0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoint 4 - 1.5 miles and 29 minutes later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9omNv0P_ZKHkthB7oh8kTy9qBRt79oU80st6ZM_G-E1A1b7rtkqCUfzYR5UmuKKpRWYOS1VTSjotvim6OGknADmyttz5aOsWgC4tieM26MYt7YBUvUhvAmDkEPzTFmYW6gfwwFPEj9Dk/s1600/IMGP0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9omNv0P_ZKHkthB7oh8kTy9qBRt79oU80st6ZM_G-E1A1b7rtkqCUfzYR5UmuKKpRWYOS1VTSjotvim6OGknADmyttz5aOsWgC4tieM26MYt7YBUvUhvAmDkEPzTFmYW6gfwwFPEj9Dk/s320/IMGP0455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoint 3 - 1.3 miles and 25 minutes later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After hitting 3 checkpoints in just under an hour and 2.8 miles, we perked up knowing we had a chance. From here it just meant catching 2 more fish and making it to the check in by 1700. I had found some productive areas pre fishing Thursday night, and we proceeded to those spots first. Not long into fishing, I got slammed by a nice speck at the side of the kayak. It was a fish that would have put us 5 places higher, but like last year, we had lost a fish at the end of the day in the back. It was a tough pill to swallow, and I still feel like slamming my head against a brick wall 4 days later. We felt like we had a chance to break the top 10 with 3 fish, so we decided that since we were going to finish, getting all 5 checkpoints would be extremely satisfying for ourselves.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SFoZD9An95mi3-in-sYwlZssbxFzB1byLPllnLxgmcvvLvWXcHpg38Kk66OSmqZdytdM9MYkGF4u46smWrCjbJ_3bij1Xlp14TN153jVQz8DH5nZOGAmv_LpBr0Kcf-Cft34HFI-1Wg/s1600/IMGP0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SFoZD9An95mi3-in-sYwlZssbxFzB1byLPllnLxgmcvvLvWXcHpg38Kk66OSmqZdytdM9MYkGF4u46smWrCjbJ_3bij1Xlp14TN153jVQz8DH5nZOGAmv_LpBr0Kcf-Cft34HFI-1Wg/s320/IMGP0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoint 2 at 1605</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Checkpoint 2 marked the end of our fishing, as the focus switched to making it back to the weigh-in prior to the 5pm deadline. Well we made it back in time, washed up and reflected on our day, one in which we made it to all 5 checkpoints and covered over 16 miles!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQBn2ZsYqiITBA3p-nFmonH_wr_bi5kSK8iY4qlyN6Adfm8Qo7QqBTF7YqAJOK0vdvJMsYR3cuEjOHXc4V768b-cQ-AQ6ndG_kWDnJkeS4jGdPCaMZvfA3IZGEwrH2i3wcSzbhrWQ0-g/s1600/Lozier+Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQBn2ZsYqiITBA3p-nFmonH_wr_bi5kSK8iY4qlyN6Adfm8Qo7QqBTF7YqAJOK0vdvJMsYR3cuEjOHXc4V768b-cQ-AQ6ndG_kWDnJkeS4jGdPCaMZvfA3IZGEwrH2i3wcSzbhrWQ0-g/s320/Lozier+Pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fellow Werner Paddles and Astral Teammate Mark Lozier with a 29.5" Redfish on Tournament Day<br />
Photo - Mark Lozier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GRMMfZtvMjOg80ruy1gcXYHQzbWxzWx9bk1uKaKwk7uhDZIu8GOIKgD58T_1euBn4wU5cNuyBdW8UysPECYhPIeVUJ9AKCOuIj3CeR_Jr0BmgsZSviBqG1GrnBFmN3njZ3iwL8zvAQ0/s1600/Team+Werner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GRMMfZtvMjOg80ruy1gcXYHQzbWxzWx9bk1uKaKwk7uhDZIu8GOIKgD58T_1euBn4wU5cNuyBdW8UysPECYhPIeVUJ9AKCOuIj3CeR_Jr0BmgsZSviBqG1GrnBFmN3njZ3iwL8zvAQ0/s320/Team+Werner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Werner Paddles Pro Staff (L-R William Ragulsky, Mark Lozier, Kris Lally Lozier, Bart Swab, Jeff Herman)<br />
Photo - Mark Lozier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the awards ceremony we got the pleasure of watching Eric Jackson (Jackson Kayaks) doing a bootie beer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwTxT9cx8QV4ljerXA-JEies2zdw02W-abDe-zcWC-abwA6z6xWzrnNA-OoERJDQyjSjZehSTI6lqCbtQcJRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
EJ and his partner Steve Fisher ended up winning a pair of Jackson Kraken's (which they donated to the team with the largest fish, which was caught by a 14 year old). Very classy and very cool!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3ByeGbB0Lgm34I_5PtzfRlCqmnUqzvIJLyohfrAkRoKHpJ1LouJt9Dm_puydyJCQh22H8lMGuXK7I43M5O5GQnUvwmg7FV-0aXLArKIFPxroGOgHJlxM-rGSwfY0Rasg9YYTxVrSDzk/s1600/IMG_20160409_200543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3ByeGbB0Lgm34I_5PtzfRlCqmnUqzvIJLyohfrAkRoKHpJ1LouJt9Dm_puydyJCQh22H8lMGuXK7I43M5O5GQnUvwmg7FV-0aXLArKIFPxroGOgHJlxM-rGSwfY0Rasg9YYTxVrSDzk/s320/IMG_20160409_200543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WE FINISHED!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Team Wicked Fishah took 13th place with 100.5 points. Not the showing we wanted, but we finished and did it as a team which is all that matters.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8aWHJ-dZDZZu3Qbta_v75Fu8va1krTSGf9il9g7fGJlCaVyFiQAJY7XiC0Vr-P8rc8Dq-XCPwCEsCCa2FabUi5TdZZIETqU9-YMzy9K6TnrFkg4IsJmXwkYnsmbx8b5177Cnclol8Bc/s1600/Results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8aWHJ-dZDZZu3Qbta_v75Fu8va1krTSGf9il9g7fGJlCaVyFiQAJY7XiC0Vr-P8rc8Dq-XCPwCEsCCa2FabUi5TdZZIETqU9-YMzy9K6TnrFkg4IsJmXwkYnsmbx8b5177Cnclol8Bc/s320/Results.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Results<br />
Photo - AMONSGSTiT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My fishing vacation in Louisiana was over, but I still got some good ole southern fishing in down in North Carolina. My search for redfish came up short on Monday, but I wasn't about to let that deter me from getting some pullage. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJu2yiB-WsWiQH8nmOBF-M1dohPVCSQQmRmPaCLDFq2NmWXbHuOy55ZiDdQUbbCRjdI_T6LcnHzuOI06XtADcfoMz2YoLaATV1XDSD0YWyuJzh7M1xyGq4wJjU-wvNlBLPVZPgIHXE8g/s1600/20160411_131039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJu2yiB-WsWiQH8nmOBF-M1dohPVCSQQmRmPaCLDFq2NmWXbHuOy55ZiDdQUbbCRjdI_T6LcnHzuOI06XtADcfoMz2YoLaATV1XDSD0YWyuJzh7M1xyGq4wJjU-wvNlBLPVZPgIHXE8g/s400/20160411_131039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing a lake off the NC ICW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a few hour drive north, I stopped into <a href="http://chasintailsoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">Chasin' Tails</a> in Atlantic Beach to get the skinny. Much like my last trip down to Atlantic Beach, good numbers of Grey Trout were being caught in some deeper water. I armed myself with a few Hogy Epoxy jigs, set up the fish finder, and went to work. On the way out to a deep spot I knew of, I found a little false channel with a deep depression. I kept this area in my back pocket.<br />
<br />
Upon reaching my spot, I spent about an hour trying to figure out a pattern. Against rain squalls, opposing winds and currents, and nothing on the screen (let alone the end of my line) I was feeling dejected. As I was calling it quits, I went back to the depression I found in the false channel. I proceeded to find a mess of pinfish (to 6"), some Hogfish just under keeper size, some bait size croaker, and a few greys. As I was going over a area with some small bottom structure I jig and feel a tap. When I set the hook, I was thinking I got into a nice trout. As some stronger runs occurred, I started thinking redfish. As I got some color, my next thought was a Black Drum. Then I saw the tail, and knew exactly what I had found... SHEEPSHEAD!!!<br />
<br />
I was looking at the fish each time I brought it up to the surface to see where it was hooked. I was unable to see, so I got it in the kayak as quick as possible. Much to my surprise, it was fair hooked.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08rFWNlmBKwVz-_E-oDXZTK8HFTpgPMjXl4CZ_RBLaClQD4M2QrAsiirSviQki0Sd0xB-Zxf84ob9_fC-KIVvVqE8JGpS_-jmUGBRaJfTUHst5AiwN7JGf4aJh2VLf7N3ZuBG4seGDKQ/s1600/IMG_20160413_114642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08rFWNlmBKwVz-_E-oDXZTK8HFTpgPMjXl4CZ_RBLaClQD4M2QrAsiirSviQki0Sd0xB-Zxf84ob9_fC-KIVvVqE8JGpS_-jmUGBRaJfTUHst5AiwN7JGf4aJh2VLf7N3ZuBG4seGDKQ/s320/IMG_20160413_114642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair Caught Sheepshead on a Hogy Diamond Jig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This fish optimized my vacation. lots of work just to experience the unexpected. With perseverance though I was rewarded with memories that will stay with me the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
Big shout out to my partner Joe (one of the toughest SOB's I know), the Lozier's, John Grace (without him, the AFWC IS NOT POSSIBLE), my teammates and friends at Werner Paddles, and the remaining sponsors of the AFWC (Jackson Kayak, Orion Coolers, Watershed Dry Bags, and all the other supporters). Im already excited and looking forward to AFWC #5!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-89224199504095207072016-01-26T15:41:00.001-05:002016-01-26T15:44:55.432-05:00Looking Back and Moving ForwardAfter a ton of drafts, I finally found my voice for this post. One in which I feel really represents the spirit of reflection. So with that being said, lets jump right into things.<br />
<br />
<br />
Redfish - 2015 found multiple trophy fish in both VA and NC, lights out fishing that I will never forget, and the absolute demolishment of a personal best.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKSl1LWafVg557bt5xDSJtNsuU0nm-roopioYi8aKK_X2oGhoIkUCd4RwhIoQgMdQXmParS5VIytJQp1Uxv0LrXombE7Zwo-oyzhPCbXnbXtKUNEUBTj4s4vQDIXFCuiIEw2bD2PHS3M/s1600/Ragulsky+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKSl1LWafVg557bt5xDSJtNsuU0nm-roopioYi8aKK_X2oGhoIkUCd4RwhIoQgMdQXmParS5VIytJQp1Uxv0LrXombE7Zwo-oyzhPCbXnbXtKUNEUBTj4s4vQDIXFCuiIEw2bD2PHS3M/s400/Ragulsky+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2015 48.5" Redfish<br />
PC: Rob "RMFC" Choi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While fishing the 2015 NCKFA Oak Island Classic I was fortunate enough to experience one of the greatest NC drum run's of the last 30 years. Even the "Old Timers" were using words like "EPIC" to describe it. While fishing off the beach, I caught well over 40 drum between 38-42".<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi72bKgeisDvV6mlkPQnNTehZCk2tLFaCXV5U7rdvgs6MmhaL3wZTTl9CE4ZeXFKzJj_XyXTuSISKn5RNWOrEZ8t0_ycIUN-YZm9Gi3C4EdFa58EZbDt7bCkBnDyy-0JoN67xcXWxIjz0/s1600/12052551_10207725349353481_1984331770760216593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi72bKgeisDvV6mlkPQnNTehZCk2tLFaCXV5U7rdvgs6MmhaL3wZTTl9CE4ZeXFKzJj_XyXTuSISKn5RNWOrEZ8t0_ycIUN-YZm9Gi3C4EdFa58EZbDt7bCkBnDyy-0JoN67xcXWxIjz0/s400/12052551_10207725349353481_1984331770760216593_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful "Pumpkin" caught off Oak Island NC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also found a number of fish in the fall. Plenty of trips were had with multiple drum caught, and more fish over 50" than I had ever caught ever in my entire time saltwater fishing. One experience comes to mind in which my bro Tex had a hunch about the location of the fish. He casts and hooks into his PB (at the time), While I cast and hook into another PB at 51". Well that didn't last long for me because on the very next cast I shatter my PB at 54".<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbKJdKAR1hfIfqFZEUg1va7FPmFG8-BlXn9O_U26lcetzACrSgEafzuleBl2oCTuP7IOLXHNs1v_MR-IO5gVKADblCEy6AnUgftPnVxhPY1mEBO3F_Cv7V1HwywX573Do4hYC9plwEN4/s1600/_DSC0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbKJdKAR1hfIfqFZEUg1va7FPmFG8-BlXn9O_U26lcetzACrSgEafzuleBl2oCTuP7IOLXHNs1v_MR-IO5gVKADblCEy6AnUgftPnVxhPY1mEBO3F_Cv7V1HwywX573Do4hYC9plwEN4/s400/_DSC0592.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 54" Drum that comes in at over 60 lbs (L x G formula)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also got a fight that I had been wanting for years... the coveted bull red piling fight. The end result was a 53" drum and a broken Trevala S rod. Well worth the price!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sheepshead - Words can't describe my 2015 Sheepshead season. Insane amounts of large fish were the norm. During a 4 month period I only got skunked twice early in the season and once on my season ending trip. I caught them in insane conditions making for challenging fights. It was such a good season that I completely lost track of the number of fish over 24", while breaking my personal best with a 26.5" fish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKsMByxuMY9m71rCn0yoVsW44UWZ3K4AF1EWGfAF3lYDU2Ei77EFTzgU0HdKzPKLeWWEPnkbKe89DPZ4wXoCTpTIqMUwPNYxZEzeLvQoLASX8EodT2RvT3eCR-JzuWAxvHUxMikw7iBo/s1600/20150805_202057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKsMByxuMY9m71rCn0yoVsW44UWZ3K4AF1EWGfAF3lYDU2Ei77EFTzgU0HdKzPKLeWWEPnkbKe89DPZ4wXoCTpTIqMUwPNYxZEzeLvQoLASX8EodT2RvT3eCR-JzuWAxvHUxMikw7iBo/s400/20150805_202057.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many fish looked just like this one - insanely fat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRquK1JuGeZfjz2WuUfbgGbatVWX4s9AM0vnf2vpQn2ePVElGRi7dt-8iQQpyVKDgiLE2OFi9l16V5Louuw3HEl48m3hdOFk_jBR08qYsV3ZL1T2hY4FB-M2uyV1y4n_sIE2irvIlH-vk/s1600/_DSC0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRquK1JuGeZfjz2WuUfbgGbatVWX4s9AM0vnf2vpQn2ePVElGRi7dt-8iQQpyVKDgiLE2OFi9l16V5Louuw3HEl48m3hdOFk_jBR08qYsV3ZL1T2hY4FB-M2uyV1y4n_sIE2irvIlH-vk/s400/_DSC0157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conservation is key to sustain a trophy fishery. I personally believe in releasing all breeders over 20"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaAW-TeTiGGZKij1b51HNTtc_wWYao52GGeZ3dMofhHm8tWuvs8nwp9q7HffP9f3tJTWzRp1NVtccL4zi56_scUuVqgpPXChOvENdgIZ6HiruRNDmpGt3Bbi-TkpX_aW4r9rC3fr68HE/s1600/_DSC0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaAW-TeTiGGZKij1b51HNTtc_wWYao52GGeZ3dMofhHm8tWuvs8nwp9q7HffP9f3tJTWzRp1NVtccL4zi56_scUuVqgpPXChOvENdgIZ6HiruRNDmpGt3Bbi-TkpX_aW4r9rC3fr68HE/s400/_DSC0127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CPR is rewarded time after time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was also blessed enough to experience many PB's by good friends. To include Tex and the fish that kept him sheepshead fishing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TZSnaNo_Ml_f4NplshSos3Ojze4Lu0TZCniA4UtF1EW0mvlR3i8h5SWTWakXC1X_hYCCrSdgEullHoN7udkrgSoJRA_6w1O9l3C4ST2KIO_LjIeiPIpfGcXrj6J9mr00U9YipZ8zMSI/s1600/_DSC0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TZSnaNo_Ml_f4NplshSos3Ojze4Lu0TZCniA4UtF1EW0mvlR3i8h5SWTWakXC1X_hYCCrSdgEullHoN7udkrgSoJRA_6w1O9l3C4ST2KIO_LjIeiPIpfGcXrj6J9mr00U9YipZ8zMSI/s400/_DSC0038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roland "Tex" Butler with his first citation Sheepshead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Striped Bass - If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that I would be writing about this species, I would say you were insane. The trophy Striper fishery over the past few years has been pretty poor, but in 2015, it started off strong and kept on going through the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pMyBNmIqKRhjFtR6YKlRBBgF6091H6dj2J9zYfjGqEhvArMeiMuqMtn_Tllu4vFp8ATcxIyxYoOPUbH-y9iVSSTRq1Jq0UsIKZyv7I65pMJBaPZn8tOGWrWxeERLZ4PdJGLHd2VQD40/s1600/Striper+fixed+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pMyBNmIqKRhjFtR6YKlRBBgF6091H6dj2J9zYfjGqEhvArMeiMuqMtn_Tllu4vFp8ATcxIyxYoOPUbH-y9iVSSTRq1Jq0UsIKZyv7I65pMJBaPZn8tOGWrWxeERLZ4PdJGLHd2VQD40/s400/Striper+fixed+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 42" Spring Striper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the highlights was a Striper-Sheepshead surprise. This 40" fish came on a Fiddler crab in 38 FOW... in the heat of summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhPAitaaYq1ZMBzzI1-l_wxV6zi78AmMWbkofbyIZ5ZlFDPlBv5gG3h9p2bse8B86_ms616_0ft2KpJIDtM_wlwKPpRvmEUojieFRzJVmBk-Y1zAJU0Hho8tOV0zG3bQ8HdUtIxW2RE4/s1600/stripersummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhPAitaaYq1ZMBzzI1-l_wxV6zi78AmMWbkofbyIZ5ZlFDPlBv5gG3h9p2bse8B86_ms616_0ft2KpJIDtM_wlwKPpRvmEUojieFRzJVmBk-Y1zAJU0Hho8tOV0zG3bQ8HdUtIxW2RE4/s400/stripersummer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So shocked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And one of my last fish of the year just happened to be my first "Official" Virginia Striper coming in at 45". This fish marked yet another Personal Best in 2015.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0GXNGckCZv3hPVbUqZSmTkUkNL_oj4r0wJv4NWfwyQC2FkrNa8mRxuyciDw586nHWJdEBAaWo-U8UkiknjxBJS60yWDHe5dtp2mQupVpAPxUAYK9VqYWmAU-ZvsgzBYVcoekgjZLU90/s1600/1929952_10208093897286949_8601308355308932332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0GXNGckCZv3hPVbUqZSmTkUkNL_oj4r0wJv4NWfwyQC2FkrNa8mRxuyciDw586nHWJdEBAaWo-U8UkiknjxBJS60yWDHe5dtp2mQupVpAPxUAYK9VqYWmAU-ZvsgzBYVcoekgjZLU90/s400/1929952_10208093897286949_8601308355308932332_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 45" December "eel eater"<br />
PC- Rob Choi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Coming in as an honorable mention for 2015 was probably the toughest pound-for-pound fish I have ever caught. The False Albacore had been a line item on a lengthy hit list for years. After my first trip off the beach back in the day... seeing blitzing packs... and the amazing speed they possess, made them an itch that I could actually scratch. Plenty of research, a good intel network, and lots of luck resulted in a good number of 10 to 15 lb falsies, and lots of laughs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxcYYGcBZ25q20ueUZ_nW8mwNbhnX3NjCQ3n917ghGU7IIZvK14kGhWPbRfQGqlYkWYCxCeqA4XvwHBEOjgVdvpxlI1UZDGyiATZHhM0cWibRn_D1dhJJ26zLuIz_iN90raruQ7NUigk/s1600/_DSC0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxcYYGcBZ25q20ueUZ_nW8mwNbhnX3NjCQ3n917ghGU7IIZvK14kGhWPbRfQGqlYkWYCxCeqA4XvwHBEOjgVdvpxlI1UZDGyiATZHhM0cWibRn_D1dhJJ26zLuIz_iN90raruQ7NUigk/s400/_DSC0647.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of many falsies on the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIYvPKSjNrARh7XWR_NOrKkr1-4nt34BoxP6VwHdl2a7LL4tQslcWPAmyJBkMSQKzqRnrRx4bpGnPmwKV8wSdrEVJ4r9JnJW19__kotviw74u8vGxueJ82hB5mNux2bEn1ktpQ7eloYQ/s1600/_DSC0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIYvPKSjNrARh7XWR_NOrKkr1-4nt34BoxP6VwHdl2a7LL4tQslcWPAmyJBkMSQKzqRnrRx4bpGnPmwKV8wSdrEVJ4r9JnJW19__kotviw74u8vGxueJ82hB5mNux2bEn1ktpQ7eloYQ/s400/_DSC0634.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. YakAttack (Luther Cifers) with a RonZ eater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of the more notable absences for me in 2015 were those of the springtime chopper bluefish and sadly enough trophy speckled trout. The blues never really were a priority for me in 2015, but will be in 2016. After a Cold kill and loss of warm water discharge for the VA trout fishery in early 2015, gators kinda fell off my radar as well. Both specie will find their place on my 2016 priority list.<br />
<br />
<br />
While 2015 might not have been my "best" year kayak fishing, it certainly ranked as one of my most memorable. In 2016 I am looking forward to the Usual Suspects of my fisheries, and some more of the less common guys such as the Fat Alberts, King Mackerel, Cobia, and if all goes well beach launched snapper and amberjacks. I am also looking to push my paddling capabilities to my limits, with some distance and open water events that will put all my skills to the test.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally I would be remised if I didn't thank some very important people. All of whom I consider friends that push me to my limits and will be along with me on my 2016 journey. Thanks to the one and only Wicked Pissah, Tex, RMFC, Kev, Lee, Jay, Tommy, Jeff, the ARC crew, Crumbwad, Danny, Megan, Steve, Lydia, Bryan, Luther, the cats at OE, and 2nasty. Y'all rock, and here is to 2016!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-36965133150717866232015-10-19T17:38:00.000-04:002015-10-19T17:39:18.528-04:00The Magical State of North Carolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknknHv2gpOxr_K4yhOLawu94sYoAPj6iJ-doigXhkkrWFjvrBwRXAHb8c6cDILoRoZydtb_V0hivcM1WWJbyqSL25urhrrNpPXYkmmwsRkI9Qb9YV9aCVDal2PcHy5F2KnXODYqZJuQc/s1600/_DSC0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknknHv2gpOxr_K4yhOLawu94sYoAPj6iJ-doigXhkkrWFjvrBwRXAHb8c6cDILoRoZydtb_V0hivcM1WWJbyqSL25urhrrNpPXYkmmwsRkI9Qb9YV9aCVDal2PcHy5F2KnXODYqZJuQc/s400/_DSC0599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While Im a Coloradoan living in Virginia, I feel that North Carolina is my true home. Amazing weather, waterways, people, and scenery keep me chomping at the bit to come "home" every chance I get. So when tournaments come up, I do everything possible to make it down. I feet like I'm meant to soak in all this wonderful state has to offer. One of these events it the annual <a href="http://www.nckfa.com/" target="_blank">NCKFA</a> Oak Island Classic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Classic is unique in the fact that it comprises two separate tournaments (Inshore and Ocean) into one event. Over a period of three days each October anglers congregate from the south and mid-atlantic regions and take over the sleepy town of Oak Island. The islands inhabitants are all for the classic, to the point that when you walk into convenience stores, tackle shops, and restaurants, proprietors and employees ask about the days fishing, and offer up local intel. It is truly a sight to see. For me, my classic started at Midnight, a mere 7 hours prior to the beginning of the ocean division start. A five hour drive was accompanied by lots of coffee and a level of anxious excitement. Upon arriving to the 49th Street beach access, I had the pleasure of preparing with some of the best people the state had to offer. Tim "NCPIERMAN", the Kingfish Legend Capt. Jerry Dilsaver, perpetual event winners Big Jon Grady and Brian Klammer, Mike Eady and the one and only "C-breeze" Patterson were just a few of the people I shared the morning and coming days of the event with. After a quick meeting and safety brief, we were off to fish and that is just what we did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKEuDXAsPudTD9RlhMv0otrXNF8xFfBobikN2WzNpL7FNyRFQr4d7-bfUGqMIqIfVT0OTSpLzCY_PWKDNlPlg9icF_3eSU6hpXkpeumwwJJ03Pa52qU6pDi5pHmBPxw-YI1Tt49Sde8E/s1600/12080077_1006672012711792_3965891471322968662_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKEuDXAsPudTD9RlhMv0otrXNF8xFfBobikN2WzNpL7FNyRFQr4d7-bfUGqMIqIfVT0OTSpLzCY_PWKDNlPlg9icF_3eSU6hpXkpeumwwJJ03Pa52qU6pDi5pHmBPxw-YI1Tt49Sde8E/s400/12080077_1006672012711792_3965891471322968662_o.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit - NCKFA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upon launching that first morning, my focus was set upon catching bait. This focus was shattered by the shrills of my friends Tim and Mike. They got on fish, and did it in quick form.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTUpLOjf-yoDTWgByQbJgET89Iia7y95PreFKmIk2ahARNlRFwB4DG0xcjCM0ULuGAmuqpVspw4w6rs7yC8zJ1Sj6UxnK_ukcDet2Tb2u7ElElKIxy9Fa7d8tAZqkTIW31wmkBaU5x1I/s1600/20151008_080907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTUpLOjf-yoDTWgByQbJgET89Iia7y95PreFKmIk2ahARNlRFwB4DG0xcjCM0ULuGAmuqpVspw4w6rs7yC8zJ1Sj6UxnK_ukcDet2Tb2u7ElElKIxy9Fa7d8tAZqkTIW31wmkBaU5x1I/s400/20151008_080907.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NCPIERMAN with his first Kayak Bull (and NC Citation)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtkrRHzBraCFt5P_rpiJLCbzxclqSA5Q2iT5VWPsDZO3vI93_2db4fmnDAzE__sZXPW-8gb-iJm3tPtJ1Vr1h02nsu-MWvvBSfSk4wEl6blIgY6iPGwEbypFjFCQ12eQvVdsosEwAe_o/s1600/20151009_074012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtkrRHzBraCFt5P_rpiJLCbzxclqSA5Q2iT5VWPsDZO3vI93_2db4fmnDAzE__sZXPW-8gb-iJm3tPtJ1Vr1h02nsu-MWvvBSfSk4wEl6blIgY6iPGwEbypFjFCQ12eQvVdsosEwAe_o/s400/20151009_074012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike with a competitive 39" Red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My experiences did not mirror those of my friends on Day 1. I was struggling, barely catching bait. It wasn't until Mike shared some intel with me, and I was rewarded by the Drum Gods for recapturing and reviving a floating fish that was poorly released by a boat (and yes... the drum gods are real) that I got my first action of the day. I dropped down, and after 2 hookups that seemed to manage long distance releases, I was in the zone. I bought a 36" (fork length) drum in the yak, and was thankful to get on the board.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="goog_120141615"></span><span id="goog_120141616"></span><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6eARkJ6AJTBMh-9tXwIAI2UNrBJrlrYr1YDlKMEnSVKWbAxVqx3JMlhJHsWwoZPu8vOAx3yl8uOsqpJX6Ap5Ah1oxLlXIzQ23tnb74_NKwRV0PbxmVaQpzc-v1B53QNGSBehbUp3LeA/s1600/12138472_987951581227996_1576809502277646621_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6eARkJ6AJTBMh-9tXwIAI2UNrBJrlrYr1YDlKMEnSVKWbAxVqx3JMlhJHsWwoZPu8vOAx3yl8uOsqpJX6Ap5Ah1oxLlXIzQ23tnb74_NKwRV0PbxmVaQpzc-v1B53QNGSBehbUp3LeA/s400/12138472_987951581227996_1576809502277646621_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fighting my only scorable fish of Day 1<br />
Photo Credit - Mike Eady</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day 1 ended with Tim on the board at 41", Mike with 39", my 36", and about a half dozen others with fish ranging from 33" up to 43". Klammer had a big drum and a good flounder, and Big Jon had a Big Drum and Spanish to take the lead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day 2 began much the same as the first, with the exception being that I was well rested. On the beach, I made a point of getting on the water quickly to catch bait and have a better showing. Well, it didn't take long for me. Almost immediately Mike hooked up, and I quickly followed. It ended up being nothing short of magical, with at least 20 Reds between 37"-40" for the morning. While I have had a few days with better numbers, the quality of the fish were nowhere near what I experienced. I was fishing the Ocean division, but with my showing day 1 and the added factor of a big fish calcutta, I opted to go for the latter. This didn't fare well for standings but it didn't matter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Zmdg_rCZn-56ntQi0yvQ9AcQ62RY4RlpThQZcAQnBP4QUXhZE1OXiWR4zxzFqyyKnaK70CrqVmHILp-QbbsiMdQ4PrXFR_-S9zOJhKebK9Y_7K4vrJvpQAkaKdK47dqcVMv9jKTEAM/s1600/20151009_091727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Zmdg_rCZn-56ntQi0yvQ9AcQ62RY4RlpThQZcAQnBP4QUXhZE1OXiWR4zxzFqyyKnaK70CrqVmHILp-QbbsiMdQ4PrXFR_-S9zOJhKebK9Y_7K4vrJvpQAkaKdK47dqcVMv9jKTEAM/s400/20151009_091727.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An 18 spot beauty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXJoO7QrDX_dhup6kjuXlhOOWkq71hVS64q5jrk7oBriRLvG6zxiIANjpbinpoCjPwheQwYDNjlRhDvYiO0-Qt2sHs83RMphmkp7afckttSTmZK2O75xCZ60HTBtNVge8mBPhngZBEcg/s1600/20151009_105113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXJoO7QrDX_dhup6kjuXlhOOWkq71hVS64q5jrk7oBriRLvG6zxiIANjpbinpoCjPwheQwYDNjlRhDvYiO0-Qt2sHs83RMphmkp7afckttSTmZK2O75xCZ60HTBtNVge8mBPhngZBEcg/s320/20151009_105113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 of 2 NC Citations both at 40"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I still had a few hours left to chase Kings, Spanish, Specks, and Flounder, I opted to do so. Mike and I paddled out to the reef trolling spoons and plugs. I ended up with nothing more than bluefish to show for my efforts. While at the reef, nothing was going on so with an hour left to weigh-in, and a 20 minute paddle ahead, I trolled my way back in, hoping for a big hook up, but expecting nothing... and that's when it happened. It seemed that I was immediately stopped in my tracks. As I looked behind me, I see a king re-enter the water, and the spoon rod starts ripping line. I am super excited, knowing this was the king I had spent years chasing. But like all big fish stories, this ended poorly... resulting in a lost fish due to equipment failure. I quickly throw on a king rig, and go back at it. This time I drop a live croaker back and while Im feeding the line out, I get slammed! Again, I loose the fish due to error. With 30 minutes left on the water I paddle back in, having no lines out and my head down. Then I realized that I have just experienced a day that many people could only dream about. With that in the back of my mind, I was bound to end on a strong note. No more than 30 yards of the beach, I dropped a bait back down for drum, and was rewarded with a solid 39".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I did not catch enough to place in the Ocean division, I experienced something truly special.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>It was my best drum day (and up there with overall fishing days) ever.</li>
<li>I got to share it with some amazing friends and anglers.</li>
<li>I got to witness some firsts (first citations, first larger drum, and first drum ever)</li>
<li>Amazing level of competition, but also camaraderie and teamwork.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQemJpElhObM9p1KaB7NW-tlq6pB1NU1nSBpwMNDFk2uD2FvH1CHBG4fmlRB3Mj6qqFl3vzCFVIlx8S-3c7zkh4-pWR3LIIIJx9HU4557QLmW5C_MbLUlxgPt8wr-9DVfeopkH0gRo_Fc/s1600/20151009_102111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQemJpElhObM9p1KaB7NW-tlq6pB1NU1nSBpwMNDFk2uD2FvH1CHBG4fmlRB3Mj6qqFl3vzCFVIlx8S-3c7zkh4-pWR3LIIIJx9HU4557QLmW5C_MbLUlxgPt8wr-9DVfeopkH0gRo_Fc/s400/20151009_102111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yjVESL-2jHEwkGFn6bNyvirIZxSHc55o1hcLYoO-WplWZPtb56JVLN0idCdYOj59P8yp4nOFsyy9z1L_eNy-wo4dgDsbvHxGi3KGQLqpOwLJfd3G0PY3Sp_Z6SrCV55Qt8SP8zv1Hm4/s1600/20151009_104732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yjVESL-2jHEwkGFn6bNyvirIZxSHc55o1hcLYoO-WplWZPtb56JVLN0idCdYOj59P8yp4nOFsyy9z1L_eNy-wo4dgDsbvHxGi3KGQLqpOwLJfd3G0PY3Sp_Z6SrCV55Qt8SP8zv1Hm4/s400/20151009_104732.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Adcox First Ever Redfish - 38"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the Inshore Capt. Meeting that night, Seth Goodrich and I were feeling good about the following morning. While I was in the parking lot, on cloud 9, I saw one of my sponsors and all around awesome people (Bryan Owen-Astral). In talking with him, his usual tournament partner had to run back west, so the only logical option was to invite him to fish with us. So glad I did, because I (and Seth) learned a lot from him. After the meeting, I decided to set up camp at the launch for the next morning. This is when I met my old friend Fred.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUA0VubFE1nMnws7-cyGkG5prosA2kd5-kwQx_HZ-_f4fiwrcMeUytrwBJShklAJNJsx1r1py1kpV-gzq7sVmHwVTFbbYMCoJdCbMK_UU8K6gFY5zkJZ1gC5H9V2n86aanY13zHZpnmw/s1600/edited_IMG_20151009_230404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUA0VubFE1nMnws7-cyGkG5prosA2kd5-kwQx_HZ-_f4fiwrcMeUytrwBJShklAJNJsx1r1py1kpV-gzq7sVmHwVTFbbYMCoJdCbMK_UU8K6gFY5zkJZ1gC5H9V2n86aanY13zHZpnmw/s400/edited_IMG_20151009_230404.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I offered Fred a beer... Fred wanted me to go for a swim... Fred didn't get his beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tournament morning came too soon, and started much like the others (being awoken by vehicles pulling up to the launch). I slowly get moving and was thankful for the help of my teammates Seth and Bryan to kick into gear. Enroute to our first spot, we were laughing, joking, and just having a great time. Then the mood got serious. As we pulled into the grass, Seth whispers "Reds... Tailing..." Such a sight is not common in our neck of the woods. Bryan sneaks into the grass and positions himself to fish a great location, and that was when tails popped up in his area. As the two of them work the grass, there was lots of tension and hard fishing, but nothing came tight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-yiaUGMNblv5s5NYq6msHgzpTg1UfLXxKDxZnDjZJCRHy7p9jNV4z-Zy1ltx5k6dFI3vngNOfLvQEq2zUPRM0XKiZI6zHrS5EuAE9OEU3KsqMWo-POH-6oE4MrWzkF0-hs5dVanaIJc/s1600/20151010_082207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-yiaUGMNblv5s5NYq6msHgzpTg1UfLXxKDxZnDjZJCRHy7p9jNV4z-Zy1ltx5k6dFI3vngNOfLvQEq2zUPRM0XKiZI6zHrS5EuAE9OEU3KsqMWo-POH-6oE4MrWzkF0-hs5dVanaIJc/s400/20151010_082207.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan Owen awaiting another shot at a tailing red.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The water started dropping, and the reds made their way out of the grass. In hindsight, we had the right baits for the grass... during the summer, but not in the fall. As is, we worked deeper in the cut, making some stops for bait along the way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFnR4r6FRhrnfqBzX5-8IEvjf54OltOLIXrbnyiFt0NHpT6pljJ7d42NwGYyL_4GB9JdXb5Captu7qYaE1BqEYYsNY0jTgL8wUbThimG7OMq2pxaCV3KNDmfD0CqJhCgYKAzDJt40X24/s1600/1224.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFnR4r6FRhrnfqBzX5-8IEvjf54OltOLIXrbnyiFt0NHpT6pljJ7d42NwGYyL_4GB9JdXb5Captu7qYaE1BqEYYsNY0jTgL8wUbThimG7OMq2pxaCV3KNDmfD0CqJhCgYKAzDJt40X24/s400/1224.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the Grassline, Searching for Bait<br />
Photo Credit - Bryan Owen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After making our first attempt at bait, I managed my first fish towards the slam.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTp1Lbqh-YSIBgpe4ApgYMpB6oTMlHO3p2pGaxj7tx_dSgptdtV8piFAekQHacUMekT3bZjcMRikiSgg283z61pBUnun-AdLiPIveN7i_HzZTdP30QlyzwGZzullSx7ytV0LOESNbSl8/s1600/20151010_092418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTp1Lbqh-YSIBgpe4ApgYMpB6oTMlHO3p2pGaxj7tx_dSgptdtV8piFAekQHacUMekT3bZjcMRikiSgg283z61pBUnun-AdLiPIveN7i_HzZTdP30QlyzwGZzullSx7ytV0LOESNbSl8/s320/20151010_092418.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Followed shortly by my second...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zq39J565s0WaHx5EImGef7sM1mTZ_QQZ33W-kw9xdyK6_ia4Ut8W03QMveZ8wAWt3fQSpuMPIckjtGhQeFcHrExVP1-W2Z_nXEnX5AJIzW_SepkS3cuCbwKJvTE4hvP1QR-e-KNU5Tk/s1600/20151010_100215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zq39J565s0WaHx5EImGef7sM1mTZ_QQZ33W-kw9xdyK6_ia4Ut8W03QMveZ8wAWt3fQSpuMPIckjtGhQeFcHrExVP1-W2Z_nXEnX5AJIzW_SepkS3cuCbwKJvTE4hvP1QR-e-KNU5Tk/s320/20151010_100215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
And finally my third (well 4th actually, which was an upgrade)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUPsv_T7Zg1YHk88bPrzAfwZBbYBPdE-cnVE705zowu_UGsvFQv5ZIvOTTcJ3dr2vuR657aFMyl4veUVc3I5oPfljvNepLe8ebS2rof_cmWx-YF6d3bOqUa3OrlNz-O6qxO4LBOYRPAU/s1600/20151010_104257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUPsv_T7Zg1YHk88bPrzAfwZBbYBPdE-cnVE705zowu_UGsvFQv5ZIvOTTcJ3dr2vuR657aFMyl4veUVc3I5oPfljvNepLe8ebS2rof_cmWx-YF6d3bOqUa3OrlNz-O6qxO4LBOYRPAU/s320/20151010_104257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
And that was it. A whopping 35.5" slam, which Im sure set a tournament record for smallest slam in recorded history. About this time, we got in an area that was chocked full of bait, so all three of us got out of the kayaks to get something more enticing ready for the fishes to eat. Bryan managed a rat red in the net, I managed to get a number of lacerations from oysters on my legs and hands, and Seth learned first hand why I wear my Astral footwear on the water (thanks Bryan for helping Seth out)! The fishing stopped for us, but our time on the water kept going. In our conversations, things like "Spirit Animals" came up. I think that my spirit animal is actually a gator, much like my buddy Fred (onry, hard headed, water loving creatures). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Normally, my showing inshore would have been an irritant on my day, but thanks to my fishing buddies and frankly the previous day to keep me happy as a clam (or an oyster). While this placed an uneventful end to the 2015 Oak Island Classic, it did not end my time on the island. Tim, Michael Allen, Jamie, and I went out to see if we could coax some more fish from the surf. While Tim got a Red rather quickly, the fishing almost stopped until Jamie got a hell of a run on the Balloon Rig!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxrYsLBkdADREKJVP0hoQDMK9SiZKH1jFnYcDLFLbc5HUi5lLc30TIPSnOMqv0elx8Y3zDG8fj7JFlYp5_6oBxbUubzHNkgs34Ak3iP_XcoSJEYLpE8BnTgaA4J_4EEblTkjo21pOIgc/s1600/20151011_100656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxrYsLBkdADREKJVP0hoQDMK9SiZKH1jFnYcDLFLbc5HUi5lLc30TIPSnOMqv0elx8Y3zDG8fj7JFlYp5_6oBxbUubzHNkgs34Ak3iP_XcoSJEYLpE8BnTgaA4J_4EEblTkjo21pOIgc/s400/20151011_100656.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Studly King (from just off the surf)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I spent a little bit of time trying to get a king after Jamie got his, but quickly got bored and went after drum. Well, hours had gone by and the fishing frankly sucked until we found that magic spot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKB4ILLC8ColxeHxZN38-i2QqN5c5TX21ZL0tZAay9LK1z7_h6hvnoeMx9qCbU6oyYtShyphenhyphenen-GgwYKsMgeowhVfuZJvd91fthA3Vgqv6EUVB7zsglGCf1qkENbCfxyXoYuM_WDTnPxec/s1600/20151011_131813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKB4ILLC8ColxeHxZN38-i2QqN5c5TX21ZL0tZAay9LK1z7_h6hvnoeMx9qCbU6oyYtShyphenhyphenen-GgwYKsMgeowhVfuZJvd91fthA3Vgqv6EUVB7zsglGCf1qkENbCfxyXoYuM_WDTnPxec/s320/20151011_131813.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Magic Spot... or Three</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Fishing picked up and Tim and I ended the day with a half dozen reds each between 38"-42".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd88Y-_7_zTlAi10l0t6exyrFkH84vL37SCzJ0BjfhRDusFhCNerJdrP3M3PxUZxkK-fJVuCJQnTT-sGXMSUvutePiKWqsHWwnz5oAtwPg9PMNrVB-d_ODLKH6eDeE0cNwAFY1b-clSpI/s1600/12141106_10156221513470145_2180599158701381156_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd88Y-_7_zTlAi10l0t6exyrFkH84vL37SCzJ0BjfhRDusFhCNerJdrP3M3PxUZxkK-fJVuCJQnTT-sGXMSUvutePiKWqsHWwnz5oAtwPg9PMNrVB-d_ODLKH6eDeE0cNwAFY1b-clSpI/s400/12141106_10156221513470145_2180599158701381156_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my Sunday Redfish<br />
Photo Credit - Tim Taramelli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And that last run of reds coupled with a huge release of water from the Cape Fear River ended my day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_-_NVQJ78ygqUN9XGfqo4XGA3jU4YfRuUUDffUslnc6r1gHWL0DLY6Lz0t6Em0muGF0UmKEyrH5d5kDXKvn__H_pwPiGHiTSvo0e8d9qwPxWL8EQ9SmAqGmg-pLAYsxzdn0d_w3B85k/s1600/20151011_170057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_-_NVQJ78ygqUN9XGfqo4XGA3jU4YfRuUUDffUslnc6r1gHWL0DLY6Lz0t6Em0muGF0UmKEyrH5d5kDXKvn__H_pwPiGHiTSvo0e8d9qwPxWL8EQ9SmAqGmg-pLAYsxzdn0d_w3B85k/s400/20151011_170057.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the River Meets the Ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
All of this was amazing, but I still had one more day to go on my vacation. My good friend Joe "da Wicked Pissah" offered his pad an hour north of OI, and after spending the last 4 days in the car, I quickly accepted. A few beers, great food, and amazing company were on tap. The following morning, we planned on fishing but heavy rain and thunderstorms kept us off the water. As I was preparing to drive home, the heavens parted, and we had beautiful conditions. One look at the radar to confirm what we just witnessed, and our minds were made up... its time to fish!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Joe "guided" me to a new part of the ICW I had never fished before, and I quickly hook up to some rat reds and belt buckle flounder. Joe fared better than I, with some slot reds and flounder on the ole fall go to, the Jumbo Vudu Shrimp.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn98M-IYlZvhKKTtBjuAn0UABUL7y1ay_Wo3mMhYohEniG4SPwilDHnL2Z4zz8dADNwS9PdsW1xVndmDYmEneSwmkOf_wy6FfFT3l4p4XkaNZ-H2xJJcDHGhW99uJ_oBq5PQtEPlOHpyM/s1600/20151012_142712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn98M-IYlZvhKKTtBjuAn0UABUL7y1ay_Wo3mMhYohEniG4SPwilDHnL2Z4zz8dADNwS9PdsW1xVndmDYmEneSwmkOf_wy6FfFT3l4p4XkaNZ-H2xJJcDHGhW99uJ_oBq5PQtEPlOHpyM/s400/20151012_142712.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Wicked Pissah's Well Fed Reds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This trip was the conclusion of an amazing five days in Coastal Carolina, but I didn't (and haven't) have enough. So as re-aclimitizing to work after such a great vacation and the upcoming weekends forecast gave me the blues, I decided to do something about it. After soliciting for fishing partners, Luther Cifers so politely obliged. It was off to the Crystal Coast in search of Drum, Mackrell, and Mr. Fat Albert himself. I felt confident in my drumming know how to get us some fish, but the Albies I had to ask around for. While I got some general guidance to confirm my suspicions, the day was left up to mainly the knowledge I had gathered over the years.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As the 0400 wake up arrived, I was greeted by chilly temperatures and the unmotivating thought of a 4 hour drive. Well, I got moving and met up with Luther mid-morning. With very little knowledge of the area, I quickly found a beach access point. After seeing the conditions and abundance of bait, we unloaded, got rigged, and were off. Luther quickly hooked up to a stud of an albie, which was over the 30" fork length mark.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO7mzyoFshh5eEpGYoPfnSo5EaycveIqNn1ZsIBCp7RGxIRO7vfrX31-q3AQVbmC0ZggJNl_fPanmsotYA4Vaudvm38NvmXo5vFBrOJ_hawgl4Idpv2Gkh4498B35TWOoaIjFBi39gZo/s1600/_DSC0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO7mzyoFshh5eEpGYoPfnSo5EaycveIqNn1ZsIBCp7RGxIRO7vfrX31-q3AQVbmC0ZggJNl_fPanmsotYA4Vaudvm38NvmXo5vFBrOJ_hawgl4Idpv2Gkh4498B35TWOoaIjFBi39gZo/s400/_DSC0615.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luther with a Stud Albert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I was pumped now. We got a target! While I was trolling around looking for Mr. Al, Luther was busy collecting drum bait. While my fishing was non existent, we met back up and worked the shore line searching for Luther's first bull. Drifting baits past the breakers, through pods of bunker, and off ledges produced nothing and my confidence was shot. I didn't even see anything that looked drummy, so I went out looking for albies. About a mile off the beach, I saw a slick, and quickly I thought drum. I bring one of my trolling lines in, and drop a bunker to the bottom. Then it happened. I thought I was going to have a flush mount pulled out of my kayak the hit was so violent. While I am unsure what is going on, I grab the rod out of the rod holder and proceed to get pulled around at a very high speed. After watching fishing shows where folks catch lots of tuna, I was sure I knew what was happening. My confusion led to excitement as I had my first False Albacore pinwheeling under my yak!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8BkO3IaX9ak9HJifqjG58tJHECHnHWxNBGdekJSfK2X9Yb3o0RInq6iCI48ytOsVn8bRn1SBum3fDQeUt4sKmJ2H3-qXmj1Ht-Fooshk6jS6XMlgHooOp9miw1M-A56rQPS5xxfu4o/s1600/20151017_140515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8BkO3IaX9ak9HJifqjG58tJHECHnHWxNBGdekJSfK2X9Yb3o0RInq6iCI48ytOsVn8bRn1SBum3fDQeUt4sKmJ2H3-qXmj1Ht-Fooshk6jS6XMlgHooOp9miw1M-A56rQPS5xxfu4o/s400/20151017_140515.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28" Fork Length False Albacore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
As the day went on, the fishing was slow. Still no drum near the mouth of an inlet, and no signs of the Albies. As Luther and I paddle toward the launch, we see a beehive of birds working. We both have baits behind us, and haul to the spot. As we near, we see the water boiling with feeding albies on the surface. Knowing it is a damn near futile effort to catch up with the school, I try anyways, and ended up putting myself in the right position. At this point, I have one rod still in the water, and one casting to the school. This is when the rod in the rod holder goes crazy. I get the rod to hand, and this fish runs right to Luther. As we are only feet apart, I am unable to stop the fish. At one point my rod was in the water between our two kayaks, then it was over his yak damn near attached to his Black Pak. He gets his lines cleared, and I manage to get away from him without cutting his lines, breaking a rod, or loosing the fish. As my fight is about over, I see him hooked up. DOUBLE BABY!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenb-av7UBrYZ17B6aQ5vMRIXeFvIWjYXBdkxRritLZs791v2AbPv9nIQqnSKN5jjck9sbJnuqDGOmPvFZMrRPINU17JAd9arF7iaGLfvL0EoFSHfGZIVioowsZw1KrRrG4D8ijq9mb28/s1600/_DSC0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenb-av7UBrYZ17B6aQ5vMRIXeFvIWjYXBdkxRritLZs791v2AbPv9nIQqnSKN5jjck9sbJnuqDGOmPvFZMrRPINU17JAd9arF7iaGLfvL0EoFSHfGZIVioowsZw1KrRrG4D8ijq9mb28/s320/_DSC0647.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2nd of the day at 26" FL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_mEhC_M2KPixP6Fwm0XCxAcfE7502hCnfekaAoUeEjbj8etu6MBh6sDwO2TS8Y6pWpYAtzKbG7lROGJ00_6fXqMG7epDQt0zu_nM0nQWxiWYrEWudwgwKacu222LvCP_mt6lehBmYts/s1600/_DSC0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_mEhC_M2KPixP6Fwm0XCxAcfE7502hCnfekaAoUeEjbj8etu6MBh6sDwO2TS8Y6pWpYAtzKbG7lROGJ00_6fXqMG7epDQt0zu_nM0nQWxiWYrEWudwgwKacu222LvCP_mt6lehBmYts/s320/_DSC0671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luther's 2nd, and complimentary fish to the double</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
As the sun is getting lower on the horizon, I see birds working again. I get myself in position, but trolled baits are attracting Blues and Greys, and I am not seeing anything happening. At that moment I think the day is over, I am super stoked with the outcome. Then out of nowhere, I see a school of fish 20' off the bow of my kayak coming straight for me. It would have been such an amazing shot with the faces of the fish pushing but not breaking the water, silversides going in every direction, and the golden glow of the sun shining down on them. It would have been an amazing shot if I had the camera in my hand. But I didn't... I only had a rod so I worked to my strengths and put a 4" Ronz right in there faces. Within a split second, I was hooked up for a third time. The fish ran in the exact opposite direction I was going in and I went along for the ride.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_qatjyjjmbMVbnFYXmLk2p8gvfdtwqdFGtl0TFIOzBn2-Sm_88rJhwPj-IqpqA15EVcLHyPrHWZWIVvZbBMK9halqCm5-CgYzL3BGWOu4IOARIv54XiyRsT_fYbP_zGiVn19ihM9J7s/s1600/_DSC0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_qatjyjjmbMVbnFYXmLk2p8gvfdtwqdFGtl0TFIOzBn2-Sm_88rJhwPj-IqpqA15EVcLHyPrHWZWIVvZbBMK9halqCm5-CgYzL3BGWOu4IOARIv54XiyRsT_fYbP_zGiVn19ihM9J7s/s320/_DSC0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Tuna Shot </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This fish ended my day on the water, and was a fitting end to a 10 day period down south. Record book days, new experiences, and fishing with some of the greatest anglers and industry professionals made for a truly magical experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLudVwv4CAr940u6aY04dMKKFkL2ci-VHhTms6NLplUgygEZ2NEWOxmUVwaR1iNi4Lp4gLkTBhZzCvbBtZxiKzgY3wZeS669f7z7BRZyTlfr9HUwnH6lJmgz0Jf4yhnPt4RJAk3r7eBI/s1600/_DSC0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLudVwv4CAr940u6aY04dMKKFkL2ci-VHhTms6NLplUgygEZ2NEWOxmUVwaR1iNi4Lp4gLkTBhZzCvbBtZxiKzgY3wZeS669f7z7BRZyTlfr9HUwnH6lJmgz0Jf4yhnPt4RJAk3r7eBI/s400/_DSC0683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
North Carolina still has its spell on me, and rest assured, my next trip is already in the works!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-17936190103288624972015-09-09T19:26:00.000-04:002015-09-09T19:51:26.492-04:00Double Vision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thankfully, I have a lot to write about. Unfortunately at this point, it would be way too much for one post so I'll keep it quick.</div>
<br />
Low pressure, scattered rain, and a crap ton of wind put a damper on my 2015 Labor Day weekend. What originally started out as an amazing 3-day period of big water and even larger fish turned into a period of sadness when I felt there was a legitimate forecast. Fishing was put on a hold, and I had to deal with it. Sometimes safety comes first!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, before the weather turned to total crap on the friday leading up to the weekend, I was given an hour off work to rush to the water. I met up with my bro Tommy Dewitt, and joined him in his chase for his first VA Release Citation Sheepshead. He had been out for a bit before I launched and ended up with a few nice fish, but not quite what he was looking for...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEbCRboX9rOWYCGGbV3A4xWnW3ZADhd1-OICqbUf21kz7gOwnQnXUO_PvTlBc036Czj3SU8Q5fFsfLb4NPhwQqXbDeCtT_qY0nQ2mgz2D1J4aTxSSMJsjt00I-7skM29AF99u8g-ryLs/s1600/Tommy+Sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEbCRboX9rOWYCGGbV3A4xWnW3ZADhd1-OICqbUf21kz7gOwnQnXUO_PvTlBc036Czj3SU8Q5fFsfLb4NPhwQqXbDeCtT_qY0nQ2mgz2D1J4aTxSSMJsjt00I-7skM29AF99u8g-ryLs/s400/Tommy+Sheep.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy's Sheepie just a hair shy of 24" and a VA Release Citation<br />
(Photo - Thomas DeWitt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv_B4VJ-uChHPVzvetYi5JolGFgr3p_wrf-shq7WkIIWS4VTxGGxHJ05AVfA8Z7KZiLjschvi19emgFaIwqCVG1JYEQg8A9hHRb4i1JgTlLSGOa7Qz4rlpHZJI6T8huqRPBlZMODr6hQ/s1600/Tommy+Flounder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv_B4VJ-uChHPVzvetYi5JolGFgr3p_wrf-shq7WkIIWS4VTxGGxHJ05AVfA8Z7KZiLjschvi19emgFaIwqCVG1JYEQg8A9hHRb4i1JgTlLSGOa7Qz4rlpHZJI6T8huqRPBlZMODr6hQ/s400/Tommy+Flounder.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy with a consolation prize - Dinner<br />
(Photo Thomas DeWitt) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Tommy got to enjoy some decent conditions, I launched into total garbage with a stiff NE wind, and lots of chop opposing an outgoing current. While these are not enjoyable conditions to fish, the sheepies do enjoy them. I made a few drops on a couple of pilings and was plagued by the Sheepshead fisherman's worst enemies; Black Seabass, Puffers, and treaded Portsmouth Tautog (Oyster Toad). I move on and get the bite I was looking for. I didn't set the hook, and brought up my rig to find a missing fiddler. I smiled to myself, re-baited and dropped, and immediately found myself setting the hook onto what would become my Personal Best Sheepshead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yPLR1H08jFMCtYCQbwvjwSZNY-P7n0oTwGgrZmqAqSrh1WSlYuxaAAYL8USYOTr6sDaWe3I4jPgKU39MySvxnw97R5lZjLkalB3ELSnN0fNHuYj33LgKyMWSJQz9gw1kzsqFrVeSoIM/s1600/Rags+PB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yPLR1H08jFMCtYCQbwvjwSZNY-P7n0oTwGgrZmqAqSrh1WSlYuxaAAYL8USYOTr6sDaWe3I4jPgKU39MySvxnw97R5lZjLkalB3ELSnN0fNHuYj33LgKyMWSJQz9gw1kzsqFrVeSoIM/s400/Rags+PB.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25.75" VA Release Citation Sheepshead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately, the conditions were such that Tommy didn't hear my calls, and there was not a proper picture taken of this hog. No worries... Shortly after landing this guy, the conditions got too snotty to effectively fish, and we called it a day. A personal best to end a long weekend of fishing before it started lessened the sting a bit.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to Saturday Evening. No fishing, just talking fish with <a href="http://kayakkevin.com/" target="_blank">Kayak Kevin</a> and Lee. Prior to starting, I just had to get on the beach and see how bad it really was in the bay. After seeing this view, I knew staying landlocked was a good decision.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovb5gexFIcM07lZ0Gk3ioXPtgIjBTUhnqfvYEftmzRkrlHwxhyphenhyphenBaL8nmTQtFCZ6ikzwZRUCbcY7XT0tJTxRJgI3WTj3aHlez_Cs1oVru4JnDjED9kAMQuNOMdEaPznL4GEEGnSA0q820/s1600/_DSC0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovb5gexFIcM07lZ0Gk3ioXPtgIjBTUhnqfvYEftmzRkrlHwxhyphenhyphenBaL8nmTQtFCZ6ikzwZRUCbcY7XT0tJTxRJgI3WTj3aHlez_Cs1oVru4JnDjED9kAMQuNOMdEaPznL4GEEGnSA0q820/s400/_DSC0390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nx4pwe8qFlQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nx4pwe8qFlQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sunday consisted of great company and amazing beer from one of my "Unofficial" (ok, DREAM) sponsor <a href="http://backbaybrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Back Bay Brewing</a>. Almost a growler of IPA in, the talk shifts to fishing. After exchanges over the conflicting forecast (in which Tommy and I were referred to two "Bitches"), I caved and we made plans for the next morning. The wind was still clipping which made me unexcited to wake up early and experience a day where I would be getting a whoopin'. I make it to the launch at sunrise, to find excitingly and unexpectedly nice conditions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxr0f97bUifE0i3UqMr4JVKg8t66PogPO7as3rBpdKvxMYF5YkAkxC8FwulBR-XPlkhfCGvgbNhK5FbZs9GrQXt-iTjpYFIZ5wrkltNvZ_thqI4WJ43kzOBtETvKP_ZqsxquII5NhXBuA/s1600/Monday+Launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxr0f97bUifE0i3UqMr4JVKg8t66PogPO7as3rBpdKvxMYF5YkAkxC8FwulBR-XPlkhfCGvgbNhK5FbZs9GrQXt-iTjpYFIZ5wrkltNvZ_thqI4WJ43kzOBtETvKP_ZqsxquII5NhXBuA/s400/Monday+Launch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labor Day Sunrise Services... At the launch and on the water!<br />
(Photo - Thomas DeWitt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First order of business... make a drop and get Tommy his paper. Well, the fish gods had different plans, and I had the hot rod of the morning. Immediately, I hook a 20" class sheepie, and as I bring him up, I notice the hook is not in the skin, but pinched between two teeth. At this point, without a net, it's a crapshoot. I went for the sweep, and it popped off. No worries, "cause I got this... This is what I do"! Within minutes, I hook up again, and this time land a nice sheepie a hair short of 25".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNADCnsWpIESTqllAnToXm-vmiM04l4fC1P-zUy8KmEUXrJUUIjR7ZyUywK11E7hcoCWSPhbl3X5w6aA4lNbh4JoVgX-G1y6rkpV2X4DA3BmltjO1zNOv_5W4ZP5kRAr9SuTo_dBqc5w/s1600/rags+sheep1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNADCnsWpIESTqllAnToXm-vmiM04l4fC1P-zUy8KmEUXrJUUIjR7ZyUywK11E7hcoCWSPhbl3X5w6aA4lNbh4JoVgX-G1y6rkpV2X4DA3BmltjO1zNOv_5W4ZP5kRAr9SuTo_dBqc5w/s400/rags+sheep1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We work the grounds for a bit longer in search of Tommy's sheep, but come up empty. Lots of baits being eaten by trash, but no sheeps means we decided to keep a few crabs each for the trip in and head out in search of larger fish. Upon arrival to "The Grounds", I was greeted by a waiting <a href="http://jaybrooksfishing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jay Brooks</a>, Meghan, and the Family Seed on their respective boats. The reports were not great, but it didn't matter. I know what I can do, and I was feeling good!<br />
<br />
A few Kayakers from TKAA were out, and I decided to do something different from the rest of the fleet. I went to find a spot and instead of following the pack and using their techniques, I paved my own path. Each pass rounded out some different fish. Some stud Flounder, a solid Gag Grouper, and some baits for my friends on the stinkpots. It was all fun, but kinda boring until I feel a "<i style="font-weight: bold;">THUD</i>" This could mean one of two things, the not so elusive ROCK...fish, or them big, nasty bulls. I set the hook, and get into one of the oddest drum fights I have had. Not much initially went into getting it off the bottom, but about half way out, I had a strong run back down. Each time I gained more ground on the fish, but it was if the structure had an equal draw. With the drag cinched down, I made short work of the brute, but still got worked at the same time. Hard runs, but not heavy head shakes had me scratching my head, especially given the hook placement right on the nose.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYIz1-FrgsCanBY-jtCzC-2-Nmg2xGlTi1fNX-vamtqLrbAfU3msVNVQ7KlZLV1qaxodL1WVt4zZJKKeOgZzY1wTOTR_aAluhjbKoTkwycu4_z6Ws9fJlT6MiXgIhsI8O_OFXaO2BqeQ/s1600/DSC012971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYIz1-FrgsCanBY-jtCzC-2-Nmg2xGlTi1fNX-vamtqLrbAfU3msVNVQ7KlZLV1qaxodL1WVt4zZJKKeOgZzY1wTOTR_aAluhjbKoTkwycu4_z6Ws9fJlT6MiXgIhsI8O_OFXaO2BqeQ/s400/DSC012971.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing the second paper of the day... A 46" Red<br />
(Photo - Jay Brooks)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got the fish on the grippers to keep it fresh in the water, got an official measurement of 46", a few pictures, and got her off. In all, the fight was less than 5 minutes, and she was out of the water for less than 2.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC59_KO7FsKUbvifW2soRfqWKmwV9ZToekUpBWrPWNvuhf6o8jk2dl-NSbX-Fu_UTO94lah_qxyDlcU0JucjP_RbE1IVpJBh1vifLECu1oDzNK0tYR6hFT_L-hdeukBxEB8XAJo5SQug/s1600/Rags+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC59_KO7FsKUbvifW2soRfqWKmwV9ZToekUpBWrPWNvuhf6o8jk2dl-NSbX-Fu_UTO94lah_qxyDlcU0JucjP_RbE1IVpJBh1vifLECu1oDzNK0tYR6hFT_L-hdeukBxEB8XAJo5SQug/s400/Rags+red.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big, nasty, spawning bull released to"Get it on" and make some youngins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As time went on, it was apparent that not much more was going to happen, so we paddled in and attempted to again get Tommy on his paper. Unfortunately, things sucked for both of us and we called it a day... But not after I did something I had never done before. I got multiple saltwater species citations on the same trip for the first time. I can't wait for my next trip out. Hopefully I'll be seeing double once again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-10556595316515196622015-08-03T15:44:00.001-04:002015-08-03T15:45:57.357-04:00Sheepshead SurpriseBack in the day, <a href="http://www.kayakkevin.com/">Kayak Kevin</a> coined the term "Spadefish Surprise."<br />
<br />
<em> def. When ones bait (clam) is struck by a target specie other than spadefish. i.e. Sheepshead</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Well, Ill give your the definition of a "Sheepshead Surprise" in a minute, but lets set the scene shall we. All week long, I had a good feeling about my first VA saltwater outing in a month and a half. So good I felt that I was going to be a hero and do some epic things. On August 1st, there were forecasted ideal conditions for what I was wanting to do, but I just couldn't find the right people who were willing to go all out and leave any trepidation's at the launch. Calls went back and forth, and I got confirmation that the plan was a go, but i had a feeling something would change (and it did). Oh well, I guess I will just relax and sleep in.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite things is waking up on my own terms, with no alarm clock or other am annoyances to start the day off on the wrong note. So when I woke up at 0600, and saw a text from Tex, I was shocked but ready for what the day would bring. I collect myself, get bait, and head to the launch. Paddling off the beach at 8am on a Saturday is less than ideal, and this was confirmed when I counted no less than 10 kayaks in my first 10 minutes of launching. I kept telling myself it was still going to be a good day, and when I met up with Tex, all the other kayaks and boats that were at the front of my mind disappeared. Tex had made a handful of drops when we decided to move on. As we approach one of my favorite spots, there was already yaks on it. Well, it just goes to show the early bird gets the worm, and it increased my pace to get to my favorite part of the 3 mile span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.<br />
<br />
First drop was met by a spade that was all of 10". The right target, just not the right size. So I moved around looking to gauge the attitude and location of the school of spades. Within minutes, I feel the tall tale "<em>tick tick</em>", drop the rod tip and gather slack, and drive the sz 4 Owner home. "<em>Fish On"!</em> I'm getting bulldogged, and my rod is not shaking, which can mean only one thing <em>Spadefish Surprise</em>. As I navigate through the pilings, I am getting ready to sweep the fish in when I get that gut wrenching feeling of slack line. I look at Tex, and say "sometimes you got it, sometimes you don't". As I inspect my rig, the small spadefish hook just didn't have enough purchase in the toothy mouth of the Sheepshead. time to go back to basics and remind myself that I don't need a ton of drag when I get these fish to the open.<br />
<br />
While all this drama is going on with me, Tex is putting on a spadefish clinic!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EpRSZp5PZVblLz7K7XMsSwQoRxcDoDlIBKdd-GR6WvB1f8KyTXuLP01-PNcT3c8tcTLDPVfMDi891ARF818FyNtOkD0MEcOGbD8nfyjKPLEyPXTNTZD8Law5IlpMYCE0R_W9cdOIcYg/s1600/tex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EpRSZp5PZVblLz7K7XMsSwQoRxcDoDlIBKdd-GR6WvB1f8KyTXuLP01-PNcT3c8tcTLDPVfMDi891ARF818FyNtOkD0MEcOGbD8nfyjKPLEyPXTNTZD8Law5IlpMYCE0R_W9cdOIcYg/s320/tex.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roland with one of the nicer Spades on the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a pretty good day on the spades in between dropping crabs to the depths. Not long after loosing the first sheepie, I feel a tap while on the bottom. I set the hook, and get worked much like a sheepie would. This fish is working me through the piling set and once I am in the clear, I let up on the drag. About this time, she is coming to the surface, and much to my surprise, I ended up with a true Sheepshead surprise.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUtDX-bqZhUEJo38W6br7b_orsaPDrMyyn5Vdk_UTCdnQUwD7qX56gS2GJtmg7xRNMVtxz24JP7hef3vcIpDJsP59Apswsb3a55dhRQ_o80opWer3sSgXT39zM9-TgB_OuX8Y8DyzaC0/s1600/stripersummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUtDX-bqZhUEJo38W6br7b_orsaPDrMyyn5Vdk_UTCdnQUwD7qX56gS2GJtmg7xRNMVtxz24JP7hef3vcIpDJsP59Apswsb3a55dhRQ_o80opWer3sSgXT39zM9-TgB_OuX8Y8DyzaC0/s320/stripersummer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40" Striper brought up from the depths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ZjX1c5yUiNYRyWwGe2tzyVqRwOMQs8eYp3tYtzT_7mEzzi5cZMxApsQiL_Eefht21aBEpg6UjCIQRPwB_WbUcuw9m8-1pnSUXPkz3fJrEYV-fGkdhJnvIzNp_UwE69F7GixDyBKVGA/s1600/_DSC0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ZjX1c5yUiNYRyWwGe2tzyVqRwOMQs8eYp3tYtzT_7mEzzi5cZMxApsQiL_Eefht21aBEpg6UjCIQRPwB_WbUcuw9m8-1pnSUXPkz3fJrEYV-fGkdhJnvIzNp_UwE69F7GixDyBKVGA/s320/_DSC0082.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shocked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After landing, snapping pics, and getting a healthy release, I was back at it. I went back and busted out a few more spades until I got bored again and dropped back down. This time, I feel the hit and felt some weight, but had horizontal instead of vertical runs. In shock, not quite sure of what to expect, I bring the fish up to find a 7-10lb Black Drum. Now Ive never really targeted them, so my personal best was a whopping 8" fish. Imagine my stoke when I brought this bad boy up. While most fish go back to live another day, I love eating blacks this size, and he came home for dinner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKaBbRBNAIO8Rl-dczuRPDWmsreSO20bZ7T6qdfEzTkTYtfNhywNYzW0CMVtI1sSgGouTcsCQct_8hUiKKBb5WshkMnQNqjl9HIjy8-a8M5-e98ZdfsQktlhCDm9_5WIqBoSf3tbzFwM/s1600/_DSC0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKaBbRBNAIO8Rl-dczuRPDWmsreSO20bZ7T6qdfEzTkTYtfNhywNYzW0CMVtI1sSgGouTcsCQct_8hUiKKBb5WshkMnQNqjl9HIjy8-a8M5-e98ZdfsQktlhCDm9_5WIqBoSf3tbzFwM/s320/_DSC0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personal Best Black Drum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went back to spade fishing, but as the current got stronger, we decided to go take refuge and find some triggers. While they were there, they were extremely skittish and we managed a pair a piece. I enjoyed chilling, but Tex was on a mission for his personal best Sheepie. We start moving in, and hit some of our favorite spots. On my first drop, I feel that all to familiar <em>tap tap</em><strong>, and this time I wasn't disappointed.</strong> I get the fish in the open, and this is where I get to enjoy the fight without the fear of loosing them. If they want to run, they get to run, as there is nothing that is going to break me off. The leg sweep brought me this beautifully colored fish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQb1DeLT7i8yn4edUeoNuj4nZ5I1EgoHA0lgghUSUNATfnYChJ9NNuatlpP2HK21HzEamfBD46wxRVtdRVxO1QgtG6jrSgORyl3SR2U7O4cNwvUCGP0b7rWlw5yn2lQ-WAu373qFd4Yg/s1600/_DSC0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQb1DeLT7i8yn4edUeoNuj4nZ5I1EgoHA0lgghUSUNATfnYChJ9NNuatlpP2HK21HzEamfBD46wxRVtdRVxO1QgtG6jrSgORyl3SR2U7O4cNwvUCGP0b7rWlw5yn2lQ-WAu373qFd4Yg/s320/_DSC0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solid 23" sheep to end the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This last fish marked the end of our day. Not necessarily all we had hoped for in alot of ways, but more than I would have expected in others. So now I have a new definition for ya: The Sheepsead Surprise<br />
<br />
<em>def. 1. a game fish other than a sheepshead, that comes as bycatch while fishing for sheepies</em><br />
<em> 2. a sheepshead that comes after a day full of "Sheepshead Surprises" (see #1)</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This day fulfilled both parts of the definition!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-85739209220883557962015-07-30T12:03:00.000-04:002015-07-30T12:03:41.378-04:00Carolina Bound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c51p0s9IPZxfn7hDZ4vNpRpzrsZDuSL_OfIhlATTssxUIhpCdGpFVEK-Opxn3ZodGR-jkHsPlwNG-D-FifyNN1-xzwYyQ9Y6Wm8bW1vAbdd8rfR6hmBP1QfW6_QDLdZjubUmEVtlopk/s1600/20150711_155304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c51p0s9IPZxfn7hDZ4vNpRpzrsZDuSL_OfIhlATTssxUIhpCdGpFVEK-Opxn3ZodGR-jkHsPlwNG-D-FifyNN1-xzwYyQ9Y6Wm8bW1vAbdd8rfR6hmBP1QfW6_QDLdZjubUmEVtlopk/s320/20150711_155304.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This has been a odd summer for me. In the years past I have been hammering the fish inshore getting on good numbers of quality fish, of many different species. This year, the inshore fishing in SE Virginia really hasn't materialized into much to talk about, so I have spent my time carp fishing instead. Besides a few outings which produced a few Sheepshead to 25", Carp fishing with the fly rod has been my main pursuit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJxwmhDD6u-4Fr03AjJUgJ0pMY89LzMM9c5R2XtdQxs8IMFPr1iTI0q-RlNtpmX80rPPD0yINsLs1LW4phCy4XA51yx4p8H8JnZPffdRMzKjuGHT1ijg45wBNxAEfiSpzvVajMAF5W8g/s1600/20150627_145508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJxwmhDD6u-4Fr03AjJUgJ0pMY89LzMM9c5R2XtdQxs8IMFPr1iTI0q-RlNtpmX80rPPD0yINsLs1LW4phCy4XA51yx4p8H8JnZPffdRMzKjuGHT1ijg45wBNxAEfiSpzvVajMAF5W8g/s400/20150627_145508.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowed up on the 6wt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9BAcZbk3Cm7oGVtpDWDkZzKj9PJ1WiGqcXj0B6gxHylPTFNmgMDWphxhfqSDJQ3jqnWrn8InvG8OK9OebO17rFTrfpkFstEfOZeyazaW-nApNcUo31yHDU26sQLUUWCuWSBuiZ_7aIY/s1600/20150627_145918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9BAcZbk3Cm7oGVtpDWDkZzKj9PJ1WiGqcXj0B6gxHylPTFNmgMDWphxhfqSDJQ3jqnWrn8InvG8OK9OebO17rFTrfpkFstEfOZeyazaW-nApNcUo31yHDU26sQLUUWCuWSBuiZ_7aIY/s400/20150627_145918.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit over 32" Common</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPaxw51TczNCMLoVnavjLODezenpbJ-wn4GHyXYWEjIEnVmIXUMOlZXtSkkIstou4Wj2AZutnEMAd2Rla3D6EYOMdqs0_7lqJpED_eHkCYZtC1iwqdCY67E4-nVMjSjADVuSqCoDfqh8/s1600/FB_IMG_1435525147842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPaxw51TczNCMLoVnavjLODezenpbJ-wn4GHyXYWEjIEnVmIXUMOlZXtSkkIstou4Wj2AZutnEMAd2Rla3D6EYOMdqs0_7lqJpED_eHkCYZtC1iwqdCY67E4-nVMjSjADVuSqCoDfqh8/s400/FB_IMG_1435525147842.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Mirror (on the fly none the less)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Carp fishing has presented me with a number of challenges that have helped me step up my fishing game. It teaches you patience, to make the right presentation on a fish, observe their moods and adjust to the fish, and fighting fish in close quarters. All of these skills I worked on came into play the past month, when I went on a 3 week marathon to the great waters of the North Carolina coast.<br />
<br />
These trips all occurred on days off, with the schedule looking something like this...<br />
<br />
0600 - wake up for work<br />
1600-2300 - go over gear, pack the car, and relax<br />
2300-0430 - drive south<br />
0530-1700 - fish hard!<br />
Repeat for the following days off<br />
last day 1600-2200 - drive north<br />
<br />
This leads to very little sleep which requires good decision making and patience when your body just isn't willing to do what your mind tells it to do. It also requires a good playlist to keep you going. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NtxmnBQmfZs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NtxmnBQmfZs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Money Trees - Kendric Lamar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EC5LzftfcjI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EC5LzftfcjI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Woah! - Black Robb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NontqsGxbK0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NontqsGxbK0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Root Down - Beastie Boys</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/z7hJ4VzA0Yk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7hJ4VzA0Yk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Woo Hah!! - Busta Rhymes</div>
<br />
The music got me going, and it was time to get some fishes! Week one presented muddy waters, low tides, and lots of wind. With all of that being taken into account, there were still a good number of flounder being caught on the natural Ultra Shrimp. These bad boys were sight casted along marsh edges. Just look for sudden and violent explosion's, and there you have it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5L2SKro6qCa3aWVZGvvyEkBTa6zdEYybRsYWtExgCwpeeSzUUVXhr-Hdes3-JSQG3uVfxAb5sFS_vYXClc7kVdOSNzZsSDXdktiRPsBVVhwkvYqvzII2fV-CS5ON5zS0F9K7zQr39fs/s1600/20150711_075527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5L2SKro6qCa3aWVZGvvyEkBTa6zdEYybRsYWtExgCwpeeSzUUVXhr-Hdes3-JSQG3uVfxAb5sFS_vYXClc7kVdOSNzZsSDXdktiRPsBVVhwkvYqvzII2fV-CS5ON5zS0F9K7zQr39fs/s400/20150711_075527.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flounder on the Fly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Day two was searching new water for reds. Again, the conditions were challenging at best but we still got a few fish to hand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahfmGusDdN-RKZbmvuKfCiQmmZZmir05YakDl4CrID9hqhp5DCtct_yAmUgOuRehiEpxHSJ-IfSu8ROPSJ-b_MgF71QI1ebbxiscwfKIUUMK4zvLYp1GZT3RBkJX-f1yN9WEddRfuUHI/s1600/_DSC0024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahfmGusDdN-RKZbmvuKfCiQmmZZmir05YakDl4CrID9hqhp5DCtct_yAmUgOuRehiEpxHSJ-IfSu8ROPSJ-b_MgF71QI1ebbxiscwfKIUUMK4zvLYp1GZT3RBkJX-f1yN9WEddRfuUHI/s320/_DSC0024.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wicked Pissah of the world famous Wicked Pissah Guide Service with a quality inshore Redfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoWBjsYZbIbdwnaF7SyhWZFdEF9KZmyaUZMeZlpXnqjmUQAP7fcgi-2dyLoT9RE1_vULS6FdTlWB-mHkEKoW6HwDLn4YoskzHUZpqHgFuY8jibkbpXQ4sPAl0X4e8vKVF4tVhoKrmwHs/s1600/20150719_120031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoWBjsYZbIbdwnaF7SyhWZFdEF9KZmyaUZMeZlpXnqjmUQAP7fcgi-2dyLoT9RE1_vULS6FdTlWB-mHkEKoW6HwDLn4YoskzHUZpqHgFuY8jibkbpXQ4sPAl0X4e8vKVF4tVhoKrmwHs/s320/20150719_120031.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This greedy lil' guy fell for a Chatterbait with a PTL JP Hammershad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Following this trip, I had a 5 day hiatus in which I met up with Kevin and Lee for a fishing/fight podcast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PYsZMJ4sWu8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PYsZMJ4sWu8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Late during the week, my boy Ted Crumb and I decided, "What the hell, lets do it again". Another night of driving found us at the fishing spot in just enough time to get unloaded, rigged, and on the water at sunrise. Sunrise services consisted of Topwater and Trout Tricks, resulting in a good number of aggressive, healthy Speckled Trout.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6fMFudkSnfXHm7EcwqGxz2iTy5n1bQozYDpzaZjlbyrVMzS9PRpxsdYZP668gAl1SI_sGhPm22P4THiAjFWoH_DKwRJTOqZl9Z-WLX8piQglz64myJ5tfWrJ8EsYpizwR2JWsdwrLUc/s1600/20150718_060817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6fMFudkSnfXHm7EcwqGxz2iTy5n1bQozYDpzaZjlbyrVMzS9PRpxsdYZP668gAl1SI_sGhPm22P4THiAjFWoH_DKwRJTOqZl9Z-WLX8piQglz64myJ5tfWrJ8EsYpizwR2JWsdwrLUc/s320/20150718_060817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A feisty fatty fell for a Tactical Anglers Crossover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This weekend ended with some keeper founder coming off the flats, and a crap-ton of reds between 20-24" coming from a cut through an oyster field.<br />
<br />
The third weekend was the weekend of the 2015 Hook, Line and Paddle TJM tournament out of Wilimington NC. This is an event that I fish every year, and has become one of my favorites. I would miss Christmas before I would miss this. So, I had a 4 day weekend to get out and really hit it. Friday morning was forecasted to be calm and clear. Everything was supposed to be perfect, except it wasn't. Winds were NE at 10-20, pushing the tides out, making things difficult. The Trout Trick ended up being the skunk buster, bringing a few flounder to 17" and some spike specks to hand. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n7IXN4zTRuzyfamZq19qDIBdzWDYoGw6PN9SxWtj0jsm3WSljtfFigPtoGwr96KBfTy2I8_4TKmSRZL5TD6993FbDdX1hDcWzqjgcORIgDWaCkEbcs-7CtWPF6VZI5rm1TQAaD5rNh0/s1600/20150724_105715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n7IXN4zTRuzyfamZq19qDIBdzWDYoGw6PN9SxWtj0jsm3WSljtfFigPtoGwr96KBfTy2I8_4TKmSRZL5TD6993FbDdX1hDcWzqjgcORIgDWaCkEbcs-7CtWPF6VZI5rm1TQAaD5rNh0/s320/20150724_105715.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flounder on the Trout Trick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a less than encouraging pre-fish, <a href="http://www.bentrodchronicles.blogspot.com/">Seth Goodrich</a> and I decided to change things up, with the plan of being "Hero's or Zero's". A paddle across the mouth of the Cape Fear resulted in some beautiful cuts with lots of oyster mounds, and clear, moving water. When we first saw the area in person, our mouths dropped as it was one of the fishiest areas we had ever seen. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving, and this was not the case. In looking for reds, Seth and I both saw a fish pushing 30" that would have made for a great day. This fish didn't mind us being there and looked as if "I'm going to stay here and watch y'all make fools out of yourselves trying to catch me." We saw other small reds, that just weren't in the eating mood. I ended scratching an insignificant speck, but the fish of the day was the flounder. Seth and I both lost flounder that would have put is in the top 3, with 4 of mine being 2nd and 1st place fish. I was sickened, but at least we brought home a few for the frying pan and found some new water. Youngblood <a href="http://fishtailsbydrew.blogspot.com/">Drew Camp</a> really did some work with a 30 1/4" red that brought him home 1st place and an awfully large bag of donuts. I'm super stoked and honored to be able to call him a teammate!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgfVGBDFLK78MFt5zDXQK_1O2M4doM6RrUrViEYLnxImgKwp_WLPnRiPcKjDd5TDIni-vP5C-v5GaX7FWDWG4TOdS3WbxmTQg-KbG2mtlmeu8BgD8e_7tz5zuavCheGT4mgJ7LMObeho/s1600/IMG_20150728_091924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgfVGBDFLK78MFt5zDXQK_1O2M4doM6RrUrViEYLnxImgKwp_WLPnRiPcKjDd5TDIni-vP5C-v5GaX7FWDWG4TOdS3WbxmTQg-KbG2mtlmeu8BgD8e_7tz5zuavCheGT4mgJ7LMObeho/s320/IMG_20150728_091924.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least the tournament day view was plesant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With two days remaining, I drove a bit further north, and fished with the Wicked Pissah himself. We went out to two spots that produced fish for us the previous two weeks, but were fighting strong North winds and falling tides again. The first day, we expanded our search area after only finding flounder in the oyster fields, As we worked our way south with the wind, we started getting into flats filled with large mullet and some reds. I ended up getting out on a grass island to find a better vantage point and could see 5lb mullet spooking mid 20" reds. Our problem was that we were spooking mullet, which in turn spooked the reds. In 10-20 mph winds, we gave it a good try, but only had a slot red and a few flounder to show for our efforts. On our last day, we decided to go back into a spot along the ICW in which canals would lead us into ponds and lakes in search for reds. This was a good choice! On my 3rd cast I landed a red just shy of 29". Hopes were high, and the fishing didn't disappoint!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyIxuDOkLNVvgKdNmH8C4KwsEXEr0Y86Q3nhWphsUOyLALNRscFQxX-8Dvdvz1zfUaj0HR5kk4KeI7SeTjiuzUqyq25ZtvUWaWkEGvKgTEKSkRU2LFwUu_UzhyphenhyphenaLjsfw0LC6vpXqijPw/s1600/FB_IMG_1438264812581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyIxuDOkLNVvgKdNmH8C4KwsEXEr0Y86Q3nhWphsUOyLALNRscFQxX-8Dvdvz1zfUaj0HR5kk4KeI7SeTjiuzUqyq25ZtvUWaWkEGvKgTEKSkRU2LFwUu_UzhyphenhyphenaLjsfw0LC6vpXqijPw/s320/FB_IMG_1438264812581.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st fish of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we progressed we found more solid pumpkins. It was also an opportunity to test out fish shots with the DSLR. I still need some practice but all of these shots came from the camera on a tripod, and remote.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5Omkg229M10YFrgM4Bv-Ywa5bwBeMicOUYJgQULxrYnXFP__vvReeZG59xZcB1Mrxffrqp_oaWHNviBYgrvZIELalmhjI-ElwvsseWjxNmEE1ikRQqKODlpm8O5-hVqqMuKHAARDXO8/s1600/20150727_091344%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5Omkg229M10YFrgM4Bv-Ywa5bwBeMicOUYJgQULxrYnXFP__vvReeZG59xZcB1Mrxffrqp_oaWHNviBYgrvZIELalmhjI-ElwvsseWjxNmEE1ikRQqKODlpm8O5-hVqqMuKHAARDXO8/s320/20150727_091344%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the "selfie" setup back in the marsh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Had over a half dozen quality fish in the morning, with some shots that I am extremely happy with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A8scaF5ptmFw9l_9PFU-a9o8mV-KIJtHuGUXxD3Lxo9ST8A0dMHP0zxJrwY9Hp9OqXu5gEl8dYD3E-YC9XeE1dMXXEUc5QYnIWnjIjah3mWF7iQM-OZu0T5B2qy3GEWK1xGuwYlhA3o/s1600/IMG_20150728_091225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A8scaF5ptmFw9l_9PFU-a9o8mV-KIJtHuGUXxD3Lxo9ST8A0dMHP0zxJrwY9Hp9OqXu5gEl8dYD3E-YC9XeE1dMXXEUc5QYnIWnjIjah3mWF7iQM-OZu0T5B2qy3GEWK1xGuwYlhA3o/s320/IMG_20150728_091225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjv7ymmbSARwvYQxcfgyhFsnBt-5BngAN88bLGlyd0F2uAEv-ZVleBss-KPpA9ITY8aDR57BN3LVKy_oH5JZH1epa3hUgJ2xPMqES3q_XiJddqUw7urVsG9lKES8ujMDQSo_zWhxGKuo/s1600/FB_IMG_1438089859315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjv7ymmbSARwvYQxcfgyhFsnBt-5BngAN88bLGlyd0F2uAEv-ZVleBss-KPpA9ITY8aDR57BN3LVKy_oH5JZH1epa3hUgJ2xPMqES3q_XiJddqUw7urVsG9lKES8ujMDQSo_zWhxGKuo/s320/FB_IMG_1438089859315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The trip ended as uneventful as it started, with a long drive back home. As I write this, I cant help but wonder... When 1600 comes around on Friday afternoon, will I be Carolina Bound again?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-59321251110341534552015-06-24T09:31:00.000-04:002015-06-24T09:31:34.446-04:00Kayak Fishing - Top 10 Must-haves
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was inspired by <a href="http://www.paddleva.com/rookie-mistakes-lessons-learned-while-kayak-fishing/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Brian Vincent over at Appomattox River
Company</span></a> (<a href="http://www.paddleva.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.paddleva.com</span></a>)
to compile a list of what I feel to be my "must have's" when Kayak
Fishing. Of course this list may vary for many of you, but I feel that I owe
much of the success I've had to what I list below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Quality Kayak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This one should be a no-brainer, but
unfortunately it isn't always that clear. Don’t get caught up in all the hype
about the next best thing, because as of yet there isn't a fishing kayak that
can be classified as the "hands down best all-around" fishing kayak.
Kayaks have strengths and weaknesses just like fishing techniques. I used to
think that one day a company will come up with the "one", but as
kayak fishing evolves, I have come to the personal realization that it will
never happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What can you do to find the best
kayak for you? The answer to that question is threefold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Talk to pro-staffers, ambassadors, or factory reps.
These people will tell you the pro's and con's about the kayaks they
paddle. When I am asked about a specific kayak, I will ask the individual
the type of water they paddle, when they paddle, how often they paddle,
the duration of their trips, and their fishing style. This will help me
build off of my experience and recommend what I believe to be the best
kayak for them, even if it’s not a brand that I represent. I and many of
my counterparts <b>do not want to see you in the wrong kayak</b>. If I put
you in one of my kayak's knowing it’s going to be wrong for you, you will
not be happy, and an unhappy customer is a vocal customer. If a rep is not
of this mindset, then move along, because they do not have <b>YOUR</b>
best interest in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ask people that own, and have paddled the kayak you are
looking for. A great place to do this is your local kayak fishing forum.
You will get opinions from a broad experience level, and from people who
have paid full price for their kayak. I generally trust the opinion of a
person who will tell you they have paddled a number of different brands
and models. Diversity is a great thing!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visit your local paddle sports retailer. As they are
the front line oftentimes for purchases, returns, issues, and praise. These
are the people that want to see you in the right boat, so they can bank on
you being a return customer for all your paddle sport’s needs. They are
well versed by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry, and
have the most overall knowledge. Paddle sports is a laid back community,
so if you feel pressured by sales staff, speak to a manager, or move on!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For me, I paddle the <a href="http://www.hurricaneaquasports.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Hurricane
Kayaks</span></a> Skimmer line because they are Fast, Lightweight, Durable, and
perform amazingly in a number of different conditions I fish in. There are
downsides though such as a lack of storage for surf launches, and the Skimmer's
not being a typical sight casting platform. Overall, they work really well for
me, and allow me certain options to mitigate their shortcomings. Their Pro's
far outweigh their Con's in the vast majority of conditions I fish in. Not to
mention, they are the lightest fishing kayaks on the Market!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStESTrkmH8gG92j8uIureN8qzonODrb5tT3HdELjsRet9Li1Tplgv8BZoQ4rejW7mLBEKGlQ04_m6BfRVGcOCHtJLBV4hEGKxtQcbeBVinXtwbESaa8CDw49DmlW_EbYVowyeb0i5kpo/s1600/P1010144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStESTrkmH8gG92j8uIureN8qzonODrb5tT3HdELjsRet9Li1Tplgv8BZoQ4rejW7mLBEKGlQ04_m6BfRVGcOCHtJLBV4hEGKxtQcbeBVinXtwbESaa8CDw49DmlW_EbYVowyeb0i5kpo/s320/P1010144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skimmer 128 rigged for fishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Salt Rated Fishing Reels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kayak fishermen are hard on gear.
Saltwater fishermen are in environments that will destroy equipment in a flash.
If you are looking to fish inshore or offshore from a kayak, plan on dropping
dough on quality reels (or replacing them often). I treat my gear rough, so rough
that people think that I’m made of money. There are only a handful of reels
that I will purchase now because I have put them through their paces, and know
they will work for me no matter what.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Baitcasters - I prefer and highly recommend the Abu
Garcia Revo line. I have a handful of STX's and SX's. These things have
20+ lbs. of drag, are lightweight, are saltwater rated, and feel like they
are solid in their construction. Other reels I have liked are the Shimano
E series Curado's and the Non-CI4 Calcutta's. The G series Curado's and
the CI4 Cronarch's are probably amazing reels if you are going to keep
them away from the salt and baby them, but that’s not my style.</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1EM7nG4i3DTkcW3GgWY48_xPO7TJBO9kmjhZtjmpNtHnmiWCTP47KSOJh2YRirqTW4ttnjlp23cGzk5o14xwPoF2yZkJ9MYI99BekcmdLF3Q73hUSiFCU2p3kv641d7ZYNZGpWJTfqc/s1600/2013-08-24-19_13_23-600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1EM7nG4i3DTkcW3GgWY48_xPO7TJBO9kmjhZtjmpNtHnmiWCTP47KSOJh2YRirqTW4ttnjlp23cGzk5o14xwPoF2yZkJ9MYI99BekcmdLF3Q73hUSiFCU2p3kv641d7ZYNZGpWJTfqc/s320/2013-08-24-19_13_23-600x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Werner Paddles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spinning - For the money, the Shimano Sedona is an
amazing reel and has a price point around $70. I have not had any issue
with the Sedona's I have owned. I also like the Stratic FJ's and drool
over the Saragossa, Sustain, and Stella, but have not owned one myself.
They do have a great reputation in the inshore community though. I also
own a Quantum Inshore Smoke, and a Diawa Ballistic. Both reels have been
in my quiver for a few years now, and have held up fairly well. For some
bigger rods, the Penn Spinfisher V has been bombproof, but the durability
comes with the cost of weight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conventional - This is where I have limited experience,
but have still caught trophy fish on all three reels I cover. First is the
Shamano Tyrnos. I enjoyed this reel, but didn’t use it as often as the
others. The Issue I had is while it sat around, the grease pooled in one
area of the reel, which required disassembly and re-greasing to make it
operational. The next is the Diawa Saltist. I can’t say much more than
"<b>I love this reel</b>". If I had the need I would own a fleet
of these things. Smooth, great drag, light weight, and damn sexy. Finally,
I have the Release Reels SG. My SG is a few years old and besides some
minor servicing in its infancy, it has been super reliable. Unfortunately,
not all SG's have the same reputation as mine. Wes and the Crew up in
Reedville will take care of you and make things right if the unthinkable
happens though. Keep that in mind when making your next purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Amazing Paddles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In kayaking, the paddle is your
outboard. You wouldn’t put a Daewoo outboard on a 27' Contender. Don’t skimp on
your paddle. While you generally get similar performance form paddles in the
same price range, I cannot in good conscious recommend any paddle other than a
Werner Paddle. While kayaks are variable, the paddle really isn’t. I can’t
badmouth any other brands, nor would I. When it comes to Werner, you get a
paddle that is made in the USA, and doesn’t focus on gimmicks to sell. Werner
lets the paddle speak for itself. I will be buried with my Kaliste when it is
my day to meet my maker. Check them out at <a href="http://www.wernerpaddles.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.wernerpaddles.com</span></a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With this purchase, no matter the
brand, the more you spend the more performance you will see and the happier you
will be. I have never thought to myself, I wish I would have bought the next
line down. Each upgrade will increase your paddling enjoyment exponentially.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Top Notch Leader Material<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My leader is non-negotiable. Never
again will I buy the bargain fluorocarbon. Seguar Blue or Red label is the Jam.
I have also had good luck with the Berkley Tournament grade. The fluorocarbon
properties of decreased visibility by fish, abrasion resistance, quick sinking,
low memory, and knot strength are better in Seguar than other brands I’ve used.
Don’t skimp on this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Comfortable and Functional PFD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A PFD, much like a kayak is
something that you must be willing to trust your life to. God forbid, something
happens on the water, a PFD may be your difference between life and death, no
matter how strong your abilities are. Most brands like Astral, Kokatat, and NRS
make products that will keep you alive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moving along, I need a PFD that I
can wear all day long in 100 degree heat, and not feel the urge to take it off.
The Astral Ronny, Ronny Fisher, and Veight have super breathable mesh inserts,
vents, and plenty of storage for your gear. Vests like the Seawolf and Green
Jacket have solid clamshell pockets and are tectonic in nature so they move
with you while you paddle. The Seawolf and Ronny Fisher are my go to choices.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgez_-sn27J4SxCruYYKeUGnIyph-H56Mn6JtR5XVq3XKAD4nUPDyhLLGF7EqSTd-CIs7qmLZ2t8cT7ZPqfkij6cF1cBN5DxqFPv3jX622_fShT0s0535y_pTNgZG5QpNQEchcIxF4hc/s1600/DSCN0650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgez_-sn27J4SxCruYYKeUGnIyph-H56Mn6JtR5XVq3XKAD4nUPDyhLLGF7EqSTd-CIs7qmLZ2t8cT7ZPqfkij6cF1cBN5DxqFPv3jX622_fShT0s0535y_pTNgZG5QpNQEchcIxF4hc/s320/DSCN0650.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astral Ronny Fisher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. The Right Rods for the Right
Situations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This one is simple. Don’t go after
bull drum with a panfish rod. When you are chasing fish, you want a rod that is
matched appropriately to your quarry; otherwise it is like taking a knife to a
gunfight, or a hand grenade to a game of paper rock scissors. The right fishing
rod ensures an appropriate fish which decreases the morbidity of released fish,
but still allows you to enjoy the fight and get the fish to hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are so many great rod makers
out there, so to recommend one rod over another is ludacris. I like my Shamano
Terez's and Crucial's, but that’s not to say that I don’t, or am unwilling to
fish anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. Versatile Kayak Rigging Options<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It pains me to list this at #7, but
fact is, 1-6 are necessity, and this is a nicety. For rigging, I look no
further than YakAttack. Luther, Dan, and the rest of the team are always on the
cutting edge of the sport. They are a US Based Company that makes lights for
fishing at night, tracks to mount fish finders, cameras and rod holders, and
even storage options. There are other companies that have come after YakAttack,
but while a few dollars difference may seem nice, the quality and customer
support is not there. Furthermore, YakAttack gives so much back to kayak
anglers in the form of tournament donations and financial support to HOW and
PHW. If you want it, <a href="http://www.yakattack.us/"><span style="color: blue;">www.yakattack.us</span></a> has it!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8. Rugged Footwear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kick off those flip flops. They have
no place on the water for a kayak fisherman. Hooks in the foot, broken tongues,
and minimal security make them a poor, uninformed choice. Water shoes are where
it is at. Brands like Columbia and Keen make great shoes, but only Astral makes
shoes designed around the paddling experience. You need a shoe that you can
walk on scorching hot sand, through mud fields, over oyster bars, in the
parking lot, and kick off pilings with. You also need something that will
drain, and dry quickly. My Brewers and Loyaks do just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdkRFgFPPuEC_0X27hJwG5DjGG6aHY537one8Vii0gbBtUscM2q7F4aYS1OFqG6EH9PkqyH9ca-21JCr_NRc6Mec4fKaXJWbhPlnPfWL8QX5yxFEiEvK3hJEEn5Ya39tq8dw2ZW3le20/s1600/mloyak_callout_f14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdkRFgFPPuEC_0X27hJwG5DjGG6aHY537one8Vii0gbBtUscM2q7F4aYS1OFqG6EH9PkqyH9ca-21JCr_NRc6Mec4fKaXJWbhPlnPfWL8QX5yxFEiEvK3hJEEn5Ya39tq8dw2ZW3le20/s320/mloyak_callout_f14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astral Loyak - Astral Buoyancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For your PFD and footwear needs, I
recommend <a href="http://www.astraldesigns.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.astraldesigns.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9. Durable Baits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are few things worse than
taking a pack of plastics out, and getting all the tails bit off by croaker or
pinfish. This is not only costly, but it can prematurely end the day with a hot
bite on a certain color, or for the minimalist. When fishing inshore, shrimp
are often my favorite baits to use. The <a href="http://egretbaits.com/egret_vudushrimp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Egret Vudu Shrimp</span></a> have a Kevlar weave tail which
makes it damn near bomb-proof to those fish that commonly pick and peck at the
tail of the bait. This lets you fish considerably longer with minimal loss. I
also like to use the Egret <a href="http://egretbaits.com/index.html#!/Vudu-Mullet-4-5/c/9810604/offset=0&sort=nameAsc" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Vudu Mullet</span></a> and <a href="http://egretbaits.com/egret_wedgetail.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wedgetials</span></a> for these reasons. While the
Wedgetails are not re-enforced, they are extremely durable and last longer than
most anything else I’ve used.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4MZ5zT7EJC3f6VJoyvX773eHQpB7U7NVY8CYZUPob9_LN9escQpSqct14ZODpjRbE14tL-2d3mEt0X78qh9Ke6qHy4C0W71mx8NsD06PbwOz9SXXkCDOlkI8h8VCMcHtMrUrtgu9YbE/s1600/IMG_20150403_184407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4MZ5zT7EJC3f6VJoyvX773eHQpB7U7NVY8CYZUPob9_LN9escQpSqct14ZODpjRbE14tL-2d3mEt0X78qh9Ke6qHy4C0W71mx8NsD06PbwOz9SXXkCDOlkI8h8VCMcHtMrUrtgu9YbE/s320/IMG_20150403_184407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JP hammershad on an Aqua Dream Inline Spinnerbait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For my larger baits, I love fishing
with my <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Powerteam Lures</span></a> <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/4-8-swinging-hammer/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">4.8" Swinging Hammer</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/3-6-4-8-jp-hammer-shads/?sort=newest"><span style="color: blue;">JP Hammershads</span></a>. These baits are neutrally buoyant
and can handle repeated catches of large, toothy speckled trout. Unlike a lot
of other similar baits I’ve thrown, these don’t easily pull out of screw lock
hooks which save me money!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g0ALckGH1FbaBj4zPgceIHAazltbJFj42bjw6oHKTzE6DksWkc_VoBCB_MXB2IOJ9yoraGeJp-V2d9Gl2JLEIWkPRjJyvZ512N-_kUYn22T0luU1RvLW5Fis8J3L-0jaqgRgwzwzE4U/s1600/Rags+trout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g0ALckGH1FbaBj4zPgceIHAazltbJFj42bjw6oHKTzE6DksWkc_VoBCB_MXB2IOJ9yoraGeJp-V2d9Gl2JLEIWkPRjJyvZ512N-_kUYn22T0luU1RvLW5Fis8J3L-0jaqgRgwzwzE4U/s320/Rags+trout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging Hammer with a Healthy VA Citation Speck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10. All Around Terminal Tackle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To close out this list, I chose
something that I feel to be extremely important and would have expected to come
out much higher on my list. Whether its hooks, jig heads, swivels or the like,
this is one area I refuse to skimp on. If I am chasing sheepshead or other
trophy fish, I will eat ramen and tuna for a week before I compromise on my
terminal tackle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.ownerhooks.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Owner</span></a> and <a href="http://lazertrokar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Eagle Claw Trokar's</span></a> are the only hooks I’ll use
when I’m fishing bait. These hooks are strong, sharp, and reliable. I will fish
Trokar's or <a href="http://www.vmchooks.com/vmc-fish-hooks/"><span style="color: blue;">VMC's</span></a> when I need a swimbait hook or EWG for more
of my inshore presentations for many of the same reasons above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Swivels and connectors are another
major part of my game. When tying Sheepshead, Spadefish, or Tautog rigs, I like
the <a href="http://www.spro.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SPSB%2DALL"><span style="color: blue;">50lb spro barrel swivels</span></a>. These are small, yet
mighty reliable to the point I've never had them fail on me. I will also add
them to the split ring on my spoons to help avoid line twist. As far as
connectors are concerned, I refuse to leave home without my <a href="http://www.tacticalanglers.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Tactical
Anglers Power Clips</span></a>. I could write a whole post just on these bad
boys. Quick lure changes, added action, and ease of use are just three of the
many added benefits.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzeR8dwM3RTfD8m_g9LGeWtFBh21zmuKXHUI7pGTMiFnQKTEdmLXVQKt-Xbw4e8SHU7WLBQBQ0v4i7C_rCWZpE9lsjxzOAfLvN-6o2g2gtHL5kTg1ddIqk4wkLUX7Xd1kMOBqbKIVzLY/s1600/2014-11-28+13.49.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzeR8dwM3RTfD8m_g9LGeWtFBh21zmuKXHUI7pGTMiFnQKTEdmLXVQKt-Xbw4e8SHU7WLBQBQ0v4i7C_rCWZpE9lsjxzOAfLvN-6o2g2gtHL5kTg1ddIqk4wkLUX7Xd1kMOBqbKIVzLY/s320/2014-11-28+13.49.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 lb TA Power Clip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have 2 main requirements for
jigheads. They must have a strong, solid black nickel hook, and the hook shank
must vary in length to correspond to the weight of the jighead. Egret, VMC, and
Owner all make super high quality products, but for me, Jigheads are like
shoes, and whenever I see something new on the market, I make it a point to
pick up a pack or two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">________________________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope this top 10 list will help
you when making your next kayak fishing purchase. For me, this is what works
well. Keep in mind that many of the products I have mentioned here are from
companies that I am sponsored by. I use their products, because for my style, I
feel that they are superior to many others on the market. In the end though, its all about helping you figure out what works best for you and will give you the most enjoyment from your time on the water!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-69665656005915753022015-05-29T14:09:00.002-04:002015-05-29T15:27:41.774-04:00The Tides of SpringWinter... It is increasingly becoming a period of long, cold days here in the mid atlantic. We dont have much to hope for other than those warming south east winds and longer days which thaw us out, bring in warmer water, and break us free from our winter doldrums. While there is still some kayak fishing to be had, the tides of spring bring us the highly anticipated return of the Redfish. Many of these first schools contain reds that often break the 40" mark. These are the fish that we are after, and what we look forward to upon their departure in the fall.<br />
<br />
With our northern lattitudes and the sucesses of the <em>Sciaenops ocellatus </em>as a species, I consider myself extremely lucky to have the oppritunity to target, chase, and land such an amazing species. It is what I long for. That first five minute fight and monstorus headshakes are my sign that spring is finally here, and my vacation bank is about to be sucked dry. <br />
<br />
What is even more allureing about this fishery is the speed in which our spring season comes upon us. This was never more evident than in 2015. I find myself partaking in a bass trip one evening after work when I get the call. Jay Brooks is on the other end of the line when I hear "Our scouting trip turned in to much more". For me, The only question running through my mind is "are we still on for tomorrow?" The answer was "hell yeah we are!", and thus my season began. Jay's better half Meghan stoked the fire with<a href="http://jaybrooksfishing.com/" target="_blank"> a great story of her first bull</a> (and the first kayak caught bull of 2015 that we know about). Trip one for me ended with a skunk, but sometimes you have to pay to play.<br />
<br />
Not even a week later, Jay and I pull up to the ramp to find RMFC and Lockhart chillin in their car. On this trip, Jay struck 1st with a 47" red, followed shortly by a 46" landed by Lockhart, and a 48" landed by RMFC. I had a heartbreaking encounter with a red in that same class. When i got the big ole mamma yak side, I noticed terrable hook placement which ultimately resulted in the fish sliding over my leg and through my hands. My attitude was terrable and it was one of the only fish that I have lost that made me physically ill. But in the words of Ike, NEVER GIVE UP kept ringing through my head, and for a second time in as many hours, RMFC found me a school, and put me on the fish!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZIHxUfvDninWwn1shC1cyZa2dnF3ctEJBEpVcMuHZcJ0w4N5C6_qoZqZL8iI9vq-gvdVZtiujpoXqR_AsqBBz115KZJSX-09jvSrr1QqZP5_lejXW0G3fusu7emf512BaXctAUgTxc4/s1600/_DSC0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZIHxUfvDninWwn1shC1cyZa2dnF3ctEJBEpVcMuHZcJ0w4N5C6_qoZqZL8iI9vq-gvdVZtiujpoXqR_AsqBBz115KZJSX-09jvSrr1QqZP5_lejXW0G3fusu7emf512BaXctAUgTxc4/s320/_DSC0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockhart's First Bull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc934AtMJMWiJGebS8sUX_USAlMF3rJXbB83KdMue4eiOvMEvGWntDtJNWWvH_UM9Uq2EZ9fB4Rvi6xyaxYvdP_vwamyGWhAHxzvJxu6aeUDtRb9XPnKSr3muRJ2qMXwsS6V0dbSaV1eE/s1600/Ragulsky+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc934AtMJMWiJGebS8sUX_USAlMF3rJXbB83KdMue4eiOvMEvGWntDtJNWWvH_UM9Uq2EZ9fB4Rvi6xyaxYvdP_vwamyGWhAHxzvJxu6aeUDtRb9XPnKSr3muRJ2qMXwsS6V0dbSaV1eE/s320/Ragulsky+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit - Rob Choi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can read more about that day over at <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/2015/05/vernal-reds.html" target="_blank">Angling Addict</a>.<br />
<br />
A few days later Jay, Tex, and I go out on the back side of what was a stellar day for Kevin, Lee, and crew. This day will forever be known as "Cloudfest 2015". Not even a peek of sun through the clouds, with the occasional shower didnt stop us from conducting our search. We paddled from here to there and back for hours on end with nothing to show for our efforts. It appeared all the fish had just dissapeared. That is until I hear Jay wisper "2 o'clock, 100 yards". These fish were moving fast towards us. We coordinate our efforts, get inot position, and bomb casts into the cloud of fish. I was the first to hook up, but that didnt last long. Paddle, cast, hook up, curse. That was the name of the game for what seemed to be an eternity. I got lucky and broke the streak and managed to stay hooked. With my drag cinched down, I went right for a ride through the school, and they dispersed. I was able to keep eyes on a smaller school, and sent Jay and Tex to them. As I am landing my fish, Jay and Tex both hook up, but Tex broke off. Much to our pleasure, we had found some dinosaurs without the help of an palentologist. Jay and I both boated Stripers in the 41"-42" class. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqm42PjOTp8SnICPWFq_p2dDKlyOgIk5k7TQ3cnBEolENdSYjdj99HgGiRqw_ClMQqBl2lmtlJX-xm07SJQTilX3wvr0HyG7lpvJKfKol5Ku9mvh2WG96T_NVDgcy4dzacOputEXeVIw/s1600/DSC00332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqm42PjOTp8SnICPWFq_p2dDKlyOgIk5k7TQ3cnBEolENdSYjdj99HgGiRqw_ClMQqBl2lmtlJX-xm07SJQTilX3wvr0HyG7lpvJKfKol5Ku9mvh2WG96T_NVDgcy4dzacOputEXeVIw/s320/DSC00332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Releif!<br />
Photo Credit - Jay Brooks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rV_cEu1TVOHOv7ESQnnuPqjLNoRWNApBfI-kVwTnustcsbdBGxln8mFiLkmekXHa1T6nuZlFII1R11Ntwntn77UuRKfYzgd0XuHNKExUf-rqvAzHFqLWNNciKUFMFtYnutR9x3NW_h0/s1600/_DSC0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rV_cEu1TVOHOv7ESQnnuPqjLNoRWNApBfI-kVwTnustcsbdBGxln8mFiLkmekXHa1T6nuZlFII1R11Ntwntn77UuRKfYzgd0XuHNKExUf-rqvAzHFqLWNNciKUFMFtYnutR9x3NW_h0/s320/_DSC0088.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing a Dinosaur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ktJ4rZdrlBT_3UtYBjwrUBzlrSK7Fx9ywE988Kl1G7Qd4KN2yIZ6pr5w5Nc7cft2uBOAvEyGzMfcVbfrCzwQjoeq1ZnYrGWexc8Duu6yF83afKUl9FKwni0zGBQ49wtUnbST9xWGKLQ/s1600/_DSC0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ktJ4rZdrlBT_3UtYBjwrUBzlrSK7Fx9ywE988Kl1G7Qd4KN2yIZ6pr5w5Nc7cft2uBOAvEyGzMfcVbfrCzwQjoeq1ZnYrGWexc8Duu6yF83afKUl9FKwni0zGBQ49wtUnbST9xWGKLQ/s320/_DSC0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPpnm1rEpXMy5iBl4vQahFoeVogCwxfw8mXiuZRbCxuK2Ov-n5PH1sd2_5DpiChyphenhyphenY22Ev9y17oHg7sn1YyCRcalVtzk55r9Ch8A0nn5y819axUXSbVBrWhIxWUbaU6wTCZa_qCGdtdic/s1600/_DSC0111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPpnm1rEpXMy5iBl4vQahFoeVogCwxfw8mXiuZRbCxuK2Ov-n5PH1sd2_5DpiChyphenhyphenY22Ev9y17oHg7sn1YyCRcalVtzk55r9Ch8A0nn5y819axUXSbVBrWhIxWUbaU6wTCZa_qCGdtdic/s320/_DSC0111.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Stoked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, just a few days later I went out looking for fish on the fly. My buddy for the day has hooked into a handful of bulls chucking bugs, but has yet to come tight. We decided to maximize our efforts and add sidescan to our arsenal. Thank god we had it because there was absolutely zero clarity. We work a few areas, and I know I went over fish, not quite knowing what I was looking for. About halfway into the day, I smell the smell I was looking for. REDFISH FEEDING! I pull out the fly rod and make some solid casts in the right areas, but never hooked up. I began to get discouraged, grabbed a baitcaster, and got bumped. I called my buddy over, he casted his switch rod to no avail, while I hooked up to a solid 47" red that we tagged and released.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhD-J_gNlilvSBQRw6ajutdIBVDeN53bLjcD1sTanoNXpJDIHzPi-EKYRRf5nhHvhZgbBsqkwm4VsND4AisK1lEEdUn-XWpC2xieFapI4Ib0Jls0dLggCjfGk5t3ewh2kGY0rwHxaavk/s1600/_DSC0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhD-J_gNlilvSBQRw6ajutdIBVDeN53bLjcD1sTanoNXpJDIHzPi-EKYRRf5nhHvhZgbBsqkwm4VsND4AisK1lEEdUn-XWpC2xieFapI4Ib0Jls0dLggCjfGk5t3ewh2kGY0rwHxaavk/s320/_DSC0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Side Imaging scored me one more fish on the day that was around 42" that quickly came in for a quick photo opp, and went back to be caught another day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDh4vN0p6FF7cQqT_b45esbgY2CVcHyl2QjOnHCO_fnAks24y1wbg1DlL4U36_tYtCtmA-lodQTUamRyrS4ARhWKQYlOeMShBuCY_hbkWZmvwYjIfzNTKVpsYKdrvuMObhQoAIwywi3w/s1600/20150502_172314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDh4vN0p6FF7cQqT_b45esbgY2CVcHyl2QjOnHCO_fnAks24y1wbg1DlL4U36_tYtCtmA-lodQTUamRyrS4ARhWKQYlOeMShBuCY_hbkWZmvwYjIfzNTKVpsYKdrvuMObhQoAIwywi3w/s320/20150502_172314.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Work, finances, and the like made my time chasing these beasts short this year. I am always psyched to get out there and be given the oppritunity to have good fishing with great friends. I will say that my success chasing bulls is not typical, I still find myself in awe of some of the greats in this fishery, and find myself watching them fight and land fish more than getting in on the action myself.<br />
<br />
Im extremely thankful that the tides of spring are here, bringing with it more opritunities to do what I love!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-51994990720233736072015-05-12T13:20:00.002-04:002015-05-12T13:23:23.343-04:00Finding the Right Kayak Fishing PFD - Astral Seawolf and Ronny Fisher<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been fishing since before I can remember, and fishing
from a canoe or kayak for a majority of that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing up in the 80’s, I wore your typical
coast guard approved orange floatation device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While it served its primary purpose, it lacked one thing… comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are not comfortable on the water, you’ll
either cut your trip short, or your PFD comes off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For your typical fisherman, the PFD will
leave your body before you leave the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This can lead to some very bad things.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh813gAjCYGmEUv9xifIonWOfSRcRe33juS0f6L4DI_er_azjVyPuj_Y6geQP2uq-6Zhy3UZoefzlP4x7CTkoDJZ9bhUH2sZb0gxxFKO3MIYAZmzqosEPH8SQAN1z7HsyQaWP0hH4AMZ1Y/s1600/orange+life+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh813gAjCYGmEUv9xifIonWOfSRcRe33juS0f6L4DI_er_azjVyPuj_Y6geQP2uq-6Zhy3UZoefzlP4x7CTkoDJZ9bhUH2sZb0gxxFKO3MIYAZmzqosEPH8SQAN1z7HsyQaWP0hH4AMZ1Y/s1600/orange+life+jacket.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I got older, I started to realize that like many teenagers
and 20 somethings, I was invincible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was very fit and lived a warrior’s lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I never wore a PFD because they 1) were not functional for my style of
paddling, and 2) I was in great shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If anything were to happen to me my physical abilities would have
mitigated my need for a PFD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy was I
wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>One day I paddled out for a surf session over a reef in the
South China Sea, and experienced a commonality shared by many surf kayakers…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I went over I got caught in the hydraulics of a breaking wave,
while my body was tossed like a ragdoll over the coral below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t tell you how long I was pinned,
but I can say that my paddling partner was surprised to see me surface under my
own power, and not unconscious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got
lucky, and this experience stayed in the front of my mind from that point on.<o:p></o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On that note, let me say that PFD not only stands for
Personal Floatation Device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
stands for Personal Fu*%ing Decision for many folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I understand both trains of thought
within the kayak community, I do not want to start the debate on the use of PFD’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my personal feelings and experiences
that drove me to the decision of wearing my PFD when I’m on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ill talk about what I have found to be my key
factors when choosing the right PFD for my style.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8xpXV_1h9D0BiK0QaD5FfeqrvdpfvP6baDVfXEnrCg0aWvhSaDBDLKESC9GpTRZx__skS0bpvdLqPLI38H3NJQajKsiS5fiEOZAPifxriuqcgez09tnDzArsuZX1IMGa9CHMbdopDKY/s1600/44967_1650907194296_4607897_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8xpXV_1h9D0BiK0QaD5FfeqrvdpfvP6baDVfXEnrCg0aWvhSaDBDLKESC9GpTRZx__skS0bpvdLqPLI38H3NJQajKsiS5fiEOZAPifxriuqcgez09tnDzArsuZX1IMGa9CHMbdopDKY/s320/44967_1650907194296_4607897_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NRS Chinook PFD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
When I started kayak fishing a lot, I started off with an
older Lotus Designs PFD, then NRS Chinook, as it was one of the best reviewed fishing
PFD’s at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fished that PFD for
a few years and liked a few things about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pros:</span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a high back PFD, making it more comfortable with SOT kayak seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has large zippers don’t tend to get off track when fouled with sand or mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is fairly adjustable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was not a fan of the material it was made from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it was rip-stop, I found that it did rip easier than it should.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was not breathable at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no vents and I would find myself soaked with sweat to the point that I looked like I just went for a swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pockets are soft sided, and allow the contents to get wet way to easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Velcro on the front pockets loved to eat… eat my favorite fishing shirts.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl1xnq4UOY6vqJviUNc2BIniGNTOH5FgQ6GEWU3VzgFZoE73wiRxriWIrlZHJItrVIRbpuqp5uldbDbyJtvlHW_J14XwyS5iLdPX2lK52zjZ3cqattcC6P1l9WM3XIR8oXWZHip2dxCQ/s1600/Chinook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl1xnq4UOY6vqJviUNc2BIniGNTOH5FgQ6GEWU3VzgFZoE73wiRxriWIrlZHJItrVIRbpuqp5uldbDbyJtvlHW_J14XwyS5iLdPX2lK52zjZ3cqattcC6P1l9WM3XIR8oXWZHip2dxCQ/s320/Chinook.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.nrs.com/product/21501/nrs-chinook-mesh-back-fishing-pfd">http://www.nrs.com/product/21501/nrs-chinook-mesh-back-fishing-pfd</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Chinook lasted me a few seasons, but I felt the need to
upgrade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my next PFD was the Stohlquist
Fisherman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I again fished this PFD for a
few years, loving some of its advantages over the NRS Chinook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming in at a few dollars more, I was happy
to spend the money for what I felt to be a superior jacket for my style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing I came to love was the fact
that it was missing Velcro (which my shirts loved)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next it had hard sided pockets which afforded
my gear greater protection on and off the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were still some cons though, that made
me continue to search for that perfect jacket.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5seabCyFqEMo0r6KrXb7hKxZT0Yzg6uspWmIiHoPsuzzD4I7_KiU9E_mPVsScwoKb8TnHaTYvXZ1hq1xK98B1wmGSsS9UoajRTFmDiwl8XQcXmsSEkuD_z9QU6zVPemnrRCtT-JQoDQ/s1600/cobia+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5seabCyFqEMo0r6KrXb7hKxZT0Yzg6uspWmIiHoPsuzzD4I7_KiU9E_mPVsScwoKb8TnHaTYvXZ1hq1xK98B1wmGSsS9UoajRTFmDiwl8XQcXmsSEkuD_z9QU6zVPemnrRCtT-JQoDQ/s320/cobia+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stohlquist Fisherman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Pros:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>It is a high back PFD, making it more comfortable with SOT kayak seats. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Hard sided pockets<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>Lack of Velcro<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>Padded shoulder straps<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>Unique gear attachment options<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Cons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>The zipper systems are dainty, and often I found myself conducting field repairs because the teeth were stuck or didn’t grab properly.<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>Again, it was not breathable, and being soaking wet was a common theme<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>Not as comfortable or easy to wear as the Chinook was when wearing lots of layers or waders.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNg9DM-dwH8Y4IoguSRoSAKWDYx8t-O46SJNElc9XePev-NhnQ5Ajz6JXrXg053SEkhbUAEmcHUO4E8zzQ6Lqz0pGwjkI1qHnWt_EiprTU3vXKQjw9pvoFIWzcGLD-eMXntZ2mRxqpL8/s1600/stholquist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNg9DM-dwH8Y4IoguSRoSAKWDYx8t-O46SJNElc9XePev-NhnQ5Ajz6JXrXg053SEkhbUAEmcHUO4E8zzQ6Lqz0pGwjkI1qHnWt_EiprTU3vXKQjw9pvoFIWzcGLD-eMXntZ2mRxqpL8/s1600/stholquist.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html"><span style="font-size: small;">http://stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would have probably stayed with my Stohlquist had it not
been for a series of unfortunate events in which my jacket and I parted ways
(and states) for a few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
instead of traveling out of state, I decided I would upgrade and that is when I
went over to Astral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you remember I
started out with a Lotus Designs PFD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the life of me, I cannot remember which model it was but I appreciated
its comfort and simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In searching for that jacket that model I had on the
internet, I learned of a company called Astral Buoyancy, which had in all
reality replaced Lotus designs in the PFD market place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a company with some bomber jackets,
amazing style, and based somewhat locally (in Asheville - the mountains of North
Carolina).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had just launched the
Seawolf, and there was some buzz about how amazing this jacket was in the
whitewater and touring community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked at it and immediately knew this was a jacket I wanted to try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmi2yDGEjjN_sXGvG9GWilDjTJXy0Fs4vXdnO0-YOjGVah6QbcWkNA1vXijzoVq6Oa9bjvlS-A731qe9q0VXMN-Bcww59sfzEe3cA1Y9UNblYEcRDzAQ3DPKdaLsM_YxUopbyJhuy5hs/s1600/2013-08-24-19_13_23-600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmi2yDGEjjN_sXGvG9GWilDjTJXy0Fs4vXdnO0-YOjGVah6QbcWkNA1vXijzoVq6Oa9bjvlS-A731qe9q0VXMN-Bcww59sfzEe3cA1Y9UNblYEcRDzAQ3DPKdaLsM_YxUopbyJhuy5hs/s400/2013-08-24-19_13_23-600x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.wernerpaddles.com/" target="_blank">Werner Paddles</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Upon trying it on I found some amazingly awesome features
that I never thought about in a fishing jacket before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pros:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The PFD is based to tectonics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waist is your anchor point, and the rest of the jacket moves based on your movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When paddling hard, fighting that big fish, or even reaching back to grab your gear, the tectonic body is super convenient (and comfortable).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also an added benefit of a fleece hand warmer at the torso. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a must have as much as a nice to have feature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no Velcro (again, my high dollar technical fishing shirts are thankful)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The clam shell pocket offers plenty of hard sided storage, without getting in the way of your paddle stroke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is light weight, and more breathable than the NRS Chinook or the Stohlquist Fisherman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is easy to wear over bulky clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Denier material is super durable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a simple wash, you would be hard pressed to tell that it has been a primary PFD for 3 seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Side buckle closures lets you don the jacket quickly, and makes for easy adjustment depending on the clothing you are wearing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Super comfortable shoulder padding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdpzYPZmTxgOY-c257PlNwZ_xzvkF8S_wjPP9eXBQLwMcdPb4W3x6ge4u1l-c_DO3HBf3aFWNRfqRSuUYCWhr_-MiU_gmdOAPsci2BvtLnVFZn-91_7mOthDnv8s-2foxhFfpCztofUM/s1600/61+lb+cobia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdpzYPZmTxgOY-c257PlNwZ_xzvkF8S_wjPP9eXBQLwMcdPb4W3x6ge4u1l-c_DO3HBf3aFWNRfqRSuUYCWhr_-MiU_gmdOAPsci2BvtLnVFZn-91_7mOthDnv8s-2foxhFfpCztofUM/s320/61+lb+cobia.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/" target="_blank">Rob Choi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cons:</span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The back has padding throughout, which is contradictory to
what the market tells you for a SOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
not initially as comfortable as a high back PFD, I find that the movement the
PFD has, coupled with a proper paddling posture and quality seat alleviates this
concern for me.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIc94x_cUWR5u1e0qZBuQK9VvJQAoaPh8cW-hImdYBflOfm_zdjPUOr-Pu6WTLOTl7Qae2b8vuNlE5ZwkTnb5KORA-BG5e6VieHXRtyILsBCwl6UL7l-0oKlUL9TNAp5vrPgGeHlvIOg/s1600/2013-Astral-Seawolf-PFD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIc94x_cUWR5u1e0qZBuQK9VvJQAoaPh8cW-hImdYBflOfm_zdjPUOr-Pu6WTLOTl7Qae2b8vuNlE5ZwkTnb5KORA-BG5e6VieHXRtyILsBCwl6UL7l-0oKlUL9TNAp5vrPgGeHlvIOg/s320/2013-Astral-Seawolf-PFD.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/Seawolf.php">http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/Seawolf.php</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is by far my favorite PFD for
95% of my trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you that
wear your PFD, and paddle hard, this jacket should not be overlooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPJi_25d_yVJOx7R42beW7Bk973jbpY9NDChgU7813GiLj_kStNPE80uZP41IOIURaD7mN4w7PtBVij1D9XIM5bN5Bp8Xo_mWZfU1zISP8n_K6HWAeD0xhXfphbBe1cNGLzttSv5oWFI/s1600/49.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPJi_25d_yVJOx7R42beW7Bk973jbpY9NDChgU7813GiLj_kStNPE80uZP41IOIURaD7mN4w7PtBVij1D9XIM5bN5Bp8Xo_mWZfU1zISP8n_K6HWAeD0xhXfphbBe1cNGLzttSv5oWFI/s320/49.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ronny Fisher and a 49" Redfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was fortunate enough to be
invited to join the Astral fishing team in late 2013, at which time I was sent
a Ronny Fisher to test out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a hard
headed individual, I resist change when I find a product I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, I didn’t want to wear the Ronny
Fisher because I loved my Seawolf so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I took it out of the box, I gave it the once over and though, “this
is kinda cool”, then it sat in the corner overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I woke up the next morning I found it staring
at me, sucking me in with its intrigue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That morning I found myself late for work because I was going through
all of its features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the SUV of
fishing PFD’s that can go anywhere and do anything you ask it to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DF2FBUVDkxcvkF2HBuhwoBL8ISqmszDI1Km32rS7T1kbn79QHAumWS_vqSVthyphenhyphenaSSPbrq2eUL7KztnShsCjwDCoYpBLA2PsNkgWdHvRCcMBMWLAexWvOiL308sJyESt-bI4-f-ENF-M/s1600/Bluefish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DF2FBUVDkxcvkF2HBuhwoBL8ISqmszDI1Km32rS7T1kbn79QHAumWS_vqSVthyphenhyphenaSSPbrq2eUL7KztnShsCjwDCoYpBLA2PsNkgWdHvRCcMBMWLAexWvOiL308sJyESt-bI4-f-ENF-M/s320/Bluefish.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/" target="_blank">Rob Choi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although it is not my go to PFD
for my style of paddling, it has many features that are designed especially for
the kayak angler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For starters, it has
an integrated hood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I was not
a big fan of this feature, but one day I got caught in a pop up rain cell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting the hood on helped keep my glasses
relatively spot free, and while everything I would have used to clean my
glasses was unusable, I was ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its this
type of thinking that makes me honestly believe that the Ronny Fisher is quite
possibly the best fishing PFD for most kayak anglers out there today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNetX0D3EHVUwTognDnSeCqLQ8Nflg6y0JOV3bw2eO3bRKZZ62xESOol29SOW7x4OziCBlIJeL2wLtZVd0OqkwVOUTiB2KL1ulbWdNuUzdPE0WfDEUqWr6ufc3A42OZIPQX91POb4Mg54/s1600/WillyRags+15-+Spade+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNetX0D3EHVUwTognDnSeCqLQ8Nflg6y0JOV3bw2eO3bRKZZ62xESOol29SOW7x4OziCBlIJeL2wLtZVd0OqkwVOUTiB2KL1ulbWdNuUzdPE0WfDEUqWr6ufc3A42OZIPQX91POb4Mg54/s320/WillyRags+15-+Spade+copy.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/" target="_blank">Rob Choi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pros:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It features and integrated hood that while it won’t replace your rain jacket, it will keep your head dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 fold down hard sided zipper pockets that provide ample storage for tackle boxes, phones, and other amenities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both flaps fold down plat to provide you a solid surface to work off of if needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A can/bottle holder that zips back into the jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I do find it cumbersome to paddle with a can of Monster in the holder, I do find it extremely useful for a VHF radio or even a camera on a retractor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A tool area that has elastic loops for your tools, and is secured with a Velcro strap that is out of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Velcro is located so it doesn’t eat up my fishing shirts like other PFD’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 elastic loops on both sides of the jacket that allow for easy gear attachment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Solid zippers that seem impervious to sand and grit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A thin, vented back that helps cool you, while making the jacket extremely comfortable to wear on a SOT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thick webbing on the shoulder straps that doesn’t dig in like thinner, flimsy webbing.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZnkP72y5Cq_6zd_ki9_9vaDhoEwOl2VS96AyfsLEISK9SxUl8eFKWmQEv5brGBPOM3yd2W6RixcY_3X7PNSPiA-6QHLTTEj1wEKgYvkwCXztnQqAPeoLg01jFAWN2SFB4CjryEJn234/s1600/Ronny-Fisher-Fishing-PFD4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZnkP72y5Cq_6zd_ki9_9vaDhoEwOl2VS96AyfsLEISK9SxUl8eFKWmQEv5brGBPOM3yd2W6RixcY_3X7PNSPiA-6QHLTTEj1wEKgYvkwCXztnQqAPeoLg01jFAWN2SFB4CjryEJn234/s320/Ronny-Fisher-Fishing-PFD4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/RonnyFisher.php">http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/RonnyFisher.php</a><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Cons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>It almost has too much storage, and I can quickly find myself bogged down by all I can put in the Jacket.<o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>I enjoy the side buckle closure that is found on the Seawolf more than the front zipper on the Ronny Fisher.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLWGDqXfQRfmkPTnyZG07n8OYZur5n3LdAZJghTGFVWKbpcn_dHoGsn3F1aLhZZRwnkjZXvbFskbzkW0GpBAiKXlWuoVojg7x9Z40EI3dl9T1TVQ876f7lgZZyETq6CzlwaO6j5_d5zg/s1600/P8020225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLWGDqXfQRfmkPTnyZG07n8OYZur5n3LdAZJghTGFVWKbpcn_dHoGsn3F1aLhZZRwnkjZXvbFskbzkW0GpBAiKXlWuoVojg7x9Z40EI3dl9T1TVQ876f7lgZZyETq6CzlwaO6j5_d5zg/s320/P8020225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Jack Daughtry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>While I admit that I am on the Astral fishing team, and may
have a little bias, that bias comes from wearing what I am comfortable putting
my name and reputation on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A company
that has high standards of quality, listens to the paddler, and actually
solicits input from the community when designing new products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While brands like NRS, Stohlquist, and
Kokatat make some amazing products, my search for the ultimate paddling and
fishing specific PFD’s has ended with Astral.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Do yourself a favor and go to your local paddle sports shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask about the Seawolf, Ronny Fisher, or any
other jacket in the Astral line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try
them on, move around in them, and ask the sales reps for feedback they have received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you still have any questions, drop me or
any of your local Astral fishing team members a line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are dedicated to helping you find the best
product for your style!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zDqACdU8GgySWkVX9xTYgBYi92XozU3lI4SsZ9qZ-y-yUvbO3yr1Xa7TKdBMoUCw3w-6U3bFGk79lM6PLpPKZP2bwwptFLb5AXDeh1VGtu1hVc5CJhI9Q0O2PTO9QLofeRB7MLnYeAQ/s1600/_DSC0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zDqACdU8GgySWkVX9xTYgBYi92XozU3lI4SsZ9qZ-y-yUvbO3yr1Xa7TKdBMoUCw3w-6U3bFGk79lM6PLpPKZP2bwwptFLb5AXDeh1VGtu1hVc5CJhI9Q0O2PTO9QLofeRB7MLnYeAQ/s320/_DSC0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronny Fisher - 29" Speckled Trout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span></span></span></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-79706566563898105512015-04-08T12:05:00.000-04:002015-04-08T12:10:41.197-04:00Adapt and Overcome<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I would like to believe that I am a good fisherman, with well-rounded skills in both fresh and salt waters. I also view myself as a minimalist in the aspect that I paddle a lightweight kayak that does not suit itself well to having all the bells and whistles that larger kayaks have. I don't take 10 rods on the water with me or enough tackle to open up my own shop. I have to ensure that I have the gear I need to effectively target what I may encounter and nothing more. Here I will outline some of the lessons that I have learned, or ones that I have re-learned over the past few months, with the hope that it may help others out along the way. Here we go!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsH_sAsZZHWzU9KtaXDM7udJ-ySNwkr6PaLPhtptsywM1_WFYmw4RWUOZeXvNW37IqFWyk15-qJU9Bd0352Onx6_a7tY0AyrTMVH-uIqZo02J1csvI6LDWdT0yg6I4s18ZjEXi5AffGU/s1600/IMG_20150403_134554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Know the water you are fishing, and the gear you are using</em></strong> - This may seem like a no brainer, but if you follow these rules your trips will be much more enjoyable and you will be nicely rewarded. On a recent trip to one of my favorite bass spots, my buddy Ted and I were fishing an area right before, during, and after a cold front. Prior to the front, we knew the areas that the bass were feeding on and what baits best mimicked the forage of the lake. We were able to bust out some quality fish in the morning and the day was a success. As the front passed, the fishing grinded to a halt. This is where we decided to go fish some deeper water with the hope of finding fish stacked up. We changed up our presentations to take advantage of the conditions and we were pleasantly rewarded. Point being, be versatile and understand that just because a pattern worked during one part of the day, it will not always continue to produce throughout the remainder of the day.</span></li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6jQ5cGtyUs8hEf2ufODWuR9i6G5Vuuwg3n43B_oESG7fQLiDZRf2ePAsbuDfk_OvNxg2HWd21rlMvJhGQ2s91N_P1UWkkCE8jvwfXcvOv09CWh1mfTRKA8irbLPOsNScIrb0qhBi7Ms/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6jQ5cGtyUs8hEf2ufODWuR9i6G5Vuuwg3n43B_oESG7fQLiDZRf2ePAsbuDfk_OvNxg2HWd21rlMvJhGQ2s91N_P1UWkkCE8jvwfXcvOv09CWh1mfTRKA8irbLPOsNScIrb0qhBi7Ms/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A nice pre-spawn bass caught using a Chatterbait in deeper water right after a strong cold front passed through</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwiIEN8cSM9s93Cy98DWqizLld3NLsVhtrQ71pqWBs0olZTIXS1roNI3jODpPAf6eylCFOZFLE8iTFwAjYFZzsvfGATXEiRXgGaVDomCtM38HCfmM0qejFLJdUYai1aWtgdtU9aTT6sc/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwiIEN8cSM9s93Cy98DWqizLld3NLsVhtrQ71pqWBs0olZTIXS1roNI3jODpPAf6eylCFOZFLE8iTFwAjYFZzsvfGATXEiRXgGaVDomCtM38HCfmM0qejFLJdUYai1aWtgdtU9aTT6sc/s1600/Picture2.jpg" height="363" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ted Crumb with a beastly sow after observing and establishing a pattern for post frontal fish.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><em>Don't be afraid to depart
from the norm in order to catch fish</em></strong></span> - On another day when
Square Bills and Jerkbaits would be the normal presentation for the given
conditions, mix things up. We decided that with the jerkbait bite in deeper
water being nonexistent, we would fish trees and vegetation with spinnerbaits.
We knew our tactics were a departure from what we had established but decided
to go with them anyways. This paid off with some quality Bass and a would be VA
weight citation Bowfin. When I asked the science behind spinnerbait fishing in these conditions, we could not come up with any other answer than "it has worked in the past".</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmALMWbu55-lDREJ3Wzl2jAtGwBIQ2iX6a-FggWWuzu-epvXJWcOiQDFonFzyeE2XtOBx26Ewcc40dR7tVNe_hj1c8hOpVZ5UpYPwPmbXk8aeHEnt5w89v1RW27eW4Eb90dGXLvmMcTnk/s1600/_DSC0069.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmALMWbu55-lDREJ3Wzl2jAtGwBIQ2iX6a-FggWWuzu-epvXJWcOiQDFonFzyeE2XtOBx26Ewcc40dR7tVNe_hj1c8hOpVZ5UpYPwPmbXk8aeHEnt5w89v1RW27eW4Eb90dGXLvmMcTnk/s1600/_DSC0069.jpeg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tommy establishing a spinnerbait pattern on a jerkbait day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m59BeFWQ0kQbYclBxeJaELNPZvIyxCtPKsrMiD3o-hb42AKeIo8horeMqTTyaV9MRHs-o-8ZATHhJaZChoxXpUMrentnzW1fHyPHNXLdizPuJrjmUwvz3dA-R28i9OTQq74nMHzkhNE/s1600/IMG_20150329_211404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m59BeFWQ0kQbYclBxeJaELNPZvIyxCtPKsrMiD3o-hb42AKeIo8horeMqTTyaV9MRHs-o-8ZATHhJaZChoxXpUMrentnzW1fHyPHNXLdizPuJrjmUwvz3dA-R28i9OTQq74nMHzkhNE/s1600/IMG_20150329_211404.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An angry Bowfin that slammed a Spinnerbait</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><em>Realize that in order to catch fish, you may need to adjust your target, and techniques</em></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> - There will be days when the conditions, the fish, or both will not allow you to chase after your target species, or you might not be able to get the exact presentation needed conventionally, and may need to switch to other methods. This occurred on more than one occasion where I wanted to chase bass, but knowing where they were located, the conditions would not allow me to get there. This is when I changed my target, and focused on catching citation pickerel. Another time, I wanted to chase pickerel, but the conditions were brutally cold and I realized that a very slow presentation was the best way to fool them into biting, so instead of fishing with gear, I decided to take the fly rod out and I was pleasantly rewarded. As long as there is open water, there will be something waiting to be caught. Tunnel vision can be the worst enemy an angler who just wants to get out and fish.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3kcL11DKvcDZXMJpCfDiaIIHV8q1zjQk4tj4zFAzi75rellyl_BBIvvwPvCrs3f0ompoXGVaabbvNsWCVLQ0-xCQ4mR2dzpnd2I9cnGQa6GbEIBXWUY-lCXtXbfLnnw62irUYLfq0Oo/s1600/IMG_20150314_183301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3kcL11DKvcDZXMJpCfDiaIIHV8q1zjQk4tj4zFAzi75rellyl_BBIvvwPvCrs3f0ompoXGVaabbvNsWCVLQ0-xCQ4mR2dzpnd2I9cnGQa6GbEIBXWUY-lCXtXbfLnnw62irUYLfq0Oo/s1600/IMG_20150314_183301.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crappy conditions for a Crappie Day</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rIz7b2vB7YL7ZYXh5M_hyplZ7vPMUOq8bLhFY7j2VL2gscdI8E4KnP07Gq_sy_xSpHx-OFTSV-J6XVu3hv2wV3LRiJzjpkG7Yqfi0psMe4ju9RrPhioARRXfn4G9f_dsJgtX1gnxGAg/s1600/IMG_20150119_130659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rIz7b2vB7YL7ZYXh5M_hyplZ7vPMUOq8bLhFY7j2VL2gscdI8E4KnP07Gq_sy_xSpHx-OFTSV-J6XVu3hv2wV3LRiJzjpkG7Yqfi0psMe4ju9RrPhioARRXfn4G9f_dsJgtX1gnxGAg/s1600/IMG_20150119_130659.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Pickerel on the fly to pop the cherry on the 2015 kayak fishing season</span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjW2qAlHVixhvB18oUc3eRcGvYi9rb0PNaUd6y91RI2TqX37dJKpQEijpT5kNHHtqTnETyka7zrHJvTu0ni9yhUgbUsm5y_XelPyN1XgTJr6X3Tfwt0JDHwCmkhVngs7Hi_7Ho7fMhJw/s1600/IMG_20150324_151801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjW2qAlHVixhvB18oUc3eRcGvYi9rb0PNaUd6y91RI2TqX37dJKpQEijpT5kNHHtqTnETyka7zrHJvTu0ni9yhUgbUsm5y_XelPyN1XgTJr6X3Tfwt0JDHwCmkhVngs7Hi_7Ho7fMhJw/s1600/IMG_20150324_151801.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A VA release citation Chain Pickerel caught when the bass were unaccessable</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be ready for what the
conditions may throw at you</span></b></em> - Sometimes you are just stuck
fishing certain conditions. This may be low, dirty, grassy water, or quite the opposite.
Have enough gear to tackle multiple presentations for your conditions, but
still keep some that may be just the opposite. Recently, I encountered low and
dirty water conditions. While I like to throw pinks and yellows in these
conditions, I could visibly watch fish turn away and pay my baits no mind. It wasn’t
until I switched up to the darkest colors that I had that I found the fish on
the end of my line. Sometimes rules are just meant to be broken.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsH_sAsZZHWzU9KtaXDM7udJ-ySNwkr6PaLPhtptsywM1_WFYmw4RWUOZeXvNW37IqFWyk15-qJU9Bd0352Onx6_a7tY0AyrTMVH-uIqZo02J1csvI6LDWdT0yg6I4s18ZjEXi5AffGU/s1600/IMG_20150403_134554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsH_sAsZZHWzU9KtaXDM7udJ-ySNwkr6PaLPhtptsywM1_WFYmw4RWUOZeXvNW37IqFWyk15-qJU9Bd0352Onx6_a7tY0AyrTMVH-uIqZo02J1csvI6LDWdT0yg6I4s18ZjEXi5AffGU/s1600/IMG_20150403_134554.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A nice redfish caught after switching color schemes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The most important thing to remember though is to go out and <strong>ENJOY</strong> yourself. Take advantage to the vestle you are on and look around. Enjoy the sights, and sounds. Emerse yourself in not just the fishing, but also your environment!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYNsDPVpfuyAUhj9S2BX1JP6bfQq-GGmXlaADkiG9vjAiYJYtL2YRkGMTANmGUWsi_M2_1rlu0XXStkDHl_KssGibxpXUgE8DAfzY3O8IH6M-_0lpqTlybV7KZyzpolwoilhBfAaNAus/s1600/IMG_20150329_210915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYNsDPVpfuyAUhj9S2BX1JP6bfQq-GGmXlaADkiG9vjAiYJYtL2YRkGMTANmGUWsi_M2_1rlu0XXStkDHl_KssGibxpXUgE8DAfzY3O8IH6M-_0lpqTlybV7KZyzpolwoilhBfAaNAus/s1600/IMG_20150329_210915.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0ACwJPDaxv9QRzpMdJqEA5eOFVotcPQQ9x-RIIbNgSoaWIc_zygNUmseSo0IQi-wKu_yNncam7b9ms-c_7Y934WVLUhzWipOHmY_eVPdy9zzc1wuD9jlGfI4sSWEz7C1Ic0Os-rN4wU/s1600/IMG_20150329_191946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0ACwJPDaxv9QRzpMdJqEA5eOFVotcPQQ9x-RIIbNgSoaWIc_zygNUmseSo0IQi-wKu_yNncam7b9ms-c_7Y934WVLUhzWipOHmY_eVPdy9zzc1wuD9jlGfI4sSWEz7C1Ic0Os-rN4wU/s1600/IMG_20150329_191946.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-47713860085370961692015-04-07T12:15:00.000-04:002015-04-07T12:19:59.988-04:00Adventure Fishing World Championship (AFWC) #3 - Delacroix, LA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIlJwiz6_5LPun3gmbp1Fgh8MD-yMUxJBZOrQFYLFwSqLY4GSkNW3a-BXL9d0q0NV4tioFuQ9Uiysem1tMu-3wmZ0e_9wCu2sXlI-_Hli9cTKV1aCkFIGTAIE-rlgT-MYml86cKD3r9s/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz71mVJl77c1p0k6KMGE_Sp16cwQlQcuSnEDMgqJanWJTMHzFyTygD8bw5w0M-X24S38gbi3AzohACjFs5kHuBBuWt2KYyCHncC_cW7JqVa7UHvdqo1TK8qX0ySFj7d6FJNZ1AKCfjiBM/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz71mVJl77c1p0k6KMGE_Sp16cwQlQcuSnEDMgqJanWJTMHzFyTygD8bw5w0M-X24S38gbi3AzohACjFs5kHuBBuWt2KYyCHncC_cW7JqVa7UHvdqo1TK8qX0ySFj7d6FJNZ1AKCfjiBM/s1600/Picture4.jpg" height="178" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>"It’s all about what you know in good ole Delacroix"<o:p></o:p></em></strong><br />
<br />
This quote became unbelievably apparent when 53 teams of two got the go
ahead to open up their maps, and plan their day at the 3rd annual <a href="http://adventurefishingworldchampionship.com/" target="_blank">AFWC</a> in Delacroix LA. The AFWC is a
tournament that I have tried to fish for the past two years, but have not been
able to find the right teammate... until now. Its format is extremely unique in
the fact that it test your ability to navigate, paddle and portage, fish, and
reading water. You have to be a complete kayak angler in order to even qualify
in this event. The next few paragraphs will outline the experiences of Team <a href="http://www.alloutkayakfishing.com/" target="_blank">All
Out Kayak Fishing,</a> and bring more insight as to what goes into this event.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
First, let’s talk a bit about Delacroix. It sits 3 ft above sea level, with
a labyrinth of canals and levees that make you really understand how susceptible
to the elements you really are. While driving into town, you drive through what
we coined to be the "Wall of Death", which is a super long cement
wall on an a elevated levy designed to minimize the flooding during storms. The
levy that we went through failed in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, and left the
"island" submerged in over 30 foot of water. Driving through the wall
at midnight seemed like it belonged in the series the Walking Dead.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOSTo2mYHoSsKb34mohW287A32bcqKxrNf4LJNywxR-e35BO-hLlOsd0L2Ba6lrikfh1NeUNQIbcuDcBywQqq5hUAYNOerL1rtWAseKhda4UTBQ4IwR_5RKzHL_yoeQHmZKjv6KrVTec/s1600/Picture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOSTo2mYHoSsKb34mohW287A32bcqKxrNf4LJNywxR-e35BO-hLlOsd0L2Ba6lrikfh1NeUNQIbcuDcBywQqq5hUAYNOerL1rtWAseKhda4UTBQ4IwR_5RKzHL_yoeQHmZKjv6KrVTec/s1600/Picture6.jpg" height="107" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wall went on for miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGerqeUb7kVcyh9VyyQHDcFmLi8Lm7myOlSS5G0fMXbhnJWXQCiuRR7G9X8mANcgC8wD6yhQiK8eM9xWCHx3VIS7Yh1l5bUOKuagQhIqKH3gIwTJMBL0R6MNw_6D9jRVVtn-a-LspfcU/s1600/_DSC0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGerqeUb7kVcyh9VyyQHDcFmLi8Lm7myOlSS5G0fMXbhnJWXQCiuRR7G9X8mANcgC8wD6yhQiK8eM9xWCHx3VIS7Yh1l5bUOKuagQhIqKH3gIwTJMBL0R6MNw_6D9jRVVtn-a-LspfcU/s1600/_DSC0042.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak Kevin standing next to the wall for reference. This thing was DOMINATING!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we made it through the wall, we really got into the terrain that we
would have to navigate. Seeing it at night was the wrong time to see it for the
first time. It was dark, muggy, and a complete departure from our expectations.
Once we got unloaded, our excitement overtook our nerves, and instead of
sleeping, we took a walk to acclimatize ourselves to the island. It was really
cool to see gar feeding on shrimp in the dock lights, and see just how much
damage Katrina caused.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Day two started with chilling with the Virginia collation of anglers that
came down to compete, seeing old friends from throughout the south east, and
pumping ourselves up for the unexpected. My partner Joe and I finished loading
our gear and were off. The first thing that we noticed was how skinny the water
truly was. Most of the areas we pre-fished were less than two feet, and to add
even more complexity, these areas were full of sea grass and hydrilla. For the
angler, Delacroix is a Top water and Sight casting paradise. We started the day
with some bass in the grass, and casting to reds that didn’t want our
offerings. As we progressed, we found areas that held a higher concentration of
reds, and some clearer water than what we had been fishing. The first red of
the trip came on an in-line buzz bait that it absolutely demolished.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wu6jEw7nb5wNAK3aJ8Zk0XI0WzS9EM45fxZwRjlMq-lvrpP7_uTxagNfViC6ZOjjjvee0Z0uFSq4X697k6BSizIw1vgf3Wwq9xMUp6QJziFyREmzRRWYTgkdLi2XRsCyK7L-utcljG4/s1600/IMG_20150403_184407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wu6jEw7nb5wNAK3aJ8Zk0XI0WzS9EM45fxZwRjlMq-lvrpP7_uTxagNfViC6ZOjjjvee0Z0uFSq4X697k6BSizIw1vgf3Wwq9xMUp6QJziFyREmzRRWYTgkdLi2XRsCyK7L-utcljG4/s1600/IMG_20150403_184407.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Dinnerbell JP Hmmershad fooled this red!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we paddled further down this one flat, we saw reds cruising
and tailing, but got no interest in our baits until we switched to darker
colors. The darker the baits, the more interest they generated, and subsequently,
our hookups increased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsORefUThJAxPT7SN-Q2Vp056D42H0iiyb7FwHNPvunK5DBSnEt1HPNdoD8UEYJNf9E3rp34cEiG6WKb0Baf8h-5NPkodNyNSDIFxHKNtO_dT4CruGhytUJgJqDDTuUAhjg6aQb6xY6-c/s1600/IMG_20150405_121941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsORefUThJAxPT7SN-Q2Vp056D42H0iiyb7FwHNPvunK5DBSnEt1HPNdoD8UEYJNf9E3rp34cEiG6WKb0Baf8h-5NPkodNyNSDIFxHKNtO_dT4CruGhytUJgJqDDTuUAhjg6aQb6xY6-c/s1600/IMG_20150405_121941.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fat lil Delacroix pumpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our only day of prefishing yielded Bass and Reds on the same baits, and in the same areas. It also gave us a good reference for the conditions we would be fishing in, and more importantly, patterns that we felt would be successful the following day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIlJwiz6_5LPun3gmbp1Fgh8MD-yMUxJBZOrQFYLFwSqLY4GSkNW3a-BXL9d0q0NV4tioFuQ9Uiysem1tMu-3wmZ0e_9wCu2sXlI-_Hli9cTKV1aCkFIGTAIE-rlgT-MYml86cKD3r9s/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIlJwiz6_5LPun3gmbp1Fgh8MD-yMUxJBZOrQFYLFwSqLY4GSkNW3a-BXL9d0q0NV4tioFuQ9Uiysem1tMu-3wmZ0e_9wCu2sXlI-_Hli9cTKV1aCkFIGTAIE-rlgT-MYml86cKD3r9s/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="76" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Adventure on the Water (Kayak Kevin and Jean McElroy) on their way in to end the first day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Tournament Morning</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjkZO-eByk6dlIODj43-NXxTqvC806J_0LBMZ-0azQafODuy5bAR0wzxPaDuHIh6T5oDEhFVfVDizbR74-545-GX1UXt4jaBci78qXbBrxhth20NVE09GE95lbyn4-JwwxkrkpULTyTw/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjkZO-eByk6dlIODj43-NXxTqvC806J_0LBMZ-0azQafODuy5bAR0wzxPaDuHIh6T5oDEhFVfVDizbR74-545-GX1UXt4jaBci78qXbBrxhth20NVE09GE95lbyn4-JwwxkrkpULTyTw/s1600/Picture5.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After loading all of our gear in the staging area and ensuring that we had what we needed for the following day, our team was called up at 0630 to get our map, measuring device, and scorecard. The tension mounted until 0700, at which time we were able to open our map, and plan our fish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0TLVuXuW3ktsNZ7uy-GSbcUSXY-LHQZF4jltZpPiuuXoVPXSFpKTDoEklk2Zm1y0JJTfL6VfHC3TEhUFxZXo2ejBQb3SozKc9V3EsN1WiEAD9YSkH3CQfI15U2Y66e8EVHDqIH7-UMU/s1600/FB_IMG_1428412506789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0TLVuXuW3ktsNZ7uy-GSbcUSXY-LHQZF4jltZpPiuuXoVPXSFpKTDoEklk2Zm1y0JJTfL6VfHC3TEhUFxZXo2ejBQb3SozKc9V3EsN1WiEAD9YSkH3CQfI15U2Y66e8EVHDqIH7-UMU/s1600/FB_IMG_1428412506789.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - AFWC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong><em>Checkpoint 5<o:p></o:p></em></strong><br />
<br />
Once we opened up our map, we found which the double length checkpoints were
and decided to fish CP5, CP2, CP3, CP4, and CP1 in a loop. After we hit all but
CP 3 we realized the flaw in our plan. This course was designed to be fished in
a circle, with deep water entry points starting from 4, going to 3, 2, 5, and
1. Nonetheless, we proceeded to paddle to CP5 first and hit the water at 0715.
We breezed past the field, aided by a stout north wind that was 20-30 mph. As
we hit CP5, we were one of the first teams to reach our area, and fished our
way through, catching our first red about an hour into the CP and scoring 50.5
points for the area. As we paddled back to the east across the flat we just
left, I noticed there was still some water left on the flat and we had a
straight shot to reach CP 2. We scored our fish, turned in our token, and
paddled east. Unfortunately, as we approached our cut through, the water
drained out and we participated in the great mud run of Delacroix for the
better part of an hour and a half. Dragging through 3+ feet of mud against a
strong headwind took the life out of both of us. It got to the point that I
though our day had ended. Thankfully, we got some air back in our lungs and
wind beneath our sails... On to CP2.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Checkpoint 2<o:p></o:p></em></strong><br />
<br />
We reached Checkpoint 2 around 1100. The only thoughts in my mind were to 1)
get away from all the teams and find an unmolested location, and 2) catch a
fish FAST! As we paddle to the SE corner of the lake on CP2, I find a small
little lake that has reds in it and has one tiny, shallow entrance. I call my
partner over and proceed to get stuck at the entrance. I have no way to get to
these fish, and after our mud run, I am unwilling to get to them. As I struggle
to get back out, joe alerts me to the presence of fish right behind me. I make
a cast, and get love taps on my spoon. Finally, as I get tapped I decide to
stop my retrieve completely. As I watch my line continue to move across the bow
of my yak, I slam the hook home. <strong>FISH ON!!!</strong> We land, measure
and score a solid 23.5" red and make our way back to the CP. We score the
fish and it is 1205. Our total points are now 74 with one remaining point to
qualify. With the plan to move onto CP3 nixed due to unknown conditions, we
went from trying to hit all 5 to just qualifying.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Checkpoint 1<o:p></o:p></em></strong><br />
<br />
We paddle to CP1 via the canal that took us north east. We are stoked for an
easy paddle, fairly restricted by the wind, and only a mile and a half. What
can go wrong? Well, shortly after we leave 2, we see a large rock wall. As we
get closer, we realize that a portage is a must in order to move on this route.
We portage Joe's Tarpon first, he beaches it, and we move on to the Skimmer. As
Joe is in the water helping me with my yak, we notice a nice sized gator
looking at my partner. All I heard was "Don’t leave me Wild Bill". I
love wildlife, so I take out my camera and start shooting away, while my
partner is slamming against the rocks and my boat, scared shitless cause the
gator has hungry eyes for him.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1L01sxi-YQp9LQeQSg94MzE9LUH1HaKB-G_LdXYknFauR6ILc3oQkWJSS8iSxUuc3ZWJZRCGTXqiBaYLkcxs8doPiH9be82s8RYlhVyT29_d2fgA_zhVVSGCqNyrZsZc62dUC-UKBW0c/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1L01sxi-YQp9LQeQSg94MzE9LUH1HaKB-G_LdXYknFauR6ILc3oQkWJSS8iSxUuc3ZWJZRCGTXqiBaYLkcxs8doPiH9be82s8RYlhVyT29_d2fgA_zhVVSGCqNyrZsZc62dUC-UKBW0c/s1600/Picture3.jpg" height="126" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Eyed Gator looking towards good ole Delacroix Joe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<em><b>Checkpoint 4</b></em><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Joe convinces me to hit CP4, even with another pending portage and the
unknown, we wanted the double points. We pull up the ramp at <a href="http://delacroixfishing.com/" target="_blank">Sweetwater
Marina,</a> and get our wheels out for a long portage. As we go through our
stuff, we notice that a piece for a set of wheels was missing. Now things just
got reel. We had a couple hundred yard drag to the next piece of water. We
timed it out and from start to reaching CP4, it took us 30 minutes. Great, this
will give us an hour and fifteen minutes to fish prior to check in. As we
paddle down a canal to the CP, Joe spots some nice reds. There is no point in
casting since we did not have an identifier, so we moved on. We got our
identifier, and had a decision to make. Do we leave reds we know are here? or
Do we fish the unknown on the other side of the berm? Well the unknown was so
damn sexy, we proceed to move on. We are hearing guys sporadically hook up and
come undone. If CP4 was good for one thing, it was a bunch of expletives. We
move our way, and Joe hooks up on the buzzbait. I hear an explosion, see him
set the hook twice and bring a stud red to the surface. This bad boy was over
25 without a doubt. Unfortunately he gets off and nothing comes to hand. Joe
tells me that "I just lost the winning fish". I tell him to shrug it
off, and we still had time. Unfortunately, time ran out on us with nothing left
to show for. The paddle back to the start was somber at first, then we
remembered that we had 99.5" and minimum checkpoints. This was our day!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<em><b>Results</b></em><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
First off, I must say that I am super proud of all the teams that competed.
This was by far the toughest kayak fishing event I have participated in. Just
to participate makes you a winner.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
At weigh in, the scuttlebutt was anything over 95" would put you in the
top 10. Knowing we had a fish at the end come off that would have given us at
least 50 points really started to set in. We were however able to get over that
knowing that we went all out and gave it 100% on the day.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
On to the results... All Virginia teams qualified and broke the top 30.
Angler Management (Amy and Andy) came in 29th, Double L (Mark and Kris Lozier)
came in 18th, All Out Kayak Fishing (Joe and Myself) came in 16th, and
Adventure on the Water (Kevin and Jean) came in 8th. In the end 1st and 16th
were separated by less than 50 points.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6HI6CRqm2Q7inui0w86uexFy-u5e2MGEFwyrMFgxY_cktdoPjUdgJWOnBtQPTzpNtY3pgHYKaFN36iGyALSzaoWpsQ1M_M1c62Ncw5EgaZIL1cG3-j2fqoExQs43WsSCDC5PjQHaTXo/s1600/FB_IMG_1428412619446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6HI6CRqm2Q7inui0w86uexFy-u5e2MGEFwyrMFgxY_cktdoPjUdgJWOnBtQPTzpNtY3pgHYKaFN36iGyALSzaoWpsQ1M_M1c62Ncw5EgaZIL1cG3-j2fqoExQs43WsSCDC5PjQHaTXo/s1600/FB_IMG_1428412619446.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - AFWC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the end, would I do it all over again, Hell Yes! My partner was amazing, we had a great time, and felt accomplished at ending the day with 3 beautiful fish and paddling and portaging over 17.5 miles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHJDsO-7ZwM3DKZy2X5LlcGLYhA5Oj5a-EXozDm5s8UqCpH4an6wTm7ydgiyVDRXR0t9XCBNiMVRQZO86E6xkYTuV7fhaOFQqEcr0rXOmxYXeQRTr1XLMNDPlJ2_D1FqPCkWk4NXT10M/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHJDsO-7ZwM3DKZy2X5LlcGLYhA5Oj5a-EXozDm5s8UqCpH4an6wTm7ydgiyVDRXR0t9XCBNiMVRQZO86E6xkYTuV7fhaOFQqEcr0rXOmxYXeQRTr1XLMNDPlJ2_D1FqPCkWk4NXT10M/s1600/Picture2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-59101611975897722232015-03-12T15:11:00.000-04:002015-03-12T15:11:03.362-04:00Fly Fishing Inshore Waters with William RagulskyI thought I would share for those who are unable to attend tonights talk, and all of you not in the Hampton Roads VA area. Thank you <a href="http://www.kayakkevin.com/" target="_blank">Kayak Kevin</a> for use of your lightline pic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSOiStmpkbYgDuMsaHz01cg4RDw5Ae6jV6JqoVD2ZWzYY-Ae2MIuAjlbE2DdFnEP_OF52iXn2yWzrRg1uKgo9Auvivess_0s_b9MAMZj_DsNNAa9Oy-zW8am83oHKXG2PKoEyMuhIZ84/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSOiStmpkbYgDuMsaHz01cg4RDw5Ae6jV6JqoVD2ZWzYY-Ae2MIuAjlbE2DdFnEP_OF52iXn2yWzrRg1uKgo9Auvivess_0s_b9MAMZj_DsNNAa9Oy-zW8am83oHKXG2PKoEyMuhIZ84/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg477PpESoL_TCMng6-pm4lSzLdWYyUFH9DW1uhgziMAaVWg8qWO2yyW7PIkZ6iROyt-A5WiRgqjIDw6leryRXxB-Efkrx2aPNY88oovcrpUc8P3a3miXkjkJDE_OTdMwzPLya94idJ0cM/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg477PpESoL_TCMng6-pm4lSzLdWYyUFH9DW1uhgziMAaVWg8qWO2yyW7PIkZ6iROyt-A5WiRgqjIDw6leryRXxB-Efkrx2aPNY88oovcrpUc8P3a3miXkjkJDE_OTdMwzPLya94idJ0cM/s1600/Slide2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIaY-J6k45HmJoVsSXNMIETuMYJx_Q5KJXiG3HQC4uXKC_5L9zwnGb9HzmDM17oJ-dCn_v6UbR3EFygK2x1Xjovlo50mEp9PPQgnikWMB0mssQ-dssQ_wwAs_cw2Pw9Tu_HC-AFE6XUU/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIaY-J6k45HmJoVsSXNMIETuMYJx_Q5KJXiG3HQC4uXKC_5L9zwnGb9HzmDM17oJ-dCn_v6UbR3EFygK2x1Xjovlo50mEp9PPQgnikWMB0mssQ-dssQ_wwAs_cw2Pw9Tu_HC-AFE6XUU/s1600/Slide3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyctP_-iZlXG2ervukVdn2JnhrkdjmuWjW10p6QlUr5YrGuuXuDzLMEGeSaU3jaJ_9wXD_dqxjL3ZLUtWPfX18FXXxFYmpEq540Ee1i7fUlBeaqcrcK-432ZpdzLuGZ4DyxPR05yzEE9A/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyctP_-iZlXG2ervukVdn2JnhrkdjmuWjW10p6QlUr5YrGuuXuDzLMEGeSaU3jaJ_9wXD_dqxjL3ZLUtWPfX18FXXxFYmpEq540Ee1i7fUlBeaqcrcK-432ZpdzLuGZ4DyxPR05yzEE9A/s1600/Slide4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0eZw2mwXhlLF82i1npzyH-y9ejDXWEUJeKDr8lOw03RRJPkWRYE5S87h-gEaTK-QdJAxDYnUlJDkGFdtTHf16gdmgtFtTsTnASxPKYDiwDsQqsboUBMTEl39EAkJyxbxT09SgFv-WKs/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0eZw2mwXhlLF82i1npzyH-y9ejDXWEUJeKDr8lOw03RRJPkWRYE5S87h-gEaTK-QdJAxDYnUlJDkGFdtTHf16gdmgtFtTsTnASxPKYDiwDsQqsboUBMTEl39EAkJyxbxT09SgFv-WKs/s1600/Slide5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFBMK8oLLjREk5-mQ4nXASqtXKM7HsL_7GtQ76KCoW5gacfQOwurGKskJZGnNjBbgK5ORHOtMF4TGQSAfoFuQwAMKAWXTRizhr4iyun40oMOn4Xuh6bZe4Tm5A7j6Cy2Mh3KKHOtQMOc/s1600/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFBMK8oLLjREk5-mQ4nXASqtXKM7HsL_7GtQ76KCoW5gacfQOwurGKskJZGnNjBbgK5ORHOtMF4TGQSAfoFuQwAMKAWXTRizhr4iyun40oMOn4Xuh6bZe4Tm5A7j6Cy2Mh3KKHOtQMOc/s1600/Slide6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrMahFQ-t-Tr9lGBPIlZlGr6HoxEhh8rzRHExaOYE1mkznF93PRHqgPwx5wdShh9xkSHmS8YapO5ghKJQ0D9Q_rcXpxdpZ7vpVHnUrv7msXhgyaBenA468L8045ies8soEgOkgSa46MQ/s1600/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrMahFQ-t-Tr9lGBPIlZlGr6HoxEhh8rzRHExaOYE1mkznF93PRHqgPwx5wdShh9xkSHmS8YapO5ghKJQ0D9Q_rcXpxdpZ7vpVHnUrv7msXhgyaBenA468L8045ies8soEgOkgSa46MQ/s1600/Slide7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA9gX_46TUcgqsSE7tQTwxVP7JvsKGQQCupeuaCsaJ6mWgXWdI0SmIHXLziffKO6baqiYPgJVNtmssCznsN8hPz8qguhyphenhyphenpPPMEiRGMCDDtWV29IKYqTx8G62GRz45BN8j4OKjOwpd1mE/s1600/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA9gX_46TUcgqsSE7tQTwxVP7JvsKGQQCupeuaCsaJ6mWgXWdI0SmIHXLziffKO6baqiYPgJVNtmssCznsN8hPz8qguhyphenhyphenpPPMEiRGMCDDtWV29IKYqTx8G62GRz45BN8j4OKjOwpd1mE/s1600/Slide8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYGm227b_dUwt-94IMfQ-jFiIG-d4agH7V94cQCap984jfDh71tVKM6GqLLaIwAyC_WTX6dUANrYCDWUjuEA13n5GArf8t5tKXHOPmCYPVjB7_ceNaXZf-NxBWIC23iqodTXX8RAe8j0/s1600/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYGm227b_dUwt-94IMfQ-jFiIG-d4agH7V94cQCap984jfDh71tVKM6GqLLaIwAyC_WTX6dUANrYCDWUjuEA13n5GArf8t5tKXHOPmCYPVjB7_ceNaXZf-NxBWIC23iqodTXX8RAe8j0/s1600/Slide9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMIgee-RnDq5dwsT6S-2VDu-QMiIbIvoXniRe5NWjbdsQk46lFRgp0AQ7LOCm-_beUYVI0dvJvbEyoYrbZQb5sI8IhNloDJ9D_merzpXsTthyz0HOvlF2Rf-BgRGLfAehY27ZSA-aIl0/s1600/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMIgee-RnDq5dwsT6S-2VDu-QMiIbIvoXniRe5NWjbdsQk46lFRgp0AQ7LOCm-_beUYVI0dvJvbEyoYrbZQb5sI8IhNloDJ9D_merzpXsTthyz0HOvlF2Rf-BgRGLfAehY27ZSA-aIl0/s1600/Slide10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVFNeOJzmqJx_Cmir6QfIiKtnupdW-LfTOE0c6fXFD4Ml1wlTONDaigfaynMsKigzX_ntCg9BzeTc7dYLSY5ajXQm4s5voT_DtkScjEKwBB5m3_zUBfVu9tefPTPffVo8wUwLqdQfqCI/s1600/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVFNeOJzmqJx_Cmir6QfIiKtnupdW-LfTOE0c6fXFD4Ml1wlTONDaigfaynMsKigzX_ntCg9BzeTc7dYLSY5ajXQm4s5voT_DtkScjEKwBB5m3_zUBfVu9tefPTPffVo8wUwLqdQfqCI/s1600/Slide11.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMona6vqsSMipn6V9dC7ugJa2RePvoNpRS-bjtYi4xYOdkfvPZh3POuREBff0O-vQWN8MVQiEtcpYtC9zGp_tg7UUyrYveff78Tsr-Dwlp0LJtqGUrJTUB5RTtW5UhZEJF8HopU0jsKns/s1600/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMona6vqsSMipn6V9dC7ugJa2RePvoNpRS-bjtYi4xYOdkfvPZh3POuREBff0O-vQWN8MVQiEtcpYtC9zGp_tg7UUyrYveff78Tsr-Dwlp0LJtqGUrJTUB5RTtW5UhZEJF8HopU0jsKns/s1600/Slide12.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LPycgDjeQGOK4KGVvgP0I-YRWlqrUpW7oMrEt-srlQG7JL7b_9hsJWLzFX0OjsKk2avaZC7sijhEK1BxyAp_fRm3mxk2PN36my7MKyG-Hb4vy1eiOC05UfatxMhyphenhyphenPfjmbuixh2d1Bug/s1600/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LPycgDjeQGOK4KGVvgP0I-YRWlqrUpW7oMrEt-srlQG7JL7b_9hsJWLzFX0OjsKk2avaZC7sijhEK1BxyAp_fRm3mxk2PN36my7MKyG-Hb4vy1eiOC05UfatxMhyphenhyphenPfjmbuixh2d1Bug/s1600/Slide13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunX4Vpa2msTzmKe2lL2lovtO9lCaDv84DrTekjET8nxRtNLMy_NBM4CvDO223WPyInqrn-_YDWVnMVK2bKK2eUS3bn3G1anajsgvqrBpme6STPOCj0e49NMAkQxTqjaPW2oMGNcZpgds/s1600/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunX4Vpa2msTzmKe2lL2lovtO9lCaDv84DrTekjET8nxRtNLMy_NBM4CvDO223WPyInqrn-_YDWVnMVK2bKK2eUS3bn3G1anajsgvqrBpme6STPOCj0e49NMAkQxTqjaPW2oMGNcZpgds/s1600/Slide14.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rQ1R-gebYHeeXdNtmQFA3NwJexfw0nU0vY-Ofc4h5CA5C9NIkrJ4FxBXsOnQ4nRNmm4ENSZlJX-vjUCS1L9DqF8kAZhcgeI5fMY7-w9z6Z3vxqSo4goMk98x5JE0yb45muygaTl7smA/s1600/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rQ1R-gebYHeeXdNtmQFA3NwJexfw0nU0vY-Ofc4h5CA5C9NIkrJ4FxBXsOnQ4nRNmm4ENSZlJX-vjUCS1L9DqF8kAZhcgeI5fMY7-w9z6Z3vxqSo4goMk98x5JE0yb45muygaTl7smA/s1600/Slide15.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkToT67AXmgnZPVTtkkY8xIZUeDZ7CVzxU5-3GDpGvKuqBhWF89s2b5SqB-sb3SRMhRXwJECAKxKeZG_m-PrArVNqgvcgSMLlFDOVKPQ0FwGDY5mEXebk3QBoLKAZqT04CmFemjW6ipso/s1600/Slide16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkToT67AXmgnZPVTtkkY8xIZUeDZ7CVzxU5-3GDpGvKuqBhWF89s2b5SqB-sb3SRMhRXwJECAKxKeZG_m-PrArVNqgvcgSMLlFDOVKPQ0FwGDY5mEXebk3QBoLKAZqT04CmFemjW6ipso/s1600/Slide16.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEe4hyphenhyphenMWBzI6DLB8XLJQPb7sRG6DX7-KPKpDeXaYqhNbBzeBnpaC71mZdxu1f5xG90hxeZn780lBlDhw1Y8QZLzwFwQIskPRSNe6sMtPbChOpVLEUQ-aUNutrf_hYyKUYNaMu3x-GJ35k/s1600/Slide17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEe4hyphenhyphenMWBzI6DLB8XLJQPb7sRG6DX7-KPKpDeXaYqhNbBzeBnpaC71mZdxu1f5xG90hxeZn780lBlDhw1Y8QZLzwFwQIskPRSNe6sMtPbChOpVLEUQ-aUNutrf_hYyKUYNaMu3x-GJ35k/s1600/Slide17.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzmnWjRNVXcgXpxepa0AG800NVHKNch7x1-fh39xIQ3Zjnrk0B7VEQqDWMjUS-nnbiFVggxML8WMygV8pNbpWIg3LudEZKZ-VHixpwyTrMK8uycmfxLcgG1Lp-lEW5b16NSMM42pIlQ0/s1600/Slide18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzmnWjRNVXcgXpxepa0AG800NVHKNch7x1-fh39xIQ3Zjnrk0B7VEQqDWMjUS-nnbiFVggxML8WMygV8pNbpWIg3LudEZKZ-VHixpwyTrMK8uycmfxLcgG1Lp-lEW5b16NSMM42pIlQ0/s1600/Slide18.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdko8WWslWpl4I85ljpiHrLA1pyyI3-S6XM7NwGG3r8HwcxZzqOvlXhHVQwX4DV_LhlYZQNOhfWfYAse8Psw1XiIb-yI2I2e6AjQ9QVF1HdzCo-p6z0nCw38rZP8U_vsHggXIPBHgDUp0/s1600/Slide19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdko8WWslWpl4I85ljpiHrLA1pyyI3-S6XM7NwGG3r8HwcxZzqOvlXhHVQwX4DV_LhlYZQNOhfWfYAse8Psw1XiIb-yI2I2e6AjQ9QVF1HdzCo-p6z0nCw38rZP8U_vsHggXIPBHgDUp0/s1600/Slide19.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8uBxg7g19ChxyqGZbM0-xwIbz4P_QAyUfeE_q9ei9YPteJp-KOVb8IustlwSkn087D70VK8GUbiCGmw7o9Vb_S238fmTzZaeTMkbu5qCbf0T_x0Q-s2kSdsidnHYhYKFZIQH4Xfu2v0/s1600/Slide20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8uBxg7g19ChxyqGZbM0-xwIbz4P_QAyUfeE_q9ei9YPteJp-KOVb8IustlwSkn087D70VK8GUbiCGmw7o9Vb_S238fmTzZaeTMkbu5qCbf0T_x0Q-s2kSdsidnHYhYKFZIQH4Xfu2v0/s1600/Slide20.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_w5yKsLx9sG4wvpoI1p2GDFE0a_L_19YkFrwZzoUwSuhZDpvzGbv_-6c9TihHhAbfRoWP7TKkVe8FoUXKEmmUx8OAwoYxBKsDzOrSckU-vIrHYBXlub5l_v41rmvl8904fSzoqY2jcw/s1600/Slide21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_w5yKsLx9sG4wvpoI1p2GDFE0a_L_19YkFrwZzoUwSuhZDpvzGbv_-6c9TihHhAbfRoWP7TKkVe8FoUXKEmmUx8OAwoYxBKsDzOrSckU-vIrHYBXlub5l_v41rmvl8904fSzoqY2jcw/s1600/Slide21.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPhJZFAIEb5xZ7QmyqgPaBdYsSkPGCOJ-RV3572XNXWMAEoPxUJb4ygQtDRKbuUJKVaElZO6GIo7LPSwoD2bmWUZLjqZJTrRI_HHCNeWuHTuuN668AJlOmUBfXNSWey5YHSwHhIia47A/s1600/Slide22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPhJZFAIEb5xZ7QmyqgPaBdYsSkPGCOJ-RV3572XNXWMAEoPxUJb4ygQtDRKbuUJKVaElZO6GIo7LPSwoD2bmWUZLjqZJTrRI_HHCNeWuHTuuN668AJlOmUBfXNSWey5YHSwHhIia47A/s1600/Slide22.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-25850839798464266592014-12-02T11:48:00.001-05:002014-12-02T11:50:01.726-05:00Tutorial: Chasing Gators in the Cold<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0ob-h30db8EdBBCtJPrAvzwotNmj0Th0HjW9RC349QfcEpOpdzGDBapSL8TbK8i5j3SIOR9ZjDDUPSclW9LIx0y4wRK72Au0hvKXKuljlL3FcVxB68wQyK7l4Kl6RNtFjFZK8APjHEI/s1600/_DSC0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0ob-h30db8EdBBCtJPrAvzwotNmj0Th0HjW9RC349QfcEpOpdzGDBapSL8TbK8i5j3SIOR9ZjDDUPSclW9LIx0y4wRK72Au0hvKXKuljlL3FcVxB68wQyK7l4Kl6RNtFjFZK8APjHEI/s1600/_DSC0148.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">29 1/4" Speckled Trout caught on a Paul Brown Fat Boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Let me start this out by saying that I love Kayak Fishing. Its in my blood, whether its fishing open water for monster fish, long paddles to wrecks and reefs, or working the flats for your inshore slam species.<br />
<br />
For the past two years, I have been chasing a 30" Speckled Trout. This number is stuck in my head because, in my mind a 30" Speck is considered a true trophy anywhere you can find them. I have probibly had a few fish at that 10 lb mark, but not the "dirty thirty". In this chase, two things have become apparent though. First, I have become what my friends call the stereotypical Speck fisherman. Come the fall, Gators consume all of my free time. Second, I have become pretty damn good at finding, and getting the big girls to bite when most people can't. With that out of the way, I will first start off with the areas I target.<br />
<br />
Locations:<br />
In the fall and winter, when these fish become lathargic, I fish where I can find any amount of baitfish. This generally equates to warmer water which are typically shallower flats. Now when most people think of a flat, they think of an area with a set depth. This is not always the case. On these flats, even a 3-6" depression is enough for these fish to feel comfortable and ambush their prey. I also focus on grass lines, submerged structure, and choke points. For you hunters or military folk, think of a place that you would set up an ambush. <br />
<br />
The next type of area I focus on is what I consider an intermedate area... Dropoffs. These big specks dont want to expend a lot of energy chasing down their prey, so if the current is sweeping bait off a flat or over a ledge, you can bet that youll find a speck or two waiting for an easy meal.<br />
<br />
The final area is the depths. These areas are sanctuarys for fish in the winter because they can find the most consistant water temperatures here. Mainly, these fish will be suspended, and tougher to target, unless you have the right tools.<br />
<br />
Other considerations can be made given the time of day you are chasing these fish. For example, at night I enjoy fishing dock lights and light lines. These are areas where something as simple as light can create artifical structure that hold prediator and prey alike.<br />
<br />
Baits and Gear:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV5AqYI9qdH3TH6iyTEtndDiOqTJVi-WIOQFSeGDZdXVNtALfQ8nQH_9u3jt9zBAe6oYH05KC5myLMTEyg3IcIiTNHc_CPtkLRKVl-Euzgom5S6N6MsWMjMx-JwvvI-kIkwlAXDRkndU/s1600/2014-11-28+13.49.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV5AqYI9qdH3TH6iyTEtndDiOqTJVi-WIOQFSeGDZdXVNtALfQ8nQH_9u3jt9zBAe6oYH05KC5myLMTEyg3IcIiTNHc_CPtkLRKVl-Euzgom5S6N6MsWMjMx-JwvvI-kIkwlAXDRkndU/s1600/2014-11-28+13.49.49.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tactical Angler Clip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am not freezing my behind off, fishing everywaking hour for some spikes. I am looking for the gators, and with that being said, I prefer gear that I dont have to worry about loosing the big one. The following is gear that works well for me.<br />
<br />
Leader - I fish with 20-30 lb Seguar Red or Blue Label, prefering the 25 lb Blue Label over all. I only downsize my leader if I am having an issue getting the presentation I desire. <br />
<br />
Connectors - This is a must for a quick lure change. I tried in the past the snap section from a swivel, but have had some heartbreaking losses because of tackle failure. Also, they are a pain to work when your hands are cold, which happens to be 80% of the time. Because of this, I have switched over to the small Tactical Angler Clips. These dont seem to bother the fish, and facilitate quick and easy lure changes, even on jigs and ewg's. Finally, I have yet to break one, even on fish well above the advertised breaking strength. Without these, I dont think I would be getting the numbers of big ifsh i am fortunate enough to find.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ONySq6iqU5LLsEIrwbHKAaGLxl3SzR3ZIpREQ8nw_QIiBTnA6Foog_C8JvjlHjA64RiZJNacG0-4xRqptlhwMfw6M4vX6Dm833G6vuly8nWHJ5y72AZURJn_MciV6tAHPYZ7NjjefaM/s1600/IMG_4970058929980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ONySq6iqU5LLsEIrwbHKAaGLxl3SzR3ZIpREQ8nw_QIiBTnA6Foog_C8JvjlHjA64RiZJNacG0-4xRqptlhwMfw6M4vX6Dm833G6vuly8nWHJ5y72AZURJn_MciV6tAHPYZ7NjjefaM/s1600/IMG_4970058929980.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">27" Speck Caught on a TA Crossover Stalker<br />
<br />
Photo Credit - Joe Underwood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Topwater - Keep these handy, because you never know when you will get that magical topwater bite in some of the craziest conditions. High pitched baits like the Mirrolure He-Dog work well for active fish, while your one knocker spooks work well for more timid fish. Personally, I love fishing the Rapala Subwalks, and the new crossover series baits from <a href="http://www.tacticalanglers.com/" target="_blank">Tactical Anglers</a>. The bait pictured below got me my PB topwater speck at 27" just last week.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2XBPO13WGYQP5r-7DAMXYJ8egaWlIJbcOtdYZQIzW0J0Ejgm-SsR9hhdNxUXd23Jai_0rEmydT5txoOWfJIQMjTl4llfimkrGXqrD-pD_XQoosQ2jl6bY_BxCd-vWEV8aJvwgcGy3BY/s1600/2014-11-28+13.44.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2XBPO13WGYQP5r-7DAMXYJ8egaWlIJbcOtdYZQIzW0J0Ejgm-SsR9hhdNxUXd23Jai_0rEmydT5txoOWfJIQMjTl4llfimkrGXqrD-pD_XQoosQ2jl6bY_BxCd-vWEV8aJvwgcGy3BY/s1600/2014-11-28+13.44.51.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tactical Angler Crossover Stalker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soft Plastics - These can become extremely versitle baits that can quickly and easily be worked at either the top, mid, or bottom of the water column. Again, go with the mantra of "Bigger is Better" For me this means throwing a 5" <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/" target="_blank">Power Team Lures</a> Swinging Hammer. I will throw this on a 1/16 or 1/8oz EWG when I am fishing the flats, or pair it up with a 1/4 to 3/4 oz jighead or bucktail when I am fishing structure in excess of 15 feet. The Swinging Hammer has a very large paddle tail on a fairly small body profile, with an action that can be best described as thumping.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7vQlxSnfXDmMIndRCGpHclJomAs9qETFsF6mFD_53-Gq2dlV-PCIV7do868oQ-RFnNAJGLA5UkzT6vszglIA0trs7VXlUbKBngThLGHx5qJiRaKt_USjbwEJES_b0qC5RkHpopcq-A0/s1600/2014-11-28+13.43.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7vQlxSnfXDmMIndRCGpHclJomAs9qETFsF6mFD_53-Gq2dlV-PCIV7do868oQ-RFnNAJGLA5UkzT6vszglIA0trs7VXlUbKBngThLGHx5qJiRaKt_USjbwEJES_b0qC5RkHpopcq-A0/s1600/2014-11-28+13.43.32.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PTL Swinging Hammer on a Weighted EWG and Jig Head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another plastic that has found a place in my tool box is the PTL JP Hammer Shad. I like fishing this bait around ledges and in the depths. It mimmics a prevelant baitfish this time of year, the Guedgon. I pair it with either a Scrounger jighead for a very tight but agressive wobble that brings the fish in, or simply on a jig head working the depths. This bait on the Scrounger tends to trigger very agressive strikes, whereas a regular head tends to attract fish on the fall, simply picking up the bait and hilding on to it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZZ15uQeX9ItcoSdtEE0wdYkGh4m2vVg8dezCF4czpwBJJP2RUtA3Y2_mBcK76czojxo9WWv6Zbw89746pzfsh9O6wQ2mrPfwZtb5tei_eTTfJJDETZzuSJwaeU-6EpJhOZyS-u0jk_I/s1600/2014-11-28+13.47.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZZ15uQeX9ItcoSdtEE0wdYkGh4m2vVg8dezCF4czpwBJJP2RUtA3Y2_mBcK76czojxo9WWv6Zbw89746pzfsh9O6wQ2mrPfwZtb5tei_eTTfJJDETZzuSJwaeU-6EpJhOZyS-u0jk_I/s1600/2014-11-28+13.47.42.jpg" height="95" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Gator caught on a PTL Swinging Hammer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhighqUOCZuNZXneqeLl3P-GURIM7amjkoXVKcgxIwvoNjVvtTvoWCNtb2O5tP_EbydlImEF_eaOfob-FxPovX_19MBhjsYqdAYRnkp6xx5gdVyy4qthEtO-hMSdJQn6VsI7pfNgjCjLKQ/s1600/2014-11-28+13.44.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhighqUOCZuNZXneqeLl3P-GURIM7amjkoXVKcgxIwvoNjVvtTvoWCNtb2O5tP_EbydlImEF_eaOfob-FxPovX_19MBhjsYqdAYRnkp6xx5gdVyy4qthEtO-hMSdJQn6VsI7pfNgjCjLKQ/s1600/2014-11-28+13.44.16.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PTL JP Hammer Shad on a Scrounger and Conventional head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUbde4mIkLEfbx3oJe_fTZc_cAzPM4Wm7Ao_RVS03oTBXtWpytb4jJv3fd5qFfQhR-oJXu3XSGh0KRqyV-qL4sKsyasBr4Qq-FLbJF1cTVYsNUZeqQJeoj33bdAMAmM4YlfXxZ3XDjGA/s1600/Rags+trout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUbde4mIkLEfbx3oJe_fTZc_cAzPM4Wm7Ao_RVS03oTBXtWpytb4jJv3fd5qFfQhR-oJXu3XSGh0KRqyV-qL4sKsyasBr4Qq-FLbJF1cTVYsNUZeqQJeoj33bdAMAmM4YlfXxZ3XDjGA/s1600/Rags+trout.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 26" Speck Caught on a PTL Swinging Hammer<br />
<br />
Photo Credit - <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/" target="_blank">Rob Choi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Corkeys - These baits are my baits that I absolutely will not chase big specks without. From top to bottom, the Devil produces a very erratic and faster fall rate when worked as a twitch bait. This is great for those intermediate and deeper areas. The Fat Boy is a great bait for flats and intermediate areas, with a very subtle action when worked. The large profile screams "Easy Meal" for these larger fish. It can be worked in deeper water as long as there is minimal current, otherwise it tends to stay near the top of the column. Finally, you have the Soft Dine (and the Soft Dine XL). These baits are producing well on the flats and intermediate areas as well, with the XL giving me a faster fall rate. Both have an action that would fall between the Devil and the Fat Boy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0SRG4uUwouH7Isj0yb0oJhavtY9WR_xvDb0FYwEyKtdEb7LkArnFyb0udGDhujTlLWTbD7LTamaR3kyN0okMCFsE7TU3i6CkdC7sQDPwCzKhTzrNfReq_1uAfaoDQip-MLMa3CA0NYg/s1600/29_+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0SRG4uUwouH7Isj0yb0oJhavtY9WR_xvDb0FYwEyKtdEb7LkArnFyb0udGDhujTlLWTbD7LTamaR3kyN0okMCFsE7TU3i6CkdC7sQDPwCzKhTzrNfReq_1uAfaoDQip-MLMa3CA0NYg/s1600/29_+Red.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">29" + Speck caught on a Fat Boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_f_3kBKIRqXmjPIaGXNie0FOJr2xIt7_Ttc0uFEKwAA7Hu_qrZnfdtwyHGT_Rydr4NVPSxCo1R02BWsi6lA7u7-W1CXFATgwOFRSPcWGOLb9imnBN_zO_2mYXKJ43-rBsqZSwtCWagk/s1600/2014-11-28+13.46.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_f_3kBKIRqXmjPIaGXNie0FOJr2xIt7_Ttc0uFEKwAA7Hu_qrZnfdtwyHGT_Rydr4NVPSxCo1R02BWsi6lA7u7-W1CXFATgwOFRSPcWGOLb9imnBN_zO_2mYXKJ43-rBsqZSwtCWagk/s1600/2014-11-28+13.46.51.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Brown "Corkeys" from top to bottom:<br />
Devil<br />
Fat Boy<br />
Soft Dine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hard Baits - As far as hard baits are concerned, I will fish these any time, any place. Definately the most versitle baits for speckled trout in my aresnal. I enjoy fishing the 17 and 18MR's, 52MR's, SSTR's, Catch 5's and Catch 2000's. All of these give you different profiles, actions, sink rates, and depending on the series, colors. I could go on and on about how to fish these baits, but either watching a tutorial or video would give you the best idea. Going back to when I first started Speck fishing, I recall spending hundereds of dollars on baits, and not catching a fish on them. Thankfully, once I learned how to use them I have a stockpile for years to come. One thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to try to impose a crankbait or jerkbait type action. Think twitch-twitch-pause, adjusting the cadience for your conditions. Finally, I will lump the Egret Baits Vudu Mullet in this category because it has a much more agressive action and faster sink rate than the Corkeys. With its articulated body, it is a great bait to cast and reel in deeper water, as well as cross current conditions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX5khqyPQJC_EHDmDnyQPKqEqyU7ADQl9B3rMVdE97meway-CV_J7lAM6EOR92HITEbAfmAVamGAPyTsIfw3ccnZZxNLJaRF6Jxo8ltT9Owjy3piUXFs5Kov4pqImRPP_ftNGvys-BLA/s1600/2014-11-28+13.45.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX5khqyPQJC_EHDmDnyQPKqEqyU7ADQl9B3rMVdE97meway-CV_J7lAM6EOR92HITEbAfmAVamGAPyTsIfw3ccnZZxNLJaRF6Jxo8ltT9Owjy3piUXFs5Kov4pqImRPP_ftNGvys-BLA/s1600/2014-11-28+13.45.40.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">52 MR's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYYbMWyTrgQIHLNntVmdNxx4LH2kpJfwnFqDPtEOsA7oPBG9E0TNDHOstmwkEwEz1EyWr_I9Mn6TYrKJM3s10RWeEyIqVUQCGwNnh8APCIApztDrT1GJLGscplVl2H-Gb8zqAzGGG91o/s1600/2014-11-28+13.46.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYYbMWyTrgQIHLNntVmdNxx4LH2kpJfwnFqDPtEOsA7oPBG9E0TNDHOstmwkEwEz1EyWr_I9Mn6TYrKJM3s10RWeEyIqVUQCGwNnh8APCIApztDrT1GJLGscplVl2H-Gb8zqAzGGG91o/s1600/2014-11-28+13.46.19.jpg" height="320" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vudu Mullet and Heavy Dine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Trolling vs. Casting<br />
<br />
There is noting in the world like getting a gator speck to hit a twitch bait you casted to it. The heavy thimp from the first second is adrennaling pumping. However, there are times when the fish are scatered and you need to work larger areas to find them. This is where the great trolling vs. casting debate comes into play. I for one will utilize either technique on any given outting to help maximize my catching potential. I will troll until I find fish in an area and/or a pattern, then start casting. One thing to keep in mind is that you are still working and searching for the fish. You have to get the right depth, color, presentation, and area to acomplish either. Trolling also presents the challange of line management. which increases the complexity of this method.<br />
<br />
Other Tangables<br />
<br />
Current - current is one of the largest tangables that you will face. The current helps give you an idea where the fish are going to stage, and it also moves bait into and out of areas. The general rule is to work with the current, whether it be casting straight up current working down, or fan casting to 45* to find your fish. If you are not catching fish working with the current, do not be afraid to go against common fishing conventions and work against the current. This method is not a top producer, but going against the current has produced fish for me when going with the current has not.<br />
<br />
Lure speed - I have learned that the bigger fish tend to hit on slower, less agressive presentations. With that being said, I will start off slow, and work my way towards faster presentations. Many times, the smaller fish will hammer faster presentations out of instinct. These reaction strikes are due largely to competition with other, larger fish. If you're not catching the size specks you desire, slow down your presentation and hold on.<br />
<br />
In closing, I hope that this gives you some insight into Gator Speckled Trout fishing. Good Luck, go on out, and stick a pig!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vy_XDhGU-IK0XaZO5IcZR4Q8UaeyruOmYZxAhMdqiPNcW7vYozu5DpanbiJllSq74_K-vcy2O0d9OeDGIqBP6n-PaIqP8A70c9k7tFfEbUd9hyyyQjwOBMPlAXRK1-rZM6pTDQdrH4A/s1600/63034a_00b46a5066cb407aab2c2f160e12ea26_jpg_srz_1011_759_85_22_0_50_1_20_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vy_XDhGU-IK0XaZO5IcZR4Q8UaeyruOmYZxAhMdqiPNcW7vYozu5DpanbiJllSq74_K-vcy2O0d9OeDGIqBP6n-PaIqP8A70c9k7tFfEbUd9hyyyQjwOBMPlAXRK1-rZM6pTDQdrH4A/s1600/63034a_00b46a5066cb407aab2c2f160e12ea26_jpg_srz_1011_759_85_22_0_50_1_20_0.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28" Speckled Trout caught on a Fat Boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-39627069703242030832014-09-11T22:47:00.001-04:002014-09-11T22:52:54.652-04:00Redemption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From my last post I was tallying my fish totals and points from within the previous trips and determined that I had broke even. Lots of cool catches, and other fun little mishaps were what memories were made of. The following is a continuance of the the <a href="http://coastalkayakfishing.blogspot.com/2014/08/paying-fish-gods.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I made.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Trip 6 - This trip was one that was not planned, and just kind of snuck up on us. On a random Friday night, <a href="http://virginiakayakfisherman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jay Brooks</a> and I were having a few drinks at a local watering hole and the wind was howling from the NE with gust up to 35 mph. We both wanted to catch some fish, but we knew it wasn't going to happen... That is until Jack Daughtry gave me a shout. He was in the process of making the trip down from MD, and was trying his hardest to convince us that the next morning was going to be a go. We drank a few more beers and decided to call it a night, and see if the weather gods would let us move forward. <br />
<br />
Fast forward a short six hours. I wake up to a phone call from Jay telling me that the weather was going to work in our favor. After getting situated, we launch to find Jack and Matt already on the water. After a nice paddle out, we meet up just in time to see Jack get the solid hook up and bend of our targeted quarry... Mr. Sheep. The bad guy in me was saying "Really, Jack? Give us a break dude!" The other guy on my shoulder said "Good, the fish are chomping... Today is our day!"<br />
<br />
We move on and make the paddle to the spot that I had been hooking up to nice Spadefish all summer. The action started out slow, and Jay moved on to triggerfish. I left my phone in the car, and wouldn't you know, once he got out of shouting range, the bite turned on BIG TIME. I hooked up to a number of solid fish in the 14-16" range, like this one<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq00EK7SNHb6-C-535FKpFr7VvperVd7SXD299cm_l8JibM_2JsqdirJJxhjPdNu9CHxvVoAOFq6tVf2jHCduGnXNB_2bsu47k9oYXKeWXxA25OQhLyMDu5_Xp-xcpGMWh8LxEyfuLpqo/s1600/P8020215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq00EK7SNHb6-C-535FKpFr7VvperVd7SXD299cm_l8JibM_2JsqdirJJxhjPdNu9CHxvVoAOFq6tVf2jHCduGnXNB_2bsu47k9oYXKeWXxA25OQhLyMDu5_Xp-xcpGMWh8LxEyfuLpqo/s1600/P8020215.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16" Spadefish<br />
Photo Credit - Jack Daughtry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We hooked up to some really solid fish, and I stated my goal for the day... a 18"+ Spade. We knew they were there and were chewing. I ended up with some solid bites that never became catches, and some huge losses. One of which was an 18" Spade. We found this out the following day, when Jack caught the same fish I lost with the same hook, swivel, leader and blue powerpro I lost the fish on. After I lost the fish, my focus started waning and I found myself engaged in combat fishing with three of my good friends. As I was pushing and shoving my way back to the spot, I decided I was messing around too much, and not fishing enough, so I moved on and this is what I was rewarded with...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJm38IMQds29PeqXIIEoU8oKH402_dqRL_Oa5-5aa4IfiA04IfYqcIx9ZMSw69Smm1UL_o7Z24SFgKCSTR3FM3szAtlvM5EeJ_bu3H9TbosEs_oibpSSCEACJGEHiBAT9xoxBzA7wxjA/s1600/P8020225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJm38IMQds29PeqXIIEoU8oKH402_dqRL_Oa5-5aa4IfiA04IfYqcIx9ZMSw69Smm1UL_o7Z24SFgKCSTR3FM3szAtlvM5EeJ_bu3H9TbosEs_oibpSSCEACJGEHiBAT9xoxBzA7wxjA/s1600/P8020225.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Citation Sheepshead of 2014<br />
Photo Credit - Jack Daughtry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On my first piling after leaving the spade honey hole, I hooked up with this beautiful 24" Sheepshead. On my next piling, I managed to hook up with another solid 23" Sheepie. At this point, we called it a day, and went our seperate ways!<br />
<br />
Angler 1 - Fish Gods 0<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Trip 7<br />
After a few trips on the SUP chasing reds, and landing some beautiful upper slot fish, I found myself at the Tidewater Catching for Kids club challenge. I have fished this event for the last five years, and each year we (TKAA) have placed very high with a top finish and tournament record point total and winning margin in 2013. This year, there were some rule changes that were focused on the kayak anglers. We did what yak anglers to best... Adapt and Overcome.<br />
<br />
My team consisted of Seth Goodrich, Lee Williams, and Jay Brooks. <a href="http://virginiakayakfisherman.blogspot.com/2014/08/this-week-would-prove-to-be-busy-week.html" target="_blank">Jay covered the event well on his site</a>. Ill leave you with the clif notes. We got to the spot where we had patterned fish the whole summer and almost immediately got on spades. As I was prepping bait, the unthinkable happened, a cham shell had sliced my thumb open. it was deep enough that I could see my heartbeat through the blood that gushed out of my thumb. None of us had brought a first aid kit, so I had a few options. First I could put pressure on the wound and hope the bleeding would stop enough to fish. The second option (which I should have taken) was to paddle in and go to get sutures. The final option was to wait for a boat to pass by, see if they could assist, and fish on. As I waved at the first boat I saw, he kept moving on. It wasn't until I raised my hand, which was covered in blood that I gained his attention. Luckily, he found his first aid kit so I could tape my thumb and fish on. The rest of the day I missed lots of fish due to a loss in dexterity, but managed some small spades, and what ended up being the 3rd place trigger. Seth, Lee, and especially Jay got work done and put up a but load of points for the team, to include Jay's 1st place Citation Sheepie!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4-i-E2My0OLrprpreeaxrfVmqP93VGzpDWWnUBqRGHpvTecYnZnZDa7RUztZkCbDZuQAJBSemd2MngECbB7coh3jbFIHVAsghEJUOg9-K3qnlVNHlcnu8ghFY3fkIy0VY_QjtUEGz4U/s1600/_DSC0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4-i-E2My0OLrprpreeaxrfVmqP93VGzpDWWnUBqRGHpvTecYnZnZDa7RUztZkCbDZuQAJBSemd2MngECbB7coh3jbFIHVAsghEJUOg9-K3qnlVNHlcnu8ghFY3fkIy0VY_QjtUEGz4U/s1600/_DSC0197.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks "Cheesin' it Up"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We knew with the work we did, and what the rest of the club had done, it would be close. Just how close we were unsure. In the end, we ended up with 17 points for second place, and missed out by a measly 2 points. I know that I left points on the table that would have put us higher on the board, but fishing is fishing, and knowing what TKAA and all the other clubs did for Catchin for Kids was enough to make it all worthwhile.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-bY_CAgs_JHez0zs9gEVxqcVMwsVWLfxTjYWduq1FpsT8FpFJH721VvdCSt1lDdk1FNXzJBgbB6m9wfom16YQ0m0iBMAp8eVxNeJ-wWcxPH5PQovC9dJxgYlrZx0jC0_F9i3g8TXrgA/s1600/_DSC0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-bY_CAgs_JHez0zs9gEVxqcVMwsVWLfxTjYWduq1FpsT8FpFJH721VvdCSt1lDdk1FNXzJBgbB6m9wfom16YQ0m0iBMAp8eVxNeJ-wWcxPH5PQovC9dJxgYlrZx0jC0_F9i3g8TXrgA/s1600/_DSC0212.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CBBT team... With Joe Underwood as my photo stand in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61BN9VlTW-aZ_ALelEmNzA_uy1mU-pNYOpz6qaE1NxJ2KEqV-UJCTsTanlLKHY9LPzeQurtInYyddB7j0lmLQrvn7CThodD1kemV1UB2_eKtbE8NlVBdQngeRwwghM_6HEYv5_KEVoso/s1600/_DSC0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61BN9VlTW-aZ_ALelEmNzA_uy1mU-pNYOpz6qaE1NxJ2KEqV-UJCTsTanlLKHY9LPzeQurtInYyddB7j0lmLQrvn7CThodD1kemV1UB2_eKtbE8NlVBdQngeRwwghM_6HEYv5_KEVoso/s1600/_DSC0220.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with the Club Challenge trophy until next year with my<br />
Werner Paddles teammates Kris, Mark, and Drew </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8xURSa7IBuc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kayak Kevin Podcast with Lee, Jay, and Myself covering the tournament</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With the days events into account, even though I lost scoring fish and sliced my thumb open, we still had a respectable showing, a great time, and I put up a scoring fish so ill call this...<br />
<br />
Angler 1 Fish Gods 0<br />
<br />
So the way I see it, over the last two posts, I came out ahead and finally got my REDEMPTION!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-35778236463897179292014-08-04T20:03:00.002-04:002014-08-04T20:06:01.450-04:00Paying the Fish GodsOver the past few weeks my fishing has been sporadic at best. From my last post I had been getting into a decent class of Triggerfish, and some real solid bridge Spadefish. Between now and then I had to switch up my summer fishing style to inshore tourney mode. This led to some issues...<br />
<br />
Trip one - My boy Tex and I went out to a spot to fish a real solid redfish pattern I had established this spring/early summer. It ended up being one of those days where two extremely competent fishermen landed (1) small croaker and (1) small oystertoad between the two of us.<br />
<br />
Angler 0 - Fish Gods 1<br />
<br />
Trip two - Ben Hoover and I decided that with the slow bite the day before, we would try to change it up and hit the Eastern Shore of VA for some flatfish. When we got out there we met the Kick-Kick MD crew (Jack Daughtry and Matt James) who had been catching some solid flounder to 20". For us, it was oystertoad after oystertoad. After hours of fishing, I managed to find (4) Flounder from 16.5" to 19.5" A far cry from the work that had been done by others just days before.<br />
<br />
Angler 0 - Fish Gods 0 (Draw)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9aYhmfFjbFoFKNzwR9c1nPRqP0BzZ5v5_-XRoHfIrzxV7PU9pqMTJZh34eg4HBFZR6fgMVQ2OxZNJu8xldrfncnq_tpuLA-jt_CKxzvG7a0ypcb2jPBZNJHwJn_3gA4VIg74ROQACT0/s1600/Flounder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9aYhmfFjbFoFKNzwR9c1nPRqP0BzZ5v5_-XRoHfIrzxV7PU9pqMTJZh34eg4HBFZR6fgMVQ2OxZNJu8xldrfncnq_tpuLA-jt_CKxzvG7a0ypcb2jPBZNJHwJn_3gA4VIg74ROQACT0/s1600/Flounder.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19.5" Flounder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Trip 3 - A mid week excursion on the SUP yielded no fish, but plenty of views. This trip wasn't all about fishing as much as it was about getting used to reading inshore waters. I was able to regain focus and center my soul in preparation for the first tourney of the year, so in that aspect I was fine without catching.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Angler 0 - Fish Gods 1</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHkVjeHCfsM0jU2t146rfMLj0Wsx5-SH0IUP-jArW8wb3pV_W7J3TDeMO9yXD9eYBrQbw7F3ULGB1HXxBd3_WD-iIgDMzcT0P3l7CmS58G-EvcjRCnLMkosTseRP76gV2ODNVDrZBft0/s1600/SUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHkVjeHCfsM0jU2t146rfMLj0Wsx5-SH0IUP-jArW8wb3pV_W7J3TDeMO9yXD9eYBrQbw7F3ULGB1HXxBd3_WD-iIgDMzcT0P3l7CmS58G-EvcjRCnLMkosTseRP76gV2ODNVDrZBft0/s1600/SUP.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Trips 4 & 5 - After being down to the fish gods 2-0, traveling 260 miles and no sleep, I finally made it down to Cape Fear for some tournament action. This was the weirdest tournament weekend I have ever had. On the drive down I saw over 150 deer along the road (in downpouring rain), a running car in a ditch with 4' of water (nobody inside), and drank 4 Monster energy drinks, just to wait on early morning thunderstorms to pass. While I was waiting, I made acquaintance with a crusty old Korean War era Marine (Semper Fi you old fart), and a swarm of fire ants. I will just say this, don't think that you can drown fire ants to get them off of you, because you will lose. I also learned that fire ants bite to ensure they have a solid hold on your skin, then they sting. <br />
<br />
After a crazy energy drink fueled morning, I got on the water in search of my 3 target species (Specks, Reds, and Flounder). I managed to find the specks about halfway to my target location, and left them be. I then proceeded to soak mullet at my destination while finding a pattern on artificials. While my mullet was on a flat swimming under a cork, I see a large wake making a b-line towards the bait. It hits, and turns right for my yak. I was thinking shark as it charged me, but when it hit the yak, I saw a solid 23-25" Jack. Unfortunately, the cork got buried in the grass before I could get my line back, and the hook straight up bent. Now my blood is pumping and I move around more looking for some solid Jacks (screw the tournament fish). I didn't find any more jacks in the area, but saw reds around 30". I established my pattern on some mid 20's reds, and while I was doing so, I had a storm bearing down on me. Being 8 or so miles from the launch, I left and made a strong effort to get off the water.<br />
<br />
This is where it gets really fun! The tide was super low, and I didn't realize the wind was pushing the remaining water out until it was too late. I made my way deep into a cut, and dealt with an impass. At this point, I tried to turn around, but there was nothing to turn too. So I had one choice, risk lightning strikes and wait for some water, or get out and drag. I chose the latter and soon realized, I chose wrong. The first 30 or so yards were fine with hard bottom, then the fun started. At the beginning I was sinking to mid calf, then to my knees, and finally my nuts. This is when I realized I had made the wrong choice. When I was Balls Deep in fluf mud, my fears turned from lightning strikes to drowning. It gets better though, for about 500 yards i'm anywhere from balls to tits deep, dragging the yak. Over an hour and a half later, I am covered in mud from head to toe, thinking i'm going to have a heart attack before I make it to hard bottom. I will say this, one of my sponsors <a href="http://www.astraldesigns.com/" target="_blank">ASTRAL</a> makes some of the greatest gear, in this case the <a href="http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/brewer.php" target="_blank">BREWERS</a>. Solid water shoes that (1) didn't come off my feet when stuck in the mud, (2) kept my feet and ankles safe from submerged oysters, and (3) still remained comfortable to wear after all that. From now on I will not flats fish without them! (No pictures, but I changed close before going to the HLP captains meeting, and everyone asked me why I was covered in mud)<br />
<br />
To finish that day, on my way in I for the Captains meeting I see some amazing topwater action. At first I throw a Skitterwalk and get smoked by a 15" Jack. After another in the same class, I switch up to a chatterbait and landed 3 in a row. Being so ubsurdly late, I decided that when I had an unproductive cast, I would leave. I guess threes company, fours a crowd.<br />
<br />
Tournament day, I woke up late and called my tournament partners Seth and Kam it was a no-go, id get there as soon as I could. After making it to the launch 30 minutes late, I paddled out and met up with them. Kam had a 14" speck in the bag, so Seth and I sent her for Flounder while we netted some bait. I took off my PFD and glasses, and got a few dozen mullet and spot. When it was time to go, I put my PFD on and realize the splash next to me was my Maui Jims. After 30 minutes of looking, I was able to find them and we were on our way. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbdPz6mG0z0Dc2yH3RQe4tVgDU2eete2E96xJnj4hWIFb41pHArXGuaNS62iSUvM6rlf0cUgPXrZ9wIuJWGkCYLdl-gRmvzdVfumOD19Nn2PzqqB1kyz3q8iX1mVJ1RFoxWHhWVVQzOA/s1600/FF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbdPz6mG0z0Dc2yH3RQe4tVgDU2eete2E96xJnj4hWIFb41pHArXGuaNS62iSUvM6rlf0cUgPXrZ9wIuJWGkCYLdl-gRmvzdVfumOD19Nn2PzqqB1kyz3q8iX1mVJ1RFoxWHhWVVQzOA/s1600/FF.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kamgoodrichphotography.com/" target="_blank">Kam Goodrich Photography</a> with this sick sunrise shot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we moved to the speck spot, I tell the team to start focusing on the area. I managed a 19" red, but no specks. We move on and I get the unmistakable hit of a speck. I missed the fish and made another cast. This time "Bam Bam Bam" and weight. I knew it was a good tournament fish, but it never made it to the boat. In hindsight, it was at least a 3rd place fish, if not a 2nd. Damn! We move again, and I make it to the spot that I patterned the reds the day before. My first red was 25.5" and I gradually upgraded to a 26.5" to end the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo_2FZH8esPKY4rr6xTuLPUYooD9-0Q1B7f2Kmk6mWrE4ioW4WJ-oLQH-nc7MhaWQV_EtvwQW43jMKGPT0pxeafRTetQ6EdMycYsxNzGohJjF1nW9bnLD3-F97VlAiROCgw3ZtAZSUjE/s1600/26.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo_2FZH8esPKY4rr6xTuLPUYooD9-0Q1B7f2Kmk6mWrE4ioW4WJ-oLQH-nc7MhaWQV_EtvwQW43jMKGPT0pxeafRTetQ6EdMycYsxNzGohJjF1nW9bnLD3-F97VlAiROCgw3ZtAZSUjE/s1600/26.5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Historically this would be a real competitive fish, so after a bit more fishing we head in. Now keep in mind the low tide fiasco I had the day before. I check Navionics and my track from the previous day and come up with a plan out, while staying in some water. Kam is not psyched with our path, but after showing Seth the plan, we keep going. At this point, every 5 minutes Kam says "I think were lost". This is not what a Type A male wants to hear so I kept going, and going, and going. On my last turn, I see a blessing and a curse. A landmark that I knew without a doubt, but also I knew how far from the launch it really was. At this time, we had about five miles to the launch and two hours to the weigh in. Kam later asked me "Did you know where you were going"? My response, "Of course", to which she said, "Obviously not, because you got us F'n lost!" Not my proudest moment. Sorry Kam!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fast forward one long paddle and now I have less than 10 minutes when I walk in. the time is called, 3:55. Five minutes but I feel good. The Tournament Director Chris looks at my card and his eyes said everything. BUMMER!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a brighter note, my boy Bob aka Toba, killed it with a 33" red and a ginormous lam to bring home to yaks! To boot, I got to chill with my fellow Teammate Drew Camp, and <a href="http://www.alloutkayakfishing.com/" target="_blank">All Out Kayak Fishing</a> Contributors Mike Eady and Seth Goodrich, not to mention the other great anglers and folks from <a href="http://www.hooklineandpaddle.com/" target="_blank">Hook, Line, and Paddle</a> and <a href="http://www.nckfa.com/" target="_blank">NCKFA</a>. For me, I am giving myself two points for a new species, and surviving the marsh with a quality fish!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Angler 2 - Fish Gods 0</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So this evens it up. Hopefully it pays off!</div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-48348198853353806862014-07-16T21:23:00.000-04:002014-07-16T21:26:33.057-04:00Pulling the Trigger on some SpadesAs the seasons come and go, so does our extremely diverse fisheries in the South East. For me, the springtime allure of Specks, Reds, Flounder, and Bluefish fades to our harder fighting species as the mercury rises. For me, the summer means one thing... Its time for the CBBT!<br />
<br />
As I spent early summer chasing Cobia as they entered the bay with my friends (see Richie Bekolay's <a href="http://www.hookline-sinker.net/2014/06/mr-brown-clown.html" target="_blank">Mr. Brown Clown</a>), I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. It wasn't until late June that I made my first trip after the glory species. My first and second drops of the year boasted the bounty of the season to come!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwve_feBrFeTGZLR_cuad8vSWtF6aTLxkZ6ySxFGNFHSLAT4g3iCeE6ZQigxcLtJoM4QllCPSTw_qY-sT3KRDYiMN7i1SNCWJdi4PvQdxhKHjTS3E17Y3TAspKvldFPLTTSMNogcNe98I/s1600/DSCN0650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwve_feBrFeTGZLR_cuad8vSWtF6aTLxkZ6ySxFGNFHSLAT4g3iCeE6ZQigxcLtJoM4QllCPSTw_qY-sT3KRDYiMN7i1SNCWJdi4PvQdxhKHjTS3E17Y3TAspKvldFPLTTSMNogcNe98I/s1600/DSCN0650.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Convict Gets Captured</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sadly, after the first two drops I have been cursed with pulled hooks and poor sets in my pursuit of The Sheepshead. The good thing is that there is plenty of time left in the season for these bay bruisers.<br />
<br />
Another target of the CBBT is the Triggerfish. Triggers are super aggressive, tenacious bait stealers that frustrate the most seasoned anglers. For me, they are a tasty, willing fish that loves to grace my diner table. I drop either a dropper loop or a carolina rig to bring these bad boys to the diner table!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideR5sfT3ld_kbRI4q_MkK4l0c49gbu5a6zf4E5SSvaD6oKGp-IVe3XGuZrIcN-lXslplQqsWG9-8Be1P5AVwhdG8Q3zr9gXRiQzMQ_iL1cqF8Jmh7WvEVMCC-2suHVjgl0l9W-cQB8Vo/s1600/_DSC0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideR5sfT3ld_kbRI4q_MkK4l0c49gbu5a6zf4E5SSvaD6oKGp-IVe3XGuZrIcN-lXslplQqsWG9-8Be1P5AVwhdG8Q3zr9gXRiQzMQ_iL1cqF8Jmh7WvEVMCC-2suHVjgl0l9W-cQB8Vo/s1600/_DSC0190.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, the fish that completes my trips is the Spadefish. Spades are pound for pound the toughest fighters of the three target species. While the Sheepshead makes bulldogging runs and have fins like railroad spikes, the Spadefish is like hooking into the drum of a spinning washing machine. While the smaller fish run in circles while shaking your rod to high heaven, the bigger spades take you on drag peeling runs, trying their damndest to take you into any structure they can find. Oh, and I failed to mention, they too try to shake the rod out of your hands too! In my last few trips with <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/2014/07/thankful-for-family-and-friends.html" target="_blank">Rob Choi</a>, <a href="http://www.kayakkevin.com/weeklycatchsummer14.html" target="_blank">Kayak Kevin</a>, <a href="http://www.bentrodchronicles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Seth and Kam Goodrich</a>, and Ted Crumb, I have been extremely fortunate to find a very solid class of in (and near) shore spades!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HKrMZd7SKRAzrArttA2QXDr96R1jN7i90C_NpJk6kJYvcclw1KSjQCDtHhjHzaqSD2Vub0r-rnqNgg7-jA22iwfB-j6b9_IVKzwJIo8rT1zAH7brhQtTOppmQcQjU6FlIC9evceaCzs/s1600/WillyRags+15-+Spade+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HKrMZd7SKRAzrArttA2QXDr96R1jN7i90C_NpJk6kJYvcclw1KSjQCDtHhjHzaqSD2Vub0r-rnqNgg7-jA22iwfB-j6b9_IVKzwJIo8rT1zAH7brhQtTOppmQcQjU6FlIC9evceaCzs/s1600/WillyRags+15-+Spade+copy.jpg" height="320" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15" Spade<br />
Photo Credit Rob "RMFC" Choi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm09Jrdyw-AouLjFxnrPlY8CezqMfzDSHqITeuk_3zXFKOdZ-hWkNIO4D1jTM9sSniUf6FvpxsjAdRbeRLFfBkHjNgwVz9JxxjY2eZwsjIBI9-jXOqeIWjTeSikKjbza9UMvjbqgVWAmY/s1600/_DSC0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm09Jrdyw-AouLjFxnrPlY8CezqMfzDSHqITeuk_3zXFKOdZ-hWkNIO4D1jTM9sSniUf6FvpxsjAdRbeRLFfBkHjNgwVz9JxxjY2eZwsjIBI9-jXOqeIWjTeSikKjbza9UMvjbqgVWAmY/s1600/_DSC0163.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16" Spadefish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ_2Ddfkq-o8vEI7Eu6nzB3dFuTEUjwueesEwLdIUQXu_d6LYNBRip0KjC9A_A5XGD8UUvVHq0E4uHs2GfshnEZzhnMrMSjblyDd-apj9adyAu1aGeyoWhYImpG9-vosME-nz5C6dQWQ/s1600/_DSC0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ_2Ddfkq-o8vEI7Eu6nzB3dFuTEUjwueesEwLdIUQXu_d6LYNBRip0KjC9A_A5XGD8UUvVHq0E4uHs2GfshnEZzhnMrMSjblyDd-apj9adyAu1aGeyoWhYImpG9-vosME-nz5C6dQWQ/s1600/_DSC0116.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15.5" Spade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully, the fight of the spades can help ease the pain of my Sheepshead Struggles! Until the next adventure!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRwQCY7EXmFdAtwerd3bmObu8iqbFXO_K1yWgMZQLgj7yoZ0sfKQI45gqmX2PhZE-wNaepnmV3Cpz5dNsXZhcVc9bvEzVJJAXMZ9C169rWCDEKGayR4uO3Ll-3tKMJ2waHmC9MEM7eXQ/s1600/_DSC0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRwQCY7EXmFdAtwerd3bmObu8iqbFXO_K1yWgMZQLgj7yoZ0sfKQI45gqmX2PhZE-wNaepnmV3Cpz5dNsXZhcVc9bvEzVJJAXMZ9C169rWCDEKGayR4uO3Ll-3tKMJ2waHmC9MEM7eXQ/s1600/_DSC0157.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted with one of his first Kayak Spade at 15.75"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMB87bqoZogFUKaV425v3_TjG51wXrWV_EoxEX9z_zjejhamlahgWyk4DIEtyPlsdciI-eY7VbEHDhb9olRagYpS4gKSKPwUZaIuI9w9U6ntr3jj7NN4xoPSLKLVZ5EP4lhU8hP5tj_Y/s1600/_DSC0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMB87bqoZogFUKaV425v3_TjG51wXrWV_EoxEX9z_zjejhamlahgWyk4DIEtyPlsdciI-eY7VbEHDhb9olRagYpS4gKSKPwUZaIuI9w9U6ntr3jj7NN4xoPSLKLVZ5EP4lhU8hP5tj_Y/s1600/_DSC0141.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kam with a solid 13" Spade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaxCv0W6mX79YpwrR0kbQZ6dB2JCDS-SGiPq-bp2l7mlKfYqXRg6VbRA9lLp01SitdFFgcOspctcL1Hn_u3Gh1dsQENtoaHMSscwHe-Mwa-Srwk7QtNNUC3IO3SBKfcAzhLA5LkJ257M/s1600/_DSC0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaxCv0W6mX79YpwrR0kbQZ6dB2JCDS-SGiPq-bp2l7mlKfYqXRg6VbRA9lLp01SitdFFgcOspctcL1Hn_u3Gh1dsQENtoaHMSscwHe-Mwa-Srwk7QtNNUC3IO3SBKfcAzhLA5LkJ257M/s1600/_DSC0090.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted with his first Black Drum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTesF-Axk5BDhfHIVYxTDHAECH1BQKdhjMi0TDFA6lBbhjkmewLrFWrMj2cpY0pgaF-qBpKdGnMZ63c8_VgPFKFhUDTTevRteDpQ5HoXB9qp8T4nTcVuV-FqYS0gGyOhroJPHnVGRIh0/s1600/_DSC0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTesF-Axk5BDhfHIVYxTDHAECH1BQKdhjMi0TDFA6lBbhjkmewLrFWrMj2cpY0pgaF-qBpKdGnMZ63c8_VgPFKFhUDTTevRteDpQ5HoXB9qp8T4nTcVuV-FqYS0gGyOhroJPHnVGRIh0/s1600/_DSC0126.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seth closing it out with another solid spade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-17982028345845199992014-04-08T21:21:00.001-04:002014-04-08T21:22:35.282-04:002013 - A Year in Review2013 ended up being my most amazing year from the kayak I have ever had. I got picked up for a third consecutive year on the Hurricane Kayaks Fishing Team, and added some other amazing sponsors to my quiver. Werner Paddles, Astral Buoyancy, and Egret Baits brought me on board and for that I am extremely grateful. On the fishing front, I was lucky to get into my personal best Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, and in Salt, I just killed it.<br />
<br />
Here is my journey in the salt:<br />
<br />
Spring 2013...<br />
Even though I got some amazing fishing for Flounder, Speckled Trout, Bull Reds, and Chomper Bluefish in, it was nothing compared to the rest of the year. I came within an 1/8" of Citation on my Red and a 1/4" of Citation on my Bluefish so it wasn't all bad. My tournament season started with a charity event for the victims of the Boston Marathon. With the allure of Bull Reds, I decided to forgo the Captains meeting. Wouldn't you know it, that day I Caught a bull and a scoring flounder which would have put me on top for both big fish and overall winner had I played. Oh well!<br />
<br />
Summer...<br />
I started off with a solid 2nd place podium visit on the Outer Banks inaugural Finatic Kayak Fishing tournament. There was one dink flounder caught, and I lost a solid 18" flattie boatside which would have placed 1st. Still, a podium visit is a win!<br />
<br />
My first citation came over halfway through the year with a Sheepie right under 25"<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO26WmCj4B8pwzC_Qk6AuRZ4hmcwofFMnmSPDy37bW41pRb0jeqozTEKhzHAmPaIM8k8u-fboPcVMODlQGQX3LjKNv92_0Qu7DEkBbIuKdC0IUUWunR4ENJhAr36HL5Ydhq5wqSJYYZA/s1600/Paper+Sheepie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO26WmCj4B8pwzC_Qk6AuRZ4hmcwofFMnmSPDy37bW41pRb0jeqozTEKhzHAmPaIM8k8u-fboPcVMODlQGQX3LjKNv92_0Qu7DEkBbIuKdC0IUUWunR4ENJhAr36HL5Ydhq5wqSJYYZA/s1600/Paper+Sheepie.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit - Jay Brooks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next came the Tidewater Club Challenge. Of the 8+ boat clubs and our Kayak Club, we took home the top spot (and crazy ridiculous national bragging rights) with a win that was the highest total points in tournament history. We beat 2nd place by almost double the total points. Did I mention that we were the only club without motors?!?!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcJ9f61OULbkOuFMOjYOFkirmUhXHvbs5sdngwsUxC7jeXnufPV0jZ-gzZvSnx7KzB4EdcGA4e7AfFDIuDwOWggVfF_TLGoCFCcO6fvmJBATQczvunopFPk6CzW5FJEWOON9gDOHTU6s/s1600/Catching+for+Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcJ9f61OULbkOuFMOjYOFkirmUhXHvbs5sdngwsUxC7jeXnufPV0jZ-gzZvSnx7KzB4EdcGA4e7AfFDIuDwOWggVfF_TLGoCFCcO6fvmJBATQczvunopFPk6CzW5FJEWOON9gDOHTU6s/s1600/Catching+for+Kids.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back-to-Back-to-Back Sheepies (all over 25" and 10#)<br />
L to R (William Ragulsky, Rob Choi, Jay Brooks)<br />
Photo Credit - Joe Underwood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UuC2SPqNCnDaDlCxfDPVYU43YAv6ie2rUVFSfAvs2HxbitpoIuLTudoVXp9B0SBCE_FwMH4iqK4t0dqaabLD0WkiEgl3wOHyz2oqSbbBhRbzB5gfnF4Wea9yjCTJSJXRfbLI9zySENk/s1600/CCA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UuC2SPqNCnDaDlCxfDPVYU43YAv6ie2rUVFSfAvs2HxbitpoIuLTudoVXp9B0SBCE_FwMH4iqK4t0dqaabLD0WkiEgl3wOHyz2oqSbbBhRbzB5gfnF4Wea9yjCTJSJXRfbLI9zySENk/s1600/CCA.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Place 2013 Tidewater Club Chalange<br />
Werner Paddles Tidewater Team<br />
L - R (Drew Camp, William Ragulsky, Rob Choi, Mark Lozier, Richie Bekolay)<br />
Photo Credit - Mark Lozier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fall...<br />
The Fall was insane. I got my personal best Cobia, topping that mark by over 25". Thanks to Rob Choi for all he did and his amazing support.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg62J85ZU0-9xgSPJFWHvvkrUXHCBgdaMbpJWU8toUt_9pEq79mwd9oCgSIJaKlDwqEJqAk4ieh2FpCwx-zuyC6RJN9g5-CCRS9-7gWgBznKut6pP7EgBQjASWTu7TB5mQbz1TEVd66YU/s1600/61+lb+cobia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg62J85ZU0-9xgSPJFWHvvkrUXHCBgdaMbpJWU8toUt_9pEq79mwd9oCgSIJaKlDwqEJqAk4ieh2FpCwx-zuyC6RJN9g5-CCRS9-7gWgBznKut6pP7EgBQjASWTu7TB5mQbz1TEVd66YU/s1600/61+lb+cobia.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">61 1/4 lb Cobia<br />
Photo Credit - Rob Choi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the Cobe, I was able to spend some time right off the breakers chasing the fall run Bulls with Matt Anderson, Seth Goodrich, and Alex Britland. The first day with Matt, I caught over 5 reds exceeding 40", with a 47" release citation. The following day with Seth and Alex we had a tougher time finding the bulls, but Alex managed a 48", and I got my 2nd red citation and went 4-4 on Bull Red trips with a 50".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJT2pNC2WzojMOf7JmkvvvBRTayCVAJb6ct5xmQJQ4qI_5E4vDi0-0E4Rt-OHzkzPZGaON1oqw_U_4lyu1K8PpwJ0lIvZcyfG7MM5TT-31OIbdRKH1-JYu_VQAP5IwogadD5uzSane24/s1600/50%2522+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJT2pNC2WzojMOf7JmkvvvBRTayCVAJb6ct5xmQJQ4qI_5E4vDi0-0E4Rt-OHzkzPZGaON1oqw_U_4lyu1K8PpwJ0lIvZcyfG7MM5TT-31OIbdRKH1-JYu_VQAP5IwogadD5uzSane24/s1600/50%2522+Red.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50" Personal Best Bull Red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also started loading up with the citation Speckled Trout with fish up to 27". <br />
<div>
During the 2013 Oak Island Classic, I decided to fish both inshore and offshore. Day one offshore saw some amazing flounder, spanish, king, and red catches, while I only managed keeper black sea bass, and blacktip sharks up to 6'. Day two I spent inshore catching 3 fish. A Red in the 20's, a flounder near there, and a Speck at 15" for a second place slam finish putting me less than an inch from my NC tournament nemesis and friend Bob Danton.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhofbMX25uP-J9_U1IYg2uXIVxl7mdn8MhofLTsX40Nr-m4UbSzJ4AEW0tSIPNnJzndgNFWukipXLDbAXI0jaDyATs4R8z5Vmnys__S-LxY2Pcnm7nm6UIzDXudZ8RONYAHh0iJEtMnI/s1600/OIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhofbMX25uP-J9_U1IYg2uXIVxl7mdn8MhofLTsX40Nr-m4UbSzJ4AEW0tSIPNnJzndgNFWukipXLDbAXI0jaDyATs4R8z5Vmnys__S-LxY2Pcnm7nm6UIzDXudZ8RONYAHh0iJEtMnI/s1600/OIC.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Place Slam, Oak Island Classic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Winter...</div>
<div>
I spent all winter chasing my white rabbit (30" speck). My desire to join the "Dirty Thirty" club found me on the water all hours of the night during both the workweek and weekend. Everything else to include putting quality time for Tautog and Big Stripers took a back seat. Even though I am not a member of the Dirty Thirty Club just yet, I managed to get my Personal Best at 29".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSt6f_70AeZVdYXsmJddYxznqDKgQUiOG5PApU-Yi92Q5bzWXxvO71byyCW0waETfoyPS9OsAtbZiP0vbxkheuhPWD8g0jDSo1F3wyl9SZzKZusvektSluoWvwVzLocdHkTk1yM8I-IE/s1600/29%2522+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSt6f_70AeZVdYXsmJddYxznqDKgQUiOG5PApU-Yi92Q5bzWXxvO71byyCW0waETfoyPS9OsAtbZiP0vbxkheuhPWD8g0jDSo1F3wyl9SZzKZusvektSluoWvwVzLocdHkTk1yM8I-IE/s1600/29%2522+Red.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">29" Speck<br />Photo Credit - Matt Greschak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With 2014 upon us, I am stoked for what the season will hold. I know it will be an amazing year, thanks to the amazing people I got to fish with and get to know in 2013. To quote "Crazy" Alberto Knie, I got to share the tides with Great Friends. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks Tommy Dewitt, Rob Choi, Seth and Kamaron Goodrich, Alex Britland, Lee Williams, Joe Underwood, Kayak Kevin Whitley, Richie Bekolay, Mark Lozier, Matt Tate, Matt Greschak, Bob Danton, Jonathan Grady, James Short, Dan Smullen, Drew Camp, and others that really made 2013 a year to remember!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-81030404458461451462014-03-03T08:10:00.002-05:002014-03-03T08:10:51.120-05:00Breaking the Doldrums of Winter2014 has brought upon a number of changes. This year, the goal is to spend more time behind the lens, while still getting a chance to be in front of it. This past weekend was my first test, and I was pleasantly rewarded. Here is a story six years in the making.<br />
<br />
Spring brings upon us subtle little changes that break the doldrums of winter. Whether it be an increase in wildlife, or buds starting to form and open on the trees, or the yellow perch spawn. With this winter being a particularly rough one on the east coast, things are a bit behind. Historically, the perch spawn in SE Virginia around the end of February, and the spawn is usually over by the first major lunar cycle in March. With all of this being said, I ended up getting a late start in my kayak fishing this winter and feared that I missed the run. Rest assured though, the fish are in prespawn so that gives you another few weeks to get on them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDzhYuHMmuoGPyTNpjj8ZuYQ9iDQpu_abt1H3OJOU7HgyGNCsT2O2JXyHKkeYCgETb2NDlWWov_F08QhzvW4DtO0HkMqja20AnLB1geRZ0jZ8Ew-mJ_TnUcf6JXTnTvF0WryCjwhze7Y/s1600/_DSC0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDzhYuHMmuoGPyTNpjj8ZuYQ9iDQpu_abt1H3OJOU7HgyGNCsT2O2JXyHKkeYCgETb2NDlWWov_F08QhzvW4DtO0HkMqja20AnLB1geRZ0jZ8Ew-mJ_TnUcf6JXTnTvF0WryCjwhze7Y/s1600/_DSC0260.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
For the past six years, my goal has been to catch a release citation yellow perch. Ive felt the feeling of failure when Ive seen others attain this achievement, while Ive been just short. This year started the same. I got a call a week ago from my buddy Tommy saying that he got his paper perch. I was extremely happy, but it brought upon feelings that I was so accustomed to. I was going to change that the following weekend, I brought Jim Short and Tommy Dewitt along with me, and we did some work. It all started with a Pickerel coming in at 20"...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPItfQJSUbaIdiQzT8GleihiSVQVGpbeTGi67Sm-je4O8Hmo25Fz7qQyvJzjhWoL0sX1wlYRLFu9I-Ihlkd-VjU3mvYqSI4yXuSvxOwjYCManY8fYc33RDlSbGNpp7vpdu2eO-qn65NA/s1600/1920332_3929477410759_1930586711_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPItfQJSUbaIdiQzT8GleihiSVQVGpbeTGi67Sm-je4O8Hmo25Fz7qQyvJzjhWoL0sX1wlYRLFu9I-Ihlkd-VjU3mvYqSI4yXuSvxOwjYCManY8fYc33RDlSbGNpp7vpdu2eO-qn65NA/s1600/1920332_3929477410759_1930586711_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then a bonus Largemouth...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iYWlgYIyKpv-pO2vQ4QyL9Mi7umpC74FUw_L_d3NBy9LJGwPjFy2aaT70f49f-Z7iGlGyYAOgsB8Jnby4-cFNsjFpsldL2-vNBspIDFGjglFyY_NUgPRzOgGy8Ngle08Ri88OtLLqZI/s1600/13236_10203213982732135_1919830244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iYWlgYIyKpv-pO2vQ4QyL9Mi7umpC74FUw_L_d3NBy9LJGwPjFy2aaT70f49f-Z7iGlGyYAOgsB8Jnby4-cFNsjFpsldL2-vNBspIDFGjglFyY_NUgPRzOgGy8Ngle08Ri88OtLLqZI/s1600/13236_10203213982732135_1919830244_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnT6qDuXnPzz50XKCvL2jR70Pk6yHSef1bLmnIBhFzsNc1USDH3lNVpLyyEQp_anxY7WJjQk-Y2YKcDE-H4nGR10UfxLXaO2S_h0trhXMvpHsu5eStp8YDuxJ63ls92xx2C0v0zekeGVQ/s1600/1978746_10203213983372151_1737423726_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnT6qDuXnPzz50XKCvL2jR70Pk6yHSef1bLmnIBhFzsNc1USDH3lNVpLyyEQp_anxY7WJjQk-Y2YKcDE-H4nGR10UfxLXaO2S_h0trhXMvpHsu5eStp8YDuxJ63ls92xx2C0v0zekeGVQ/s1600/1978746_10203213983372151_1737423726_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Citation Perch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tommy and Jim also got in on the action with perch approaching 12". It was nice having two good friends on the water with me to celebrate this long awaited milestone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbu_tLcumC9mFEvQNFv2Xxw6ov0DGKz56rzvZ8DUPgTg3jivjgDbA3EHmZ317C964TA8MGoPPo0E6srtBQP4z4cT87R5fkD5TdSJ8ZbrRazRqVFAUNGxyGCMVVl7d51I1dvOomW3WvLQ/s1600/12478_10203213916090469_467878956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbu_tLcumC9mFEvQNFv2Xxw6ov0DGKz56rzvZ8DUPgTg3jivjgDbA3EHmZ317C964TA8MGoPPo0E6srtBQP4z4cT87R5fkD5TdSJ8ZbrRazRqVFAUNGxyGCMVVl7d51I1dvOomW3WvLQ/s1600/12478_10203213916090469_467878956_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4a6i1z2_4xXo28QDUGB8LLClvG0kXgsMpAZoxua4_q1xQeQaKJ190ObKR3uLoeLIkW7-GqxDrlZgwoQauqmRSYw8VAfHkHbKUf_AWm8fsPkr9_4ru6eWdpQVVNnT2vflu-8mzyIGmXw/s1600/1925216_10203213915450453_1419396290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4a6i1z2_4xXo28QDUGB8LLClvG0kXgsMpAZoxua4_q1xQeQaKJ190ObKR3uLoeLIkW7-GqxDrlZgwoQauqmRSYw8VAfHkHbKUf_AWm8fsPkr9_4ru6eWdpQVVNnT2vflu-8mzyIGmXw/s1600/1925216_10203213915450453_1419396290_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-64871919409445059342013-09-19T16:30:00.001-04:002015-06-24T13:10:27.976-04:00Sheepshead – Dissected<div class="MsoNormal">
For the longest time, seeing friends like <a href="http://www.kayakkevin.com/" target="_blank">Kayak Kevin Whitley</a>, <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/" target="_blank">Rob Choi</a>, and Lee Williams catch monster Sheepshead (let alone any
Sheepshead) haunted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing footage
of these extremely violent fights in close quarters with amazing fish were all
I focused on for almost two seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, my first two monster fish both came in over 11 lbs and both
came on the same day, in conditions that I had no right fishing in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that day on, I have refined my skills,
and am confident sharing what I have learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will break it down from bait and rigs, to techniques and conditions in
which I post consistent catches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong>Bait Selection:<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although Sheepshead can be caught on a large variety of
baits, they have mouths designed for feeding on crustaceans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite baits are as follows in order or
seasonal precedence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Mole Crabs
(Sand Fleas)</strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nCuo5sbRdHZ6dCirum9xgrIdp6zJR6BaaybZ3y0ozc2S0uYowmoklY3QPPN_q7OUNzVGthRZ0xNcYoRx4Bb6pK2MwTE80aq3esF9Tk-qwN5FHFCkQJsTqDvXv-ledpPzUmeeEDlf4M0/s1600/sandcrab2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nCuo5sbRdHZ6dCirum9xgrIdp6zJR6BaaybZ3y0ozc2S0uYowmoklY3QPPN_q7OUNzVGthRZ0xNcYoRx4Bb6pK2MwTE80aq3esF9Tk-qwN5FHFCkQJsTqDvXv-ledpPzUmeeEDlf4M0/s320/sandcrab2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul><ul>
</ul>
<li>For me, the availability of these baits in the surf is what
kicks my sheepie fishing into overdrive.
I prefer freshly caught and live baits, but have had success on dead and
frozen baits. To catch them, I look at
the surf zone, and if I see little bubbles in the sand as the water recedes, I
focus my attention there. I look for
baits between the tide line and the small little shelf that generally occurs a
few feet into the breakers. I will dig
through the sand with my hands until I feel them, at which point, I use either
a clam rake, or a half a aluminum minnow trap to scoop and shift through the
sand to sort out the baits. I store them
in containers with easy drainage so the ammonia in their urine doesn’t kill
them. If possible, I will catch them at
night when they are all throughout the surf, keeping them cool until im ready
to fish. I will fish them on either
dropper loop rigs, or Carolina rigged, depending on the conditions. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Fiddler
Crabs</strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3W966Cq1KsmiEOxvC9cfqT7mxnxgeoIXVmwHRY2ugaLU8tzIEKCn821Xp4G9wBpwt4hgSl88hNyEiG2ReHEOhL8F1WrLuhqNOHC_NhoEuaZwehZTbpczXTfVAiDCyJHpbTnV7gzvbvA/s1600/601386_10201680287470712_486534998_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3W966Cq1KsmiEOxvC9cfqT7mxnxgeoIXVmwHRY2ugaLU8tzIEKCn821Xp4G9wBpwt4hgSl88hNyEiG2ReHEOhL8F1WrLuhqNOHC_NhoEuaZwehZTbpczXTfVAiDCyJHpbTnV7gzvbvA/s320/601386_10201680287470712_486534998_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21 Dozen Fiddlers in a Yeti Tundra 35</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal">
Im sure that in many of your favorite marshes you see these little critters scurrying around the banks on a low tide. I start to use these baits with the mole crabs and have found over the past few years that as the summer move on, I have better catches on crabs. In Virginia, you can spend upwards of $4 a dozen at tackle shops, consistently wondering if there will be any in stock when you want them, or you can catch them yourself. I focus on low tide cycles in areas I have seen them in the past, and can easily move along the shore after them. If they are concentrated in open sections, I will throw a cast net at them and quickly collect them from under the net. I will also walk through marsh grass, grabbing them as I spot them. If there is sea grass in the areas you are looking that collects in clumps along the shore, they will generally hide underneath. To keep them alive, keep them cool, moist and provide them a place to hide. This summer I kept 22 dozen alive in a Yeti Tundra 35 for over 24 hours adding moist sea grass an crumpled up cardboard. The cardboard, or better yet cardboard egg crate gives them a place to hide so they don’t kill one another. Keeping them cool in conditions like this will let you keep them for a few weeks. As they die, remove the dead ones and place a slice or two of bread for food. I like to fish these on dropper loop rigs.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Clams and Shrimp</strong></div>
<ul>
<li>Although this is not a bait I use to target sheepies due to the large
by catch from species like spot, croaker, pinfish, grouper, I have had great
luck when targeting Spadefish and Triggers.
Generally, My sheepies using this bait comes on lighter rods dedicated
for spades, and the fight is amazing.
The go to rig for clams is a Carolina rig.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Blue Crabs</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal">
I use Blue Crabs in 1” chunks when I am unable to get Fiddlers. I fish them the same way I fish with Fiddlers.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Sea Urchins
and Barnacles</strong> </div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal">
I have never fished with either bait, but I know they are more
popular the further south you travel. On
all the sheepies I have kept, both have been the majority of the stomach
content.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong>Rods and Reels</strong><br />
<strong><o:p></o:p></strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I prefer using a MH or H power rod that is stiff enough to
set the hook through a mouthful of molar like teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another consideration is the combos ability
to pull them away from the structure quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I use a few combos:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ol>
<li>MH Shamano Travala S paired with a Release Reels
SG spooled with 85lb test braid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
reel has an insane line retrieval ratio along with a super smooth drag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rod has enough backbone to cross their
eyes and pull them off the structure, and the braid gives me sense of mind when
fishing alongside razor sharp barnacles. </li>
<li>H power Diawa Procyon paired with a Shamano
Calcutta 200 and 35 lb braid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power
of the rod and smooth drag on the reel makes this a great all around bait
fishing/dropping combo.</li>
<li>MH Shamano Crucial paired with a Shamano
Cronarch 200 and 35 lb braid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again a
super strong combo, with a added bonus (super light weight).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rig is used when Im fishing with
lightweight and/or doing a lot of one handed paddling along structure.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong>Rigs</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ol>
<li>Dropper Rig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I use either 1 or 2 hook configurations and weight from ½ to 5 oz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tie mine with super high quality
components.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hooks are Owner SSW J
hooks from size 2 to size 2/0 (depending on the bait size).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For line I like 20-35 lb Seaguar Red or Blue
label fluorocarbon line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Blue label
is expensive, but has amazing abrasion resistance and knot strength (I recently
landed a 62 lb cobia using this line).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
like a high quality barrel swivel to connect to the main line, and at least 18”
to the first hook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Im fishing a
double hook rig, I like the bottom hook 6-8” above the weight, and the top
another 14-18” above that (think about working the water column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A single rig, I like the hook 12” above the
weight. On the bottom swivel, I go with a strong but inexpensive Eagle Claw
Barrel Swivel with clip for quick weight changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this rig, I focus on fishing near the
bottom of pilings or in rocky areas. See a dropper loop tied <a href="http://www.animatedknots.com/dropperloop/index.php?Categ=fishing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com">here</a>.</li>
<li>Carolina Rig – I use 16-24” of 20 lb Seaguar Red
label with a high quality barrel swivel and the same Owner hooks paired to bait
size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use a Snell or Palomar from the
line to the hook, and a Palomar or Uni to the swivel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rig is used when I am working the entire
water column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ill drop to the bottom and
work my way up 12-18” at a time, fishing each spot for a few minutes at a
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have to go over 1 ½ ounces of
weight on my egg sinker, I am using too much and switch to a dropper rig.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had equal success with both rigs, but tend to lose
more around vertical structure with the Carolina rig (must because i'm not from
Carolina!).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong>The bite and fight:<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will either feel weight on the line or light
tap-tap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you feel the tap-tap and
miss the hookset, don’t fret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your
bait down for a few seconds and wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sheepies tend to hit and crush the bait before they go back and pick
up the pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When in doubt Set the Hook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will loose weights and rigs, but can also be rewarded with some amazing
catches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, if you keep getting
stolen without feeling bites, or keep missing bites, stick with it in the same
areas. You may go through a lot of bait, but if you are fishing for a sheep
that you know is there and feeding, don’t move on until you catch him or he stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, when you set the hook, cross his
eyes to get a positive hookset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not
a speck, and your not going to rip it out of his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you get the hookset, hang on for the
fight of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBAR65LOUaI3k-qHa642_1u057LwEHKcgTyvV_r5XID9E6YmH9rmBe2cUI2FYptjjwVmCT8pLgb5DlsNf6QzN43T7T-WTFORbsFWiSH5eG2D0ZGcq8v2_imgJGdSzVrnEPN7dywxRGy8/s1600/Sheep1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBAR65LOUaI3k-qHa642_1u057LwEHKcgTyvV_r5XID9E6YmH9rmBe2cUI2FYptjjwVmCT8pLgb5DlsNf6QzN43T7T-WTFORbsFWiSH5eG2D0ZGcq8v2_imgJGdSzVrnEPN7dywxRGy8/s320/Sheep1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit - <a href="http://virginiakayakfisherman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jay Brooks</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good luck out there!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-12938941960673694762013-07-08T16:53:00.000-04:002013-07-08T16:53:00.816-04:00BOOM!Ive not been able to get out nearly as much as usual, so I thought, with everything going on why not make it a bender. I had the evening of the 3rd and all day on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of July to fish. I fished whenever I could, risking heat exhaustion, failing classes, and overexertion for this. Would I do it again? Hell yes!<br />
<br />
July 3rd - Got on some solid topwater bass in the evening with Tommy. Heres a few pics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF9bb6Np7dy9iP8pq7iG9h7qei4PSDCWfKizkHDBwBjOUBsVA7C0-_ljzZZjiVb-EFZTeNNvuMfHkAZpDyubBplfWSBWgrEnQfp5VICGSro82guVePIwPUdDCjz5TOb63UhLokLyiY_w/s1600/P1010431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF9bb6Np7dy9iP8pq7iG9h7qei4PSDCWfKizkHDBwBjOUBsVA7C0-_ljzZZjiVb-EFZTeNNvuMfHkAZpDyubBplfWSBWgrEnQfp5VICGSro82guVePIwPUdDCjz5TOb63UhLokLyiY_w/s320/P1010431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKBz3puRXzKh_QNgRyWh_62vUZtJJgmU5uCUPG57Xh9OfsdarURjyi-RVi0T8UAtTSHqJJY7UubXaRGBZiAvHwIfSpMPW6GMHvHCbg17ZVqtmgt8ugigZp9sugPLc0tg8aaBn3kC5-D8/s1600/P1010433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKBz3puRXzKh_QNgRyWh_62vUZtJJgmU5uCUPG57Xh9OfsdarURjyi-RVi0T8UAtTSHqJJY7UubXaRGBZiAvHwIfSpMPW6GMHvHCbg17ZVqtmgt8ugigZp9sugPLc0tg8aaBn3kC5-D8/s320/P1010433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqbhjNUc-zzZRqiP0j-xTofnjkllyvLVPyALdvigxtfTH7mFKF9Z0fPzJtw2JCzltLdcKvtIIeJ1mfigGTHpv2akokcnwPFX2W2k8KtXDjJuPOFpWHe6UGLa7E4zJJCTnGHcJVdpzgSY/s1600/tomsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqbhjNUc-zzZRqiP0j-xTofnjkllyvLVPyALdvigxtfTH7mFKF9Z0fPzJtw2JCzltLdcKvtIIeJ1mfigGTHpv2akokcnwPFX2W2k8KtXDjJuPOFpWHe6UGLa7E4zJJCTnGHcJVdpzgSY/s320/tomsun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy took this awesome pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
July 5th - After a long day of school work on the 4th, now was the time do get it done. Jay Brooks met me on the water and we ended up really working for some fish but got some quality. Jay is an amazing Cameraman and hooked it up with one of my favorite pics on this posting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oQhZkJseJQ0WBHawHwiKSbhD_-P17R50F3GCcGaIFg6nRdDVROKI9NyByPldHmxnD5HBfZlz4ZVwx9EJQYxi5UsxpLkgITFRsOyChUGgjRwOOJ55-_C619hjCFV3raSgcP0FbGQfPM0/s1600/P1010436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oQhZkJseJQ0WBHawHwiKSbhD_-P17R50F3GCcGaIFg6nRdDVROKI9NyByPldHmxnD5HBfZlz4ZVwx9EJQYxi5UsxpLkgITFRsOyChUGgjRwOOJ55-_C619hjCFV3raSgcP0FbGQfPM0/s320/P1010436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the smartest decision.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WlGHBPNx3O1QyA2Wmh6983E1x5VxNe3AW3wLuaryMHCTAH81_d4ydWMMMdD1uvFhH9W5_VmoanynJvfRE64hWBu1lZXCwxKgDOmZszF6Z2mykq6SZqn-pdfn511TmvsIrbc8v84h0tA/s1600/P1010437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WlGHBPNx3O1QyA2Wmh6983E1x5VxNe3AW3wLuaryMHCTAH81_d4ydWMMMdD1uvFhH9W5_VmoanynJvfRE64hWBu1lZXCwxKgDOmZszF6Z2mykq6SZqn-pdfn511TmvsIrbc8v84h0tA/s320/P1010437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found some of these...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIaVIvOJu4JJ0ScweDejYp8rGu62fJESaftx5lwcxhxC4HNSaDRQ9PwjybhMNWhBLnYJtiPcGzOjUpIn87-axRBSj_X-T9ciU377bi0tOosaYDAYbQsTc6M_YZMA_ZltjAu4PAR-UawA/s1600/Sheep1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIaVIvOJu4JJ0ScweDejYp8rGu62fJESaftx5lwcxhxC4HNSaDRQ9PwjybhMNWhBLnYJtiPcGzOjUpIn87-axRBSj_X-T9ciU377bi0tOosaYDAYbQsTc6M_YZMA_ZltjAu4PAR-UawA/s320/Sheep1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and these. Biggest @ just under 25".<br />photo: Jay Brooks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After an 8 hour day on the water, I grabbed a bite to eat, and went back after some topwater bass. Had 5 dinks to hand.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
July 6th - The goal was to get Tommy on some Sheepies and Spades. We met up with Brandon Westfall and made some $$$.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It all started with the three of us getting on some decent spades.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWphbDlSy6iyTHRVWD-XkwdXpFN4yEsKOXbg7yrMhUGFny6ZFaHtV0LSKGKVx_eudARZ7EPH3rfH97A8LJDNLLMRJb7dFL71Ofj2pA63IG2l3Q9fu9GAKWRd3FcqXbhpbLiYDvMEjl230/s1600/P1010441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWphbDlSy6iyTHRVWD-XkwdXpFN4yEsKOXbg7yrMhUGFny6ZFaHtV0LSKGKVx_eudARZ7EPH3rfH97A8LJDNLLMRJb7dFL71Ofj2pA63IG2l3Q9fu9GAKWRd3FcqXbhpbLiYDvMEjl230/s320/P1010441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooked Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbfSqTwurxVeOywpZ1s4qNl21YPVooG_6wdXfG95TU0zWz9ay329M3Mz4Xi8-IxMqEnYP3IompWOrTJOpTY-jiQGg241ptCqmo38kyHQbVRTa-MZOivdPi-9g0qDYaNBDahhQcKZjstQ/s1600/P1010442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbfSqTwurxVeOywpZ1s4qNl21YPVooG_6wdXfG95TU0zWz9ay329M3Mz4Xi8-IxMqEnYP3IompWOrTJOpTY-jiQGg241ptCqmo38kyHQbVRTa-MZOivdPi-9g0qDYaNBDahhQcKZjstQ/s320/P1010442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Spade Ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Then a Sheepie</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_Cn63AQ6lp_2pm54keC2nTzatwV23toFCqOQrNlms_DwXLso_k31Ak2peXca8rhmX_fKTJLZ2ZltvcsaJbdGm75Ry1M6oVWDIQdw2b8deMH4LgXajJZalRYWvTb8lfRPIw1ThXIV5ns/s1600/P1010447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_Cn63AQ6lp_2pm54keC2nTzatwV23toFCqOQrNlms_DwXLso_k31Ak2peXca8rhmX_fKTJLZ2ZltvcsaJbdGm75Ry1M6oVWDIQdw2b8deMH4LgXajJZalRYWvTb8lfRPIw1ThXIV5ns/s320/P1010447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd paper in two days - 24.5"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then the three of us hit some togs<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKwt-H8dE4AD6jKT7FpZDnqCqeCzRVTLa2D0bHYxYd1sLZ6JK-X81Vjmgyx4eN6S88mD88udJY00fV41QFKUQl0CwQUWXvZXw_JXPbJj0eJLQ53tQGSbwgVcNkZ_L6E1zYXuR2Y_LIu4/s1600/P1010450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKwt-H8dE4AD6jKT7FpZDnqCqeCzRVTLa2D0bHYxYd1sLZ6JK-X81Vjmgyx4eN6S88mD88udJY00fV41QFKUQl0CwQUWXvZXw_JXPbJj0eJLQ53tQGSbwgVcNkZ_L6E1zYXuR2Y_LIu4/s320/P1010450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeWitt's First Tog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfL8RCp939Ki9CmHH6WDsE9NBFOk3kzwZLevM_1r0aBMbCPeAzDy35bQMpRkF9fm78rw_bUsAuvmOffMRLpOUfXGNQ5zGPMaI6UUBJdXHntediuE_G2aS5YdL7kaFZcbvIuOoMhlDuhE/s1600/P1010453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfL8RCp939Ki9CmHH6WDsE9NBFOk3kzwZLevM_1r0aBMbCPeAzDy35bQMpRkF9fm78rw_bUsAuvmOffMRLpOUfXGNQ5zGPMaI6UUBJdXHntediuE_G2aS5YdL7kaFZcbvIuOoMhlDuhE/s320/P1010453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3Yfg6cYRUb0vpVqG2Ow4kSYy758RpvmD4lMjeuu-K6YheQ_3aaNnAVNsf2-UxutAbWCwd1Krpt9wL2oCwPub9jcZpKbwEBlnviaGDT_IclRqCdOQnNce8V-0OQiaQI6WEDkEjKdEi28/s1600/P1010454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3Yfg6cYRUb0vpVqG2Ow4kSYy758RpvmD4lMjeuu-K6YheQ_3aaNnAVNsf2-UxutAbWCwd1Krpt9wL2oCwPub9jcZpKbwEBlnviaGDT_IclRqCdOQnNce8V-0OQiaQI6WEDkEjKdEi28/s320/P1010454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First tog of 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And I finished it up with some triggers to give me my first CBBT Slam. It was a great time on the water and I was stoked to see Tommy get his first Spade and Tog.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
July 7th - I met Rob Choi and Matt Tate bright and early. My goal was a sheepie hat trick, but the fish gods didn't want to see that happen, so we got on some small spades and triggers instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtmfyqwc_EQMimJdUcsc-cXEU5LIVb9Q6i_CsVD-4Ju4aTABmfE94Fw-St9liH0_7ypQ3ZdlgIAjEGjte_4_z-y-Gd_yVFn2v06JcK6PuLo5AEm4Le10U3WHOAg-EAX81NwGLjg_D5YU/s1600/P1010457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtmfyqwc_EQMimJdUcsc-cXEU5LIVb9Q6i_CsVD-4Ju4aTABmfE94Fw-St9liH0_7ypQ3ZdlgIAjEGjte_4_z-y-Gd_yVFn2v06JcK6PuLo5AEm4Le10U3WHOAg-EAX81NwGLjg_D5YU/s320/P1010457.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a solid lil' seabass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpciO2f2tjyAz2j3_ig_vpi51zBAFVB7-GiuxBSAJUFjpaikiuK7vpVat6cJg9-57ZvG0kMSgGL3zYf-J6_AbjpTg4pijFu_kx1PJXptd8b8ogOkTo_X3gtpDKD46gkPJILFs5S15XcY/s1600/P1010459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpciO2f2tjyAz2j3_ig_vpi51zBAFVB7-GiuxBSAJUFjpaikiuK7vpVat6cJg9-57ZvG0kMSgGL3zYf-J6_AbjpTg4pijFu_kx1PJXptd8b8ogOkTo_X3gtpDKD46gkPJILFs5S15XcY/s320/P1010459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big trigger of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ElePkwtToN3lZOg74YrF2QGyoQbgiGVJVQNysLzcaembYZ6zDlVd0t7IDAZvLEYrCIQIh0Mm3shzE3buBv_Tz57345ohXV7EpHrKtB7SjV4Ca1PDH9j1KhYw2Iwh2Vc9aQg9QnKtvSw/s1600/tate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ElePkwtToN3lZOg74YrF2QGyoQbgiGVJVQNysLzcaembYZ6zDlVd0t7IDAZvLEYrCIQIh0Mm3shzE3buBv_Tz57345ohXV7EpHrKtB7SjV4Ca1PDH9j1KhYw2Iwh2Vc9aQg9QnKtvSw/s320/tate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt with a solid trigger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All three of us found the triggers, and got some nice fish. Not at the top of our list, but sometimes you just have to adapt, improvise, and overcome.<br />
<br />
I paddled my brans out to get off the water to meet up with Jim Short. The goal was some topwater bass. We had a few blowups, but noting to write home about. I was able to get this shot though. It was a nice way to end what was a great weekend, with some great fish, and awesome friends!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLjtyuOLvy89div6kYdxm324i8I9ddrEcdwbVGLlkDv6biA3QlbzRchCoyveALTbqGUdWTjX5IbVA0T9rcFIqql6RfIEu11gcNsrFJSFNTDs5YDcOYS0MIRieEa9PGJqSr8APsTo1-iE/s1600/Jimsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLjtyuOLvy89div6kYdxm324i8I9ddrEcdwbVGLlkDv6biA3QlbzRchCoyveALTbqGUdWTjX5IbVA0T9rcFIqql6RfIEu11gcNsrFJSFNTDs5YDcOYS0MIRieEa9PGJqSr8APsTo1-iE/s320/Jimsun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-32057546474700975642013-06-03T19:13:00.003-04:002013-06-03T19:13:46.196-04:00My Lucky New Hat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogs7tHgeA6P7xRF84KKjLW9uCPxpY3hN85T0Jj0fTWTFUHRQuOnEUfPb0dsi3E8gci-G4wITA4HeViVWUN61hfGJtIRFe9qNWuaqC2ZuVEBpk5S37hOyXW0buYwe-mJuIPtCTDuVq534/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogs7tHgeA6P7xRF84KKjLW9uCPxpY3hN85T0Jj0fTWTFUHRQuOnEUfPb0dsi3E8gci-G4wITA4HeViVWUN61hfGJtIRFe9qNWuaqC2ZuVEBpk5S37hOyXW0buYwe-mJuIPtCTDuVq534/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, a few months ago I was named to the Werner Paddles Fishing Team. Needless to say, I am still on cloud 9, and coupled with Hurricane Kayaks, I work for the two best companies in paddlesports, period.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Some folks may laugh at fishing superstition, but I am extremely superstitious. I believe in the Banana myth, and wont have anything related to Bananas before I hit the water. I have a lot of fishing superstitions, and recently I added new one (a good one) to the long list. Shortly after my appointment to the Werner team, I received my team hat in the mail. For many people, it is just a ball cap, but to me it meant more. It meant that I was finally a part an amazing company I had coveted from the beginning of my pro staff days. It also signaled an internal trigger for me to step my game up. Even though I may have had some hiccups in trips since that fateful day, I will say that every day on the water was rewarded me in some way, shape, or form. Below are some brief descriptions of some of those days, the days that my lucky new hat brought me.<br />
<br />
Tourney Time - 6-1-13<br />
<br />
A last minute decision was made to fish the <a href="http://www.finatickayak.com/Home_Page.html" target="_blank">Fanatic Kayak</a> tournament out of Nags Head in the Outer Banks. The wind wasn't so lucky, but my first fish of the day was.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uk3BrYIeUqHfl4Z2XoJkR-6Qj2WHapeEDy35ll3NgeSYwQtVadz8uDVw5CwTA48Q3LfC-ucQXPg0Cc72auK4wkLuTqPjdE4c0Eo14NQRvP8ZhSffvJte7uqQdQuCYzIgdxUP5CGgPd0/s1600/P1010406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uk3BrYIeUqHfl4Z2XoJkR-6Qj2WHapeEDy35ll3NgeSYwQtVadz8uDVw5CwTA48Q3LfC-ucQXPg0Cc72auK4wkLuTqPjdE4c0Eo14NQRvP8ZhSffvJte7uqQdQuCYzIgdxUP5CGgPd0/s320/P1010406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First fish of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I tried to upgrade, but all that wanted to play were lil' rats. I met up a bit later with my buddy Matt, and after a 17" red, we left to chase some flounder.<br />
<br />
While looking for flounder, I hooked up with more rats. With time running short, I decided to troll my way in and hooked up to a 15-17" flounder. I would normally post a pic, but of course, my hatred of flounder was renewed, and he got off at the boat.<br />
<br />
Only one 8" flounder was caught, and my mistake without a doubt cost me first in the flounder division. My first fish was good enough to snag me 2nd place Redfish in my first Saltwater event of the year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSzFSAImFBzj9hm1nkNUaBqSkKBVHV5mVcajgMNa5Spx73ltoR29ehiOTbkVX05ZToWqpDnGtvJPqkq60WGbyu5ZNDNROP6BgUPZ90l1DtuicjP8s8n7SLaXWTQPr9USjRX_F9Fr0WYM/s1600/P1010408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSzFSAImFBzj9hm1nkNUaBqSkKBVHV5mVcajgMNa5Spx73ltoR29ehiOTbkVX05ZToWqpDnGtvJPqkq60WGbyu5ZNDNROP6BgUPZ90l1DtuicjP8s8n7SLaXWTQPr9USjRX_F9Fr0WYM/s320/P1010408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the Hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This tournament benefitted <a href="http://goprojectpurple.com/" target="_blank">Project Purple</a>. This is an amazing charity. Please check them out, as this benefits and supports our future!<br />
<br />
<br />
Bluefish Bonanza - 5-24-2013<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8FRbuTm9Q6shoVXvU6WVtfQXP8O-1UjQpum1IKZT9Y8nSZuPUh1jldvEE-u3tAWWSw6AiYlx0vwEe1vTxcIwnSGbD_jC0rD8_9X1OYGGutyVFAHbGWDZ3jZt6vVaCFeGW5ejUfK4Ek/s1600/976215_10200655932992255_565431336_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8FRbuTm9Q6shoVXvU6WVtfQXP8O-1UjQpum1IKZT9Y8nSZuPUh1jldvEE-u3tAWWSw6AiYlx0vwEe1vTxcIwnSGbD_jC0rD8_9X1OYGGutyVFAHbGWDZ3jZt6vVaCFeGW5ejUfK4Ek/s400/976215_10200655932992255_565431336_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Jay Brooks, Me, Lee Williams, Alex Britland<br />
(Photo: Tommy DeWitt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This morning, a few of us had visions of Chomper Bluefish running through our minds. With the day off, Tommy and I got on the water early, rigged up, and waited for the others to show. We were all focused on Bluefish, except for Jay. After Tommy, Lee, Alex, and I all hooked up with Blues over 33", Jay changed his tune and got in on the action. It was an amazing morning with weather in the low 80's, then a strong cold front blew through, but not until we had all reached personal bests!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x0Q0VLy-TkSC4-ci4v6-1G2nBbXgzAdnrSvg2-dpzx9cTPkb0VEsMUXf27efTBi_1gnfwbVjhsjMoVkDL8XupHugf53-dvh8X7g81hZD8sZ05XCSLYnY3tJWDETd2LnjxatrFwvYVic/s1600/P1010389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x0Q0VLy-TkSC4-ci4v6-1G2nBbXgzAdnrSvg2-dpzx9cTPkb0VEsMUXf27efTBi_1gnfwbVjhsjMoVkDL8XupHugf53-dvh8X7g81hZD8sZ05XCSLYnY3tJWDETd2LnjxatrFwvYVic/s320/P1010389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy's fish just under 36"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_u73qUpdrc3vkIBwUSIvyv7wNfymnZUQc76k0GEbTdp4VkSJKLHSM6K006bavX3PiSV5ETP0zaNQ672Yp7RAFbqVfB7inkZ7X4jzHDaS-slSa5Iz_xA9e5-vtvHk7kMrga5GVDjuzFxA/s1600/P1010385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_u73qUpdrc3vkIBwUSIvyv7wNfymnZUQc76k0GEbTdp4VkSJKLHSM6K006bavX3PiSV5ETP0zaNQ672Yp7RAFbqVfB7inkZ7X4jzHDaS-slSa5Iz_xA9e5-vtvHk7kMrga5GVDjuzFxA/s320/P1010385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex's Chomper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgDzgqq-eXajBT-QcuNuBXdtgzuCYoDNHIGgeY59ECNgcEiqepTAdV-Gx_LBvd2hkHxs3RK6fr9cvTbWg8LN_NPJxspDfCmwu_F7553QHdGYMSdwzwEJEdr-sVzgRzYn3lPGZ78jbL-Y/s1600/P1010380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgDzgqq-eXajBT-QcuNuBXdtgzuCYoDNHIGgeY59ECNgcEiqepTAdV-Gx_LBvd2hkHxs3RK6fr9cvTbWg8LN_NPJxspDfCmwu_F7553QHdGYMSdwzwEJEdr-sVzgRzYn3lPGZ78jbL-Y/s320/P1010380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee's Quick Release (I need some camera practice).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDXHF_bG6gso4traBBRnNC4qhCJuxX6O-Bcdd8w_Xr9g24Baf4sz_tIIN1HeVSiZdUNmeOGCyAF2tm8c2x52hH_wALkVYCZ0vbZZS6rBTH-bF4N1xepnIUiLFzfBbOGjpu3YiH_8JUu4/s1600/IMG_0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDXHF_bG6gso4traBBRnNC4qhCJuxX6O-Bcdd8w_Xr9g24Baf4sz_tIIN1HeVSiZdUNmeOGCyAF2tm8c2x52hH_wALkVYCZ0vbZZS6rBTH-bF4N1xepnIUiLFzfBbOGjpu3YiH_8JUu4/s320/IMG_0748.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 34" Blue - Notice the Hat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That same week prior, I was able to fish with my fellow team member - Rob Choi, in his search for a paper blue (his best was just shy of 36"), Joe Underwood (again just shy of 36"), and Jay's wife Allie (34" I believe).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCXkOaHujq6YanFbqTOIjbgEqA1mlrB7bKnPdNDwZdkPUMd5MLLajrz2p4CPklpRm9LwSCBN6B_fPS8mrZkwpx2Bz8LCjVTEaqiqD92G8oQVec2nb4436a_3Su35suZ5La4amSPSo45k/s1600/975977_585255868172310_1449789102_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCXkOaHujq6YanFbqTOIjbgEqA1mlrB7bKnPdNDwZdkPUMd5MLLajrz2p4CPklpRm9LwSCBN6B_fPS8mrZkwpx2Bz8LCjVTEaqiqD92G8oQVec2nb4436a_3Su35suZ5La4amSPSo45k/s320/975977_585255868172310_1449789102_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe's Monster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rob Choi's writeup @ <a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/2013/05/tourney-hullabaloo-to-near-citation-blue.html" target="_blank">Angling Addict</a><br />
Jay Brooks' writeup @ <a href="http://virginiakayakfisherman.blogspot.com/2013/05/memorial-day-blues.html" target="_blank">Virginia Kayak Fisherman</a><br />
<br />
April Specks and Reds<br />
<br />
Not much to say here other than April was my best Spring fishing for specks ever, with over 40 ranging from 19-23.5" I was able to get on some awesome fishing with some great friends!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGamRJyqlf-eTPf1SxT8mnLRg9ZGUKRACuJySUVFGFeu-DJnjtnEsA4WEr7PSNRYHdtS7L1Xlcalq3djrEnIEUow-KX7e9tPX8eoWVAFgr7-SIzJNOlwmDQIT6wFEKYQBhs8v-7SIAS0/s1600/P1010287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGamRJyqlf-eTPf1SxT8mnLRg9ZGUKRACuJySUVFGFeu-DJnjtnEsA4WEr7PSNRYHdtS7L1Xlcalq3djrEnIEUow-KX7e9tPX8eoWVAFgr7-SIzJNOlwmDQIT6wFEKYQBhs8v-7SIAS0/s320/P1010287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solid 23" - And again, notice the hat! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArQDxZem-NzXK_jNayL3xMZPXJv1T3N3-6UhW1HuicDCgZEwVa5O0XLgdwsIutngmwaAUufAIYotdMueplza4XQTNcl4YhEMwSQcgJsk93bkrCdoPK3ge2Ut9optn5vZ2r8OjCRwaFXQ/s1600/P1010284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArQDxZem-NzXK_jNayL3xMZPXJv1T3N3-6UhW1HuicDCgZEwVa5O0XLgdwsIutngmwaAUufAIYotdMueplza4XQTNcl4YhEMwSQcgJsk93bkrCdoPK3ge2Ut9optn5vZ2r8OjCRwaFXQ/s320/P1010284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex with a solid, overslot red.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBLRXK5xSbz8UJshqgi2aRBQALH-jXaVuiGevhUGPhmOOwKweIJu8d6xCxoi9JDfc6L3aSUR2HZM9VcaKM4QccI31AglqKLaXua6aB9KDCTeiKg98v5ILaVBI8CcNyVZSq1WFrww48Hw/s1600/P1010295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBLRXK5xSbz8UJshqgi2aRBQALH-jXaVuiGevhUGPhmOOwKweIJu8d6xCxoi9JDfc6L3aSUR2HZM9VcaKM4QccI31AglqKLaXua6aB9KDCTeiKg98v5ILaVBI8CcNyVZSq1WFrww48Hw/s320/P1010295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a fatty speck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lEIPhbKBHHzleHt6x9NucS7Riohn383epDutIpPIHVjXHlNaIrEC-S4sBD0AZ6LyGlS9PgZn3d7ZUXYPMdOQ0WKe2_-dtXdqbHdhSdmKNj5VUOTbo39sjwB_H5sxxlq_399hrAFVc-g/s1600/IMGP2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lEIPhbKBHHzleHt6x9NucS7Riohn383epDutIpPIHVjXHlNaIrEC-S4sBD0AZ6LyGlS9PgZn3d7ZUXYPMdOQ0WKe2_-dtXdqbHdhSdmKNj5VUOTbo39sjwB_H5sxxlq_399hrAFVc-g/s320/IMGP2462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seth with big fish honors @ 26"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was also out to experience two of my friends reach new Personal Best's (Tommy w/ a 22" Speck, and Erik with a 30" Blue)<br />
<br />
Check out Seth's account of the evening @ <a href="http://www.bentrodchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-speck-tacular-night-with-boys.html" target="_blank">Bowed Up Chronicles</a><br />
<br />
Bull Riding 5-27-2013<br />
<br />
Not a lot of talk here, just Pigs!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC74tjIaDJfYhMqxdDl1jqzrz-ubZsXVCpuREjiy0ywZIeIU2f1yf_HsqjsL5WpuRbJIU2UzCmpZW6pOz3hh2f5ldCKiCDbsmykKPggyx9yNTDuuse9tqGwlR9l-Jb9I9xvgIRVFNeP7s/s1600/IMG_4377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC74tjIaDJfYhMqxdDl1jqzrz-ubZsXVCpuREjiy0ywZIeIU2f1yf_HsqjsL5WpuRbJIU2UzCmpZW6pOz3hh2f5ldCKiCDbsmykKPggyx9yNTDuuse9tqGwlR9l-Jb9I9xvgIRVFNeP7s/s320/IMG_4377.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice ride out!<br />(Photo - Tommy DeWitt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9neU8V01c66UxBBfAE0hkfHjZyeZO7716ZMOkoiNQNSz3i0uhorX_MqXoVNotExMNMxaU08b6qAoeTfodCWw7zMO5ep5SSzdWm98XgtBDyO6DeHk7MivkX08OAi1OCdXj3Am63wnYfs/s1600/IMG_0429.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9neU8V01c66UxBBfAE0hkfHjZyeZO7716ZMOkoiNQNSz3i0uhorX_MqXoVNotExMNMxaU08b6qAoeTfodCWw7zMO5ep5SSzdWm98XgtBDyO6DeHk7MivkX08OAi1OCdXj3Am63wnYfs/s320/IMG_0429.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">45.75" - Again, there's the hat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc85tPwoJagE9Ju7LLcuUhyphenhyphentbM1xPWv09ALNVkp-DNK6vCcLcuGR5ppKjTYNW5sipSlGC1y9Mygx2YWppkn__OElZD2XgOeROAoZ9S18UQAXRy3NOvk0ZhPUjVmwGhaGM7otmNBKduc0/s1600/P1010403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc85tPwoJagE9Ju7LLcuUhyphenhyphentbM1xPWv09ALNVkp-DNK6vCcLcuGR5ppKjTYNW5sipSlGC1y9Mygx2YWppkn__OElZD2XgOeROAoZ9S18UQAXRy3NOvk0ZhPUjVmwGhaGM7otmNBKduc0/s320/P1010403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobie Pro, Joe Underwood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1271248769"></span><span id="goog_1271248770"></span>Rob's account of the day over @ A<a href="http://www.angling-addict.com/2013/05/tardy-to-drum-party.html" target="_blank">ngling Addict</a><br />
<br />
Mad Man Luther Cifer's (<a href="http://www.yakattack.us/Products/Products.html" target="_blank">Yak Attack</a>) son Tyler also got a Graduation Present in the form of a 42" bull as well!<br />
<br />
I will leave you with a shot I took at the Wild River Outfitters Demo Day a few weeks back. It was taken form our newest kayak, the Skimmer 116. This is an awesome boat I cant wait to spend some more time in!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6sZ3Q_d7faEb_kNmRqwN301Wbou41cV6xH9H3YNGP-2q5Qm761PPcWcDAHHd0871qfR9HPPcMzA3kGT5BGH92Wto9eQM0-xAzsw8_1dE8egsJAUiUDjbARSz47tp2JwvYvAFkdK0KD4/s1600/IMG_0395.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6sZ3Q_d7faEb_kNmRqwN301Wbou41cV6xH9H3YNGP-2q5Qm761PPcWcDAHHd0871qfR9HPPcMzA3kGT5BGH92Wto9eQM0-xAzsw8_1dE8egsJAUiUDjbARSz47tp2JwvYvAFkdK0KD4/s640/IMG_0395.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurricane Kayaks - Fornt and Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Needless to say, I dont think I will leave home without my lucky hat anytime soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374736955394183925.post-70422295499605742672013-05-13T11:51:00.001-04:002013-05-13T11:51:41.721-04:00A New Journey For Two Of My FriendsOK, so I try to put up some stories and antidotes related to my time on the water, and this post will have some of that. I had an amazing, fished some new water, learned more about one of my favorite fisheries (Ironically through observation and conversation more than actually fishing), and got away form the same ole grind. <br />
<br />
But... The focus of this weekend was to spend some time and celebrate the marriage of two great friends, <a href="http://bentrodchronicles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Seth Goodrich</a> and Kamaron Owens. The ceremony and reception was great, and I wish them all the best... (of luck in their Hawaiian Offshore Charter)!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKfqLfPcnz6t1Zll0kS77fIDkH6CyvsC1h5B1Nl2V5e0cUFDYPlyIZOHARxfAaTVGrNZp8Tu3c8Vi5khwAoJyZ7JZm6OGWEACCRjD70cF3AKFqa1pUfGaQOOgAUHjH8a2h1K99_N7LlM/s1600/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKfqLfPcnz6t1Zll0kS77fIDkH6CyvsC1h5B1Nl2V5e0cUFDYPlyIZOHARxfAaTVGrNZp8Tu3c8Vi5khwAoJyZ7JZm6OGWEACCRjD70cF3AKFqa1pUfGaQOOgAUHjH8a2h1K99_N7LlM/s320/Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Backdrop for their wedding (Birds were actually working a ball of bunker during their vows) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHXfTsy_C8de2_6faLcYcCKWeTa9SchBogF0aelPI1_nsMOFTBEmtP13V3_5x0VYbUb8EhY9JPIYqPdWKIMFF6kODrVxNFxoz4mZ8laXA5vwqdtlQuQsngrJuvhcMNO2fJ13_hzgJjmY/s1600/Seth-Kam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHXfTsy_C8de2_6faLcYcCKWeTa9SchBogF0aelPI1_nsMOFTBEmtP13V3_5x0VYbUb8EhY9JPIYqPdWKIMFF6kODrVxNFxoz4mZ8laXA5vwqdtlQuQsngrJuvhcMNO2fJ13_hzgJjmY/s320/Seth-Kam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Happy Couple!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the reception, I tried to get some sleep in my hotel room, but for some reason I just couldn't. After running to some tackle shops, I found a nice little launch I decided to try. The tide was high, and the grass was flooded. I didn't start finding fish until I was back in the grass. I only got one hookup, but that was fine with me given how great the day had been.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROT1UkZpPIKnaC9puglQHHvMCDxp86HCifOMKbzSl-f8Y_dmyLhA3XboUTYFfDjiarsxKtCdsp89oaPTFqqqETg_SlhDpzRtrlbAkp8Qbjgv3AHwzGpZ5-Wgq3-lv7GeVt84sBQhiW9g/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROT1UkZpPIKnaC9puglQHHvMCDxp86HCifOMKbzSl-f8Y_dmyLhA3XboUTYFfDjiarsxKtCdsp89oaPTFqqqETg_SlhDpzRtrlbAkp8Qbjgv3AHwzGpZ5-Wgq3-lv7GeVt84sBQhiW9g/s320/Sunset.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An amazing way to end the day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The following morning, I had to make up my mind on the events for the day. "Do I fish for the first run of Cobia coming up the coast, or chase Reds and Sheepies on Topsail Island"? When I looked at the wind, and easily 100 yards of breakers on the beach, I decided to take the easy way out and head to Topsail. I arrived just as the tide started to retreat, to find light winds and lots of bait. Unfortunately, I was a bit to far behind the tide to fish my honey holes, so my focus turned to finding fiddlers and hooking up with some convicts and Black Drum.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwkix4wtwtE_KPkiGkBuGL97rARJUoiVpsJIJLgPus1tJOvlqS-chNzpdpB36bR6JBC1b1yr7bUL5nyfHNCkSzbACTnXU0_ANjDtOXoxXbN6uNb3drnG0kkjvh-Enyu2s1Fdmri1n3kY/s1600/Gator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwkix4wtwtE_KPkiGkBuGL97rARJUoiVpsJIJLgPus1tJOvlqS-chNzpdpB36bR6JBC1b1yr7bUL5nyfHNCkSzbACTnXU0_ANjDtOXoxXbN6uNb3drnG0kkjvh-Enyu2s1Fdmri1n3kY/s320/Gator.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Warning Sign EVER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWxVbgs1h4mpXqjsxf5mEovruk3p1eTc9p0qMQNbUNdp1TEWOUYIXfw8_nCnaykL3gDzLNQ5C40uAFIeb-3bQbisIa1zul3b1GBm1oP1-2iheD__aME64WAvKL_-TtecN033yDmTmgyY/s1600/sneads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWxVbgs1h4mpXqjsxf5mEovruk3p1eTc9p0qMQNbUNdp1TEWOUYIXfw8_nCnaykL3gDzLNQ5C40uAFIeb-3bQbisIa1zul3b1GBm1oP1-2iheD__aME64WAvKL_-TtecN033yDmTmgyY/s320/sneads.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mill Creek (on the ICW)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once up the creek, I found a grass flat that was holding some solid fiddlers. After a nice little chase, I got about two dozen fiddlers before I called it and hit the bridge. Again, as my luck would have it, the current was now ripping through the ICW, and the water clarity was less than a foot. That was not enough to deter me, and I made my drops. On the second drop, I feel the unmistakable nibble of the Sheepshead. I go to set the hook, and the fish was on for a few seconds before I lost it. I continue to fish for the next hour, not just fishing for Sheeps, but also Drum, with no luck. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVsr_0jEuLKzgskCqu4Y5_QQZaZF_O9EjkYoP6zEeR22ZrSVq8lZyvm06LybufL20N4TShA5gyoXFbOYoWN47Ci9Ik13Bt4CtJksa8QHwfRs_OAr8PHz5dZsOwJQo5SwW_VcrIeBhJS4/s1600/fiddlers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVsr_0jEuLKzgskCqu4Y5_QQZaZF_O9EjkYoP6zEeR22ZrSVq8lZyvm06LybufL20N4TShA5gyoXFbOYoWN47Ci9Ik13Bt4CtJksa8QHwfRs_OAr8PHz5dZsOwJQo5SwW_VcrIeBhJS4/s320/fiddlers.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center hatch cup from the Skimmer is great for storing fiddlers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the end, I learned about Cobia, False Albie, and Bonita fisheries through chatting with the guys at tackle shops and boat ramps. Got some good intel, and I look forward to trying for all three species from the yak this year.<br />
<br />
I have a bunch of pictures and trips to share as soon as I can get more time on the computer.<br />
<br />
It was also a great wedding and I want to wish my friends, the Goodrich's all the best!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006291674168684838noreply@blogger.com0