We had hoped to get there a little earlier but that wasn't the way it worked out.
When we got to the ramp we met a fella named Chip that was loading his boat and he said the motor started knocking.
We offered and he jumped in and away we went the objective was to place a bait trap & the mission was accomplished.
My first cast the ct drops and a short trout hits the deck second cast its a cat and the others are a little green finally they get a bite or two.
The sun is going down and its time to load her back up and wait till we can try our luck again in the morning.
We bunk down after the evening meal and get some rest, I am thinking about Bull Reds.
We did buy shrimp just in case and it was a good idea the trap didn't pay off.
We had our new found friend meet us at the ramp around seven and off we go again.
When we get to the cut we are not alone I anchor about mid point and watch a boat behind us pulling them in.
I just know we are on our way to the biggens I have a buddy there in another boat that is close enough we can shout at one another.
The other boat is still catching them and neither of us are so it goes for a while.
Another boat tries to get right on top of me but can't get anchored because the rope is to short.
I am not sure how close is to close for it to be proper, sorry but I don't think swapping paint should be part of the program.
We are catching little blacks and baby grouper mixed with bait fish but not what we came for those bulls.
Then another boat starts taking fish but they are not on the hook they are drifting the pass and just nailing them.
One boat after another starts doing the same and some others hook up.
We join the line and no we don't get a bite it just ain't working out for me.
Such is life I am new to the running of the bulls and Chip our guest has to get back.
I say one more try guys because I have done some reading and in other places I know they do it different.
Being the king of unconventional techniques I pull out a stretch 25 and go trolling up and then back through.
That didn't work either and with an eye on the clock I pull her out of gear and start to reel my plug in.
It stops cold I am thinking snag and I feel the thump, thump, thump and I am thinking that's one lively snag.
This is starting to get interesting the fish is on my biggest spinning rig and is fit for the battle.
This thing is pulling so hard they are shouting shark no way it's a red but they were wrong.
The color flashes and I am shouting thank you Jesus, what a amazing creature.
We get her up and it is now time for CPR get a couple of photos, and get her revived and on her way.
Next we are on our way, we get Chip dropped off at the ramp and on our way we go, our hearts are full, but our box is empty.
We run to the old bridge and I pick up a pup. We get to the other side and my partner can't catch a fish for netting mine.
They are just flying in the box. Then as quick as the fish God's had smiled on me, they winked and grinned it was time to smile on Mr. Don.
I enjoyed netting them for him as much as catching them, my rod went cold and it was his turn and the fish cooperated well.
No need to use a tape measure on these fish was required plenty of nice upper slot Trout & Reds.
Enough of them to make your hands sore cleaning them but not so many you needed to count them.
Again nothing was broken or lost maybe a jig or hook but that was about all (other than a wardrobe malfunction I split my shorts pretty bad).
Dinner at Angelo's was awesome seafood and pasta in a nice red sauce, I spoke words not often said be me "can I get a to go box?"
Yes my itch was scratched, yes this was a great trip, yes this was a dream come true and a Red of a lifetime.
No I can't wait to go again and plan to soon, but for now the waiting is a little easier.
Chip asked how I knew this stuff and I told him I watch the Saltwater fishing shows read the mags and had the help of guys and girls like you.
Sorry Redbelly I did everything but beg maybe next time.
If anyone can talk me through it I have a couple of pretty cool photos of big mama.<img src="http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pi ... D_0352.jpg">
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