Happy New Year to Everyone!
My last few trips were like most of the reports I've read, mostly shorts but plenty of them. I tried something different and it worked. This time I caught more big trout than I have for a long time. I brought home a limit with four 19’s and a 24. I’m guessing I caught 8 over 20 with the biggest at 26 (I already had the 24 on my stringer). I caught quite a few 16 – 19’s (maybe 20). Only 1 trout was under 15 (1 !!??). No redfish.
I was by myself in my kayak, somewhere. I’m usually quick to say where I fish but after a day like that I just can’t say much. I will describe the tactics though. I posted the plan a few weeks back and I’ll copy it below. It really worked. It felt like pure gluttony to catch so many nice trout. And yes, if I read this report I’d be raising my eyebrows thinking fish story. I took some pictures and I’ll post them tomorrow (from my computer at work).
I was using Captain Mikes 1/8 oz jigs (with oversized heavy weight hooks) with various grubs. They didn’t seem to care which color. I also switched to a sinking Mirrolure and it worked just as well. I quit that after cutting the treble hook out of my leg. That sucked. I deserved it though because I didn’t have net and was pulling fish into the kayak onto my lap. That’s reasonable with a jig but with a +20 trout and 3 treble hooks thrashing crazy I was asking for trouble. By then I was already soaking wet and cold so the minor surgery just got briefly in the way of fishing. I will carry a net now. I’m still figuring out a lot about fishing in a kayak.
Here’s a copy of the strategy:
When I can't find fish in the deeper spots a winter strategy I rely on is 1/4 moons with minimal tides, sunny days, light wind, shallow water, and afternoons. It all adds up to warm water, bait, & fish. I started focusing on mapping these variables two winters ago & it really has paid off. This month’s FS has an article on Redfish that describes the scenario well. We have a lot of places around here that fit this pattern. Winter and access limit fishing pressure in these areas.
A Banner Day at Spring Creek 12/29
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels
A Banner Day at Spring Creek 12/29
Last edited by Littoral on February 6th, 2009, 5:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
, I would say you were either in the gulf or closer than your last trip, right or wrong? You can at least tell me that 
I'd bet money that the place starts with a D or an S 
That is a very nice report 
some day I'm gonna risk them real shallow spots with my rig 
That is a very nice report some day I'm gonna risk them real shallow spots with my rig “Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”
Just like fishing, I come here for the chance of a great catch and if not maybe some amusement or fun or at least something interesting. This post is a great catch! Thanks a lot.
I read that article in FS, but you made it come to life.
If you ever need a fishing buddy, get in touch!
In the meantime, I'll bet the spot begins with "S," "A," or "W."
Thanks a lot. I read that article in FS, but you made it come to life.
If you ever need a fishing buddy, get in touch!
In the meantime, I'll bet the spot begins with "S," "A," or "W."
Sorry about no pics yet, I didn't make it to work.
"Reeling" from yesterday I had to try again. Another banner day. It was almost as good as yesterday with a lot of 18-19's, the biggest was a 23. I also found fish deep. They were all +15. Working deep I used grubs "low & slow".
I know everybody understands my not saying where I was. I wish I could say more.
"Reeling" from yesterday I had to try again. Another banner day. It was almost as good as yesterday with a lot of 18-19's, the biggest was a 23. I also found fish deep. They were all +15. Working deep I used grubs "low & slow".
I know everybody understands my not saying where I was. I wish I could say more.
Maybe they will still be there Thursday 
I've been to all the seafood markets and they don't sell speckled trout.
I guess I'd have to fess up, if this was April.
I'm not sure how soon I'll get to work & get the photo up. The camera software is loaded on my PC there (USB) and I can't load it at home (laptop). I know Chalks kidding but I'd raise my eyebrows if I read my report. I'll post a photo as soon as I can.
Good luck to everybody fishing today.
I guess I'd have to fess up, if this was April.
I'm not sure how soon I'll get to work & get the photo up. The camera software is loaded on my PC there (USB) and I can't load it at home (laptop). I know Chalks kidding but I'd raise my eyebrows if I read my report. I'll post a photo as soon as I can.
Good luck to everybody fishing today.
