Aucilla...6.28.08

[SHOWBOAT]

Pretty good day on the water.

First truck at the ramp and we eased down a mirror like river. As some light arrived we put the hammer down until we got to the bar we were looking for. Quickly boated 4 reds on TW up to 26". I don't think the 26" was really healthy; despite an aggressive strike he didn't fight very hard. He was the only red we kept, and after being in the live-well for about 10 mintes he died and turned very white. we saw a lot of movement a couple hundred yards away and used the trolling motor to check it out. Turned out be about dozen manatees in less that 4' of water. They were very interested in the boat, and we could have easily touched them. Wished I had taken the camera. Picked up two decent trout on TW in the mud they were kicking up. Played with them for about 15 minutes before we headed west. Set up drigt in 2' of water and started catching lots of nice trout. Nothing really large, but up to about 22" with strikes about every cast for the better part of an hour. Had to buy some new trebble hooks today since I had a couple plugs get abused. Plenty of tarpon still busting baits on the flats. Matt was a little upset I wouldn't chase them, but I explained I had already made my plug donation this year; I wasn't going to chase them unless he was willing to stop casting and tie on a heavier leader. During the troup bite I also caught two small sharks and nice blue. As we were about to enter a creek in search of some more reds the ominous strom appeared to have gained speed. We idled from shore and put the hammer down glad we were headed east instead of west. Passed a handfull of boats in the river and quickly loaded on the right side of the ramp since nobody else wanted to use it. we pulled out as the rain started and several boats stayed clustered up at the end of the dock. A good day on the water, didn't throw anything but TW and we covered quite a bit of territory I hadn't seen in a while.

[BAD BEHAVIOR]

Great reort Brian, How did you get out without Ms. Katie and the dog?? Glad you caught some!

[WaltDawg]

Great report.

[tin can]

You did well, Brian.

[jsuber]

Sounds like a mighty fine day Showboat.

[boggob]

Now that is laying the hammer down!

[whitebc]