Econfina Report 9-19-10

[blackshear]

Redbelly7 and I made another trip down to Econfina this Sunday. No permit this trip just the normal variety of fish you would expect from the flats. We launched around 10:30 and headed out to Redbelly7’s favorite hole. The fishing was exceptional in the 3-5 feet of water until the high tide peaked at about 12:30. At that point we had caught 3 reds, released one, 4 keeper trout along with a bunch of cats, blue fish, and a few short trout. After a short break for lunch we relocated to deeper water on the outgoing tide at around 6-7 feet and picked up 3 more trout and 1 black bass. Redbelly7 had a new spot he wanted to fish back in the shallower water so we gave it a try before calling it a day. This turned out to be a pretty good spot and we picked up our last 3 trout of the day very quickly to complete our limit on trout and reds.

We lost several trout on this day and a couple of them were really nice. I had one fish on that tested the drag on my reel as he headed in a straight line to deeper water. I never got a chance to see what it was as he came unhooked after a short battle, maybe a cobia. We caught our fish on a little bit of everything from cut bait under a popping a cork, to gulp without a popping cork, to floating hard jerk baits. We used a wide range of colors with the gulp, but pearl white seemed to catch the most fish especially in the clearer water.

[beer thirty]

Dang! Go Braves!

[redbelly7]

I'm thinkin another Sunday trip is in order.

[Redbelly]

Redbelly and I made another trip down to Econfina this Sunday. No permit this trip just the normal variety of fish you would expect from the flats. We launched around 10:30 and headed out to Redbelly’s favorite hole. The fishing was exceptional in the 3-5 feet of water until the high tide peaked at about 12:30. At that point we had caught 3 reds, released one, 4 keeper trout along with a bunch of cats, blue fish, and a few short trout. After a short break and for lunch we relocated to deeper water on the outgoing tide at around 6-7 feet and picked up 3 more trout and 1 black bass. Redbelly had a new spot he wanted to fish back in the shallower water so we gave it a try before calling it a day. This turned out to be a pretty good spot and we picked up our last 3 trout of the day very quickly to complete our limit on trout and reds.

We lost several trout on this day and a couple of them were really nice. I had one fish on that tested the drag on my reel as he headed in a straight line to deeper water. I never got a chance to see what it was as he came unhooked after a short battle, maybe a cobia. We caught our fish on a little bit of everything from cut bait under a popping a cork, to gulp without a popping cork, to floating hard jerk baits. We used a wide range of colors with the gulp, but pearl white seemed to catch the most fish especially in the clearer water.

Hey blackshear, I don't recall going with ya.

[blackshear]

I agree Cheif Redbelly7. We neeed to hit that new fishing hole first this trip.

[redbelly7]

Sounds good General Blackshear, see you before the sun rises on Sunday

[Reel Cowboy]

were you catching some big 'un s or mostly slot fish?

[blackshear]

were you catching some big 'un s or mostly slot fish?

The largest trout we landed was 19", we lost two or three that I feel would have been over 20". The reds were somewhere around 23" and 21". I have just switched over to braid (20 lb Power Pro) after many years of resisting the change, that could have something to do with me loosing some of those larger trout. I did move to a lighter action rod to compensate for the stiffer line. Any suggestions?

[Reel Cowboy]

Any suggestions?

On what?

[blackshear]

Any suggestions?

On what?

On what type of rod might be best suited for braid. I assumed from your sig that you were a custom rod builder. I am currently using a St Croix 7' med light power, moderate action, with 20 lb braid. It seems a little too flimsy to me but maybe I just need more time on the flats to get it all figured out.

[Reel Cowboy]

Any suggestions?

On what?

On what type of rod might be best suited for braid. I assumed from your sig that you were a custom rod builder. I am currently using a St Croix 7' med light power, moderate action, with 20 lb braid. It seems a little too flimsy to me but maybe I just need more time on the flats to get it all figured out.

That rod is perfectly fine for braid, assuming the guides have the proper inserts. However, in my experience, I loosen my drag up when "overloading" a rod or reel with braid. I'd rather loose a fish than break a rod which is very possible as braid has no "give". Loose that drag a little bit or better yet, lighten up on the line test and enjoy the light tackle experience. I'd rather feel the fight than just winch one in.
If you'd like to talk about rods, drop me an e-mail or call and we can work together on one.

[silverking]

Just got one of the new Shimano Terez casting rods designed specifically for Power Pro. Low profile guides with forward slant and small diameter blank. Designed to prevent braid tangles.

Also got a couple Waxwing plugs to try. Depth range says 0.5 to 1 foot, but the lures weigh 1.5 ounces.

I'll post a report after I get a chance to put them all through the paces.

[Reel Cowboy]

Just got one of the new Shimano Terez casting rods designed specifically for Power Pro. Low profile guides with forward slant and small diameter blank. Designed to prevent braid tangles.

I've built a couple of rods using those K series guides and they're pretty sporty, just a little heavy (weight wise) for my tastes. But they are PDC.

[silverking]

It's definitely heavy compared to my Loomis blank with titanium guides, but the Terez is rated for 20-50 PP. Gonna try and stick a big sardine this weekend to put it to the ultimate test.

[Reel Cowboy]

It's definitely heavy compared to my Loomis blank with titanium guides, but the Terez is rated for 20-50 PP. Gonna try and stick a big sardine this weekend to put it to the ultimate test.

Don't forget, pics or it didn't happen.

Sorry for the derail Blackshear, give me a call and I'll get you set up.