East Bay Black Drum

[Tallydoc]

The excitement and fun of saltwater fishing is that you never quite know what you will encounter. With cabin fever after a weekend of rain squalls, I put my kayak onto East Bay(Apalachicola Bay, north of causeway from Eastpoint to Apalacicola) Early outgoing tide, air heavy with moisture, perfectly calm. Many huge surface schools of baitfish , drifting out with the tide. Investigating predator splashes among the baitfish, I noticed the surrounding water was a copper-red. Languidly feeding on plentiful baitfish was a school of at least 200 (conservative estimate) black drum, ALL 3 - 4+ feet. Caught 4, on a variety of artificials......each one a lengthy tug-of-war, on 10lb test.These were huge fish, each flopping 1/2 a body length out of my landing net. I'm only catch-and-release, so all survived. Had to repair several lures today, that lost hooks to these drum. Foolishly, I threw a dupree gold spoon fly, and quickly lost my whole leader. I had the entire bay to myself......a memorable fishing experience. Tight lines!

[fishinfool]

Nice report Doc. You need to get that son in law of yours in a plastic boat.
FF

[Tallydoc]

My son-in-law shows great promise as a fisherman, but I' not sure he's ready for kayak action......LOL

[TheWhaler15]

I'd love to run into that school!

[onefishtwofish]

awesome story. They will sing songs of your deeds! (we always say that to each other when we have one of those epic days in the marsh with ducks, in the woods with turkey or on the water with fish). Sounds like a blast.

[jadams92002]

I love that area. Thanks for the report!

[rocket]

[Chalk]