Got to Aucilla around 2:00 to high winds out of the south. The whole way there it seemed calm, but as soon as I saw the river, I knew the gulf would be rough. Idle out to Gamble Point and go to drop the trolling motor in. Nothing. Check breakers, switches, and connections. No luck. Thought to myself, "Well, this really ruins my plans". So I change the gameplan, to the only thing I could really do in the waves. Caught some about 20 finger mullet, cut them all up, and tied on some circle hooks. This was supposed to be my chance to throw the improvised redfish magic, not to chunk cut bait. I set up on some creek mouths to an incoming tide. I caught 10 catfish. Finally I had one huge run. Finally I'm on a red! Nope.
Huge stingray. Had trouble holding bottom with the anchor, it was hot as heck, and the trolling motor didn't work. I really had to sit back and enjoy the views around me, while trying not to be blown off the boat. Second trip to Aucilla was not nearly as productive or as exciting as the first.