East Bay 12/15/06

Post by **Chalk** » January 15th, 2006, 7:32 pm

Well, my plan was to hit a redfish looking spot around low tide and fish the rise. I got to the ramp at Gore park to find water...Well, it looked like water

I unstrapped the boat and got ready to back down and I said to myself, something is not quite right. I get out and walk the ramp dock to find a nice hole of water and a dirt pile at the end of the dock. No launching from here today.

Plan B - I got directions to the Sandy creek ramp last night from Old Dog, perfect timing I guess...Off I went....Plenty of water there, I launch and head off into the unknown.

Decided I would just putt around until I found fish or something looking fishy. Figured while I was putting I would throw out a Ratl Trap and do some trolling. I have read and heard of trolling for trout but had never tried it.

Sandy creek is pretty deep average depth was around 8 foot... I find a few boats anchored and I putt by, dragging my plug.....Rod doubles over and I think I'm hung on the bottom or something...Hmmmm the bottom doesn't shake it's head and take drag

....I fight the sea monster to the boat, steering the boat and try to get the net out....all at the same time

.....Nice redfish probably 25 inches or so, swims up by the boat and says, "Here is your plug back."

The rest of the day went the same way had two keeper trout to the boat and they came off right at the boat...Ended up landing 5 short trout, saw two otters, a bald eagle.

Nothing broke, trolling motor ran right...Another beautiful day on the gulf

Post by **RodBow** » January 15th, 2006, 7:46 pm

catchin1 · Post by **catchin1** » January 15th, 2006, 7:54 pm

Well at least you encountered some fish. As for netting, you need a partner in the boat

. Don't you know anyone who fishes?

Post by **Chalk** » January 15th, 2006, 8:01 pm

catchin1 wrote:Don't you know anyone who fishes?

Yes, but most live 2-3 hours away....Though it was kinda nice..The back of the boat wasn't saying you need to get over, turn the boat or we are to close in...

Littoral · Post by **Littoral** » January 15th, 2006, 8:13 pm

Post by **Old Dog** » January 15th, 2006, 8:29 pm

Well, you caught something that's better than I did today sitting around the house. Glad you got the chance to fish Sandy, it's been a favorite of mine since 1973. There are also some nice bass and shellcrackers in there too, and in the spring I usually work those same banks with a flyrod and a popping bug and catch some nice fish.

I think, based on your report, that I'll try the ICW west of West Bay tomorrow. It'll mean missing the parade but duty calls.
OD

Post by **birddog** » January 15th, 2006, 8:41 pm

I feel sure John or I could have managed to knock that red off the hook for you with the net.

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

I spent the day doing something you're usually doing...Painting! Aaghh! I hate it.

Post by **tin can** » January 15th, 2006, 8:44 pm

Chalk wrote:
catchin1 wrote:Don't you know anyone who fishes?
Yes, but most live 2-3 hours away....Though it was kinda nice..The back of the boat wasn't saying you need to get over, turn the boat or we are to close in...

Wish I could have been there to harass ya all day.

Post by **noleflyfisher** » January 15th, 2006, 8:52 pm

Post by **Eerman** » January 16th, 2006, 12:23 pm

Post by **wevans** » January 16th, 2006, 1:07 pm

It's a practiced art ta catchin, nettin and drivin, all at the same time

do it a few times and ya get good at it

sounds like ya had fun anyhow