St Marks 2/5

Post by **Redfish Jim** » February 6th, 2006, 11:10 pm

I almost talked myself out of going this weekend with the NW wind, cold front, etc. Then Sunday afternoon as I noticed the blue bird sky, that the wife and kids were out doing their thing, and that my chores were all done, I got to thinkin':

"Self ... don't nobody much listen to a thing I say so why should I?"

Boat was in the water at about 3:30. The wind was blowing faster and the fishing was slower than my last couple of trips. I still managed 2 nice reds (25") in about 2 hours of pretty serious fishing. Gulp jigs produced the fish and they all came pretty far up in a creek just before the high tide. Warmest water temp I found was 55. The wind started from the WSW and got fairly calm for a very brief period (which is when I caught the two fish). By the time I left, it had picked back up and was howling out of the WNW. Made me appreciate the Twin Vee's ride.

I'm glad I had enough sense not to listen to myself. I had a much better time on the water than I would have had sitting in front of the tube. While I didn't tear 'em up, I got dinner and enjoyed a couple of good fights. I know it's pretty much cliche, but I honestly love just getting out there. We are truly fortunate to have easy access to such a unique and pristine outdoor experience.

Post by **rocket** » February 6th, 2006, 11:48 pm

Tough day for sure. Way to make something of it!

Post by **tin can** » February 7th, 2006, 5:58 am

Nice salvage of a Sunday afternoon, Jim.

It's interesting you mentioned that you caught your fish just before the high tide.

Post by **birddog** » February 7th, 2006, 8:08 am

Nice. WTG, Jim.

Post by **qoutrage** » February 7th, 2006, 12:35 pm

Good report, thanks.

Post by **Jumptrout51** » February 7th, 2006, 7:40 pm

Who were the fights with?Your wife for going fishing?

Post by **Redfish Jim** » February 8th, 2006, 12:32 am

You're funny JT51

Us Alabama folks do enjoy a good fight and if it's with the missus, it just makes it that much more special.

High tide and a south wind is when I usually try to hit it this time of year TC. I can get in some tight spots, but don't have the really skinny water capability like some of you. Also, it seems like the fish are a little more frisky at these times.

With that said, the trip was a little unusual in that I usually have better luck in the creeks on a high tide that's just started to fall good. I wasn't having a gangbusters day to begin with so there may be no lesson at all in my experience Sunday. But, when the wind picked up again is when things seemed to really go south on me. The 5" of rain from a couple days back probably didn't help too much either but I've also heard that the reds can deal with it. Cooler water temps may have slowed them down a bit too. I ain't got it figured out yet so I gotta keep getting out there is how I see it.

Post by **tin can** » February 8th, 2006, 7:02 am

Thanks for the details. I asked because most of my fish have come on a slack tide.

Also, I have figured it out. Just when you think you've figured it out, the fish do something different.

Post by **mjsigns** » February 8th, 2006, 8:17 am

WTG Red Fish

Most folks are skeerd of going out this time of year, with the NW winds and negative low tides, but the experience of just getting out there keeps me in touch with our primitive "hunter-gather" instincts.... I love it reguardless of the time of year.

Glad you caught some fish, and keepers at that !!
Ever take a digital camera along?

Post by **Jumptrout51** » February 8th, 2006, 7:32 pm

MJ is limited,without a graphic picture he is lost.

Post by **Chalk** » February 8th, 2006, 8:20 pm

Alot of skeert folks around the Aucilla and have been known for hunting and gathering up the left over parts from their lower unit....

Post by **wevans** » February 8th, 2006, 8:26 pm

I thought that gal left and went over ta Eastpoint

Post by **Redfish Jim** » February 8th, 2006, 11:20 pm

I'm definitely one of them skeert people anytime I'm going east of the lighthouse

. I'm even a little bit skeert if I'm going west and the water's real low. But not nearly as skeert as them people in Eastpoint if that's where that gal went.

MJ - I would really like to to get a digital camera to take out on the boat. I think it can actually help you get away with a fishing lie

. If someone has a suggestion of one that's real good, but that a poor man can afford, I would appreciate it.