St. Marks LH July 29

Post by **Atticus** » July 31st, 2006, 11:03 am

Went with Reel Country to break the cherry on a new Redfisher 16 and break-in the motor/shake-down cruise. Launched at the lighthouse 7ish putted over to some oyster bars at 3K rpms and tried the new trolling motor. Everything was working pretty well as we fished slack water behind a few bars. I was throwing an in-line spinnerbait; Reel Country had a Capt Mike's spoon.

Mullet were active and we saw a school of reds tear through some bait about 100 yards off. Just a few minutes later a single fish boils on some bait about 25 feet from the boat. I had the spinner handy and put it just past the ripples - BAM hooked up with a man of a red.

I was using a Stradic 2500 with 10/2 Power Pro and a 7' med action All Star rod. The red was in charge for few minutes taking some drag as I tried to keep his chin away from the oysters. Finally land him and he's very nice deep red with classic single spot. First fish on the new boat!!!! Reel Country asks "Where's the lawstick?" DOH! Hasn't come in the mail yet oh well "Where's the camera?" DOH! Left it in the truck.

We released our new friend un-measured (looked about 27") and went back to business. Very soon thereafter a thunderstorm chased us back to the lighthouse at 3K rpms.

Got off the water and back to Tallahassee before 10:30. New boat works pretty good but I still need to finish the break-in.

Post by **Sir reel** » July 31st, 2006, 12:05 pm

Congratulations again Luke

Mr Flats · Post by **Mr Flats** » July 31st, 2006, 12:33 pm

That is the way to start a new relationship

We've had an 18' Sundance for just over a year and have been lucky enough to catch a keeper of everything we fish for with the new boat ... 'cept a Red. We've caught lots of shorts but no keepers.

Mind you I have 3 YOUNG boys on the boat with me so we "could have" noise

and technique issues

but we love working at it and they are getting better almost every trip.

Glad you had a good trip!

Post by **RodBow** » July 31st, 2006, 1:54 pm

Man, It's good to hear you're still around.
Congrats on the new boat.

Post by **rocket** » July 31st, 2006, 2:05 pm

Now that's how you break in a new boat!

Post by **Fighting Conch** » July 31st, 2006, 2:57 pm

Must be a thrill to have a new boat! With all of the oyster bars, rocks and ghost traps you can count on dings and gouges so don't let the apprehension hold you back.

Post by **Chalk** » July 31st, 2006, 4:06 pm

WTG

Post by **Eerman** » July 31st, 2006, 5:58 pm

Glad it went well.

Post by **noleflyfisher** » July 31st, 2006, 6:28 pm

A positive sign of things to come.

Post by **Redfish Jim** » July 31st, 2006, 8:18 pm

Post by **Browning Slayer** » July 31st, 2006, 9:01 pm

Great way to break in that ride!!

Post by **qoutrage** » August 1st, 2006, 8:31 am

Good report, thanks.

And, congratulations on the new boat and gear. Now, you need to add the camera to your 'do I got it' checklist.