



Why does it always happen that when you go out alone with no witness’ that you finally catch that one fish that would make anyone’s day just so much better? Well heading out on my own with the first solo voyage of the Troutinator with the new ride, I had decided to stop at Jerry’s and see about some shrimp. As you know the female first mate and wife that would normally go, put us usually at Jerry’s a bit late for shrimp. Seems to them Sun up is just not an option. Anyway after talking a bit with Scott and getting a few live shrimp I headed to launch at Sheild’s in St. Marks. The day started off with very calm seas, with one of God’s gift of a wonderful sunrise.
I headed to a point I had not fished before based on reports I had read, just to try something new and headed west from the lighthouse. Actually fishing a rising tide that morning with water temps in the 82-83 range I had started in about 4- 6 ft of water. Live shrimp was one of the baits of the day off one side of the boat under a CT and Jigging with Gulp off the other side of the boat. Landed one small blue fish within 15 minutes of casting. Then the phone, wife making sure I was okay, and the next think she asks was what was the noise, my response, DRAG!!!!. Pulled in small Hammerhead that decided breakfast was on the menu.
Well after a couple of sail cats, small trout, and one shark, the CT sunk again, as I was jigging off the other side, didn’t realize how fast I could reel in a line when going after the other pole. After a short fight and grabbing the net, Low and behold, the boat can now be named “Troutinatorâ€