BigBendFishing.Net

Saw an old college frat brother at my 20th college reunion this past year and he told me he vacations at SGI... told him the next time he came down I wanted to treat him to a trip out on Marine's Dream. A week ago he called and said he would be down with his family this week so we made plans for a trip out on Wednesday with his son and father-in-law.

Met at JR's early Wed. morning and made our way to Econfina. Having watched the weather closely for days, I knew the wind and rain was on the way but had hoped to at least get a good morning in before things deteriorated. Ran out of the river to find the wind MUCH stronger than forecast and some darn heavy chop at the mouth.

Versus giving my guests too rough of a ride, stopped just outside the mouth and threw out a few cajun thunders with live shrimp. Almost instantly hooked a short. Thought for sure we would have big numbers even with the bad luck on the wind. After the short... nothing. Absolutely nothing. So made a rough run out to 6' to 8' waters. Marked tons of fish. Threw everything we had in the boat at them. Nothing.

Thought, "OK -- time for a change of plan" so headed to a couple of favorite redfish spots. No luck at the first stop. Second stop we throw some thunders with shrimp out and get a few quick bites -- SNOT CATS!

About ready to jump in and drown my sorrows, but since the guests are just happy to be catching something I decide to be patient. See my college pal's cajun go under fast and steady and am almost certain it's a red... it is, and a tournament one at that! 26.99999". Measure it about 20 times to be sure it's not over and each time by the width of a hair it's in the slot. On ice it goes.
Son's up next with a nice slot red. Then it's father-in laws turn with another keeper. Having changed bait, unhooked fish, anchored, re-anchored, etc... hadn't fished much myself but after everyone else had landed a slot red, I start chunking a gold spoon. I hook the only short in the bunch! Couldn't have ended the day in a better way as we all had a good laugh at my luck. Winds actually died down later in the day giving us a pleasant ride back in. Had to really work to put fish in the boat, but all agreed at days end we had a good time.

Final picture taken back at the ranch.

way to make lemonade

Congrats BBG. Looks like a good time was had by all.
Semper Fi
FF

Those are some awesome fish.

Good job making a day for your guests. I know they enjoyed and will remember it as a great day!

WTG BBG

Reds your ride

Great report....I'm sure they'll remember your guide expertise quite fondly!

You've got to love that ramp current at Anky!

RHTFISH, speaking of the ramp, our part of Florida might need to drop the "forgotten coast" moniker... ramp traffic was busier on a WEDNESDAY than I've seen on many a Friday and Saturday. I was truly shocked.

Also should have added that in hindsight, I'm thankful we got out and caught a few fish even if windy. Our Wednesday sure was a heapin' helpin' nicer than it was yesterday! Storms knocked down signs and appeared to damage the roof at BP and Joyner's gas stations in Lloyd and my yard looked like the Wacissa was flowing through it when I got home from work. Bit of Murphy's law at play as I just had some drainfield work done, and tempted the gully-washer Gods by putting down grass seed after two weeks of bone dry weather...

way to stick it out and put your guest on fish, nice fish !

Nice!!

AttaBoy, BBG!
Looks like you had a good 'ole pangatime.

Reds on the half shell!

Looks like a great day on the water! Thanks for the report!

Very nice!!