Keaton Beach 7/31

[Ron Wilson]

Headed down to Keaton Fri after work. My son had a buddy (Robert) who has never been salt water fishing, so we decided to give things a try. Got up and launched about 0730. Didn't make it out of the channel when I saw spanish crashing bait just on the edge of the channel. Grabbed the first rod available that happen to have a twitchbait. Tossed into the melee' and thought, I'm about to lose a twitchbait. Couple fast jerks and spanish on. Turned to the rod over to Robert and was hoping luck would be on our side to allow Robert to land his first saltwater fish. Turned out the fish grabbed the trail hook and we were able to land. Knew I only had a couple shots at the bait pod before boat broke 'em up. Tossed the twitchbait back out, got slammed, but no hook up. That was it. Boats came cruising by and they were gone. Went to 8-10 feet and picked up a nice 19-1/2" trout. Things looking good. Nothing after that. Decided to try something new and ran to the Steinhatchee Reef (couldn't actually find the reef), but had several bait pods move by. Got cut off a couple times by spanish (I suppose) and decided to put the rods up and let the boys scallop. Bi-valves were not thick, but seemed bigger. Called it a day about 4:00, went back to the camper, cleaned up, ate and hit the rack. Not sure my head hit the pillow before I was out.

Great day on the water.

[Breambuster]

Thanks for the report. Good to hear that the bait pods are still out there - should be some king mixed in with the spanish and ladyfish. There are some stuff on the reef but you need to pay your due to look for them. They're scattered all over the place.