Panacea 11-7-15

[Red Dawg]

Another great day on the water. We were a little late (Or so I though) getting on the water and missed the beginning of the incoming tide. It looked like it was near high tide already 2 hours before it was. Paddled to an area I had not fished before. Caught three pin fish quickly and started looking for reds. Found a school working mullet at an oyster bar. Managed two shorts and a 18 1/2" I released for another day. Not sure if I spooked them or the boat that blew by full throttle did, but all of a sudden they were gone. Moved to a spot of grass/reeds sticking out of the water in the middle of a large slough. Couldn't see any fish just thought it looked good. Didn't take more than two minutes before this nice 23" red was on the line. Brought him to the boat three times just to have him test my drag setting. He had it screaming! Definitely thought I was going to lose hm with 12lb test. Luckily he finally wore out and got him in the net. I was really expecting a larger, possibly over the slot red. It's strange how the shorter reds seem to fight harder than the bigger ones. Started the long paddle back towards the landing and spotted another small school slamming mullet along a line of reeds. Tried to get my bait out in front but never could get set up where the STRONG winds would allow it. Definitely ended up spooking this group. Paddled to the landing expecting my son to have his usual double since I found so many fish. Couldn't believe it when he said he had not seen a single red. We've got to get radios!!!

[Harmsway]

Good story. Chalk one up for The Old Man.

[DixieReb]

Nice red, radios might help.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

SOMETIMES THOSE LITTLE CHUNKY REDS WILL OUT PULL THE LARGER ONES, PRETTY RED, HOPE I CAN GET DOWN TO THE GULF AFTER THIS FLOOD DRAINS OUT TO DEEPER WATER.
PA
SEMPER FI

[JIm Smith]