BigBendFishing.Net

Well, my son and I were able to get to Steinhatchee last weekend. Was obviously worried about the forecast but those were the dates my son had available so away we went. Got into the Hatch bout 4 pm Thursday but winds were way too high so decided to wait till next morning. Well, Friday winds even higher steady 18-25 gusts to 35 from NE but we “ limped” out to the flats just north of #1 light as the waves were borderline for my 20 Pathfinder bay boat. Low tide was around 11 am but the combination of moon and NE gale really didn’t let the tide come back in, so strange. But we soldiered through. Son threw mostly Gulps on a popping cork while I slung Yo Zuri twitchbaits of which I lost $26 worth to 2 different bluefish. We made repeated drifts of about 300-400 yds which was the distance from where water just deep enough to float boat n where the grass ended n turned to sand. We were able to scrap together 3 keeper trout, least 20+ shorts and bunch of lizard fish. Saturday we “ thought” winds would be slightly better and they may have but not much ( have I mentioned yet I HATE WIND) so we headed S to off of Bowlegs. Water was very murky due to all the wind running down the 10 miles or so of flats. Threw basically same stuff and got again 3 keeper trout very few shorts 2 nice Spanish mackerel and again a bunch of lizard fish, couple of which were huge. I also caught what I think was a real nice pompano but I am not familiar with them so we turned him loose. Saw a huge sea turtle so that was cool.Fished our way back stopping 4-5 times but not much luck. So that’s bout it on the fishing but we ate good at Vargo’s pizza ( so good n the new owner such a nice guy) , Kathy’s ( good as usual and crowded) and McDavid’s for the best breakfast you can get. I’d encourage anyone that travels to the Hatch try to support these local folks as they’ve been struggling for the last year or so. Weather seemed better Sunday as we were leaving and folks that day mighta tore it up as fish probably hungry from not feeding previous few days. Planning a return trip with my other son mid Nov so hoping for better weather then. Good luck to all out there wetting a hook.

Thanks for the post Saltydawg. It's always great when we can get out with family. Sorry y'all got blown around so much, that does make a day a lot longer than being able to cast and fish without worrying if the lure is going to put 2 hooks in your ear. Sounds like the Yo zuri lures needed a wire leader. Those blues will bite ya. Just ask my Daddy-in-law; one almost took his finger off. Good luck with your other boy and keep the post coming.

Vargos was good last time I got it back in the summer, I was worried they had closed last time I was down but it was a Monday.