St. Mark's 5/5-5/6

Post by **Ron Wilson** » May 7th, 2006, 7:58 am

5/5: A buddy and I launched from Shell Island around 0930. Stopped South of the lighthouse and picked up a couple shorts. Went West and picked up two keepers (15" and 16") and a couple more shorts. Most were caught on live shrimp. Wind was blowing pretty good. Back to the fish camp at 1330. Had a good meal and were hoping for better conditions the next day.

5/6: Launched at 0714. Followed same pattern (stopped south of the lighthouse, then went West). Same results (shorts), managing to pick up one nice 17" on a pinfish on the West side near the first pole. Forecast of winds, I believe, were 5-10, and it was accurate for the most part. Got almost calm from about 1000 to 1130, and the bite left with the wind. Decided to head back to the lighthouse, and spent about an hour making a couple drifts. Was about ready to call it quits and make the 2-1/2 trip home, when my buddy picked up a nice 18" trout on a DOA. Wind was picking back up at this point, and the bite turned back on. We spent the next hour picking up four more 18" to 22". Landed the last fish (20+") at about 1400, when we had to leave (left em biting). Threw lots at em, but the pinfish appeared to be the ticket. Highlight of the day was watching a man and his two fishing partners battle a nice cobia (4-foot or so) for about 2 hours with 10# test. The fish took the crew of three east, south, and west of the lighthouse before they landed it. Not sure who they were, or if they frequent this board, but it was a nice exhibition of teamwork and determination by all three (we enjoyed watching). Total count for two half days fishing:

8- keepers (15" - 22")
1- small spanish
several short trout
1- Cut off

Post by **tin can** » May 7th, 2006, 8:47 am

Post by **birddog** » May 7th, 2006, 8:58 am

Post by **Chalk** » May 7th, 2006, 9:10 am

Good report Ron

Post by **wevans** » May 7th, 2006, 9:38 am

Not a lot of fish for the time spent, but then the fish are just a bonus anyhow

Post by **qoutrage** » May 7th, 2006, 9:58 am

Thanks for the good report, Ron. Bet that cobey battle was interesting.

Post by **Ron Wilson** » May 7th, 2006, 10:43 am

Qoutrage,
The cobey battle was interesting. We were heading just east of the lighthouse when we went by them. One of the gentlemen was standing on the bow of the boat with his rod held high and it looked like he was hung on a rock or something. We kept watching them throughout to see how things went. They had to keep the motor running to chase it down, to avoid being spooled. They started east of the LH, then motored south, then west. They really stuck with it and worked well as a team to land. I believe they finally landed it west of the LH. We drove by to congratulate them and they gave us a look at the fish. Impressive! Tried to convince them that a cobey that big was no good to eat, and that I'd be happy to dispose of it for them......they didn't buy it, though.