I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kayak

Flamingo to Big Bend
Post Reply
User avatar
Manning
Supporter 2009 - 2013
Posts: 2071
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:19 am
Location: Sarasota

I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kayak

Post by Manning »

Had an amazing day today. I caught 2 tarpon this morning. Got on the water a little after 6 this morning. Catching bait went slow at first. Once it started to get lighter things picked up. We were seeing the occasional tarpon, but nothing was happening until about 7:30. First I saw my bobber disappear and then the slack started running out of my line. I pointed the rod in the direction where the line was going and boom! A nice little tarpon exploded out of the water. I think I counted 7 sumps in all. This was quite an acrobatic little fish. About 8 1/2 minutes later I had it along side and DaverR war right there to take pics. We guessed the fish was in the 50 to 60 lb range. Perfect! Just as we were about to get the revival tow going the fish gave one good head shake and off she went on her own.

About 45 minutes later I saw the bobber go again and out of the water came the tarpon. It made two huge broadside jumps. It looked like a picture pained against the blue sky. Started working the fish and it made a couple small runs, but never went in the air again. This fish looked to me to be just a little larger than the first one, but it gave up the fight fairly quickly. I had her beside the boat in about 5 1/2 minutes. DaveR came along side getting in position for the beauty shot. I was able to pull the fish backwards and it was starting to lay over. I was cupping my reel to hold the fish in place when it made one more lunge toward the front of the kayak and the braid broke. Okay...I didn't actually get my hands on the fish, but I am counting it.

I will be out of town for a couple weeks and this was an awesome way to end my tarpon fishing. Hope DaveR or Noles with post some pics of this. As always, a big thanks to DaveR :thumbright: for being there on both of these deals.
Being out on the water in the kayak is the prize. Catching fish is the bonus.

Steve
User avatar
DaveR
Supporter 2007 - 2012
Posts: 10003
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: down the shore

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by DaveR »

Here ya go Steverino.
Image
Image
Image
Senior Exalted Pro Staff Member of the Paddle-Fishing.com Kayak & Canoe Anglers Club

"SANCTUARY!!!"

Capitalization is the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse, and helping your uncle jack off a horse.
User avatar
MarkM
Supporter 2007 - 2012
Posts: 1949
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: The bustling metropolis of Oldsmar

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by MarkM »

Man, some guys have all the fun!

Don't any of you clowns have to work for a living???? :lol:

Nice job!
ZeroSix
Posts: 345
Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:04 pm

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by ZeroSix »

Awesome day my friend - great work!
“Buda! Wanna see the best thing about owning a Hobie???”

18 March - Eric Bell Memorial


Hobie Outback - Moss "Ole Blue"
Hobie Pro Angler - Dune "Big Phaddy"

Sr. Vice President ExPS-Elite -PFK-CaC
User avatar
Manning
Supporter 2009 - 2013
Posts: 2071
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:19 am
Location: Sarasota

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by Manning »

Thanks for the pics Dave. Now I have to think about that damn hat. On one hand it is just plain bad, but it does seem to have some mojo in it since I have had it on each time I caught a tarpon. For now the had stays.
Being out on the water in the kayak is the prize. Catching fish is the bonus.

Steve
User avatar
Uncle Tommy
Black Tip Tommy
Posts: 1893
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Northdaleshire
Contact:

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by Uncle Tommy »

Manning wrote:Thanks for the pics Dave. Now I have to think about that damn hat. On one hand it is just plain bad, but it does seem to have some mojo in it since I have had it on each time I caught a tarpon. For now the had stays.
Perhaps we could retire together "On Golden Pond"
Please, call me Kate
User avatar
Manning
Supporter 2009 - 2013
Posts: 2071
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:19 am
Location: Sarasota

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by Manning »

Uncle Tommy wrote: Perhaps we could retire together "On Golden Pond"
As tempting as that sounds, I am already retired. How the hell else would I get to fish so much. Just keep looking and I am sure you will get lucky. I hear that there is an old sailor out there looking for a little action.
Being out on the water in the kayak is the prize. Catching fish is the bonus.

Steve
Rik
Posts: 14006
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Sarasota
Contact:

I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kayak

Post by Rik »

Don't underestimate the power of the lucky hat!
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
EZYLYF
King of Broken Fly Rods
Posts: 357
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:24 am
Location: Tampa

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by EZYLYF »

Now I have to think about that damn hat.
Its all about the hat! Great job on the poons, ya need to ride this wave as long as ya can....
User avatar
americanrobster
Posts: 1610
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2008 6:53 pm
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by americanrobster »

This guy is becoming a Paddle-Fishing silver king catching celebrity! :cheers:
Rob

Heritage Redfish 12'

Heritage Redfish 14'
Rik
Posts: 14006
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Sarasota
Contact:

I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kayak

Post by Rik »

Autographs are only $1. Get em now before he caches another and they go to $5.
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
sfurman
Supporter 2010 - 2013
Posts: 1214
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Tampa, Steinhatchee

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by sfurman »

Don't change the hat!! :santa:
My posts are my opinion only.
Steve
User avatar
americanrobster
Posts: 1610
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2008 6:53 pm
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by americanrobster »

Rik wrote:Autographs are only $1. Get em now before he caches another and they go to $5.
Does the Paddle-Fishing discount apply? :lol:
Rob

Heritage Redfish 12'

Heritage Redfish 14'
User avatar
kneedeep
Posts: 412
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:07 am
Location: Brandon, Fl

Re: I Think the Rookie Sticker is Starting to Fade on My Kay

Post by kneedeep »

Nice catch and Nice PICS!! :thumbright:
<SDFT><{
"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
Post Reply