After spending over a month on the sidelines due to a surgery and other maladies, I finally got back on the water this morning.
Hit the beach for tarpon at O dark 30 and launched into less than perfect conditions. But, as we all know, it's a timing thing and I nailed it.
The sabiki brought up a bunch of pinfish quickly so it was time to paddle and get set up. Drop the anchor, secure the bait bucket to the anchor bouy, get the drift chute clipped on and get my pliers tethered and handy.
Then it was time to stick my hand in the bait bucket and get reaquainted with why they're called PINfish. Picked a first one I could get my hand around and secured it to an 8/0 circle hook.
I cast it out and settled in for the wait. It didn't take long. 5 minutes after caring it out, I got the big tug. However it was over almost as quick as it started. As soon as she felt the tension, she half jumped right at me.
As she came out, I watched my float and bait fly out of her mouth. It was a huge jolt of adrenaline.
Then I sat and drown pinfish for the next few hours. All but this one, a smart little shark took the pinfish right up to the hook.
Certainly felt good to get back on the water and spend some time with good friends.
My return to fishing
My return to fishing
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
Re: My return to fishing
Glad to hear you're off the binnacle list, brother.
- krash
- Supporter 2010 - 2014
- Posts: 920
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
- Location: Cooper City, Florida USA
Re: My return to fishing
That looks like the Sharks are learning new tricks from the Kingfish
Senior Exalted Pro Staff Member of the Paddle-Fishing.com Kayak & Canoe Anglers Club
SW, Live to Fish, Have Tackle will travel ... >,)))~> ~~~~
SW, Live to Fish, Have Tackle will travel ... >,)))~> ~~~~
-
- Supporter 2010 - 2013
- Posts: 1214
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
- Location: Tampa, Steinhatchee
Re: My return to fishing
Looks like you need to tighten up those knots a little better. That's why they call It fishing and not catching.
My posts are my opinion only.
Steve
Steve
Re: My return to fishing
Tarpon aren't bothered by longish tag ends. And when they hook up, the knot gets very tight. Have never had the leader to hook knot fail with tarpon.sfurman wrote:Looks like you need to tighten up those knots a little better.
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
Re: My return to fishing
Glad to see you getting back out. Thank you for the story.
"Bugman" Tom
Heritage Redfish 14
Chevy Silverado
Heritage Redfish 14
Chevy Silverado
-
- Supporter 2010 - 2013
- Posts: 1214
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
- Location: Tampa, Steinhatchee
Re: My return to fishing
Good to know, I wasn't referring to the tag, just the knot looked loose, I am sure they tighten up just would worry about them slipping out. But, if you haven't had any issues with a loose knot then why change. It may not be as loose as it looks, it is some heavy leader, after taking a second look.
My posts are my opinion only.
Steve
Steve
Re: My return to fishing
What kayak is that Rik and are you hiding barnacles under the hatch?
Mark .aka. Man of Purpose. Original Chincy Jones
Ultimate 14.5 sand & blue Indian River Outdoorsman.
The jig is up and weedless.
Ultimate 14.5 sand & blue Indian River Outdoorsman.
The jig is up and weedless.
Re: My return to fishing
It's a Jackson Cuda. My rough water boat. No place for Barnacle on that kayak which really pisses him off.
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
Re: My return to fishing
Maybe you should sell it & buy my Big Tuna. Plenty of room for your fishing buddy.
Re: My return to fishing
Only if Barnacle could help me carry it. We're still working on his paddle stroke. He's got it down while in the water but not so good yet while in the kayak.13 wrote:Maybe you should sell it & buy my Big Tuna. Plenty of room for your fishing buddy.
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
-
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:33 pm
Re: My return to fishing
What size drift chute do you recommend for a 12ft kayak?
Re: My return to fishing
I think 18" is about the smallest you'll find.
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
Re: My return to fishing
Just curious Rik. Did you ever do a raised seat modification on your Ultimate?
Re: My return to fishing
Yes, I built a PVC riser. The seat pan is tight under the gunwale
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
Re: My return to fishing
That really makes it so much better to stand up and I believe I can paddle better against the wind with the body height moved up higher.
Are you able to slide rods under that seating arrangement as well?
Are you able to slide rods under that seating arrangement as well?