NMZ 2/6

Flamingo to Big Bend
Dustin
Posts: 920
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Contact:

NMZ 2/6

Post by Dustin »

I fished the NMZ for a couple hours after work today. Still learning the area but the fishing has been pretty good. I came up empty the first hour or so, but then stumbled on a bunch of happy small tarpon (slow rollers hanging at the surface). Kind of unexpected for February. I broke out the gurgler and quickly put three fish in the air from 5-10 lbs. Got a couple jumps out of each before the fly came flying back at me. I also caught a 20" trout on the gurgler by accident while casting at the tarpon.

I went to head back to the truck when something huge blasted a mullet school way up shallow. I picked up the Skitterwalk, made a cast, and immediately got absolutely smashed. I thought it was a big fish, but I had NO idea how big. Ten minutes and one run in with a 10' alligator later, I brought a massive redfish to the kayak. The cockpit of my T160 is 46" long and this fish had to bend to fit. Serious girth too. If I had to guess, I would say 48" long and upwards of 40lbs. It was about all I could do to hold the fish up for a picture without cradling him. Definitely my largest red to date, and on topwater to boot...

Image
User avatar
Deek
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Posts: 66
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 7:06 pm
Location: Central Florida

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Deek »

Nice going! awesome fish.
Jackson, Big Rig
Tide1on
Posts: 1582
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: To far from the drink...

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Tide1on »

Really nice bulldozer you got there! Congrats!!!
NATIVE Redfish14
Your Wallet - The one place Democrats are willing to drill


Steve
User avatar
MarkM
Supporter 2007 - 2012
Posts: 1949
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: The bustling metropolis of Oldsmar

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by MarkM »

:shock:

Nice!
Heywood
Posts: 4922
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Heywood »

I didnt think it would take you long Dustin. :wink:
"Anytime I shag a buddies wife I always cut the lawn when I'm done " ~ The Leg End ~
User avatar
Manning
Supporter 2009 - 2013
Posts: 2071
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:19 am
Location: Sarasota

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Manning »

Wow and congrats!
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: NMZ 2/6

Post by DaveR »

When you get the bigger fish dialed in give me a call. ;)
A long paddle?
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.
SnookBait
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Dec 21, 2011 9:03 pm

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by SnookBait »

Nice report and a hellofa Redfish!
ChrisR
Supporter 2010 - 2014
Supporter 2010 - 2014
Posts: 1203
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:06 pm
Location: under my lone palm

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by ChrisR »

Congrats Dustin. That thing is a dinosaur.
User avatar
yakanglr
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:10 pm
Location: Narragansett Bay, RI
Contact:

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by yakanglr »

Awesome catch..., I'm not from the area. Where is the NMZ (East Coast)?

Thanks,
Tom
Aquidneck Island Striper Team
2010 AIST Most Improved Angler
2012 AIST Striped Bass of the Year
Skull and Bones Fishing Club
User avatar
DaveR
Supporter 2007 - 2012
Posts: 10003
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: down the shore

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by DaveR »

NARRAGANSET BAY! Holy shit! Do we have stories....
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.
Dustin
Posts: 920
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Contact:

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Dustin »

Thanks for the comments fellas :cool:. It was a memorable fish for sure.

Dave,
There are certain perks to being a NASA employee ;). I can take guests...
User avatar
DaveR
Supporter 2007 - 2012
Posts: 10003
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: down the shore

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by DaveR »

You have my number lover!
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
Skeeter
Posts: 2032
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Left Central Florida
Contact:

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Skeeter »

Holy sheet.
Dats a big red.
Fishin Worms and Investment Advice Inc.
Rik
Posts: 14006
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Sarasota
Contact:

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Rik »

Local knowledge......
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
User avatar
Urban Legend II
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 12:56 pm
Location: Winter Garden, FL via Fort Stewart, GA

Re: NMZ 2/6

Post by Urban Legend II »

Wow!
Hobie Pro Angler 14

"Calling fishing a hobby is like calling brain surgery a job"
Post Reply