Welp, back from last weeks.. Zero to Hero!!
With the paver laying I’ve been doing all week, this fella is whooped and needed a break, so after checking the forecast, today was that day. With the tide being a -.8, light winds and bluebird skies, I mean who could honestly resist?
I made the quick lil rip to get to where the tailers have been..well tailing, and wasn’t disappointed. Initially I wasn’t seeing many actual tails, but did see a few cruising as I was getting my gear ready. With the tide still falling and somewhat stiff breeze, I opted to stay put and see what else would come by.
That paid off very quickly. First fish that came by was willing and able, and we had a great time. When I first spotted him, he didn’t appear to be a bigger fish. I guessed him at 19/20” but when he inhaled the fly I quickly realized different. Ole boy had some shoulders and some spunk. Once I netted him, he was a solid 26”.
Still continuing to see fish, I stayed put a while longer. Sure enough another willing participant, this time a 24”. After a few more shots, and not much luck, the wind was calming down and the tide stopped. With this came the tailers. Now it was time to pole and hunt. It Wasn’t long at all before I spot my mark. I ease up on him and I blow the shot. He spooks, but not hightailing it, so I try again and sure enough, miss again. As I’m getting the fly back in the boat, I see another one 20’ off the bow, nose down, tail up. This time I’m on the mark and he engages. This son of a gun realizing he’s hooked takes off like a bat outta hell, and quickly hits the drag. I tighten down on it a bit, and he’s still getting it. This rascal actually gets to the backing with ease. After our little tussle, I get him in net and take a quick measurement another 26”.
Next up I’m seeming more tails beside a sand hole. So I figure I’d ease down the edge and see what else might be hiding. Right on the edge is a decent looking trout. I make the shot, and she immediately smokes it. 20” speckled trout!! After a quick release, it’s back to chasing tail.
Next guy to wave me down, gets a shot right across the nose. He pops up, eats and it’s go time again. Another 24”. Now with 5 fish in the net, I’m looking one more for what would be my “best day” of sightcasting with the fly. (My previous record was 5 reds to the net) In no time I see my mark cruising. I take the shot, blow it. I refire, miss again.. 3rd times the charm, right across his nose, he spins, inhales the fly, I miss the strip set, and off he goes!! Not one to be deterred, I continue on, but now the tides running pretty hard and the waters getting dirty, and the 1/2 dzn or shots I get, the fish aren’t engaging. So I figured I’d call it a day, head home, have a drink and cigar, and share the trip you guys!!
