Fishing has been good this fall, This is a post for a couple of my last trips.
Dec, 28;
Calm waters and cool temperatures are a perfect match for big Redfish. We hit the water around 10am and made our way across the west end of Pensacola Bay. The brisk cool air made for an eye-watering ride, but that was ok, as we were all fired up to hook into some big Reds. Pensacola is known for its big Redfish, and my clients were eager to see how hard these big Bulls pulled. With no birds to show me the way to our pot of gold, I had to use my trusty bottom machine to locate bait and the elusive Reds lurking below. I starting out trolling to see if I could locate them, but when I couldn’t, I packed up and headed east into the gulf, where I spotted a few birds marking bait. After watching my bottom-machine light up some fish, I decided to put out the stretches again, and it didn’t take long before we had our first knock-down; a good 20lb Red was boat-side, ready to pose with Mark for a few quick pictures.
With one nice fish boated, we had gotten the skunk out of the boat. We were ready to hook into some more big Reds. Still trolling along the east shore off Pensacola, I spotted a few more birds working, so we made our way over, but it turned out to be nothing this time.
I decided to head back into the bay, and then I spotted a very large flock of birds working hard on a big bait pod across the island. It was a short 7-mile run back through the pass to where I wanted to fish, so we motored up and flew across the smooth waters. It was a good call, because when I arrived, it was a Red fish bonanza! Reds were busting baits on top while pelicans were attacking the bait from the air.
I was the only boat to see these fish, and I didn’t want to spook them, so I cut the engine, drifted into the school, and we had a triple hook-up in seconds. Now the fun really began, trying not to have three big fish tangle our lines, as I stood back and watched Derek, Anna and Charles work their fish, moving around the boat, going under and over with their rods in hand. Anna was the first to land her fish, which was also the biggest fish of the day, a whopper well over 30lbs! Charles boated his next, and then Derek had his on board, which made the count three on and three released. Mark watched all the mayhem, and said he had one on, but it broke the leader, but I said let’s get back on them.
They were only 50 yards off to the west and we made our way quickly over, and it was only a matter of minutes until we were hooked-up again with some monster Reds. This went on for a little while longer and then the feeding frenzy shut down. My thoughts were that the Reds had gorged themselves on bait and were ready for a nap; just like us! We had had perfect weather, sunny skies, calm waters, and great fishing. What more could you ask for? Just one more hook-up! Till Next Time, Bent Rods and Screaming Drags.
Capt. John
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Jan3:
Rob screamed out, “I’m on!” Alex said, “Me too!” Then Derek and Dave shouted out they were on, too; a quad hook-up! It was like this from the start and for most of the day today as we boated 50 REDS!
Today was by far the best Red fishing day I have had all season. We started out fishing 3 Mile Bridge a little while for some Trout and to see if we could boat a few Reds. The guys boated some nice Trout, but they really wanted to see those Pensacola Big Reds.
After a about an hour of fishing for Trout, I said let’s see what’s up in the Gulf. I fired up the motor and made my way to a few spots where I’ve been catching some good fish recently. With the fog still around at 11a.m., I carefully motored our way out into the Gulf, and about 30 minutes later, I spotted what I’ve wanted to see all winter: 200 – 500 fish crashing on top after bait fish.
It was a feeding frenzy like you only dream about! I told everyone to get ready for some great action, and that’s what we had for 4hrs non-stop. My crew had never been saltwater fishing before, and they definitely got spoiled on this trip. Rob and his buddies were down here from Purdue University finishing up on their MBA’s, and were looking for some R&R in Pensacola and to also experience our Red fishery in January.
They got exactly what they were looking for as the fish gods were smiling down on us today. It was surely a day to remember for everyone on board. I had a great time watching everyone hook up fish after fish, and then listen to their “complaints” about their arms being tired from catching 10+ reds apiece.
The frenzy lasted for well over 4hrs, but it was time to head for land. We left them biting as I motored back across the gulf. While we were cruising along, we spotted more Reds busting the surface. We all wanted to catch more, but it was getting late and we were worn out and ready for a warm meal and a soft couch to rest our sore bodies. Till Next Time, Bent Rods and Screaming Drags.
Capt. John |
