A beautiful day.
74 degrees.
Bald eagle.
Otter.
Loons everywhere.
Checked by DNR.
One little trout.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
One Little Trout
12.19.17
A beautiful day.
74 degrees.
Bald eagle.
Otter.
Loons everywhere.
Checked by DNR.
One little trout.
A beautiful day.
74 degrees.
Bald eagle.
Otter.
Loons everywhere.
Checked by DNR.
One little trout.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Friday, December 1, 2017
Fished hard, caught a few
11.29.17
Had to be patient this trip.
Hit everything right, low tide, clean water, nice day, but you had to hunt'em down today.
We hunted and hunted, picking up a few fish here and there.
Nancy caught a pretty baby black drum.
Had to be patient this trip.
Hit everything right, low tide, clean water, nice day, but you had to hunt'em down today.
We hunted and hunted, picking up a few fish here and there.
Nancy caught a pretty baby black drum.
I was picking up a trout here and there, but no reds.
Finally started to find them.
And soon started tossing them back after the nice bag shown below.
Sometimes it's fishin' instead of catchin'
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Gnats and Trout
11.21.17
We managed a quick afternoon trip as the tide was sinking.
Wow, can there me anymore gnats in this world than in Seabrook, SC?
We had to leave the fish and the gnats biting as Nancy figured out they wanted the bait worked super fast, like reel it in fast.
Once she figured that out the bite was on.
She was getting her rod bent using her tourist rig with a Sure Ketch twister tail and I was getting ate up on the Zman Deizel Minnow in mood ring and got ate up by gnats.
We managed a quick afternoon trip as the tide was sinking.
Wow, can there me anymore gnats in this world than in Seabrook, SC?
We had to leave the fish and the gnats biting as Nancy figured out they wanted the bait worked super fast, like reel it in fast.
Once she figured that out the bite was on.
She was getting her rod bent using her tourist rig with a Sure Ketch twister tail and I was getting ate up on the Zman Deizel Minnow in mood ring and got ate up by gnats.
They all were released so they could go home and spend time with their family on Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Slower But What The Heck, It Was High Tide
11.7.17
Nancy and I went out trying to duplicate what Hunter did while he was in town this past weekend...have a smack down on high tide.
Well, not so much. We did land five fish but it was far from catching it was more like fishing.
Never professed to catch them at high tide, but Hunter showed how it can be done.
It didn't work out for us this time.
But some did come see us in the canoe.
Nancy and I went out trying to duplicate what Hunter did while he was in town this past weekend...have a smack down on high tide.
Well, not so much. We did land five fish but it was far from catching it was more like fishing.
Never professed to catch them at high tide, but Hunter showed how it can be done.
It didn't work out for us this time.
But some did come see us in the canoe.
Nancy caught 3 on shrimp and this one had zero spots and a crooked tail.
I got a couple, but this one nailed the Zman Deizel Minnowz in mood ring color. Just got them delivered to the house and it's nice to catch one on a bait you thought "hey I might catch one on this".
Sweet.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Hunter's Baptism in a Sportspal Canoe
11.4.17
Hunter was in to get baptized and we decided to got after some reds in the little time he had for his visit.
The bite was solid again with a bunch of those South Carolina Spot Tail Bass coming to the boat.
When ya get three minutes here is the you tube video link.
https://youtu.be/guC98lBchkI
Hunter was in to get baptized and we decided to got after some reds in the little time he had for his visit.
The bite was solid again with a bunch of those South Carolina Spot Tail Bass coming to the boat.
When ya get three minutes here is the you tube video link.
https://youtu.be/guC98lBchkI
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Yep, They Are Bitin'
10.27.17 and 10.31.17
Been out twice enjoying the fall weather (finally) and figuring out how to fish out of the canoe.
It's been going well and the fish have started to cooperate.
Friday was unbelievable day as the reds were biting the minute we started fishing and then the trout followed up on a rising tide.
We ventured out yesterday afternoon and proved to ourself we could launch the canoe on low tide.
Heading over to our BIG redfish hole hoping to catch one of the larger specimens we had turkeys flying over our heads.
While we didn't catch them as big as we wanted or as fast as we wanted, it was still a good trip with 2 reds and 3 trout being brought over the gunnels of the little Sportspal.
Been out twice enjoying the fall weather (finally) and figuring out how to fish out of the canoe.
It's been going well and the fish have started to cooperate.
Friday was unbelievable day as the reds were biting the minute we started fishing and then the trout followed up on a rising tide.
I managed to put my Cube to work and have recorded the trip. If ya got 5 minutes check it out.
Watch the time stamp and you will see how fast the bite was.
We ventured out yesterday afternoon and proved to ourself we could launch the canoe on low tide.
Heading over to our BIG redfish hole hoping to catch one of the larger specimens we had turkeys flying over our heads.
While we didn't catch them as big as we wanted or as fast as we wanted, it was still a good trip with 2 reds and 3 trout being brought over the gunnels of the little Sportspal.
Weather this nice and fishing this good makes you want to go everyday!
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Thursday, October 26, 2017
My First Fish in the Sportspal Canoe
10.25.17
We did some site seeing in the canoe today. We went way up a creek we had never been able to venture and looked around and enjoyed the bird life. Fishing on the way out, I lost a nice trout.
We tried a new hole in front of the creek and after plenty of short strikes I was able to post my first
(non-keeper) trout out of the low rider.
We did some site seeing in the canoe today. We went way up a creek we had never been able to venture and looked around and enjoyed the bird life. Fishing on the way out, I lost a nice trout.
We tried a new hole in front of the creek and after plenty of short strikes I was able to post my first
(non-keeper) trout out of the low rider.
We continued over to a row of docks by the house and I bagged a nice keeper trout that also became dinner.
We pulled out and I got a picture of the Sportspal in the water.
I can't figure out how to pack the thing. I still have stuff everywhere in the boat.
It's pretty much a joke when a fish gets on clearing out tackle, life vests, boxes, etc. to get to the net.
Should be interesting when we get on the big reds.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Sea Craft Gone, New Yacht Now Being Fished
10.21.17
Sold the Sea Craft last week. I just couldn't continue to clean and maintain the rig in this jungle heat of the South Carolina low country.
Lots of blood and sweat went into that boat. Fished really good, got us back to the hill every time, even when chasing grouper 20 miles off shore. Hated to see it go, but I surrendered to age, (mine and the boat's) and was time to move on.
But, went WAAAY the other way.
Now driving a 15' Sportspal canoe with a 4 HP kicker and a one quart gas tank.
And Nancy broke it in yesterday with the first fish brought boat side. She continued to lose a redfish and another trout.
I am currently bite less, but hope it will change the next time out.
Sold the Sea Craft last week. I just couldn't continue to clean and maintain the rig in this jungle heat of the South Carolina low country.
Lots of blood and sweat went into that boat. Fished really good, got us back to the hill every time, even when chasing grouper 20 miles off shore. Hated to see it go, but I surrendered to age, (mine and the boat's) and was time to move on.
But, went WAAAY the other way.
Now driving a 15' Sportspal canoe with a 4 HP kicker and a one quart gas tank.
And Nancy broke it in yesterday with the first fish brought boat side. She continued to lose a redfish and another trout.
I am currently bite less, but hope it will change the next time out.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Monday, October 2, 2017
It Was Blowy!
Yea! It's October 1! Yea it was cool...64 degrees. Boo it was very windy!
Nancy is flying a trout kite, which she caught a bunch, but none big enough to be legal by the man.
Nancy is flying a trout kite, which she caught a bunch, but none big enough to be legal by the man.
I started catching up with a bunch of these guys eating my Zman Diesel Minnow.
But my best bites were the two trophy blue crabs I caught. Never done this before.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Caught A Bunch
9.28.17
Caught A Bunch
Hot, humid, slow outgoing tide.
That is what we fished, but the smaller trout were biting.
We could have brought a few home, but they were just hitting the keeper line on the ruler, so they live to see another day.
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| Nancy and A Mullet Trout |
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| And Of Course A Gulp Trout Caught By Nancy The Gulp Queen |
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| Fried Chicken Lured This Guy To The Boat |
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| And His Release |
Monday, September 25, 2017
Back At It Again
9.24.18
Water Temp 82 degrees
Got out on rising tide and it usually isn't very good for us.
But, after having the boat in dry dock for a month and a half, fixing the hole in the hull, 5 stitches in my finger worth of grinding the hull, and remanufacturing the trailer we were in business.
A couple of keeper trout made it worth while, as they came home with us a proceeded to be blackened for Sunday dinner.
A handful of non keeper trout, reds and flounder also showed up, so the incoming tide wasn't as dreadful as the past.
Water Temp 82 degrees
Got out on rising tide and it usually isn't very good for us.
But, after having the boat in dry dock for a month and a half, fixing the hole in the hull, 5 stitches in my finger worth of grinding the hull, and remanufacturing the trailer we were in business.
A couple of keeper trout made it worth while, as they came home with us a proceeded to be blackened for Sunday dinner.
A handful of non keeper trout, reds and flounder also showed up, so the incoming tide wasn't as dreadful as the past.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Friday, September 1, 2017
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Not Much Happening
8.14.17
water temp 87 degrees
We have made a couple of trips since our trout fest and the results have been S-L-O-W.
A trip last week yielded a keeper flounder, croaker, ray and ladyfish. Saw a couple of tarpon roll.
Yesterday a trip yielded a couple of puppy reds. No tarpon seen.
So, maybe the water is too hot, maybe they are waiting for the eclipse.
Who knows?
water temp 87 degrees
We have made a couple of trips since our trout fest and the results have been S-L-O-W.
A trip last week yielded a keeper flounder, croaker, ray and ladyfish. Saw a couple of tarpon roll.
Yesterday a trip yielded a couple of puppy reds. No tarpon seen.
So, maybe the water is too hot, maybe they are waiting for the eclipse.
Who knows?
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Big, Plentiful August Trout
8.5.17
Water Temp 83.5
I guess I should fish more in August.
Hunter and Ben were in town to party a little later on Saturday night. Hunter and Charlotte's engagement party festivities were scheduled. But they managed a little fishing trip in Whale Branch.
It was a drizzly day which helped us stay out a little longer and may have helped the fish bite.
Shrimp were pouring out of the little creeks in the Branch, gulls were lined up eating them and the trout were there too.
We caught the nicest catch of trout I have ever caught in the 3 years of fishing this area.
The jig head with a trout trick was the best bait to toss and it seemed only the bigger trout were biting on it. I lost count of how many trout we caught, but I believe only a handful were non keepers.
I got it going from the back of the boat with 4 or five trout over 16" came to my trout trick in deeper water off the edge of a shell bar.
Then the guys started figuring it out and the trout fest was on.
Nice filets were had by all. Only problem is, Ben forgot to take his home.
So Hunter and I are enjoying his forgetfulness as we texted to each other Monday night how good they tasted!
Water Temp 83.5
I guess I should fish more in August.
Hunter and Ben were in town to party a little later on Saturday night. Hunter and Charlotte's engagement party festivities were scheduled. But they managed a little fishing trip in Whale Branch.
It was a drizzly day which helped us stay out a little longer and may have helped the fish bite.
Shrimp were pouring out of the little creeks in the Branch, gulls were lined up eating them and the trout were there too.
We caught the nicest catch of trout I have ever caught in the 3 years of fishing this area.
The jig head with a trout trick was the best bait to toss and it seemed only the bigger trout were biting on it. I lost count of how many trout we caught, but I believe only a handful were non keepers.
I got it going from the back of the boat with 4 or five trout over 16" came to my trout trick in deeper water off the edge of a shell bar.
Then the guys started figuring it out and the trout fest was on.
Ben seemed to catch more than Hunter, but I believe it was his tribute to Bubbles of the Trailer Park Boys that pulled hime through.
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| Hope! Haha! Hope I Catch Another One Like This! |
We ended up with a solid catch.
So Hunter and I are enjoying his forgetfulness as we texted to each other Monday night how good they tasted!
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
What A Difference A Day Makes
8.1.17
Water 85 degrees
After trying a tarpon run late last week where everything went wrong (leaking boat, trolling motor not working, anchor stuck, hydraulic steering leaking) we headed out to try it again.
After copious amounts of Marine Tex were applied to the Seacraft, new trolling motor batteries installed and a new o ring placed on the head of the steering unit, we set off to see if any of those fixes made a difference.
Thankfully they all worked!
So, we caught a few fish, which for August 1 is not a bad deal.
10 game fish were brought to the boat, 7 puppy reds and 3 trout of which Nancy caught the keeper on her tourist rig.
We headed down to the Whale Branch bridge to try and snag a tarpon on the low tide.
Nancy tied into something that spun her tightened drag from the north bound side of route 17 to the south bound side of 17 before finally breaking off on a bridge piling. A monster fish that keeps you going back.
Water 85 degrees
After trying a tarpon run late last week where everything went wrong (leaking boat, trolling motor not working, anchor stuck, hydraulic steering leaking) we headed out to try it again.
After copious amounts of Marine Tex were applied to the Seacraft, new trolling motor batteries installed and a new o ring placed on the head of the steering unit, we set off to see if any of those fixes made a difference.
Thankfully they all worked!
So, we caught a few fish, which for August 1 is not a bad deal.
10 game fish were brought to the boat, 7 puppy reds and 3 trout of which Nancy caught the keeper on her tourist rig.
The fish were eating the shrimp that have finally come out of the swamp. I caught this small trout and noticed a shrimp had not escaped him. You can see the shrimp antennae hanging out of his mouth.
We headed down to the Whale Branch bridge to try and snag a tarpon on the low tide.
Nancy tied into something that spun her tightened drag from the north bound side of route 17 to the south bound side of 17 before finally breaking off on a bridge piling. A monster fish that keeps you going back.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Flaming Gorge Meat Hunt
7.9.2017
Well that was enjoyable.
Imagine having to bundle up to run 7 miles to fish for kokanee salmon in the high country desert in Wyoming.
Well that is what we did.
As daytime highs reached 110 degrees, we were dressed like it was in the fifties as the day started.
Oh, it was in the fifties. How refreshing, while I sit here in the Lowcountry and it is currently in the low eighties with matching humidity at 8:10 AM.
Larry put us on them as we limited out in three hours.
That is 3 salmon each.
He kept saying "I'm not happy Billy" as each hour ticked on and the pace of bite was too slow for him.
But, we were fine with the pace as we didn't want to get off the water too soon!
It was a trip of a lifetime! What beautiful fish!
Some more photos are posted in previous posts from my instagram account below.
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| Running in the morning |
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| Full moon over Wyoming's High Desert |
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| And the trolling begins with our famous guide Larry |
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| The Sun rising |
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| You can see how many fish there were. The three steady lines are the down rigger cannonballs |
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| A view of the flasher rig |
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| And the view of the splashing kokanee |
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| End Result, Smoked Salmon |
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| Or Grilled Salmon |
Monday, July 10, 2017
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Hot, Humid Blues
7.0.17
Water temp in the low 80's
Been trying to get the weather and tides work for us.
It has been tough as the tides are raging with the new moon.
We had a dud trip a few days ago, trying to change it up we went for a tarpon bite yesterday.
I got one on a finger mullet, but I was in the front of the boat trying to catch a sheep head off the bridge pilings in Whale Branch.
I hear my rod screaming in the rod holder and look back and the tip is touching the water.
Pick it up and the line snaps.
Nancy's line snapped too. Evidently the tarp got over her line on it's crazy rush to the bait and her line snapped my line.
What a fiasco.
No more bites.
A HOT time cleaning the boat. This is when I dislike saltwater fishing, the end of the day boat clean in 100 degree weather.
NO FUN
Water temp in the low 80's
Been trying to get the weather and tides work for us.
It has been tough as the tides are raging with the new moon.
We had a dud trip a few days ago, trying to change it up we went for a tarpon bite yesterday.
I got one on a finger mullet, but I was in the front of the boat trying to catch a sheep head off the bridge pilings in Whale Branch.
I hear my rod screaming in the rod holder and look back and the tip is touching the water.
Pick it up and the line snaps.
Nancy's line snapped too. Evidently the tarp got over her line on it's crazy rush to the bait and her line snapped my line.
What a fiasco.
No more bites.
A HOT time cleaning the boat. This is when I dislike saltwater fishing, the end of the day boat clean in 100 degree weather.
NO FUN
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Friday, June 23, 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Monday, June 12, 2017
Slow tides and bigger trout
6.9.14
We have a micro full moon, so the tides are running slow, but it gives you a longer window to fish your drops.
We managed 3 really nice 18" trout today.
Nancy put the first toothy fellow of the year in the boat this morning.
We have a micro full moon, so the tides are running slow, but it gives you a longer window to fish your drops.
We managed 3 really nice 18" trout today.
Nancy put the first toothy fellow of the year in the boat this morning.
Then coincidentally I caught this shark bitten trout a few casts later. Guess it's bad to be on the wrong end of the food chain.
Nancy also lost a bull red on some cut mullet due to a poorly tied knot, I gotta get better boat mates!
Friday, June 9, 2017
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Having To Hunt Them Down
6.5.17
Water Temp 83 degrees
Knowing that we had our work cut out for us, we headed out on a dead high tide.
Cast, Cast, Cast, and more casting we finally got a bite after a couple of hours of flogging the water.
Then realizing the fish were low in the water column, I started getting a consistent bit slow rolling a twister tail.
The first sign of them laying low was swinging this trout over and having him splatter mud all over the boat.
Water Temp 83 degrees
Knowing that we had our work cut out for us, we headed out on a dead high tide.
Cast, Cast, Cast, and more casting we finally got a bite after a couple of hours of flogging the water.
Then realizing the fish were low in the water column, I started getting a consistent bit slow rolling a twister tail.
The first sign of them laying low was swinging this trout over and having him splatter mud all over the boat.
You can see his muddy belly.
And the mud all over the boat.
All in all we brought in 7 trout, 6 were keepers.
This picture I turned in to this masterpiece via the Waterlogue app.
Summer continues and fishing will continue to be fishing and not catching!
Monday, June 5, 2017
Friday, June 2, 2017
A Fish Potpourri
I think that is how you spell it.
6.1.2017
Thinking of my Dad on his birthday as we headed out to the salt this morning.
As you can see in the pics below in the instagram posts the assorted bite was on. Besides the red and flattie we brought a jack crevalle and a bunch of trout to the boat at our first drop.
The water is at 82 degrees now. Getting real summer like. The tide was gently easing off the bar and the fish were cooperating on trout tricks and gulp shrimp.
We had some fiddler crabs and travelled to the Broad River bridge to try on the low and incoming tide.
I had one very nice sheep head come off at the boat and the rest were sea bass.
I was pretty well pooped out after fishing this morning and cleaning fish and boat in the afternoon.
Still trying to get my lazy butt moving after the inactivity due to my shoulder surgery.
6.1.2017
Thinking of my Dad on his birthday as we headed out to the salt this morning.
As you can see in the pics below in the instagram posts the assorted bite was on. Besides the red and flattie we brought a jack crevalle and a bunch of trout to the boat at our first drop.
The water is at 82 degrees now. Getting real summer like. The tide was gently easing off the bar and the fish were cooperating on trout tricks and gulp shrimp.
We had some fiddler crabs and travelled to the Broad River bridge to try on the low and incoming tide.
I had one very nice sheep head come off at the boat and the rest were sea bass.
I was pretty well pooped out after fishing this morning and cleaning fish and boat in the afternoon.
Still trying to get my lazy butt moving after the inactivity due to my shoulder surgery.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Monday, May 29, 2017
I Am Back Fishing Again
Memorial Day Weekend
Water High 70's
60 days after shoulder surgery and back on the pond. Still sore at times, but workable.
Nancy and I tried a fast moving incoming tide on Friday and managed to put a few in the cooler.
Nancy was laying it to me with four trout on her tourist rig until I finally put a nice red in the boat.
Not bad for our first trip in a while.
Hunter and Charlotte came down on Saturday and we managed a quick afternoon trip.
A variety of fish came aboard. Trout, reds, flounder and Hunter with his pooping ladyfish were some of the fish that came boat side.
As usual, Charlotte lost the big one of the day as a big red got tangled on an oyster bar and got cut off.
Water High 70's
60 days after shoulder surgery and back on the pond. Still sore at times, but workable.
Nancy and I tried a fast moving incoming tide on Friday and managed to put a few in the cooler.
Nancy was laying it to me with four trout on her tourist rig until I finally put a nice red in the boat.
Not bad for our first trip in a while.
Hunter and Charlotte came down on Saturday and we managed a quick afternoon trip.
A variety of fish came aboard. Trout, reds, flounder and Hunter with his pooping ladyfish were some of the fish that came boat side.
As usual, Charlotte lost the big one of the day as a big red got tangled on an oyster bar and got cut off.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Friday, March 24, 2017
Shoulder surgery
3.22.17
This season has come to a skidding halt as I went under the knife Wednesday. Rehab stats today. Hopefully back at it soon.
This season has come to a skidding halt as I went under the knife Wednesday. Rehab stats today. Hopefully back at it soon.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
ZERO
3.10.17
Zero fish, Zero Bites.
Water temp 65 degrees, wind howling, 80 degrees out, fished both sides of low tide.
WTH?!
Zero fish, Zero Bites.
Water temp 65 degrees, wind howling, 80 degrees out, fished both sides of low tide.
WTH?!
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Big O Working Until The Big Blow
Fish were biting while visiting the sweet water of the Big O.
Until....
The wind started blowing 30 MPH and never stopped, causing us to head home early.
I caught two seven pounders on consecutive days to start it off, but our fish slowly disappeared as the water dropped and the wind blew.
Nick and Larry punished them, while Doug, Hunter and I kinda ended in a whimper.
Only broke two rods, so, all in all a good trip.
Just shortened a little.
Until....
The wind started blowing 30 MPH and never stopped, causing us to head home early.
I caught two seven pounders on consecutive days to start it off, but our fish slowly disappeared as the water dropped and the wind blew.
Nick and Larry punished them, while Doug, Hunter and I kinda ended in a whimper.
Only broke two rods, so, all in all a good trip.
Just shortened a little.
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| Day Off Alligator At Gatorama |
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| Go Twins! Spring Training in Fort Myers |
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| The Closest Doug Got To A Fish The Last Few Days |
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| Doug and Hunter Showing Size of Fish and Doug. Actual Scale. |
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| Ready To Roll |
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| It Started Good!! |
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| Bug Eyed Bass In The Grass |
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| Burt the Bait Bird Behind Rolands |
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| Hunter With One He Managed To Pull Out Of The Jungle |
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| Morning Hitchhiker |
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