The first fish of 2024 is especially joyful for Capt. Greg

 

On the day after Christmas, I had a heart attack and did not get released from the hospital until New Year’s Eve.

 

My prognosis is good, and my recovery is going well. So well, that Elliott (my son), Brody (the amazing fish-finding and stock-trading dog), and I were able to keep our New Year’s Day tradition. 

 

Every Jan. 1 we go fishing and attempt to catch the first fish of the year.

 

This year was a bit more challenging. I was feeling kind of weak and a bit unsteady. So, Elliott captained the boat and operated the trolling motor. I fished while sitting down in the back of the boat. I never fish sitting down, and I struggled with my lure retrieve cadence. Thus, my favorite lure, a Z-Man Finesse TRD, was ineffective.

  

With my first few casts with the Finesse TRD, it became clear that I needed something heavier and easier to manipulate. Brody recommended a Z-Man Trout Trick rigged on a quarter ounce lead head jig. That combination sounded good.  

 

While I switched lures, Elliott moved the skiff to an oyster bar that dropped off into 10 feet of water. After positioning the skiff, Elliott cast a Finesse TRD to the oyster bar. I did the same with my Trout Trick. Boom! A double of trout to start 2024.

 

The fish were not particularly large. However, Elliott, Brody, and I were ecstatic. The first fish of every year is exciting. The first fish after a heart attack is a joyful experience. 

 

We took a selfie and quickly released the trout. With our tradition kept, Elliott insisted that I not overdo it and we called it a day.

 

Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2024.

 

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at 

captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.