Summertime fishing is full of surprises
Summertime fishing is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to catch. This was the case when fishing last week with my good friend, Todd.
We launched early in the morning wanting to target redfish with top water lures. We found the redfish, but they were not interested in our top water offerings. Jilted by the reds, we decided to run to the harbor and try for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Along the way, we stopped and caught a couple dozen menhaden with a cast net. Bull redfish and sharks love menhaden. With a bunch of menhaden in the Pathfinder’s livewell, we had more target species options available to us.
Once in the harbor, Todd began casting a shiny jig named a Deadly Dick. While the manufacturer’s name is somewhat dubious, the lure is a proven Spanish mackerel and bluefish catcher. Todd caught a few of both. He also has a new nickname.
When the falling tide began to slow, the bite did as well. We decided to run out past the jetties and target sharks behind the shrimp boats. There were only two shrimp boats still working when we arrived. So, we picked the closest one and set up behind it. While I positioned the boat, Todd picked up a 20-pound class spinning rod and nose-hooked a menhaden on a 5/0 circle hook. We were about 50 yards behind the shrimper when I took the boat out of gear and Todd cast his line. Almost immediately, a good-size black tip shark ate the menhaden and began jumping and trashing about. The fight was spectacular but short lived as the black tip bit through the 50-pound fluorocarbon leader. In my experience, that happens about half the time. That was just fine with Todd and me. For us, most of the fun is right after hook-up on the initial jumps and runs. After that, on 20-pound class spinning tackle, the fight becomes hard work.
On the ride back to the boat landing, we stopped and caught a few trout. Todd and I covered a lot of water and targeted a lot of species, all before lunch. A typical summertime fishing trip. Out early. Catch whatever is biting. Return home before it gets too hot. In the summer, don’t worry about having a solid fishing plan. Just enjoy whatever comes out of the box.
Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.