A Waffle House victory lap

On the first day of each year, Elliott and I go fishing together.

 

Typically, it is a fairly short trip. Just long enough to catch the first fish of the year. 

 

This year, we launched the skiff at 11a.m. The tide was not optimal, but we wanted to get back in time for the college football bowl games.

 

Plus, Brody (the amazing fish-finding and stock-trading dog) kept reminding me we needed to go fishing. It made me wonder if dogs have calendars.

 

While riding to our fishing spot, Elliott and I laughed about the weather on some of our other New Years Day trips. From cold and rainy to sunny and warm. We kept the tradition.

 

This year, the weather was pretty nice. Sunny and cool. Very comfortable.  

 

Brody selected a submerged oyster bar in about 10 feet of water for our fishing location. Elliott deployed the trolling motor and positioned the skiff so we would be casting into the current.

 

Before I could pick up my rod, he cast a Z-Man Finesse TRD on a 1/6-ounce NedLockZ jig to the oyster bar.

 

Boom! First day of the year. First cast of the year. First fish of the year.

 

The trout was not particularly large, but we were ecstatic. After a quick picture we released the fish. Then we pondered if we should continue fishing or go home. In the end, we let Brody decide. Of course, we kept on fishing.

 

A few casts later, I caught my first fish of the year. About then, I was feeling pretty hungry and suggested we go home and grab a late breakfast at Waffle House (the only place open on New Year’s morning). Brody agreed on the condition that we get him a plain waffle with a side of bacon.

 

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.