Thanks to Ike we experienced high winds and even higher water all week. The Park actually closed the gates for a few days in anticipation of extreme weather. Fortunately, we were spared and the gates opened to what seemed like a record number of boats.
Saturday, September 13
With the winds steadily 15+ mph and the water easily a foot over prediction, most boats headed home early... not us. The guys who earn their keep know how to adapt and adjust as necessary. While it certainly made things tough, we found ways to make it work. Sticking to the Lee side of islands and targeting obvious fish holds, such as pot holes, drop-offs and structure, we stayed on fish all day. Pete "Flatshopper" was my lucky guest and on a short day of work we caught dozens of Snook, several Reds, Tarpon and Trout. At one point, I hooked an over slot Red and as he pulled drag I noticed he had company. With Pete's well placed cast, two beautiful over slot Reds came to the boat.
Sunday, September 14
This morning I was greated with lighter winds and an empty ramp... I ran from Choko (OR) South on the inside down through Lostman's to find over slot Snook crashing baits like they hadn't eaten in weeks. My client, Mike from Ft. Myers was absolutely blown away by the spectacular show these Snook were performing. Each and every hump or oyster bar had big fish... and if you couldn't see them, you would hear them. I nearly caught one on video as he came completely out of the water to eat unsuspecting mullet.
Further South we found good numbers of Reds and Black Drum... the two Black Drum we caught measured slightly more than 32". On the way back to Choko we made a few stops and caught a few more golden brown Redfish.
Both days most fish were caught on weedless presentations with bass assassin jerk shads or paddle tails. Since it is a more versatile set-up, we're fishing more and re-rigging less.
This week the winds will be down and I'm sure the fish will be out. I'm looking forward to treating a couple more clients to this insanity I've been enjoying recently.
