Fishing Report from Spotted Tail 5/11/09
Upcoming Events- At 4PM May 16 I'll be doing a redfish program, book signing, and fly tying demonstration at Andy Thornall Outfitters in Winter Haven. Call Allen Wyatt at (800) 499-9890 for more information.
I fished Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday last week. Monday was in my last report so we're starting with Wednesday. Friends from Alaska Bill and Heather were coming up from Miami to visit and fish a little. They weren't due in until 1PM or so, so at about 10 AM I launched the Mitzi at Parrish Park for a little pre-trip scouting. I ran a little way, put down the trolling motor, picked up a spin rod, and started flinging a Chug Bug. I started spotting the occasional trout and red when WHAM! A four pound trout nailed the plug and got stuck. After releasing it I continued with the program. Another fish blew up on it but missed. Then a redfish ate it. Then I had three or four trout follow and hit it all the way to the boat and not get stuck. It was very entertaining though.
I figured I found a place to bring Bill and Heather and went looking elsewhere. I saw a few reds but didn't get any bites. Bill finally called and I picked them up at about 2PM. We went back to the fishy spot.
Bill was fly fishing but the south wind was cranking pretty good and although we saw some fish none of the shots got converted. He did get a fine puffer, though. Heather got a ladyfish on the Chug Bug. Bill put the fly rod away and after losing a few soft plastic baits to puffers switched to a Johnson Minnow. He got another puffer on it. Just before we left I came down from the poling tower and took a few casts. I got a weak bite and struck and pulled in a pinfish. So as a group we pulled off the rare and exciting Indian River Lagoon trash slam and had a wonderful time doing it.
I went kayak fishing on the Indian River Lagoon the next day. I ran over a few fish (white puffy clouds, the bane of the summertime sight fisherman) before I saw a crawler. I got into position and cast a purple and gold sexyfly to that fish four times before he saw it. When he did, though, he jumped right on it. He came unbuttoned on the way in, unfortunately. I found two more crawlers, though, and got both of them. They weren't very big, maybe 23-24 inches, but I just love redfish when they behave that way. I stayed out another hour or so but didn't get another shot. It was the first day I've worn shorts in the kayak this year, though, and even with sunblock I was out long enough to burn my legs. Ouchie.
I spent the weekend tying up leaders and flies and filling the tarpon stretcher. Rick DePaiva has been sending me updates every couple of days and I can't wait to get to Lee County for some shots at some REAL fish!
Life is short- GO FISHING!
And life is great and I love my work!
John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
member Florida Outdoor Writers Association (www.fowa.org),
Indian River Guides association (www.irga.org)