Jim Blackburn

When it's Right, it's Right! Two days ago, my buddie and I trailored up to Port Mansfield and fished the flats North of the cut. We had an incoming tide, wind & sun at our back and lots of reds marching at us for 5 of the 6 hrs. we fished. We caught 9 weighing 5-7 lbs. with fly and spinning outfits but had our bad casting been just a little better we could have easily caught 25-30. Some days are just like that ya know. The fish were in 8-15 inches of water just cruising and tailing everywhere. One fish of about 12-15 lbs. sticks in my mind and will haunt me for a few days to come. He was in about a foot of water tailing like crazy and happy as a clam. I was on the bow poised and ready to make the cast waiting for my fishing partner to cock the bow of the skiff a little left to be able to make the fly rod cast left handed. We kept getting closer and closer and he never turned the boat and the big fish finally had enough and slowly drifted out of range. I thought my buddie knew I was in range and waiting for the bow turn and he was waiting for a verbal command. Lucky fish!!! Next time I will definetly speak up. Ha!! We tried wading for about 1 hr. or so at the end of the day, but the fish would not have anything to do with us. We only caught 1 fish wading. They were much more approachable from the poled skiff. Some days it is the opposite. While wading(as quietly as possible) the tailers would allow us to get to about 90-120 ft and then drift off never to be seen again. There is no reason to wait any longer to hit the water. If the weather gives you a break, get out there and take advantage of some great spring fishing.

tightlines,

Capt. Jim Blackburn

www.grandslamfish.com

jimbosjumbo@yahoo.com

ph. 956-748-3585

Fish Species: Redfish
Bait Used: flies, lures
Tackle Used: fly rods 6-8wts., med-light spinning 6 lbs.
Method Used: fly fishing & light tackle
Water Depth: 1-2 ft.
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction: ESE
Wind Speed: 5-15

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Jim Blackburn

About The Author: Captain Jim Blackburn

Company: Grand Slam Backcountry Charters

Area Reporting: Texas Lower Laguna Madre - Florida - Utah

Bio: Join Capt. Jim Blackburn with over 25 years of saltwalter fly-fishing experience aboard his state-of-the-art Hell\'s Bay Boatworks guide edition 18\' skiff. Sight fish the Lower Laguna Madre for Redfish, Sea Trout. Or cast to structure for Snook, monster Mangrove Snapper, Jacks, Ladyfish and baby Tarpon. Or head to the Gulf and fish for adult Tarpon, Spanish & King Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle.

970-846-1734
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Jim Blackburn