Went out this afternoon with Bro-in-law Bob from Atlanta in search of the bull reds. Dicey conditions, but found mullet in-shore and headed out to the jetties.
Anchored up where we thought they would be, tosssed out the mullet on a 4 oz. carolina rig, and waited. Waves banged us around and nothing shaking, so we attempted to move but couldn’t get anchored. Saw dolphin working the area we originally were at, so went back, set anchor, and finally - BOOM!
Hooked up and fighting, debating to throw anchor buoy. Glad we finally did! Drifted and fought until I finally landed my first 40" red! What a fight. What a beautiful fish. What an experience! Unbelievable the difference from a 28". Like another species!
Snapped a few wave bouncing awkward photos and nursed that beautiful fish back to strength - still my favorite part of a catch. What amazed me was the size and buoyancy of the fish and its huge tongue! It was about twice the size of my thumb and he’d wiggle it side-to-side once and awhile and I was like “WOW!”, what a cool fish. After enjoying his release about 10 minutes he decided to shake my thumb and go. My loss. What a cool beast.
Went back, retrieved our anchor, and fished some more. Thankfully, next big red was for B-I-L Bob. He fought it hard while still at anchor and had his beast, 38 inches. We had a couple wrap up in rocks and Bob ended the day with another 37" beauty.
Stretch, thanks for the big mullet advice. It worked. 2 out of 3 caught on whole cob mullet. Hairball, I barely wanted to seek big reds much less snag a few croaker with the conditions while out there, but your advice is in my hip pocket. Thank you.
I shall return.
Fishin’ accomplished!
Toooooo Cool! And Toooooo wavy. Liked to fell on my arse holding that fish!
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