First off, I want to thank everyone that gave me advice on fishing schools of reds. I tried everything I heard yesterday and it really paid off. I started the day on the couch and planned on watching football. But I kept looking at the weather and it said 4 mph winds. I just couldnt pass it up. Hooked the boat up and headed out. I found the schools right where I left them. Water wasnt quite as clear,but still easy to see. I was surprised to see it was 48 degrees, but I never really pay attention. I stopped at my first spot, and caught a little rat red on a zman paddlerz, the very first cast. Then a couple minutes later my rod with cut bait starts singing. I reeled in a nice 27" red. I picked at them for a while and stopped at 10 reds. I really enjoy catching, but my goal was to learn something. I started cruising the banks until I jumped a school. Once I found them I checked out the bottom and tried to figure out why they were there, and marked the spot. Then I would circle back later and see if they were still there. I stayed back a little ways and pitched artificials where they used to be, and caught atleast 10 more. My favorite fish of the day is below. I was getting ready to head in and noticed some “nervous” water. I tossed the paddlerz, and at first I thought the lure was stuck in the mud. I pulled a couple of times trying to get it loose, and then this big tail comes out of the water. After a great fight I snapped a pic and sent him on his way. All in all a great way to spend new years eve. I caught a bunch of fish, had beautiful weather, and learned some things. Heres to a great 2013!
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.