Nice day on the water

[capt hoop]

Nothing on the books so I launched the bay boat out of Cypress cove today. The road to Venice marina is still messed up and nothing seems to be getting done.




My first run was to that super secret island looking for some trout. I had no live bait and the bite was slow too boot with stained water.




I made a few moves that seemed to help. My last move was to an area I found the water color a bit better. That area produced my biggest trout of the day and a nice 20 inch redfish. I spent most of the morning there having fun with small mangrove snapper.



Getting bored I changed tactics and started finding some of these guys.



I watched this girl fight what I believe was a Jack crevalle for so long I caught a redfish, 2 flounder, 1 pinfish, and 3 hardheads. The line finally broke but the fish was turning the boat while it was on anchor.




About noon I started moving around adding to my knowledge of the area. I wanted to try a place I was at a few days ago setting alligator baits. This bait is hook less. Don't ask!



I went from the far east side of Venice to the west side just doing what I wanted and looking for some areas new to play in. I went to this place that looked like I could pull something out of the other day.



On the first long cast, along the grass to the far left, the cork disappeared as soon as it hit the water. It turned out to be the biggest red of the day. Once I had a limit of reds it was time to head for the barn. Overall a very good day.



I ran over 80 miles today just looking at things. In the box 5 reds, 5 flounder, 1 croaker, and 12 trout. Also caught several mangroves, a pin fish, a jack crevalle, a bunch of hard head catfish and gaff tops. Note for day Voo doo shrimp is a valuable thing to have on board. I change the hooks they come with. My first flounder loved it a bit too much for him.

Life is Good!
Fishing is not a matter of life or death. It's more important than that.

CAPT HOOP -- OUR FREEDOM