Fishing is good right now, bordering on great. Good numbers and size are showing up on a consistent basis. Our biggest obstacle these days is the unusually windy conditions. I say "unusual" because as you all know, on a normal year, we often have days with winds in excess of 25mph. That s just considered a nbormal day around these parts. However, this year we have seen more days with winds over 40mph than I can remember in quite some time.
Being hardcore grinders, we often head out when most are staying at home. But we are also safety conscious and try to stay on the right side of the hardcore/ foolhardy line. Re-scheduling is a better option than a visit to the chiropractor and the dentist after rough boat rides.
But before you think its just one windstorm after another, let me tell you we have seen some beautiful, pristine Baffin mornings that you only hear about in fishing reports and magazines. And fortunately for us, the fish are cooperating. Hot baits for this month have been various topwaters but mostly the bone Super Spook Jr and pearl Skitterwalk. Brown Lures Devil Eyes in Rootbeer/Red Flake, Dark Strawberry and Morning Glory along with Saltwater Assassins' Red/White Sea Shad and Norton's Tequila Gold Bull Minnow have been working wonders for us. Various Corkies have been working as well with pink and pearl/chartreuse being top producers (sorry no pics of these as the fish have destroyed them LOL).
Topwaters are working best with a slow to moderate walk-the-dog retrieve. Be sure to vary your retrieve and throw in a long pause from time to time. This seems
to really agitate the Big Girls and make them hit when they otherwise wouldn't. Be sure to make certain that your drag is set fairly loose. We have had a
couple of heartbreaks this year due to parted lines from too tight drags.
The "rat-tail" baits have been working best around the rocks rigged on 1/16 oz Hogies Springheads and bouncing them slowly around and over the rocks.
Make sure you have plenty because the rocks here in Baffin are not very forgiving. I am quickly going through my supply of Rootbeer/Red glitter Devil Eyes and
the trout are absolutely hammering them right now. Dark colors are working best (now where have you heard that before?).
The paddletails have been my #1 bait for shallow redfish as I can reel it in just fast enough to clear the grass and slow enough to entice an aggressive bite
with that little wiggle. But don't think that the paddletails are only for redfish. I caught two 28"+ trout this week on the little red/white
Assassin.
And the video of the second one. You will note that I had to get creative while videoing this fish as no one was close enough to help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7z-73XzKOY
One other quick note, in keeping with my policy of artificial only charters, I occasionally encounter young children, elderly and some physically handicapped
individuals. I always do what I can to accomodate them and give them the best fishing experience possible. I want to endorse the use of Berkley's Gulp
products. Sometimes rigged under a popping cork (Cajun Thunder) ar on a plain jighead, this lure has worked very well for the folks who just can't grind
like we all do. Even "Designer Cut-Bait" as my buddy McTrout calls it, has a place in my arsenal.
But back to what we all love to do. Chasing Baffin Big Girls. I had the privilege to fish with lots of new folks this month and also a few old friends.
Including my good friends from Thermon. We had a couple of 3 day trips we ran with Capt. Jim Onderdonk (www.pocolocolodge.com). These trips are something I look forward to each year because this group really gets into the spirit
of things. Side bets on big fish and lots of friendly banter amongst boats is common and sometimes hilarious. We actually ahd a couple of days that were blown
out but when we did get on the water, the guys did what they do best..................... Catch Fish!!!
Andy was on my boat and had a career day bouncing some plastics around Baffin's famedrock formations. While not quite a personal best, this Big Girl came
awfully close.
Moments later he was hooked up again with yet another solid trout. WTG Andy and thanks for the releases.
On our second trip, Scott had the hot hand on my boat as he landed this near personal best trout on a plum Saltwater Assassin.
Our buddy Mr. Green managed a trophy MULLET on the same lure LOL.
On the last day of the trip, we had a good wade going and hung some quality fish. Even the saltwater rookie had some fun.
Paul managed a few nice trout including this one on a dark strawberry Devil Eye.
Even the guides got in on the big fish action as I hung this beauty.
And Jim topped it off with this Fat Girl.
Needless to say, with all the hoopin' and hollerin' from such a large wadefishing contingent, we attracted a little bit more attention than we wanted.
(Next time guys....... Sssshhhhhh!!!)
Thats Jim's boat in the middle in relation to my boat and our two new potlickin' friends LOL. It was all good though. We just found it humorous is all.
Even had the same folks move in on the next two trips. Smiles and friendly waves are always better than confrontations. Y'all keep that in mind.
Sandwiched between Thermon trips was a most memorable trip with 11 county judges, retired DPS nad Land men from West Texas, my old stomping grounds. Can't
remember ever having so much fun with such a likable group. We ran the gamut and and had plenty of laughs, most of which I can't tell you due to my fear of
what might happen to me next time I head out west. Our first day was a little tough as the winds howled (did I mention its been a little windy this year???).
My boat was loaded with hardcore guys who never met the words "Give Up".
Allen was a little rough on equipment as he shows off his new "2 piece" rod LOL.
We managed a few fish despite the conditions but overall it was tough the first day. What we call a character builder. And boy were these guys a bunch of
characters. This must happen to them a lot. The other boats did about the same as we did with Capt. Bruce Miller and Capt. Mike Hart ( www.brushcountrycharters.com ) running ther respective boats. We headed in that afternoon in anticipation of a great
steak dinner and I even got roped into a "friendly" poker game.
The next morning found us with much better conditions and even a few more cooperative fish. Allen took top honors for the day and the entire trip with this
chunky redfish.
Roy had my favorite catch of the day with a 19" flounder.
Allen proved his angling prowess by hanging this nice trout. Notice that same red/white paddletail again.
Roy was just a redfish shy of a great slam after wrestling in this beauty.
It took me almost three days but I think I finally got them to call "Uncle" LOL.
This month has been especially good and very humbling at the same time I had the opportunity to fish with the very young
And the "seasoned" citizens
I find it quite a privilege to be allowed to take part in the activities that these folks love so much. While I get tremendous enjoyment out of fishing and
catching trophy trout and redfish, it pales in comparison to the happiness and sense of accomplishment I get when I see others enjoying what many of us take
for granted. Shayne (the youngster pictured above) has never let his handicap overwhelm him in the short time I've known him. His enthusiasm and zest for
life is evident when he is fishing on the boat with his parents, sister and I and when he is pestering my labs in the swimming pool. Shayne is truly one of my
heroes.
Joe (the gentleman strapped to my front deck) epitomizes what I would someday like to achieve. I hope to live a long vibrant life and maintain good friendships
as long as he has. We laughed so much on this trip that my sides are just now beginning to feel better. Thanks Joe and crew for making my week.
And then there were the trophies of the month. I almost got to add another 30"er to the list but this Big Girl fell just a 1/4" short.
And Michael landed one of the thickest bodied trout I have seen. When they say a trout has "shoulders" this is the type of trout they are talking
about. The pics and video really don't do this fish justice. She was 28 1/2"+ and weighed 8 lbs.
And the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6faiWcqzKAE
Its been a wild and wonderful time down here and the spring and summer are only going to get better. Give me a shout if you want to experience what Baffin has
to offer. We'll be doing some night fishing trips this summer to escape the heat and experience the thrills of night time topwater action.
Remember to practice conservation and just keep 5. Later, Aubrey
