F is for futile...
Fishing is hard- no matter the season, the weather, or the time of day- fishing is possibly the most frustrating pastime known to man. Despite having top tier gear and equipment, as well as a focused and calmed mind, fishing presents unique and difficult challenges that the common man can not endure. Fishing shapes a mind and reinforces humility through countless skunked outing, and patience through long hours spent on the water. Although fishing has not always been fruitful, it is without a doubt my favorite pastime past summers, winters, and autumns.
This fall, however, was a unique exception. This fall, the spot I have fished in years past has been over-run by other fisherman. So much so, that the fishing has become a standstill, and discarded braid and trash abound. I know I shouldn't complain, for I have been provided a beautiful slice of wilderness.
This past weekend, I reached the water and cast out my line at about 5:00a.m.; this was about the earliest I had ever fished this spot, and the darkness that blanketed my was encouraging. I started throwing a 5 inch, 7/8 ounce Storm swim-shad around major structure created by the ripping current. This was to no avail, so progressing towards the salt pond, I switched my lure to a 5 1/8 inch SP minnow Laser Sardine. This lure was more effective, resulting in a small hit and a schoolie striper. By this time, the sun had risen, so I naturally progressed to a seven inch Timber pencil popper. This lure was not effective, presumably because of the relatively small sized fish present. Undiscouraged, I switched back to the SP, and casted into the fast moving current. This current was to my advantage because it worked my lure without effort. After missing a huge fish - presumably a bluefish - due to an unset drag, I hooked and landed a few more schoolie bass and two or three small cocktail bluefish. The most interesting catch of the day could end up being a cocktail bluefish the I didn't hook in the mouth; Instead, I hooked a line that was already in its mouth - this provided for a rather interesting fight.
Although this was a great opportunity to get out fishing, the fishing was slow due to multiple other fisherman in the spot. Although the fall has started out rocky, I have faith it will pick up and net some huge fish. All I have to say is enjoy the moments while they last.
-Paul 10/26/17
This fall, however, was a unique exception. This fall, the spot I have fished in years past has been over-run by other fisherman. So much so, that the fishing has become a standstill, and discarded braid and trash abound. I know I shouldn't complain, for I have been provided a beautiful slice of wilderness.
This past weekend, I reached the water and cast out my line at about 5:00a.m.; this was about the earliest I had ever fished this spot, and the darkness that blanketed my was encouraging. I started throwing a 5 inch, 7/8 ounce Storm swim-shad around major structure created by the ripping current. This was to no avail, so progressing towards the salt pond, I switched my lure to a 5 1/8 inch SP minnow Laser Sardine. This lure was more effective, resulting in a small hit and a schoolie striper. By this time, the sun had risen, so I naturally progressed to a seven inch Timber pencil popper. This lure was not effective, presumably because of the relatively small sized fish present. Undiscouraged, I switched back to the SP, and casted into the fast moving current. This current was to my advantage because it worked my lure without effort. After missing a huge fish - presumably a bluefish - due to an unset drag, I hooked and landed a few more schoolie bass and two or three small cocktail bluefish. The most interesting catch of the day could end up being a cocktail bluefish the I didn't hook in the mouth; Instead, I hooked a line that was already in its mouth - this provided for a rather interesting fight.
Although this was a great opportunity to get out fishing, the fishing was slow due to multiple other fisherman in the spot. Although the fall has started out rocky, I have faith it will pick up and net some huge fish. All I have to say is enjoy the moments while they last.
-Paul 10/26/17
Do you believe that the color of the SP minnow had any impact on the fishing?
ReplyDeleteIf so, what is your favorite color of SP minnow?