NCsaltaire

Fishing in “Fishing Paradise”

September 17, 2012 at 10:21 pm Leave a comment

The first mate and I traveled to the west coast of Florida in early September to fish for Gator trout and giant Redfish. Our guide was Capt. CA Richardson from Flats Class TV and Charters.  The trip took us to Tampa Bay and Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge.

The weather was extremely hot with equal high humidity. The skies were clear with a constant breeze out of the southwest. We knew the conditions were going to be difficult but we were up for the challenge.

Our charter originated out of O’Neill’s Marina in St Petersburg, Florida. We have fished with Capt. CA before so we knew the drill. We would depart the dock at 0700 and fish both tides. Our trip would lead well into the afternoon. Our vessel was a popular Hells Bay Boats Works “Neptune”. We were ready.

The day started slow with us picking up an occasional speckled trout using both spoons and artificial lures. Our gear was top of the line Daiwa reels and Falcon light Gulf Spin rods. The reels were loaded with premium 15 pound braid. This set up has produced before, so we had confidence of a repeat success.

By 1000 we had caught a number of beautiful specs but not the “gator” size or giant reds that we hunted. We decided to try another area on the west side on the harbor.

During our travels to the next site, we spotted a school of giant reds. The pod was well over a dozen yards square. This school was the one we met up with last year estimated at several hundred fish. The forward wave push of this school was over six inches. Capt. CA maneuvered the vessel about 75 yards ahead of the school, turned the bow straight into them. And we waited.

As the school approached us, they suddenly disappeared. Gone – they nowhere to be found. Spooked!! We would search for them for over an hour. Without locating them again, we then proceeded to return to the Gator Trout fishery. Over the next several hours, we had a great day catching and releasing close to two dozen specs.

We returned to the dock at 1500, exhausted but satisfied that we had another great day on the water with our good friend Capt. CA.

For a memorable fishing experience, you need to plan a trip to southwest Florida. When in Florida, Capt CA is the guy.

One slogan that holds true for Florida – it is definitely a“fishing paradise”.

Until next time, Tightlines.

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Entry filed under: Home, Places. Tags: cape hatteras, duck, Florida, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, nags head, outer banks, salt water fishing.