Its That Time Of Year

 

Each year from Labor Day to Halloween I take time off from Hook the Future and run charters for big bull redfish in the St Johns River.

 

 

 

Over the years many clients have become friends, usually they bringing along someone new each time to catch big reds for the first time. I love hearing the boat come alive when the first big red of the day comes to the surface boat side!

 

 

This years run was very steady with big fish in the river. Day after day big red after big red....

 

Every day on the water was a good day this season but there were some trips, catches and people that just stood out.

 

 

 

 

How about the slowest charter of the season. The clients had purchased the trip through a charity auction and was ready to tear up the redfish....but a weak cold front had pushed over and the redfish were just not eating, I soaked crabs and croakers... for two hours ... nothing. It was terrible! Then finally a hit! when the angler picked up the rod, I thought... this ain't no redfish....for a good fifteen minutes or more on 30 lb gear with 20 lbs of drag the big fish gave him all he wanted!

 

A monster Black Drum pops up boat side! They look like old dinosaurs! This one was Huge! Big black drum are not uncommon in the river, January - April for the spawn but in early October? Surprise catches are always memorable.

 

 

 

Many trips this season included Dad's sharing the experience with their kids for the first time, and many grown men "Paying back" their fathers and treating them to a day on the water.

 

Another season in the books... time to get back to the show. Livin' the Salt Life!

Slimy 5's!

Capt Don