10/22 off the beach

[Bi0tic]

Between the weather and work, it has been a couple months since I could get out and fish. Finally on Friday the prediction was for calm seas, so time to dust off the equipment and see whats happening out there.

There wasn't much wind when I arrived at the beach, but the water was really choppy with a strong southbound current. The chop can be a pain but is not a problem in the yak so time to get things started. Before I got the yak in the water two guys fishing north of me were hooked up, after a couple minutes they pull a pair of jacks onto the sand. I then noticed that the jacks were visible in the ultra clear water, cruising through the surf and chasing threadfins right onto the sand.

I thought about making a couple casts but dismissed the thought and headed out for bigger and better things. I headed south as usual but as I anticipated, navigating was a pain with the current and chop. Start off with the trusty xrap and after about 30 mins I get a hit, but lose it after a few seconds. Another hour later I spotted some baitfish getting worked, get a another violent hit, then nothing. The line broke above the leader.

By this time its starting to get a little rough so I decide to work my way back to the launch, and work I did. It was a grueling effort fighting the watery forces. On the way I hooked up a third time and actually managed to keep the fish on for a few minutes before it somehow hung me on the bottom. I thought for sure I was going to have to break it off but after the third attempt to give it slack (have I mentioned the forces yet?) my lure was freed and a third fish gets away.

Almost back to the launch, I was getting pretty tired so I stopped to drift for a bit. Throw out a dine and jig the bottom for a while and managed to produce a big ol white grunt and a 16" sheepshead. Made a few more drifts after that with nothing to show for it so headed in for good.

Needless to say I am pretty sore today but it was nice to get out after so long.

[bolo]

Thanks for sharing that report.

[fixed80]

d@m, so it sucked out there pretty much. i dont like it either when the chop is too bad.
it makes paddling hard and as for me.... i cant even enjoy myself when im rockin
and rollin. thanx for your report. i didn't know if you were
still with us anymore. i was wondering what happen to ya. by the way...
what area were you at. south of Sebastian or north in brevard?

[Bi0tic]

The usual down by fort pierce.

I expect the sheepies should start showing soon at SI (and around patrick afb for that matter) since I nabbed one off the beach. The bite was decent last winter, hopefully this year will be better.

Oh and my handheld gps died the night before X(