Posted By: Bluecat Bob
Patience Paid Off... - 12/05/22 02:52 AM
The last couple of trips out have been challenging. After a bumper season catching bait with my net I drew a couple of blanks, and with the fish going deeper with the cooler temps it was time to get out the big heavy taped net.
Throwing and retrieving it is a workout, as it's a lot of weight to throw around. I was rusty and decided to get some practice on the back lawn. After many less than optimal pancakes, I slowly started to make some progress.
Success!
The bite has been slow of late, water temperature down in the low 50's and the fish have been spread out in between 20-30 feet.
One decent fish a couple of weeks ago that was 29 pounds, but slim pickings since.
Earlier this week I went out armed with my tape net and no reserve/frozen bait. If I wanted to fish I needed to get me some bait. Despite 3 hours throwing my net in the Marina, in creeks and off of points I didn't snag a single shad. I had to return to the boat ramp empty handed with my tail between my legs and without me casting a single rod. It sucked.
Today I was ready to go at it again. This time with some reserve bait. Over 90 minutes throwing the net in no less than three locations, and once again drew a blank. I must be doing something very wrong. This time I deployed my reserve bait, this time fish purchased at the market.
Again a slow bite and a somewhat bluebird day with no wind for most of it. I caught a couple of box fish, one 3 pounds and one 5 pounds, and then a big take down on my long line.
(short movie)
https://maddbrit.smugmug.com/Fishing/Fishing-Trips/i-PSZ27PG/A
A nice big fat Bluecat, hitting the scales at just under 44 pounds. Quite the fight and quite the workout.
Patience paid off.
A very good day.
Throwing and retrieving it is a workout, as it's a lot of weight to throw around. I was rusty and decided to get some practice on the back lawn. After many less than optimal pancakes, I slowly started to make some progress.
Success!
The bite has been slow of late, water temperature down in the low 50's and the fish have been spread out in between 20-30 feet.
One decent fish a couple of weeks ago that was 29 pounds, but slim pickings since.
Earlier this week I went out armed with my tape net and no reserve/frozen bait. If I wanted to fish I needed to get me some bait. Despite 3 hours throwing my net in the Marina, in creeks and off of points I didn't snag a single shad. I had to return to the boat ramp empty handed with my tail between my legs and without me casting a single rod. It sucked.
Today I was ready to go at it again. This time with some reserve bait. Over 90 minutes throwing the net in no less than three locations, and once again drew a blank. I must be doing something very wrong. This time I deployed my reserve bait, this time fish purchased at the market.
Again a slow bite and a somewhat bluebird day with no wind for most of it. I caught a couple of box fish, one 3 pounds and one 5 pounds, and then a big take down on my long line.
(short movie)
https:/
A nice big fat Bluecat, hitting the scales at just under 44 pounds. Quite the fight and quite the workout.
Patience paid off.
A very good day.