Posts Tagged ‘Trout Fishing’

Trout Fishing Baits - How To Make Effective Use Of Them

Monday, June 15th, 2009
Great trout fishing baits are the primary requirements for trout fishing. However, there are several kinds of baits to choose from, and selecting the best bait to use is a complicated issue. Most trout are picky. Often times, they are unpredictable in their tastes. They may like one kind of bait today and another kind for the next day. To be more successful in trout fishing, wide variety of bait to try will be helpful. There are also factors that you may consider in knowing how and what the trout eats. These factors includes: water and weather temperature for that day, species of trout and other factors.

You may also ask some key informants like the people who also fish trout in the same area or someone in charged in the place you are fishing at, to get some information about what kinds of bait do fishes enjoy in a specific day. But before anything else, keep in mind that the most important thing to do is go to the area prepared and make sure to bring several kinds of bait with you. So that, if one kind of bait did not work fine, you may try another kind of bait until you found the right bait to use.

One of the best bait options is worm, but there are many different types and sizes of worms. An example of one of best worm to use as bait is the Night crawler. Trout usually like these types of worms. Night crawler worms are easy to get, have good weight and are easy to use. Other types of worms are water worms and Hellgamites. These are also often used by many trout fishers but are usually difficult to get. Most regular worms, on the other hand are harder to cast and too small. Sometimes, small minnow worms are also good to use as live baits but it depends on the type of trout and the season.

Choose bait depending on the type of trout that you want to catch. Be sure that you know how to hook them properly, especially when you are using live baits. You can try these additional tips for using baits in trout fishing:

1. Something orange in color is useful as bait.

2. Power bait is also useful like the yellow corn types.

3. Put enough bait to cover the hook.

4. Night crawler in collar hook is advisable with marshmallow straightly above the hook on the line.

5. Pink and salmon eggs are also advisable.

There are many several different types of bait to use in fishing trout. Moreover, there are also several different types of fishing to practice. These are, streamers, egg and bead, top water mousing and dry flies.

The kind of the trout fishing bait that you are using is greatly affected by the type of technique you use in trout fishing. Keep in mind that being flexible is an advantage. Be capable of using different available option to achieve more success in your trout fishing endevours.



By: Abhishek Agarwal

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.



trout fishing

Reasons That Make Trout Fishing Fun

Monday, June 8th, 2009
The trout fish is part of the salmon family. These fish are to found in lakes and cool streams and is spread right through the seas of Europe, Asia and Northern America. Trout fish are found in abundance in the White River in Arkansas which is a perfect habitat for trout because of the chill tail waters of the Beaver Dam on White River.

A tasty fish for a meal

Though the trout is a bony fish, it is also thought to be very tasty. Fishing for Trout is done as a sport and also as a trade. In case you are planning on a trout fishing trip as a fun trip, remember that they are a strong fish and can put up a fairly strong fight if they are caught in the hook of your line.

Though it is possible to catch the trout with a normal reel and rod, fly fishing is the actual technique to bait the trout. This fish is bought up by shops and traders as well as individual persons for their personal food the world across. This is big time trade the world over and business wise the fishermen can do very well if they catch trout

Know the trout fishing areas

When you decide to go on a trout fishing expedition, it will be in a region of trout fish. It is best to find out all about the habits of this fish and to find out where they hideout. Southern Minnesota has a large amount of trout fish and is a good place to go to for angling. It is also a very picturesque place and you could enjoy both the view and the fishing too. You will get a much better catch if you have the appropriate equipment. Ensure that your gear is in good shape and also clean, so that the line will run easily on the reel.

The bait for trout

The best tackle and bait method when angling for trout is to use a number 10 or a number 14 size shank hook. The trout find the night crawlers appetizing bait, but jigs and spinners would do well too.

The best way to fish for trout is the natural way with only specific equipment being used but not the sinker and the bobber. You should fish for trout in the afternoon during spring and in the dawn in summer. It is better to remain hidden and not to walk in the water. Cast your line accurately.

How you go about angling is very crucial so you should have a method that is suitable for any condition. The way you go about this exercise could be beneficial for you or could go against you. You should even think about how you will lure the fish and then bait and catch them too. While waiting on the waters edge you can see the movement of the trout and decide on whether they are at the surface and can be seen or if they are down below in the water. You must watch the movement and decide on your plan of action and make sure that you do not scare the fish away with wrong movements.

It is important to have a plan of action so that you stand to gain by catching more fish instead of chasing them away.



By: Abhishek Agarwal

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.



Let’s Go Fly Fishing In Colorado

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Some of the most spectacular fly fishing in the United States can be found in the state of Colorado. In fact, when many people think of fly fishing, they automatically think of Colorado before anyplace else. It is true that Colorado has some amazing fly fishing places that have some trophy-sized fish in them.

The Frying Pan River is well-known as one of the best fly fishing rivers in the entire state. This is a beautiful river with easy access. Located just outside of Aspen, the Frying Pan is host to a variety of trout including rainbow, brown and cutthroat. There are year-round hatches making fly fishing in any season possible for the avid fisherman.

Another great river in the Aspen area is the Roaring Fork. This diverse river varies from small and calm to large and mighty in places. The river is classified as wild trout waters and is easily accessible down the Rio Grande Trail. As with the “Pan”, year-round fishing is available. You will find mostly wild rainbow trout in the Fork with an occasional wild brook trout.

The North Platte River was once used by pioneers to traverse portions of the West. Indians hunted buffalo along its shores, and its fish population has made it a legend among fly fishers. It is located in Northwestern Colorado and has been rated a gold medal river by experts. You will find many trout in the waters of the Platte and be able to enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time!

In the Vail area, you can fish the Colorado River which is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a river that is mostly wide and deep with a gently moving current. Cottonwood trees line the shore providing many hiding spaces for the brown trout that are abundant in this water.

The Arkansas River is located in the southwestern portion of the state and provides some great trout fishing for anglers. Mid-winter is a great time to fish the Arkansas for trout as is the spring time. Around Mother’s Day every year, many fishermen descend on the Arkansas for the annual caddis hatch which is huge. Brown trout feed on caddis and they come “out of the woodwork” for this hatch.

These are only a few of the places where fly fishing in Colorado is plentiful. The countryside is gorgeous and the fish plentiful. There are also lots of great lodges that accommodate fly fishermen on a year-round basis. Fly fishing in Colorado might be the piece de resistance for many fishermen. Check out this great state and enjoy your adventure!



By: Jack Safford

About the Author:

Visit the Tips For Fishing website to learn about pictures of fishing and fly fishing knots.



trout fishing

2 Tips To Prepare Yourself For A Trout Fishing Expedition

Saturday, May 30th, 2009
A very popular kind of fishing today is the Trout fishing, which people indulge in for different reasons. Some do it as a sport, others to procure food and still others as a trade and profession. To have a successful trout fishing trip you should be geared up for it and for this you ought to have some knowledge about trout fishing. To begin your lesson on trout fishing you could just read on.

1. Learn more about Trout fishing

If this is going to be your first experience with Trout fishing you will have to get to know a lot about the fish, like where they are found, their habits and then it will be easier for you to fish for trout.

After getting to know the habits of the trout you will also need the right equipment to go trout fishing. For trout fishing you should have a net to get a hold of the fish apart from the hook and line, as the trout can break away with the line and the hook while you are trying to drag it from the water. This would be bad for you as well as the fish that will still have the hook in it when it breaks away.

To remove a hook that has been swallowed you would need a haemostat. In case you need to wade into the water you should equip yourself with waders or water proof boots to keep your feet protected. Among other essentials you will need a fishing vest so that you can carry all the fundamentals with you and always within reach. All this apart you would also need a reel and a rod.

2. The type of rod and reel for trout fishing

The kind of equipment you need depends mainly on the kind of fish you are planning to catch. For smaller fish it would suffice to have a cheaper variety of spin-cast style reel and rod, however, if you plan on angling for larger fish, you will have to ensure that you get something that is strong enough to endure the weight of the fish. If this is going to be something that you will be experiencing often, then as a professional trout fisherman you would need a more advanced kind of equipment. You could then go in for an ultra-light rod which is much more flexible, easier to cast, and would also make it easier to let you know that you have a bite on your line. You can sense your strike more effortlessly in a light rod.

For better casting and an easier float you should get a rod that is around six feet or a little more. You could also try an ultra-light spinning reel that is specially designed for a light line like the 4-pound test.

The angle and the technique is another essential thing to know. But with the trout nothing is constant, you will have to take things one day at a time and try and learn all the different tricks of the trade. Something that holds good one day may not work on the next, so you will have to cope s you go along.



By: Abhishek Agarwal

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.



Trout Fishing

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Trout fishing has taken on two completely different characteristics in the last twenty years. One type is the annual stocking of the hatchery-raised trout to support a fishing event, and the second is the time-honored wild trout fishing.

Trout fishing has become so popular that cities and civic organizations conduct trout derbies to spur fishing and encourage family participation. Even in waters that cannot support trout in the summer, the fish are stocked for special events. Local waters are temporarily transformed into trout streams and lakes in the late fall or early spring. These stocked fish are normally eight to twelve inches and are ready to be caught. The most effective way to fish these stocked trout is to use natural bait. Do not try live fast moving bait such as minnows. These fish are farm raised and have never dined on live creatures unless they accidentally caught an insect. These fish are fed grain that is spread on the water and quickly floats to the bottom of the farm pond or hatchery. These type of trout are generally bottom feeders. When fishing stocked trout use salmon eggs, worms, or corn. Use a small hook baited well. Trout have small mouths requiring a hook they can get in their mouths. If the bottom has a great deal of structure and you keep getting tangled then use a float with a long leader. A long leader will keep the bait out of the tangles and deep enough for the normal eating depth of the trout.

Fishing for wild trout is totally different. Artificial bait should be your bait of choice. If the fishing is slow and you decide to try fresh bait, be sure to use a float. Trout in the wild feed on the top of the water requiring anglers to keep the bait close to the surface whether fishing in a fast moving stream or a lake. Be sure to use a clear float tied above the bait. This reduces the chance the fish will the see the unnatural float and scurry away. When fishing fast-moving water with natural bait, tie the float four feet above the baited hook. When fishing natural bait in a lake, tie the float as high on the line as possible. This will keep the bait suspended but below the surface. After trying some still fishing for a while, start a slow retrieve. Reel very slowly. This slow retrieve will create a moving target about four inches below the water surface. Only use baited hooks when all else fails.

Many expert trout fisherman use only flies. Many streams are in protected wildlife areas are fly-fishing only waters and often only allow “catch and release” angling. When fly fishing, gather local information to determine the best fly to use. Choices will vary based on water temperature, season, drought, flow volume and other natural factors. Seek the advice of another fisherman or a local tackle store. After selecting the fly, study the water patterns and look for spots that offer deep bank cuts, overhead cover or pools behind and down stream from rocks. Cast the fly above your target zone and let it drift through it. Repeat this action several times. For some variety, add a split shot three to four feet above the fly. This extra weight will drop the fly below the surface a couple of inches and might attract a trout that is lurking a bit deeper. If you decide to use artificial bait such as a Mepps spinner, be sure to start with one sixteenth of an ounce. If rapid water keeps the bait bouncing above the water surface, tie on a heavier spinner until you get a retrieval track two to three inches below the surface. When fishing fast moving water, cast the bait into the center of the flow and let it drift down stream. As the bait drifts it will naturally drift back towards the shoreline. If you are wading you have some flexibility as to the distance the retrieve can be executed from the bank. If you are fishing from the bank, then extend your fishing rod over the water to keep the bait a safe distance from the shoreline. If you spot a ripple or a pool of calm water behind a boulder or part of a depth change, cast across the water and above the target. Experiment until you get the correct casting distance to reel the bait through the pool. Never cast once into a likely target and give up. It make take several casts over the same water to generate a trout rise. Remember to allow your bait to drift past the target water and then reel the bait back through the target water. When retrieving, move the rod tip from side to side. This movement pattern changes the look of the bait and often entices the strike. The retrieve itself should be match the speed of the water flow. The faster the stream is moving; the slower the retrieve. Let the speed of rushing water spin the blade of the bait instead of reeling at a steady gait. In fact, the speed of the retrieve should change during every cast. The bait will cross fast and rushing water requiring the retrieve to slow down in fast water and speed up in slower water.

In all cases, scout the fishing grounds for cutouts next to banks, pools, ripples, overhanging trees or brush and boulders. Trout tend to wait in these areas for insects to pass overhead or to just rest. Trout do strike very hard and fight viciously. They die quickly when out of the water or handled improperly. If you are going to catch and release, or you hook an under-sized fish; wet your hands, carefully remove the hook and gently release the trout back to Mother Nature.



By: Brent Vanderstelt

About the Author:



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Trout Fishing in Southern California Mountain Streams - Part I

Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Southern California has a vast array of streams running through its mountains which are stocked regularly with trout during the cooler months. Although we will be concerning ourselves mainly with these ‘stocked’ fish, many of these streams also contain ‘native’ trout which may be caught year round. In this article, we will be discussing the equipment and tackle needed to catch these sometimes elusive fish.

Before you can even begin, you will need a rod and reel (Although you could just as easily use something as simple as a stick with fishing line and a hook?). Ultra-light tackle is preferable, as it is smaller, lighter and more sensitive than its normal (or heavy duty) counter parts. Fishing line comes in many pound (lb.) test ratings, but 2 to 4 lbs. test is best for stream fishing as it is of a small diameter which makes it harder for the fishes to see underwater. This light line is also ok since most of the fish caught will be less than one pound. Many anglers find that a fly fishing rig works well too, but unless you have experience fly fishing it can be a daunting task on the small mountain streams.

The only other things we will need to begin are hooks, weights, and bait. For hooks, treble hooks in the 14 – 16 range work best for these smaller trout, and cheese baits stay on these best. There are also small salmon egg hooks if you chose to us salmon eggs as bait, but you can also just put 3 eggs on one hook and save from having 2 types of hooks. For weight, small lead ‘split-shot’ work best as you can add and remove them as needed. Split-shot come in many sizes, but it is sometimes easier to get the smaller and use what is needed than the larger and not be able to put the amount weight you want. Lastly we will need some sort of bait (although spinner bait and spoons can be used, bait is easier in these small streams). Bait can be commercially packaged salmon eggs, cheeses and other so called trout baits, but what I personally found to work best is plain old Velveeta cheese. You may also want to try corn, worms, live bugs or dry flies– the choice is yours.

Now for the fishing part, almost - but if you are 16 years of age or older, you will need to purchase a fishing license for a small fee (this helps to pay for the fish we are trying to catch). All that is left now is to find one of the many streams that are stocked, find a good fishin’ hole and catch a few trout for dinner.

In the next part, we will cover some actual techniques for fishing the streams of the mountains of Southern California.



By: Jonathan Parker

About the Author:

Jonathan Parker is the webmaster at www.nowyourfishing.com and has been both fishing and working online for many years. At NowYourFishing.com, you can find fishing tips, the free report “How to Plan and Budget the Fishing Trip of Your Dreams” and the eBook “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Fishing”.



trout fishing

Trout The Hunt Is On!

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Trout come in a variety which include, brown, rainbow,brook,steelhead and cutthroat. They mainly live in North America, Asia and Europe, but they have been taken into other parts of the world because fishermen love trout for their size, colour and for the great sport of catching them.

Mainly you will find trout in cooler rivers and lakes. If you see fast flowing water turns to a slower pace or where deeper water turns to shallow, this is a good place to start looking. Trout fishing can be fun and sometimes these fish can try your patience because of their moody temperament.

Everyone has their favourite bait for catching trout and if you find something that works for you then stick with it, but if not listed below are a few ideas on what you could use.

Salmoneggs,crayfish,minnows,earthworms,insects,spinners,you should also consider using something out of the ordinary like a corn or a piece of marshmallow. All anglers seem to use the same baits and if you could come up with something different that the trout are feeding on ,you could be onto a good days fishing.

Fly fishing is another good way to catch trout. There are a number of different flies on the market to choose from and it is always good to have a selection. Some of the flies on the market do not resemble any insect or fly at all. This is because they are not supposed to as they are mealy food recognition as appose to imitation.

The feeding habits of the trout change from species to species as well as time of day and difference in waters, fast or slow. Many factors have to be taken into consideration when fishing for trout and no one thing can determine weather you get it right or wrong.

Trout are a very cunning and unpredictable fish and the more time that you spend practising the easier it will be to make the right choices to enable you to master this species. These fish will take a lot of time and patience to overcome, but if you can put in the time and gain the knowledge you will need your rewards will be worth it in the end.

Try to remember you do not need to imitate a specific fly or insect to catch these fish so try going for something that does not resemble any of flies you usually use. Give it a go, you may be pleasantly surprised and good luck.



By: jeff ryall

About the Author:

Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http://www.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com



Trout Fishing - Learn the Facts That Can Help you Catch the Trophies

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
There are many different types of fish which individuals fish for exclusively these days. One variety of fish which is highly sought after by fishermen everywhere is the trout. There are many different subspecies of trout which come in a variety of colors, lengths and weights. This freshwater fish is touted as one of the favorites among game fish found in lakes, rivers and streams.

Most of the different subspecies of trout are found in cold water lakes, streams and rivers. They tend to migrate from place to place and swim in the various areas of the water. They are found throughout the United States as well as parts of Asia and Europe. As for the menu items which trout desire, they mainly feed on aquatic flies such as mayflies and dragonflies. Zooplankton and small fish are also a delicacy for certain types of trout, depending on where they are located.

One of the interesting characteristics about the trout is that they have fins which are lacking in spines. This tends to separate them from some of their other fish counterparts. As for their average age and size, this tends to vary greatly among the various subspecies of trout. In general, trout tend to live many years and can get to great sizes, some even topping over 50 lbs. or more.

There are a few things which trout fishermen can do in order to yield the best catch. First and foremost, those who fish for trout may find that they will catch the most trout by using a particular fishing method. Those who use fly fishing techniques will be most likely to catch the most trout in the fastest time possible. It is important to point out however that rod fishing is also an option.

Trout are attracted to certain types of bait and lures. Some which yield the most interest from trout include spoons, jigs, flies, salmon eggs and worms. Once the trout bites, it is important to set the hook as quickly as possible. In order to catch as many trout as possible, it is important that one engages in their fishing as quietly as they can. As trout are easily scared off, it is important to move slowly and use a natural looking bait or lure so as to be effective in catching this popular fish.

There is a website that has great information on most species of freshwater fish. It has details that pertain to each species of fish such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, the best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.



By: Robert Benjamin

About the Author:

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970’s-80’s.

Get A Credit Card or FastCash Loan Today!

http://www.rb59.com



Family Fishing Holidays in France

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
France is a country that has a wonderful variety of fishing from the North through to the South and caters for fly fishing, course and game fishing on a wide range of rivers and lakes. Plus there is plenty of coast line for the sea angler to enjoy as well.

Carp fishing, cat fishing, not forgetting course and pike fishing are just some of the holidays that you can enjoy in France and whilst some places cater for the dedicated angler, others are more family orientated with accommodation and activities for the non fishers.

There are several types of fishing holiday available and for trout fishing, you would need to book from around the middle to end of March up until around the first week of September, which is the only time frame you are allowed to fish for trout in France.

In certain areas of France, salmon fishing is prohibited all year, so it is always best to check on the area you are going, prior to thinking that you will be able to get a licence for fly fishing, just like that.

Every country has numerous different regulations and France is no exception, with specific rules in place for what type of fish you can catch, when you are allowed to catch certain species of fish and what equipment you are allowed to fish with.

For some, this can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are not fluent in French, and although in some areas it will be easier than others to organise your fishing venue and licence, it is often easier to pre-organise your fishing holiday, so do try and get as much information as possible.

You must have a fishing licence to fish in rivers, streams and lakes throughout France unless these are privately owned or booked as a fishing holiday where the fishing licence requirements are normally included, but it is advisable to check this out before you travel!

If you need to obtain your own fishing permit, these can usually be obtained from the local fishing tackle shop or alternatively from the local bar or tobac. But if you are not sure on what is required then you can get advice from the local tourist information board, which can also provide maps of where you can and cannot fish.

If you are only going to be on holiday in France for a short time, then you can get what is known as The Carte de Peche de Vacances, which covers an angler for up to fifteen consecutive days and can be used between 1st June and 30th November. However, outside of these dates an annual fishing licence is mandatory.

An annual permit may be used for the whole year but bear in mind that this will only be for one department unless you get it stamped for different areas that you may go to and this is something that you will need for all fresh water fishing.

When it comes to catfish and carp fishing, you can get a licence to do this in the local rivers or public lakes, but the majority of people will want to opt for a carp fishing holiday on a dedicated lake. And when you go to a dedicated privately owned lake for carp fishing, cat fishing, etc, then you will not normally have to worry about getting your own individual licence as this will already have either been sorted out by the travel agency or the owner under their regulations.

Boats are allowed to be used quite a bit in France, but you may need to have a separate part to your licence to enable you to use a boat, even if it is only for baiting. But be careful if you have an echo sounder in your boat, as you are not allowed to have both this and your tackle in the boat at the same time!

Also, night fishing is prohibited in a lot of places in France, but when on a private fishing lake, or if with the correct licence on certain waters, this can be allowed. If not, then you can only fish half hour after sunrise to half hour before sunset. Some places on the rivers seine, rhone, mosselle, oise, madine and rhine, etc do allow night fishing, but there are many places that do ban the use of a bivvy or tent even if night fishing is allowed and you may only get away with a brolly!

Sea fishing off of the Atlantic coast is excellent and you will be pleased to know that a licence is not needed, and you can go out on a boat to catch bass, conger eels and even tuna or surf cast for sea bream to name but a few.

Fly fishing for salmon and trout is available in lots of public canals and navigable rivers but as with most countries, these will also contain other fish such as Pike, so beware! However some of the best places to try your hand at fly fishing are often owned by groups and in this case you would need to pay the owners for a permit to fish as well as having your licence.

Some of the best salmon fishing in France can be found in the Pyrenees Atlantiques and the river Loire is also a major salmon fishery for France.

Some of the best fishing in France is for course fishing where you will find lots of different species, but with carp, catfish and pike being in abundance, especially in areas such as the Dordogne, Lot and Charente Maritime. But if you like fishing for black bass, the river Rhone is known as a premier bass fishery, as is the river Saone.

The fishing dates and times do vary each year in France, so it is always advisable to check on these before planning your fishing holiday, and at the end of the day, forget about the headaches of the licences, just enjoy the whole experience and you too could be in with a chance of catching a fish that has never been caught before!



By: Marty Davis

About the Author:

www.placesinfrance.com

Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - Family Fishing Holidays In France



trout fishing

Trout Fishing On The Bay!

Friday, May 1st, 2009
Wading in the flats and fishing in St. George Sound was as soothing and relaxing an outing as I’ve had in years. Getting out of bed early, my brother in law and I left the rest of our vacationing family and drove the mile to St. George Island State Park, Florida. We’d scouted the area the day before and found that the boat landing area at the park wasn’t deep enough to safely launch the boat. The island was still digging out of the sand due to Hurricane Dennis.

Since we couldn’t put the boat in the water there, we just pulled the truck, boat and trailer into a nice shady spot close to the water and decided to wade. It was a beautiful morning for wading and we almost had the whole bay to ourselves at 8:00 in the morning. There was only one kayaker paddling around about a half mile from us.

The gentle lapping of the water around my knees, the picturesque morning sun and the mist on the water made this morning a magnificent one. We slowly eased around the oyster bars that seem to exist throughout the bay. About a half mile away I could see a boat cautiously moving through the open water of the bay, careful not to run aground because the water could change from 4 feet deep to 0 in a flash!

Before I left the shore I had stocked my fishing vest with a couple of spoons, a gold one and a silver one. That was the only tackle I had with me. When wading I carry a mesh nylon bag to carry my fish if I’m going to eat them later. I also put my Florida non-resident fishing license in a zip lock bag and stuffed it in one of the many pockets of my vest.

Tying on my gold spoon, I cast into the shore side weeds. I hadn’t retrieved it more that a few feet when something grabbed it and headed for the other side of the bay. After a few wild forays up and down the channel between the two oyster beds where I was standing in waist deep water, I brought the fish up to me. It was a beautiful trout about two pounds. I continued wading and casting down the shore line and eventually worked my way further out into the bay. During this time I caught one more trout and nothing else.

Tiring of not seeing another fish, I changed to my silver lure. Within a couple of casts I had a good sized fish on the end of my fishing line. This time it felt like I had hooked a concrete block. I brought him to the top of the water. When I measured him on the inch marks I had painted on my rod, he proved to be 22 ” long; well within the 18-27 inch size regulations for a Red Fish. I put him in my mesh bag that was tied to my fishing vest and let him swim around with the two trout.

My silver spoon seemed to be the bait of the day for within 10 minutes I had another fish on the line. As I brought him closer to me I saw that it was another Redfish; a little larger than the first one. Since I had already caught my limited of Reds for the day, I released the one in the bag and replaced him with the larger one I had just caught.

Every fisherman who has ever caught a good sized fish looks around to see if anyone else had witnessed his great achievement. I scanned the area around me and saw there were two other fishermen now standing on a sand bar about two hundred yards from me. There was also the kayaker I had seen earlier, closer to me now, paddling around the oyster bars enjoying the morning. My brother-in-law seemed to be didn’t seem to be having much success for he merely shook his head in disgust as I held up the beauty I had just caught.

As I was about to cast again, I saw the Kayaker getting close to me. I was about to become irritated about someone invading my fishing space when the girl who was paddling the boat yelled, “Are you Bob Alexander?”

Now this was spooky! Out in the middle of Apalachicola Bay, almost 500 miles from home and someone is looking for me? She certainly didn’t look like a bill collector or the IRS. For a moment I thought I must be in the middle of a Twilight Zone episode.

As the girl paddled closer, she proved to be a mermaid with a gift! As I waved my hand in acknowledgement, she held up the zip lock baggie that I used to carry and protect my fishing license. It must have fallen out of my pocket and drifted on the wind to where the lady kayaker was floating.

Not only did we have a great morning of fishing, but I had also experienced a miracle. You can’t ask for much more from a sunny morning in June.



By: Bob Alexander

About the Author:

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:
http://www.bluemarlinbob.com
http://www.redfishbob.com