More Missed Chances

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September 8th 2018

 

Matt had contacted me this week to book a trip, as a gift for his friend Sam. It was his birthday and he wanted to go fishing! Hopefully the weather and fish gods would come through!

A little later start than usual had us leaving the dock about 8:00 in search of sturgeon. I was sure we would get some but unsure of the numbers and size. The area I had been fishing recently hadn’t put out any of the big ones yet and I was hoping that this would be the day.

After a smooth run with the new engine, I began the search and eventually anchored up on some good marks. With lines set, we waited in anticipation of our first bite.

The winds were blowing out of the NW and even with the sun, it felt cold. There also didn’t seem to be much activity around and the wait seemed like forever. Eventually however, one of the lines got bit and I was tight to their first sturgeon. Sam was the lucky one as he got to do battle with the fish. Although not really big, it still gave him a great fight and some spectacular jumps. It even surged to the bottom a couple of times, screaming line from the reel. After a few minutes, I was able to tail his fish for several good pics before the release.

Matt was up next as I had found out that he too was celebrating the same birthday! I really wanted him to experience the power these fish delivered and made a move, searching for more marks. Once found, I dropped anchor and we began our wait again!

It didn’t take nearly as long this time as our first hit came within minutes. Unfortunately I only got a piece of the fish and the hook pulled immediately. My hookup ratio is usually closer to 100% and I wasn’t thrilled to have missed this fish!

I had noticed that the wind had calmed down a bit and switched more to the east now and that there was also more activity all around. Birds were flying and there were even some fish jumping where we were too. It was a good sign and I expected another bite soon!

As luck would have it, I noticed one of the rods getting hit and set into a good fish. Matt immediately took the rod and began to do battle with his first ever sturgeon. With the line rising, I informed him that the fish was about to jump and when it did, he couldn’t believe its size. It may not have been big to me, but it was to him! He fought the fish for about five minutes and really got to feel the power as it pulled line from the reel. Eventually I netted his catch and he held it for several pics before releasing it once again. I still don’t know why anyone would want to kill one of these things!

We remained in the area for a little longer, without any more bites and decided to pack it up and go for bass. Although the sturgeon were great, they wanted a little more action and bass was what we were going to target.

After a long run, I settled on a shallower flat where I had been seeing only big fish lately. I was sure that if they worked it thoroughly, they would hook up. After a few follows and missed strikes, Mark locked up on a bass that had been eye balling his bait. It was a good one and when it jumped, I realized just how big it actually was. I eventually netted it and had a tough time removing the hook. This thing would have never gotten off! Pics and a release and back to searching, now that everyone had more confidence!

Although they had several other chances at the bass, Matt was the only one that was able to land one on a jig. The others just weren’t as lucky and missed each and every fish they had. With time getting on, I decided to hit one last area hoping for a few more big bass!

After another long run, I set up on a current break and locked the motor in place. I instructed them on what to do and it didn’t take long before Mark was tight lined. Unfortunately he had set on slack and once his fish jumped, it threw the bait. I told them that the fish were big here and by paying attention, they would land every one they hooked. Matt also had a run of bad luck when he lost three fish, simultaneously! More slack line issues! I informed them again on paying attention as they wouldn’t get many more chances. These fish didn’t get that big by being dumb! They would eventually stop biting all together! Mark soon set into another good fish and this time he actually brought it to net. No pics as he wanted to get back in immediately and catch another.

We had been holding on this spot for over 30 minutes now and several chances were had, with only one fish landed. Not a great percentage! Sam wasn’t doing much better either as he lost 2 or 3 as well, but soon redeemed himself. After losing a good fish moments before, he set into a nice one and was lucky enough to bring it to net. While we were taking pics, Mark slammed another one and kept it pinned long enough for me to finish with Sam’s photos. I netted his bass and again released it so that he could continue fishing.

Matt was up front watching everyone else catch but was unable to rebound after losing those 3 fish earlier. I took the rod and showed him exactly what to do and set into another good one almost instantly. The fish were still here but you had to pay attention!

Unfortunately, 20 minutes later, it was time to go. They had about 12 chances at these fish and only managed to bring 3 to the boat. Four if you count the cast I made! Despite the slow fishing, the quality was definitely there. They may not have landed a lot of fish today but it wasn’t for lack of trying. They all had many chances but didn’t monopolize on them as well as I would have liked. In the end though, they couldn’t have asked for a nicer day on the water. The cold morning gave way to a beautiful warm afternoon and the wind disappeared all together. This was the perfect end to another great day on the water!!