Paddle-Fishing.com

After spending over a month on the sidelines due to a surgery and other maladies, I finally got back on the water this morning.

Hit the beach for tarpon at O dark 30 and launched into less than perfect conditions. But, as we all know, it's a timing thing and I nailed it.

The sabiki brought up a bunch of pinfish quickly so it was time to paddle and get set up. Drop the anchor, secure the bait bucket to the anchor bouy, get the drift chute clipped on and get my pliers tethered and handy.

Then it was time to stick my hand in the bait bucket and get reaquainted with why they're called PINfish. Picked a first one I could get my hand around and secured it to an 8/0 circle hook.

I cast it out and settled in for the wait. It didn't take long. 5 minutes after caring it out, I got the big tug. However it was over almost as quick as it started. As soon as she felt the tension, she half jumped right at me.

As she came out, I watched my float and bait fly out of her mouth. It was a huge jolt of adrenaline.

Then I sat and drown pinfish for the next few hours. All but this one, a smart little shark took the pinfish right up to the hook.



Certainly felt good to get back on the water and spend some time with good friends.

Glad to hear you're off the binnacle list, brother.

That looks like the Sharks are learning new tricks from the Kingfish

Looks like you need to tighten up those knots a little better. That's why they call It fishing and not catching.

sfurman wrote:Looks like you need to tighten up those knots a little better.

Tarpon aren't bothered by longish tag ends. And when they hook up, the knot gets very tight. Have never had the leader to hook knot fail with tarpon.

Glad to see you getting back out. Thank you for the story.

Good to know, I wasn't referring to the tag, just the knot looked loose, I am sure they tighten up just would worry about them slipping out. But, if you haven't had any issues with a loose knot then why change. It may not be as loose as it looks, it is some heavy leader, after taking a second look.

What kayak is that Rik and are you hiding barnacles under the hatch?

It's a Jackson Cuda. My rough water boat. No place for Barnacle on that kayak which really pisses him off.

Maybe you should sell it & buy my Big Tuna. Plenty of room for your fishing buddy.

13 wrote:Maybe you should sell it & buy my Big Tuna. Plenty of room for your fishing buddy.

Only if Barnacle could help me carry it. We're still working on his paddle stroke. He's got it down while in the water but not so good yet while in the kayak.

What size drift chute do you recommend for a 12ft kayak?

I think 18" is about the smallest you'll find.

Yes, I built a PVC riser. The seat pan is tight under the gunwale