Paddle-Fishing.com

Went out a couple times so far this week. Monday, the wind blew hard enough that fly/sight fishing was all but eliminated. Saw some fish back in the creeks, but didn't get a good shot because it was tight quarters among the mangroves.

Wind laid down Thursday for a trip on the flats. Saw two good tailers. A bit short on the first cast. Lined him on the second. First time I missed long on a tailing fish this year after missing short dozens of times. The lined fish spooked the other fish. Oh well. ..
Back at it Friday. Tide's not strong, but the wind forecast is good. Figure I'd better take advantage.

Went out Sunday and Monday. Low winds. Nice days for the long rod, but didn't see too many fish at Simmons (Sunday) or Cypress Point (Monday). Should have been better, but it wasn't. Strange.

Found some aggressive reds Sunday. Had a classic long follow and finally a take just as the leader was entering the first guide. Hook set seemed sloppy so after the fish was clear of the boat I applied a bit more pressure to sink the tiny hook and POP. Only had a 12 lb bite tippet on and it parted. I suspect it was nicked. So I reached behing my for my fly box and discovered I had lefy it my vehicle. Caught a few more nice reds on jigs and while that's fun, just ain't the same.

Lesson learned. Were you able to cast the jigs alright on your 8wt?

Wind tomorrow but good tide. Lee don't fail me now! 8wt time me thinks.

Had one shot. Wasn't to be.

Had one potential shot as well Tues. morning, but he spooked and eased on down the flat before I could get a cast off. I sat there and studied my options for about five minutes, took one step to get a little closer and that was it. Water was real skinny. Lower shin level. Could see the fish's back. Great day. Low tide. Low wind.

Mike Hodge wrote: Low tide. Low wind.

Those are usually the hard ones, everything has to be perfect.

Back at it this morning. Strong low/incoming (0.6). Little wind (still more than the forecast), but the barometer was dropping before I left the house. Not much going on at all. I was never a big believer in barometric pressure. I'm starting to think it's a factor, because even the guys with bait were struggling.

I ditched work on Wednesday and took my canoe out with my buddy Chris to the same spot where he had caught NINE Reds on fly the day before, and several on Monday as well. The only difference was the weather, but it was a huge difference, because we only saw a few tails and ended the day with just one chunky trout to the boat. Hopefully things are back on track by tomorrow.

This picture reminds me of someone, but I can't think of who it is.

Love that painting...

If I were Evan that painting would be hanging on my wall

I'm just now seeing this painting...it's almost like looking in a mirror! I even have a hat exactly like that one...where did this come from? Has someone been following me around with an easel?

Evan,

I thought you might have posed for it. Here is a link to the artists website. I love her work.

http://marymaxam.net/dataviewer.asp?key ... =WorksZoom" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;