Chasin' Tail Charters

      How's it go? Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug! NOAA's prediction of 5-10kts. was just a teeny bit skued today. After having to pole out of the boat ramp due to the 15kt. plus North winds chasing all the water of First Bay, we knew it would be a day ruled by persistence. But, I had an angler on board who was definitely up for the challenge. Tom is a Florida native who has plenty of experience sight fishing Reds in the Indian River basin in places like the famed Mosquito Lagoon. Shortly after arriving, I climbed atop the platform and began poling a very productive stretch of marsh bank bordered by a large sand flat, utilizing the trolling motor to keep the boat from crabbing in the gusty conditions. After nearly an hour fishing the top of the incoming tide with topwater baits, it became evident that the fish were scattered and holed up deep in the grass. Upon switching to a scented shrimp imitation on a weedless jighead, Tom came tight on a healthy 21 inch fish. With a slackening tide and the bait seeking shelter deep in the Spartina, we went into hunting mode, and cast to potholes deep in the marsh that might be holding bait and Redfish. It wasn't until about 2 hours, aided by a easterly wind shift and quickly falling water that we were able to locate a pod of several fish sitting in an eddy downstream of a creek mouth feeding the small bay. Presented with very little time to stay with this small school due to the water funneling off the flat, I spotted a single lower slot fish laid up near a small submergent grass patch, and instructed Tom that it was now or never. Without a hitch, Tom made a perfect cast, just quartering where the fish was facing and subtly hopped the soft plastic shrimp twice before the fish raced out from the edge of the grass and inhaled the offering. With the prospect of having to get out and wade to the rest of the school, we decided to head North to catch the last of the falling tide for some Trout action. The Trout were there, but few were unwilling to stay connected to the small suspending twitch baits. With several hookups, including a nice Ladyfish that threw the hooks right at the boat, only one Trout made it onboard. All in all, it was a memorable day in the backwaters of the Lower Cape Fear River, and once again persistence paid off.  With some of the best Tailing Tides coming up in mid August, what is certain to be a phenominal Speckled Trout season, and lots more action to come as August gives way to Fall, it only gets better from here!

God's Blessings and Tight Lines - Capt. Todd Streeter