I often fish in adverse conditions or just prior to a front. Sometimes it can be quite rewarding if all things come together. I was a bit hesitant to go on this particular day as an arctic cold front was due in just hours bringing high winds and plummeting temperatures. I had already made plans with fellow Bending Branches Pro Staffer Jerry Sparks, however, so off I went.
We met at Hickory Pass on Estero Bay and the conditions were foggy to say the least. I gulped down my 4th cup of coffee and we launched into the glassy water. The air was still but very thick as we made our way to the backwater on the outgoing tide.
Jerry is a Fishing Guide and Certified IGFA Captain from the Rhode Island area. He specializes in big stripers all year round. On this day, he was fishing with a bubble gum Hogie type bait and a topwater popper. Our prey was big pre-frontal redfish on the flats.
We peddled our way into a shallow calm bay. There were mullet occasionally breaking the surface, but took our time working our way into it. As I watched with anticipation, I finally began seeing the reds, just below the surface, move into the bait schools. They were feeding and didn't know we were there! Jerry saw it too and instinctively cast.
Suddenly the quiet air was pierced with the sound of reel drag and splashing. "Fish on!" Jerry called out as his rod bent way over into the water. He had to work the fish gingerly with his 10lb braided line, and I advised Jerry to "let him run around the bay" to tire him out. After a few minutes, the big redfish allowed me to net him and agreed to take a few pictures. It was Jerry's 1st redfish, and he was stoked!
After reviving and releasing the fish, we worked our way back onto the flat where Jerry had a couple more hard strikes. Eventually we moved the fish into deeper water and decided to peddle out. I had just lost one at the boat when ahead of me I noticed some reds at the edge on a deeper hole. I made a quick cast and scored another red that stuck around for a few shots.
After releasing him, I noticed it was about 9:30am. We paddled around for an hour or so, taking pictures and casting at ghosts. The fog never lifted and cast an eerie light on everything. It was truly an interesting morning and Jerry and I had a blast talking about everything fishing. If you are up in the Rhode Island or Connecticut area, look Jerry up at www.sparksfish.com and get your striper fishing on!
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