BEGINNERS LUCK
During a visit to Florida by my mother and stepfather
in early March I was able to take Kenny out to do some fishing
on Charlotte Harbor. We got off to a "late"
start because he thought he could sleep in while on his vacation.
I nearly had to drag him out of the warm water
bed, spoon feed him some cold cereal. and pour coffee through a
funnel placed in his mouth (don't forget the
coffee mate and sweetener please).
I had the boat uncovered. The rods, tackle,
water jugs and coffee thermos stowed. The "safety box" with
fully charged cell phone, first aid kit, wire
cutters, clean sweat bands, extra sun glasses and sandwiches on board.
Had an adjustable life vests sized for him.
Had new artificial baits tied on the new line, and was patiently waiting
for
Kenny to come out to the van. When he failed
to appear as I thought he would I found him still at the table having another
cup of coffee and toast on the side. With some convincing (I lied
about how warm it would be on the water) I finally coaxed him to the van
and we started down the road. I swung into the Shell to add some
gas to tank two for a small backup supply and to help level the boats weight
and improve the handling. I handed Kenny a ten spot to go in and
pay for the gas with to hasten our departure from the gas station, but
guess what. I had to go in to get him. He was adding sweetener
and creamer to another cup of coffee. He had already paid for the
gas as instructed, but was also on the way to grab a couple pastries for
a snack while fishing.
"Daddy Please!!"
We reached the ramp as the sun was peaking over
the horizon 30 minutes later than the optimum boat launching time.
The ramp gets crowded early during the winter season, and when I'm ready
and anxious to hit the water "Murphy's Law" always puts someone in front
of me at the ramp that is backed part way down the ramp stopped and just
now starting to load their boat. This boater certainly has as much
right to use the ramp as I do, but should not be loading his boat while
blocking the ramp creating a major back up of other boaters fully prepared
to launch their boats. If you are going to the ramp with your gear
in your tow vehicle pull over to the side at the ramp and then load your
gear in the boat.
Please do not block the ramp!!
Please practice "RAMP ETIQUETTE"
DON'T FORGET THE DRAIN PLUG EITHER.
Kenny and I finally get our boat in the water
after yet another 20 minute wait for the one unprepared boat launcher.
On the run down the ICW I explain to him how to work the G4 tube bait I
have ready for him. Tell him we are starting the outing fishing for
some Spotted Trout, how well I did the last couple outings in one particular
area near Sandfly Key, the size of trout he can expect to hook up with,
etc. After reaching my recently found grass hump and shutting down
the big motor, Daddy asks "Were you singing on the way out here?"
Kenny should use a hearing aid but does not. I make a cast with Kenny's
rod demonstrating how he should jig the bait up and down, letting it fall
close to the bottom but not letting it touch the bottom, reeling in the
slack line to stay in touch with the bait as he lowers the end of his rod,
and how he should set the hook even if he thinks he just caught a blade
of sea grass. I was talking louder this time.
As I head for the front of the boat to put down
the trolling motor, unstrap my rods, and prepare to make my first catch
I hear splashing behind me. "BEGINNERS LUCK" has shone like the sun
on Kenny and he is battling a respectable size
Spotted Trout.
Spotted Seatrout slot size for Charlotte
Harbor area
is 15" minimum to 20" maximum
with a daily bag limit of 5 / person / day
The size and bag limit for spotted trout varies
in different parts of the state.
Check when you get your license for the area
you will be fishing.
I don't believe it. He catches a fish on
the first cast. In fact it is a 19-3/4 inch keeper. I'd like
to think it was caught due to my precise instructions but I don't want
my head to swell too large for my hat. Kenny is not sure he wants
to keep it however I convince him it will taste real good that night for
dinner. If we put the trout in the live well we can see if we get
one more keeper size trout to make a meal for five people. Without
one more keeper we can release the fish before heading in at the end of
the day.
We were fortunate on Kenny's first fishing trip
on Charlotte Harbor. We did get numerous trout, including the one
needed to make a meal. We also caught some Crevalle Jack, Ladyfish,
two Redfish and a short snook.
Guess who was bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready
to go early the next morning.
No, not Kenny, he was trying to sleep in again.
He did manage to get ready quicker for our second day on the water, and with a cooler day and the threat of rain in the N.O.A.A. forecast we were not delayed at the ramp by an "unprepared boat ramp blocker" as we were the first day. We started fishing the same area as the first day but the trout had moved. Most likely due to the colder temperatures and the northern wind. The water level was a foot lower from day one also. We moved to the backside of Sandfly Key where K and I had tangled with nice size trout on previous occasions. The water is deeper here and we are also out of the cold north wind making it better for us too. It did not take long for us to locate a small grass patch in 4 feet of water that was holding a good number of trout.
Kenny was having a good time catching and releasing some decent trout. We caught a large number of small fish and several keepers which we put on ice for another evenings meal.
The wind slowed down later that morning and the
sun came out and it turned into another
"beautiful day in paradise".
The only problem I had was knowing it was time
to head back for the ramp. My problem was solved by Kenny though
when he suggested maybe we should go in for something to eat (I had forgotten
the sandwiches). This Charlotte Harbor Fishing Report is proudly sponsored by