The Off Season Has Fish Too !
Capt. Larry Pentel
December 13, 2008
Destin - Saltwater Fishing Report
Not many fishin' trips to report since I last wrote this column. I have about rebuilt the trailer for the beach launch cat and lots of other projects but my water time has been limited.
I did go over to Indian Pass last week primarily to play shuttle for some folks that drew into the Sambar Deer Hunt. While they did not get one there were 9 bagged with I believe 4 over 500#. My folks were very fired up about the hunt and vowed to come back and try again. they both saw animals, just did not have a good shot. I guess drawing down on something in the 600# class would keep you coming back ! I spent 4 days there but only got to fish one morning with 2 days spent with my folks and weather pretty much shutting down fishing the other 2. I am happy to report that the redfish are pretty darn thick up in the skinny water. I went by myself and managed to get 5 casts in front of hungry fish, landing 4. Doesn't sound like much I know but when you are poling the boat, sighting the fish and trying to cast yourself all at the same time it adds a little more challenge to the operation. I also got 'em in only about 2 hours time and flubbed a few more (yes Virginia, the capt makes bad casts sometimes too!!!)
Look how well the fish matches the water/bottom color and how his tail is disappearing even on the surface. It does make it more fun!
A quick pic and back in the water
One more to show the grade- all the fish were 24-28 inches- perfect for 6 to 8# test
I did pick up a cooler full of oysters on a cloudy day and ate them while the wind blew. I have a hard time deciding which is more enjoyable- eating oysters or sightfishin' reds! Always something good to do at the "Pass"! When I came in to the ramp that day there was a fellow who had been trout fishing going on about how great the trout bite was--- I didn't have time to chase 'em but it seems that choice is there as well.
I went to New Orleans this week to renew my Captains License with the Coast Guard and visit with some angling buddies/clients. We were supposed to go trout fishing on Thursday and they had built up how good the bite had been- "As good as Indian Pass". Below is a picture of my truck Thursday AM when we were scheduled to be going to the water. My buddy said he hadn't snow in South La. since he was 12! Needless to say I still haven't caught a trout in Louisiana !!!
I'll stick to fishin' in Florida! At least our water is wet and green instead of solid and white!
One more week of "projects" and I should be back fishing regular again with more interesting reports. I wish everybody out there a safe and joyous Christmas season. Remember, Santa won't bring you that new Van Staal unless you ask !!!!
All I want for Christmas is a 2009 with lots beautiful days on the water and some fishery management rules that make sense instead of problems !
capt Larry Pentel
Destin Fishing Forecast:
Lots of fish, few fishermen !
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