I seldom fish on a charter unless asked OR when I’m fishing with Tony (Mr. Top-water). Tony is on a mission to catch a 10 pound spotted seatrout and to make things more challenging he uses Skitterwalk plugs almost exclusively.
Tony has had several 10+ pound Gators on the line, though to date he has not boated one. Stuff happens; broken knots, pulled hooks and torn lips.
When I decide to actually fish I toss soft-plastics; usually Z-Man Diezel Minnowz. I fish through water Tony has already explored thoroughly with his plug. After all, I certainly don’t want to catch HIS trophy trout out from under him 😉
This morning after Tony fished his plug around and across a favorite point without incident I grabbed my Memory Stix 701 rod. Cast number 2 produced a near top-slot redfish. Several casts later a 22/23 inch trout. After another smaller trout I put the rod and pearl white Diezel Minnowz back in it’s holder. I think I made my point; there are fish here… (sorry no pix)
About an hour later and further in the back waters I pick up my rod again. A few casts and a few more fish. I put the rod away again rather than risk upsetting my favorite client.
Here’s the “thing” — at least a dozen decent fish halfheartedly smacked at, busted on and pulled under the plug with zero hook-ups. Stuff happens; stuff happens way too often!
I believe the only reason Tony finally tossed a soft plastic was to avoid getting skunked today. The over-slot trout was a solid fish, but no trophy. I’m not sure if I’m more proud of Tony for sticking to his guns by using a lure the fish were not so interested in today or for his willingness to move beyond his comfort zone.
BTW, the lure in the trout’s mouth is a Z-Man Grass Kickerz and one of my favorite big trout lures.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.