Sanibel Island, Florida

Sunny skies, sea breezes, and shell-strewn beaches were a welcome respite this August.
I managed to squeeze in a few fishing sessions and pulled in a small Jack Crevalle, a sea trout (actually pictured), and a silvery, long-whiskered catfish. I did throw the plastic crab lure to no avail (it's the wrong time of year for pompano and tarpon). But it was fun to use it anyway.
Jenn and I paddled the J. N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge and spotted dolphins and birds feeding on fish.
The Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Historic site had Edison's Sanibel tackle box on display. Alas, he did not sport a plastic crab lure.

Ridiculous Lure

I love crap like this... when a lure is obviously designed and marketed for hungry humans. I took the bait. I couldn't resist. Headed to the flats of Florida.

Return to Belgrade, ME | 2011

Nimrod #1 and Brent (aka "li'l rod") returned to Belgrade, Maine for the weekend following the 4th of July, 2011. The hospitality of Brent's parents can not be appreciated enough.

Beautifully sunny skies and low wind conditions made for great angling. The lake seems less weedy than it used to be and it yielded numerous pike, small- and large-mouth bass, lunker perch, and a crappie or two.

Although we didn't weigh or measure anything officially, I'll do my best to tally (honestly) what was hauled aboard:

We each caught a large pike. These, the largest fish of the trip, reached near 36 inches each. Numerous (10?) smaller-sized pikes were landed. One beast broke the 20lb leader that was tied to my 30-test spiderwire and ran off with my biggest Lazy Ike. The leader broke; not the line or the knot. It was a monster. Could have been a muskie (I say).

Bronzebacks and bucketmouths averaged 2 pounds. Brent caught two. I got two good smallies. 

We didn't count the perch or crappies. 

Using mostly blaze-orange Flatfish and large, jointed Rapalas, the smaller fish (except gluttonous pike of course) couldn't swallow the lures. This pig of a perch gave a good effort. 

Nature sightings included a loon family, a young otter, osprey, sun-burned kneecaps, and a few mosquitos.

Chilly Morning

[ snagged a few perch ]

fishnew' be

A relative newcomer to fishing yet already has the "shove fish towards the camera" pose down like a veteran Nimrod. Or maybe he just has huge hands. Or both.

The Summer of Tobin

He conquered the mighty Togue.

He caught Pickerel at will.

He hauled in many Yellow Perch.

He lipped quite a few mighty Largemouth Bass.

He caught one of the biggest White Perch I've ever seen.

He crushed his enemies.
Saw them driven before him.
and heard the lamentation of their women.

Bluefish Bonanza | September 8, 2010

Newly-wedded nimrod, Matt, took his new wife to Great Point, Nantucket this month for some honeymoon action. It included (among other things), catching many bluefish.

Within a few hours, 48 blues were landed – we filled a large barrel. The largest, measuring in at 31 inches, was caught and reeled aboard by lovely Jennifer. Since we were not prepared for such a haul, we gave the fish to the captain, who chopped them up and used them for shark bait.

We fished "the rips" at Great Point; the spot where currents roil over the shallow sandbar. Seals could be seen basking in the shade of the lighthouse on the point.

It was a great day on the water. We'd recommend Captain Fred and the Herbert T to anyone.

We are planning to make this an annual event.