Nasty Day PLO

[mango]

Headed down to PLO with the family to do some tent camping and we trailered 4 kayaks behind us. Had reservations but the weatherman didn't know this and brought in some bad ju-ju. The wind gust up to 24 mph and bands of heavy rain, not optimal to set up canopy's as we were out in the open with no tree coverage to help break the wind. Turns out the tent with the fly ontop leaked water and soaked all sleeping bags and pillows, couldn't get a fire to stay lit. Moped around the nature center and waited the day out. Kids caught 1 keeper male crab, mussels, snails, small turtle and little fish in the ditches. Folks were leaving the point by the carloads and only a few remained to fish on the causeway. Most had to sit on the lakeside to fish because the bay was throwing waves over the wall and sparaying our car as we drove by. Not sure where we were at but in a protected cove area and I saw two brave kayakers out on the water. Hope all went well for them. One looked to be in an orangekayak and they appeared to be fishing. With the wet sleeping gear and lousy forecast, we (I and the kids) reluctantly packed up and headed home. Amazing how the kids don't see or feel the doom and gloom as the one other adult did. they played in the rain and mud quite happily.

First camping trip down there and I see the great potential for some great kayaking and fishing. A lot of people mention going into Buzz's for bait and tackle. We stopped in for a minute and the chick behind the counter didn't seem interested in chatting about fishing, weather, what was being caught lately or kayaking, kind of a Buzzkill with very little tackle but had small freezer with some bait. Don't want to step on anybody who likes the place we just felt like we were bothering them. (did I mention I had 3 wet soaked kids and this other angry adult who kept following us happier folks around with me)lol.

We ate lunch at Spinnaker's, good food. Talked to guy cleaning a can full of Spanish macs he said he caught out early moring on a charter.

Would love to go back and give the fishing a try another time.

[ictalurus]

I saw the mass exodus yesterday as I headed to PLO. I almost called my wife to see if there was a hurricane evacuation or something. Having all your stuff get soaked sucks big time.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience at Buzz's. That's not a great way to top off an already frustrating day. I wonder who it was you talked with. Mike is always friendly and usually has up to date info because he usually runs out to the inlet nearly every evening. When I talked to him earlier this month, they said that there hasn't been as many people going out this summer, so they didn't know as much about the fishing beyond the trips they took themselves.

[surfdog]

rain and camping don't mix. its all my family did when growing up and it was great had an old canvas tent that slept 12 and lasted for 15 years. before that we had an old army tent with on bottom, woke up one morning and my dad and brother were digging a trench around the tent to keep the water out then we were told to pack up and evac. we were camping at hatteras and in 1963 there were no bridges connecting the islands so we had to take the ferries off the islands very rough and we were the last ones on the last ferry out. that was 50 years ago and i will never forget that trip. good times

[kevinfry]

Mango, that was me in the orange Malibu2 kayak! You should have tried it!!

[ComeOnFish]

I guess the other kayaker is me.
Joe

[mango]

Mango, that was me in the orange Malibu2 kayak! You should have tried it!!

You and ComeOnFish are real diehards, my hat is off to you both for sticking it out. I wanted to fish so bad and had the rain gear to boot. When we pulled up and the wife says to me," you really aren't thinking of going out there in that mess honey, are you?" what could I say? In the fall which is fast approaching, I want to get back down there rain or shine and do some fishing. I can sleep in my car for what it's worth and make a weekend out of it. I will keep an eye out on the posting's here and maybe I could join one of your adventures.

[kevinfry]

LOL You made the right call believe me............. hate it when the wife is right.

[OBX_RAT]

First camping trip down there and I see the great potential for some great kayaking and fishing. A lot of people mention going into Buzz's for bait and tackle. We stopped in for a minute and the chick behind the counter didn't seem interested in chatting about fishing, weather, what was being caught lately or kayaking, kind of a Buzzkill with very little tackle but had small freezer with some bait. Don't want to step on anybody who likes the place we just felt like we were bothering them. (did I mention I had 3 wet soaked kids and this other angry adult who kept following us happier folks around with me)lol.

You know there are 2 Buzz's right?

[mango]

You know there are 2 Buzz's right?

Nope, was my first time down there since I was a kid camping with the BSA. The Buzz's I was referring to was right off the main road heading in. If I was at the wrong one, I offer my apoligies to those I might have offended.

[ComeOnFish]

Nope, was my first time down there since I was a kid camping with the BSA. The Buzz's I was referring to was right off the main road heading in. If I was at the wrong one, I offer my apoligies to those I might have offended.

Yes, you offended someone. I am kiding.
I am a scout and was a leader of BSA when my two boys grew up. Like Sam said, all good memories were related to the severe weather. But the last weekend was too much. It last two days, not 2-3 hours. There was no recovery periods for even for boys.

I live in Chantilly, If you ever need additionlal adult for kayking/fishing locally, let me know. I may be able to help.

joe

[mango]

Yes, you offended someone. I am kiding.
I am a scout and was a leader of BSA when my two boys grew up. Like Sam said, all good memories were related to the severe weather. But the last weekend was too much. It last two days, not 2-3 hours. There was no recovery periods for even for boys.

I live in Chantilly, If you ever need additionlal adult for kayking/fishing locally, let me know. I may be able to help.

joe

Very cool you living in chantilly, I am down in Oakton off of waples mill road and west ox. My son is in the BSA in Vienna, good strong troop. I plan to do some winter camping with them this year.