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Today was my last day off before Christmas. Based on all the hot reports coming for the Potomac, I couldn't resist taking one last road trip for 2015 and giving it a shot. The weather was perfect and the winds light. My excitement level last night was palpable in anticipation of a great day on the water.
I reached out to folks who knew the area and got some important intel before heading south a 5:30 this morning. I arrived at Piney Point by 8 and took my time setting my rig. I didn't want to forget anything in the car as I have been known to do that when I am excited.
As I was paddling out, I heard my name being called a passing skiff. It was D3NAL1. He and his buddies said all the fish were on the VA side of the river. With a sigh of resignation, I altered my plan of trolling the ledges near the launch and pointed my boat due south to start the 3+ mile paddle.
As I got to the center of the river, I noticed a group of boats and birds gathered about a mile and a half away. I altered my course and headed in that direction. By the time I got there, I had to contend with about a dozen boats trolling around a flock of working birds. I joined the throng and caught several shorts, but I was the only kayak.
I did see a couple of nice fish being caught, but the action was diminishing and the birds (and fish) were scattering as the tide reached it's lowest point. I continued to work the area and soon was the last man standing as everyone was smarter than me and had moved on.
I made my way back towards the MD side with the idea of following my original plan of trolling the ledges. I did manage one keeper (22") on the way over, but that was it for the day.
After several more miles of fruitless trolling (12 in total), I called it. It would be disingenuous if I were to say that I wasn't disappointed in my results. After all, I had fallen asleep the night before dreaming of my first 30'er...
I will add, however, that I am still glad I made the trip. To me, fishing is more than just catching fish. It is the anticipation of the action, the ritual of prepping the gear and chance to just be out on the water. From that perspective the trip was a great success. It certainly didn't dampen my spirits for my attempts to join the 30" club. If anything, it heightened them.
To me, that is the allure of fishing. You never know when that magical trip is going to happen. While it may be true that 10% of the anglers catch 90% of the fish, one doesn't achieve that level of success without putting in the time and the energy. Experience definitely increases your odds. That is why I choose to see trips like this as an investment in to my future success.
Would I have preferred to catch a cow? You better believe I would, but I am not complaining one bit. I want to thank all of you that helped me out and provided the guidance needed for me to fish virgin waters. With the river 4 miles wide, I clearly needed it.
Tight lines!
I reached out to folks who knew the area and got some important intel before heading south a 5:30 this morning. I arrived at Piney Point by 8 and took my time setting my rig. I didn't want to forget anything in the car as I have been known to do that when I am excited.
As I was paddling out, I heard my name being called a passing skiff. It was D3NAL1. He and his buddies said all the fish were on the VA side of the river. With a sigh of resignation, I altered my plan of trolling the ledges near the launch and pointed my boat due south to start the 3+ mile paddle.
As I got to the center of the river, I noticed a group of boats and birds gathered about a mile and a half away. I altered my course and headed in that direction. By the time I got there, I had to contend with about a dozen boats trolling around a flock of working birds. I joined the throng and caught several shorts, but I was the only kayak.
I did see a couple of nice fish being caught, but the action was diminishing and the birds (and fish) were scattering as the tide reached it's lowest point. I continued to work the area and soon was the last man standing as everyone was smarter than me and had moved on.
I made my way back towards the MD side with the idea of following my original plan of trolling the ledges. I did manage one keeper (22") on the way over, but that was it for the day.
After several more miles of fruitless trolling (12 in total), I called it. It would be disingenuous if I were to say that I wasn't disappointed in my results. After all, I had fallen asleep the night before dreaming of my first 30'er...
I will add, however, that I am still glad I made the trip. To me, fishing is more than just catching fish. It is the anticipation of the action, the ritual of prepping the gear and chance to just be out on the water. From that perspective the trip was a great success. It certainly didn't dampen my spirits for my attempts to join the 30" club. If anything, it heightened them.
To me, that is the allure of fishing. You never know when that magical trip is going to happen. While it may be true that 10% of the anglers catch 90% of the fish, one doesn't achieve that level of success without putting in the time and the energy. Experience definitely increases your odds. That is why I choose to see trips like this as an investment in to my future success.
Would I have preferred to catch a cow? You better believe I would, but I am not complaining one bit. I want to thank all of you that helped me out and provided the guidance needed for me to fish virgin waters. With the river 4 miles wide, I clearly needed it.
Tight lines!
I do enjoy your reports. You definitely put the work in and were rewarded.
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