New PB Spec

[ski357]

What a difference a day makes. Launched out of a private launch in STI proper yesterday. Water was busy, to say the least! Not a soul out on Sunday. Encountered the Armada Monday-rec kayaks, SUPs, power, and sailboats of all kinds. Guess it's to be expected on holiday weekend, especially the only nice day of the weekend. Very glad I went out though. Caught a bunch of nice white perch, up to 10.5". Had a few nice rockfish, largest being 19". Was mostly trolling, had the usual. 25oz jig head with 4" paddle tail in pink and limetreuse. Limetreuse was the ticket apparently. Slowed down to check my port rod and noticed the starboard side had dipped down. Felt something on the line, so I started feeling. Didn't encounter much fight or head shaking. Initally, figured it was a perch that had bigger eyes than its stomach. Line wasn't coming directly in though, started tugging. Saw the flash of color and the size, I admittedly started to freak out. Getting the fish to the surface and kayak side, is when the fight began. Took a few nervous shots at landing it. Quick measure and a few pictures, then a revive and release. 25", no weight. New PB for me and my first speckled trout of the year. As was pointed out to me, it's all down hill from here. Still pumped thinking about it. Only spec we saw yesterday. Today is a new day though. IMG_20210531_190700_964.jpgIMG_20210531_190700_997.jpgIMG_20210531_190701_001.jpg

[Big Mike]

Wowza! That’s a monster Western shore speck. Great job releasing, they’ll breed well into July and she looks full of eggs.

[Slobber Bob]

Awesome catch and release!

[ski357]

Another first for me, Spanish mackerel in a kayak! Same lure and paddle tail that got the speckled trout last week. Air temperature and wind left a bit to be desired yesterday, but I still ventured out. IMG_20210606_204519_647.jpg

[Big Mike]

The first rule of mackerel club is we don’t talk about mackerel club.

Great catch a season for you so far.

[J.A. Veil]

That is an unexpected catch this early in the summer. Well done.

[Red_Beard]

Ok, I have to ask, what does STI stand for?

[Big Mike]

Saint Inigoes Creek, an offshoot of the Saint Mary’s River. Not to be confused with the St Inigoes launch which puts you into Smith Creek which is a couple miles from Saint Inigoes Creek.

[UnkleRob2020]

Thank you for asking Cliff. It has been driving me crazy. I feel like Professor Langdon trying to figure out the abbreviations sometimes :---)

[ronaultmtd]

Nice catch- congratulations on your PB Speck...

[Red_Beard]

Thanks, Mike! I've been meaning to fish that general area more for some time.