Four fishermen (loosely termed) went out for a half day. I had the task that day of providing the meal for 3+ families with 12 people total the following night. The priority was to get enough to feed everyone. We started out casting for bait and filled the bait tank. My grandson (actually a pretty knowledgeable 15 year old, learned a lot about seining, for future trips).
We then sped to an area that was known to Captain Matt as grounds for schooling sea trout. On the first cast we caught two trout, a keeper and one just below the slot. It wasn’t too long before we had our limit of keepers, throwing back many just below the slot and several right on it. Captain Matt was very wary, since wardens often meet the boat at the dock.
So then we headed for mangrove snapper territory. Again we had “fish on” on the first cast, but as we pulled them in a porpoise took one of them. We continued to contend with the porpoises but as noon approached we had pulled on board 7 good sized snappers. Capt. Matt stayed out extra time and we got back to the dock about 1 pm, an hour later than otherwise. Sure enough, the warden was waiting and we passed inspection.
Capt. Matt was very kind and efficient. He baited hooks and rigged lines to keep us in the water as much as possible. Our snags were dealt with good humor and I, for one never felt embarrassed by my inexperience. He cleaned all 13 fish and, needless to say, we ate well on my turn to cook!
The boat was a little small and the seating was hard, but we all enjoyed the morning a great deal.
Four fishermen (loosely termed) went out for a half day. I had the task that day of providing the meal for 3+ families with...