Cast and Blast Tons of Fun! Oh, How I Miss Duck Season!
Photo by Capt. Jeff Larson
We all hope every one had a great Valentines Day! January was a great month to wrap up on solid duck numbers and fish limits. I find it rather funny how the end of Duck Season gets to duck hunters. It’s a real bummer when that sun sets on that final day. It’s been a long time tradition to hunt the final evening with family and friends. We take some wine, cheese and crackers grab the group who wants to finish the final hunt telling stories of the days gone by. These few hours are spent summarizing the whole season breaking it down into two parts. Before the split and after, which one was the best. Then here it comes, who shot what duck the farthest on the no wind, no decoying, blue bird day. Of course I never win this category because I don’t sky bust like my compadres. Calling the shot on the 1st pass is my MO especially on the weekends.
January fishing was really good pre front and during the fronts. Front, high pressure days with a poor solunar table day wore me thin. It just comes with the territory. No place I would rather be helps with those slow days.
February is known for big trout month. So don’t let this month get away from you if you are trying to catch a wall hanger or a new personal best. March and April are also great months to break records. The Saltwater Lodge Wildlife FB family are all posting big ‘unz and I’m sure we aren’t done with posting some more gator trout. Reds and Black Drum are doing the dance just like clock work. YOU have to Wade Fish for these gorilla trout if you want to better your chances at putting your post on the World Wide Web. The jetties up and down the middle coast are holding nice trout along with numerous other species. Don’t ever count out the jetties for Big Trout.
Check out the rivers. This is a great time to load up on some catfish and white bass. The rivers on the middle coast are not specialty but it is a ton of fun to change things up from time to time. A few guides, James, Chris and Kolton, along with our close friend Chuy went out on a few catfish missions. The 1st one was memorable; we caught limits of reds and 3 slimy eels. It’s the strange and small things of a quick trip that over shadow all the catching of numbers.
The 2nd catfish mission turned into chasing reds. This is where we caught more catfish than the reds we were chasing. Now everyone knows why I carry so many rods on board. You have to be prepared to change tactics. Basically, I carry light tackle and Medium weight tackle. Plus having the almost 26 ft Mowdy I have plenty of room for every thing and everybody.
These 2 trips were on a flat just off the River Pre Front and Front. Same spots just a severe weather change. The quarry changed and the tide dropped . The Mid Coast Guides have so many options to get fish in your freezer, I suggest you ask and follow their lead. If you are not that flexible then make sure there are like minded fishermen in the same boat so everyone knows the drill. Chasing Big Girl Trout is a much different than jigging for Monster Pumpkin Reds on the Jetties.
February is typically a slow month for most so take advantage of the openings because Spring Break is right around the corner and March starts the beginning of fishing season. Don’t forget about Flounder Gigging either. It should be wide open again this year due to the mild weather we had this winter.
Call Scott at the Lodge and he will book your trip and get you set up with the guide that fits your expectations. The Outdoor Hot Line is: 361 – 785 – 3825. Get your trip on the books before it’s too late.
Depressed Duck Season is over, Happy that Fishing Season is kicking off and Good Luck on catching the Trout of a lifetime.
Captain Jeff Larson
281-217-0399
