Call Sign: CAT 24
Note to our readers:
Over the last few weeks you may have noticed a gap in my fishing reports. Unfortunately, life gets in the way sometimes. During that period we have been extremely busy; brought a new boat to life on the water; and changed computer systems! So, I apologize for being a little slow on reports and pictures. I'm playing catch up ball as fast as I can.
Report:
Lots of Trout still foraging on area shorelines. Wade fishing live Croaker was effective today with the break in the weather. Saturday came in like a lion with extreme winds, rain, and lightning. We elected to reschedule all groups for better conditions. Since Friday of last week, fishing success had been thwarted by extreme wines and a lot of water in the bay coming off the full moon. I saw that curve take a turn for the better on Tuesday with Ron F. and guests. We managed full limits of Redfish along with their oversized at 34" which were released. That was the first break in the doldrums for me. Thursday sputtered again with a bad Trout plan early and then falling back to Redfish later in the day. Winds backed down a tad but the damage had been done.
The back country Redfish and Black Drum action took a positiveturn again on Sunday with Jim T. and guests taking 9 solid Redfish and 10 Black Drum with their daughters Olivia and Jamie. They've grown six inches since this time last year it seems. I've seldom left the ramp in my airboat before 8:15am this Spring. Tomorrow, I'm going to shift to the dawn patrol in hopes of cracking the Trout action wide open amidst calming winds.
Capt. Doug Russell reported solid Trout limits today working area shorelines. He indicated that Plan A was thwarted when a 7-8' shark took up residence in the location. Plan B saw him go over the top on a quick "check wade".
Tomorrow, we welcome Greg A. and the boys from Brenham in for a peak at the big water. We'll be putting the new 24 Haynie Cat through her paces again and I can't wait.
Update!!
Well, first day of Trout fishing in decent weather "in the boat" wasn't "terrible". We managed a little over half limits working shell reefs and tapers in SAB. I believe the more solid females are hovering over sand and grass shorelines at present and have yet to make the shift to shell. Wade fishing is where it's at right now and that will change quickly in coming weeks. That would account for a fair amount of undersized and the composition of our catch being 15 to 16.5".
Haynie 24 CAT Performance
Not a bad first run at the big water on the new 24 Haynie Cat. I can't say enough about the Mercury Optimax. After running four stroke Suzuki's for nearly 10 years, I'm loving the hole shot and rediculous top end. I'm feelin the need for speed, cruising at 3,800 rpm's at 40 MPH. One characteristic of a CAT hull, they turn like a Ferrari, Porche, or other high perf. sports car. There isn't any sliding whatsoever. Greg A. said today "man this boat is dry, I haven't had to wipe the spray off my glasses one time"!
Stay safe!
Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge, Inc.
1-888-618-4868