What a Porker!

Suddenly, I heard the Old Man’s drag running. It was not a noise I was expecting to hear while we were pecking away at a school of small stripers. There were some shad mixed in as well, but nothing had been bigger than 14″. I turned, “Shit, is that a real fish on?”

“I think it is.”

Clearly he was trying to contain his excitement. Neither of us had picked up anything bigger than a 24″-26″ fish since May and I could tell he was anxious not to jinx what was currently tugging his line out. He coaxed the fish away from the drop he had been working, and into the shallows where it continued to battle. I’m not sure exactly how long it took him to fight, it felt like at least ten or fifteen minutes, but I had time to pull in another schoolie and shad while attempting to find his fish’s big brother.

The fish, now landed, came in at just over 31″. Certainly it was no canal monster but for us fly fisherman, picking away at the scraps, it was a fantastic catch. Best of the season by a few inches. This was the best kind of trip, last minute. I realized I had some time, sent a text that I was going and folks could meet me if they wanted. The Old Man took me up on the offer and walked away with his best fish of the year.

Here’s a couple pics from the night:

Despite the tide coinciding nicely with my schedule in Sandwich tonight, I’ll be joining the weekly Bear’s Den crew down in Falmouth. I’m sure it will be a great night, regardless of fish caught.

Tight Lines