My captain was Keller Nelson, Wes Nelsonโs son. He greeted me warmly and we left a few minites ahead of schedule. Good thing too, because the fish were not on our schedule. It was perfect weather and full sun. Calm seas. We had little trouble catching greenies, pinfish, and croakers for bait. The problem was finding game fish that wanted them. We caught a mangrove snapper that was too little to keep. We did get some redfish eventually. Mine was 19โ and the only keeper I personally caught.
If anyone is considering inshore fishing please be aware shallow water is a sensitive environment. Temp, tide, and numerous other factors can make or break a dayโs fishing. If I had known that before hand I might have opted for offshore. Live and learn.
So why 4/5? Well, we saw a bald eagle (uncommon in these parts Iโm told) and several species of fish as well as a stingray. I was also glad to have Keller as a guide. He was open to suggestions if I thought our strategy wasnโt working, and we had good conversation. He tried his best to get us on fish, but the fish didnโt want to cooperate. Nobodyโs fault. Several just bit through our line even though we were using 50lb. Others wanted artificial bait. Some wanted a live bait on a steady retrieve. We ended trying for Spanish mackrel at the bridge, but again, bit right through the lines.
Thatโs fishing. A lot of trial and error. But hey, at least I was on the water.
My captain was Keller Nelson, Wes Nelsonโs son. He greeted me warmly and we left a few minites ahead of schedule. Good thing...