By Capt. Ric Liles
Fishing Columnist
Despite being completely uncomfortable, fishing has been fairly good. Unfortunately, most of the fish we have been catching have been on the wrong side of the slot limit. I did experience a couple of horrific days out this past week, but when the weather was cooperative we did respectable. They certainly were not the greatest trips I’ve ever produced, but not bad.
I had a nice opportunity to get away last week when I took out Brad Wiegmann, an outdoor journalist from Arkansas. The only day he could go was the day the weather mother nature was angry. We had winds out of the northwest at 15 to 20 knots. That’s the worst direction for the wind to come from while trying to fish the South Shore area. We were only able to catch three fish that day and I don’t know if I have ever been more anxious to get off the water. The fish were not going to eat regardless of what we put in front of them.
It happens and that’s why they call it fishing and not catching. There were a lot of fishing stories and jokes told that day and I now have a connection to go striper fishing. So the day was not a total bust. I think Brad is going to have to be really, really creative when he writes that piece.
You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you about one of the unsuccessful trips instead of one of the successful ones. Truth of the matter is, I had a reader ask me the other day about the snook kill and then went on to say that we charter captains only tell about the good days and that our stories make fishing appear to be easier than it really is.
Well Mr. John Doe, that was for you. Charter captains do have bad days just like everyone else. We just don’t have as many. We have to contend with the same weather conditions and obstacles the average angler does. The one thing I can assure you of is that a charter captain worth his salt will take you to where the fish are. It’s up to God to make them eat. I feel better now that I have gotten that off my chest.
Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember, don’t let your kid be the one that got away. Take them fishing.
