The one that got away.

[Bob]

Did my Thursday trip today and after getting the fishfinder working I checked out a number of spots to see if the fluke were really moving in. Launched out of AH about 7:30 and on the advise of Pete from AH Bait & Tackle tried some jigging with a small red jighead and a 4" white swimming alive mullet.  The area just north of the old pier just outside the harbor is loaded with fluke up to 17.5" and large sea robins.  A lot of fun on a lite rod. I understand a number of large Bass were taken on plugs the nite before from amongst the old pilings.  Then I went over to the corner where the channel going up the river turns by the trailer park.  Casted the jig up into 5' of water and caught 3 more 17" fish plus two on squid/herring combo from channel center.  Then went up the reach all the way to the 26 can.  Tide was going slack so bluefish made short work of most of the baits and hooks but they are fun to catch.  Decided to run over to Ambrose and see if there was any life.  Ran over some great marks by West Bank and stopped to drop down two live bunker I snagged in the AH Harbor.  Had a few run offs but no hook ups.  The radio said they were catching somewhere but not West Bank.  On to Ambrose and caught the out going which was really starting to move.  Next problem was the shipping which was coming and going.  Set up in the middle of the channel at can "13" and worked two rods while watching the approaching ships.  The rod with the squid/smelt combo topped with a chartruce squid started bending and then bent over.  The St.Croix rod I ordered through the site was doing fine and I brought the fish to the surfice as the ships got closer.
Saw a large brown fish coming up and reached for the net.  This was the fish Mike wants to catch.  It was fighting all the way and even cleared the surface of the water during one run. I put the net in the water with one hand and tried to maneuver the fish into it, NOT, it was wider than my 20" net!  Reached for the striper net but with another powerful trashing motion it was gone and I was left with a lite line, empty hook and beating heart not to mention two ships approaching from opposite directions.  Moved to the side to let them pass and then back to pursue the big fish. Unfortunately the tide was really running now and 8+ ounces would be needed and I do not consider that fishing unless you have the tuna stiks on board.  Decided to call it a day and returned to an empty flat bay.  It was like a lake out there this afternoon, very nice for anyone going out for a late afternoon/evening trip.

[CapBob]

Wow....great report...to bad on the fish, would have been a great one........

[IrishAyes]

Nice report Bob. It's a shame you didn't have someone on board with you who could have netting that baby. Get em next time.

You do have to keep an extra eye out for them big boats in the channel. They certainly can't get out of your way, you must get out of theirs.

[wb]

nice report- those solo trips add a whole nother level

just riggin up and maintaining a proper lookout can be tough

 

[seanr8w]

Sounds like it was a good time. Sorry to here about the lost fish, but I am sure that there are more where they came from! 

[Treebeard]

Awesome report Bob Tough break losing the fish, but those are the ones that keep ya coming back..

[PeggyLee]

Bob, Sorry about the one that got away...
Nice report. Sometimes we feel like we need more than two hands.We can relate.

[ped579]

Sorry Bob, but I think we all have been in that situation.  Man does that hurt but at least you got to see your quary before it broke off.

Better luck next time and oh yea grab for the bigger net the first time...

Paul

[kezsr]

sorry about the one that got away,but many times had that heart pounding experience,great feeling but tough when you lose the fish.nice effort,maybe next time.

[mboy]

Wo great report Bop!.

I do appreciate you letting that one go for me to catch when we go out.

Sounds like a great day and glad you got to at least fight that fish.

[FINITALIA2]

nice report

[Pops Soul]

Great Report Bob, One of those days when you wanted HotRod on the boat with the video camera 

[mgm]

Ambrose certainly serves up some big fluke....fishing it at the right time of the tide....using the engines to offset the current or 12-16 oz sinkers with big baits produces for me.

Catchem up next time Bob.

[Luna Sea 5]

great report. I will be in the same area tonight.

[makokeith]

WOW..Thats the problem I have with going solo.  Someone has been trying to get me to gaff instead of netting but if I get a big bass I don't want to keep it....I was trying a boga on thursday but it doesn't work to well imo.