Jason and I along with Ron, Bruce, Willie, Capt. Bob & his son Matt fished aboard the UnReel yesterday afternoon/evening for our first drum fishing experience.
After an easy and relatively short run to the ground we set up in what was an already small fleet. Had some bumps at first but no hook ups. Then some monster skates and smooth doggies found us. Made a wiggle but had the same outcome.
Had some weather come up on us and made a short 10 minutes move. A steady rain began to follow but Ron soon hooked up with the first drum of the night. A solid fish of about #30. Rain let up after about 20-30 minutes. We could see other boats hooking up around us so we made a move to slightly shallower water. It didn't take long before Jason was hooked up. This fish gave Jason everything it had. Jason was getting some light hearted abuse about the length of battle but finally got the fish to the net. It was estimated to be in the #60-65 class. His new personal best. After some pictures, I asked the captain to release it. Took a few moments but eventually the fish righted itself and with a swipe of it's tail, turned itself over and swam down to the bottom. Just as Jason decked his fish, Matt hooked. It didn't take long before Matt's fish was in the net. This one was even bigger going an estimated #80. It was nice to see both boys take their first drum. maybe next time, I'll get my first
. After that the action once again went back to skates and doggies.
Pretty cool hearing these fish "boom" under the boat. Mother Nature also put on a simply amazing light show with some of the most awesome cloud to cloud lightening I have ever see. The sky would light up for 5-7 seconds in brilliant colors of white, orange & purple.
