The week was a bust as far as trips went. Once again we had two fronts come through within the space of the week, and the only trips I had on the books were lost to weather. I did get out with my old friend Lew Joseph on Thursday for a bit of fun and relaxation, and to give him his first ride in the Talon F-16.

We left the dock around 10 AM under the threat of rain. We headed across to Picnic Island for bait. The first stop at the edge of the flat in about 4 ft. of water yielded not a shiner. I moved about 100 yards onto the flat where there was some grass bottom, and we quickly had nice bait coming our way. We got enough for the two of us, and were off.

At our first stop the first bait I tossed into the hole was nailed by a snook. I hooked it on my Stella 2500/St. Croix Legend Elite, which is light gear, and thought it felt big because of that. As I worked her closer to the boat, though, I realized she was bigger than I had though, and I got a big more serious about landing her. She was 29 inches. Lew and I both caught snook and some beautiful winter trout out of that hole. I'd guess we got 6 or 7 snook and several nice trout.

The next hole produced a couple more big trout, but that was about it. We were just coming off the full moon, and the fish had full tummies. We made a change in tactics, and decided to try to find some redfish. We found plenty scattered on a shallow flat, but couldn't get them to eat a thing. We did catch another trout or two, though.

We could see the sky changing rapidly, so at around three o'clock we headed to the Waterfront Restaurant for a great lunch. I had the fabulous calamari, and Lew had the world's largest and best steakburger. It had been a nice, relaxing, no pressure day. We all need one of those once in a while.

Next week, Thanksgiving week, is a full week if the weather cooperates. I'm not holding my breath on that one!

I have posted the final thumbnailed pictures on the Talon Page of this website, for those interested in seeing how one of these jewels goes together.

If you want to be able to continue to fish Florida waters please follow this link, "Manatee Zones: How You Can Help" and please take the time to become involved, even if you don't live in Florida. Let the politicians know WHY you come to Florida on vacation!

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Gamefish Diaries! You'll love these great fishing stories from my good friend Chic McSherry.

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