There's not a lot to report this week. I designed myself a little vacation to coincide with the a Labor Day Weekend. I was glad I did as it approached, as Big Red had just about worn me down to nothing, and I was needing some time off the water and out of the sun.

I did work Tuesday. I guided a couple of really super guys, John Cook and his good friend Jim Swalby, from Oshkosh, Wisconcin. John had asked about moving to Wednesday, which was opening day of snook season, but I couldn't oblige him because I already had plans made. We had a falling tide all morning, which I don't like to fish, but things worked out pretty well, considering the elements.

We were once again under the threat of rain as we headed up the Sound to Foster's Point for bait. Sure enough, before we were done with bait, we got rained on. We didn't mind, as long as there was no lightning. I headed back across the sound to an area where I've been catching redfish. I was afraid that as the tide left the flats, the reds would disappear, but my fears were unfounded. Not only were the reds still there, but the flat was just covered with redfish; big redfish.

We had no sooner gotten the boat anchored and thrown a little chum, and we had the first fish going. John and Jim had the usual problems with adapting to our method of light tackle, long cast fishing, but quickly put a couple of small keeper reds in the boat. Then they broke off several, but boated a couple of beautiful 29 inch fish. We could see our floats popping up and down occasionally, not far down the flat from where we were anchored. So, once the bit stopped where we were holed up, I poled down to where the floats were and anchored again. The reds were all over. We even had big fish tailing just out of casting range. During the couple of hours we were there, the boys boated several reds, broke off four redfish, and outright missed 8 reds. The also caught one trout. It was exciting, though, and they were having a good time trying to get the hang of that tight-line hookset.

Our fun was interrupted around 10:30 by a nasty looking approaching storm, and we beat feet for the Waterfront Restaurant. It was nearly one o'clock by the time the weather subsided, and we headed back to see if we could catch up with our corks real quick. The fish were still on the flat, but wouldn't let us get close enough to grab one. We headed to the dock around 1:30.

I thought I'd let John and Jim have a little more fun at the docks, so I had them snook fishing while I was cleaning fish. They lost four to the pilings, but I believe Jim got two, if I remember correctly. We'd had a great time. John and Jim had done their best to follow my coaching, but the excitement of the moment makes it difficult to remember all the new and different things to do when the fish hits.

It was great to have the rest of the week off. Makes for a short report, but may add some time to the big calendar! Next week isn't a full week because of the holiday, but there should be some fish to talk about if the weather is kind to us. The reds seem to be showing up right on schedule, so there should be plenty to report on between now and November.