Mission Bay, 9-24-12

[Amish Ed]

Landwhale and I got on the water about 6:45. It was cool and foggy, very foggy. Almost no tidal movement either. Launched off Vacation Island and headed to our first spot, at the entrance to Sail Bay. Spent about an 2.5hrs there. I got 1 whole fish there while missing many. I fished the blade, slip jig, and various Flurries. Steve on the other hand got 5. I was getting bit, but I just couldn't stick them. Or, they'd roll in the grass and come off. Or, they'd get halfway up and come off. Did I feel dejected, worthless, and schooled? Pretty much. The bite slowed and we went off looking for greener pastures. Eventually ended up at the channel that runs past Sea World and spent an hour+ working that area. For Nada. Nothing. Not a bite until I decided to leave. I had switched to a t-rigged Assalt Ringer Worm and actually got not one bite but 2 in a row. But, I was over the area and wanted to start working my way back to the launch. I was pretty much over this day.

So, we both started slowly working along the east side of Vacation Island. I was now getting bit here and there on the Ringer, but still was either missing the bite or they were popping off before I got them in. Eventually though I realized that every bite came when the bait was retrieved from upwind. Started only casting upwind and the bite kinda turned on for me. I got 6 in the last hour, and missed a bunch more. Also lost a big one when it rolled on the surface and spit the hook. All these fish came on that t-rigged Ringer, color didn't seem to matter though they were all darker colors. 1/2oz bullet weight, 8lb test. Unfortunately, had to leave them biting at a little after noon as I had stuff to do at home.

Big thanks to Steve for gassing up the truck and buying lunch. As always It was a pleasure my friend.

Side note: Today was my 20th day smoke free, and my first day since I was a kid that I didn't smoke while fishing. Thanks e-cig and ECF.