[FredA]

Aside from cursory visits I'd been neglecting my favorite bayside beach. Each time I've been there I've seen fish, just haven't had the chance to put in a serious effort. This morning I got a makeup for a disapointing day on South Beach Saturday. Stopped before heading home (another cursory visit) and, with conditions just like 2 weeks ago (fog, fac, flood) started seeing fish. Typically I'd see them coming from behind me and none were the typical schoolie you see at this spot. Over a 2 hour I kept seeing fish and getting not so subtle hits. Finally nailed one in a couple of feet of water and he took of to the east like he was shot out of a cannon. Got to look at my backing. I didn't seem to do too good a job getting him/her under control. Ended up chasing it down the beach about 75 yards. Amazing how these fish run in shallow water. Anyhow, the fish was about 30 to 34 inches. I know most of you people may be a bit jaded, but I got to tell you, that fish was a real hoot. Right up there between a good sneeze and good sex. There was an amazing amount of bait (2 to 3" sandeels) in the water. Continuous plumes. And unlike the normal mix in size I didn't see any micros.

Regards,
Fred A.

 

[SOLO]

Way to go Fred!

With the help of Jim Doogue (who was acting as a spotter) I got a barely keeper out of the ocean side of the bowl...Jim and Fred had a boat to catch but I had other fish on my mind. Let the death march commence! The walk from the ocean side of the bowl was full of shadows in the surf but I was unable to convince any takers...I saw one formidable shadow and got off a swell cast but to no avail...she wasn't moving too fast so I took off on foot persuit...run run cast strip strip strip run run cast strip strip strip (the line grenlins gave me a break on this one)...This went on for at least 100 yards before I ran out of steam and ideas. I'm almost certain I heard that cow laughing!
One keeper, so I'm not complaining!
By the way, Senior Doogue...Thanks for the goodies! Without the sandwiches I would have bonked on the march back to civilization.
Sunday...
Met Mr Striblue at 0500...we fished out brains out but only had a few sniffs for our effort. Saw a thousand seals 1/2 mile past the point...I suspect the stripers were scared spitless. At one point, as we walked the beach, there were some 50+ horse face seals following just a good cast away (there were a few cute ones making eyes at John M). I left Striblue, Juro, and Tom Dunlap at Point Big Girl so that I could get a jump on my Cape exit maneuver. Got through the entire weekend without eating any fresh dead bait!

Next weeks tides look good...Got a room to share Sat night for an early go Sunday...if interested, let me know!

 

[juro]

Congrats Fred! Nice job, and nothing like seein' them and getting them to eat.

My bayside report was good as well: sat PM first two hours of the incoming - I also made up for the deadsville morning in Chatham with a dozen or so nice bass, smallest 24" largest 29" - all but a couple sighted, led and teased into striking.

Bayside definitely took the prize this weekend.

 

[Roop]

FredA (06-17-2001 02:03 p.m.): Right up there between a good sneeze and good sex.

Nice job Fred, I love the wording of your report!

Roop

 

[striblue]

Great Fred, I should have gone bayside with you and forgot my Light house South Beach addiction for once in a while..geeeze.

 

[FredA]

A couple of postscripts:

To give you an idea of how unfamiliar I am with my backing, the fish is peeling of a bunch of what I'm thinking is yellow running line. "Damn, this fly line seems awful long", I thought. Then it ocurred to me that I had the clear intermediate on, not the QD.

Based on what I've seen at this spot the last two years, with the tides such as they are, I'd say this week should be show time, before it reverts to being a fair summer dawn and dusk schoolie spot. Mid morning aquarium type action.

Fred A.

 

[juro]

Fred, you're making us all feel a little sick at work ;D

 

[FredA]

I'm getting sick thinking about it. May have to burn a vacation day Wednesday. 6:00 am low - strategy would be to hike out to the first breach in the bar around 4 - 4:30 and fish the bottom of the outgoing. On the way out scope out the subtle channels and bars around the point of rocks. At slack low begin making my way back to in front of the rocks and wait for the show to begin.

Of course, if I do this the place will be sterile. But if I don't...guess I'll never know.

Fred A.

 

[juro]

When I was learning Brewster Flats I used landscaping poles to mark the high points on the way out. It wasn't all that long ago but there were much fewer people out there then, mostly locals and guys raking eels. I wanted to push the envelope of the flood, because that's the best sight fishing. It works if you take the time to push them in deep enough for the tide not to knock them over. Of course the most important ones get knocked over every time. Found out that the best thing of all to use in flats fishing is the ol' noggin!

Cough COugh! Wednesday eh?

 

[MarkDoogue]

Fred Because both my sons and I are involved with this forum, my wife has taken to reading "today's posts" on a daily basis. When I arrived home Saturday she inquired about the trip and asked who I spent my time with. I described the days events and mentioned that I had spent time with you and Pete. All said I cleaned my gear, took a nap, and upon awakening found her reading the posts. She wanted to know if the quiet laid back Fred I spent time with was the same Fred who was comparing good sex with either catching fish or having a good sneeze. Also wanted to know if the quick witted readytogo Pete that I had mentioned might also be known as eel breath. I could say she should be doing things other than reading the Forum, but when I arrived home from the Cape saturday she had just finished mowing the lawn. Also made the sandwiches the night before as I was busy putting gear together. All the way to the Cape for a keeper and I left one waiting at home. J.D.

 

[SOLO]

Fred...(if you haven't already) you might consider reading Moby Dick...there is a character with whom you seem to relate to...and it's not Ishmeal!
The "fire" that I saw in your eyes (as I gnoshed some great Doogue catering) was inspiring...(if not a bit scarey)...As you made your way to South Beach (for one more chance before the boat ride back to civilization) you carried your rod like a harpoon and I thought I heard you muttering something about the "great white/striped keeper"...

We are your friends from the "Pequot"...feel free to call anytime if you need some company in you special "quest"!

 

[juro]

Jim -

You are a lucky man... in fishing, fatherhood and 'best friends' too I see. Must be all that good livin'!

Either that or those awesome sandwiches! I am used to energy turd bars and water, then a ritual fast food stop. The other day I stopped at my favorite greasy spoon on the way home and the thrill was gone! ;-)

 

[FredA]

Jim,
Please assure the good Mrs. that the comparision was just a tongue in cheek analogy. Having said that, as you know I recently lapsed with the smoking thing. Upon gently releasing the fish, I lit a cigarette, and watched her go softly into the deep.

Fred A.

 

[MarkDoogue]

Rest assured Fred that my wife took it as intended. Based on my description she had formed a mental image of both you and Pete. Then she read your posts and made a comment and it allowed me to pay her a compliment on line. Sorry for using this site for family business but I thought it a small price for a good sandwich. J.D.