We got out in kayaks late in the week. Greg Sanchez of Boston, Mass. joining us for a half day on Little Sarasota Bay.
We launched at Turtle Beach and paddled south to Blackburn Bay. Greg landed several really large ladyfish on Clouser Deep Minnows before the wind got too strong.
We paddled north to the Jim Neville Marine Preserve and fish the lee side of an island. Greg missed one strike, then hooked a fish two casts later on an Estaz-Marabou Fly.
The fish was strong and put up a determined fight. At first, I thought it was a redfish. But when it began circling, I figured it was a decent sized jack crevalle. However, I couldn't see any color and then decided it must be a catfish.
Ugh!
I was wrong. After a 5-minute battle, it turned out to be a 4-pound mullet. And it was hooked in the mouth.
It's the tailing season. And reds are thick at Matlacha. When the tide is right, it's possible to get a shot at 20 or more tailers.
And these tailers aren't the least bit shy about eating.
In addition to reds, large jack crevalle and spotted seatrout are usually cooperative.
We're offering an all-day tailing redfish trip throughout December for $225. The outing includes transportation, sandwiches and drinks.