Sunday, July 21, 2013

The beat of a different kind of drum!

                                                                           
Over the past few weeks I've gotten a few chances to head out to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for that ever elusive sheepshead. For whatever reason, I just can't seem to land one of these fish. I can get a few bites, but pilings and bad hooksets seem to get the best of me.

I had gotten word from Rob Choi that a few sheeps were just caught at the first island. So I quickly made my way there. I ran into another kayaker who told me he just landed a 20 and 21" sheepshead. So I was feeling very optimistic about my chances.
After an hour or so with nothing to show for it, I decided to put a little Hog Tonic from PowerTeam Lures on my mole crabs. I figured it couldn't hurt and I finally got a solid sheepshead bite! Well, at least that's what I thought...

I felt my line moving to my left and set the hook, HARD! I realized immediately that this was not a sheepshead, it was way to big with some unreal head shakes. It took me about 5-6 minutes to land this fish. Getting this fish into my lap on a Hobie Revolution was not an easy task. After a few tries I landed my first ever black drum that measured a whopping 43 inches!
Big thanks to Rob Choi for helping me out with this fish. He took the time to give me a hand in reviving "bid ugly" and helping me with some great photos!

For the record - I won't leave home without my HOG TONIC!
 
Photo Credit - Rob Choi
 
Photo Credit - Rob Choi


If you ever get a chance to catch a Black Drum you will get SLIMED!



On my second trip out to the first island I was again hoping to land that elusive sheepshead. I was rewarded with my first ever Tog. This one measured at 15 inches. Plus, I got a chance to check off another species from my list.

 



And the sheepshead chase continues….

HOOKED UP

5 comments:

  1. Nice write up Joe! Great drum!!!

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    1. Thank Richie. I just saw a boater land one that was about 35" or so and when I realized it wasn't a sheepy I immediately expected a drum.

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  2. That was a nice drum Joe. Good job

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    1. Thank David! It's a lot of fun to be pulled around by a fish like that!

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  3. That's freaking awesome Philly!

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