Start of the Bull Red Run

My 2013 bull red season was without a doubt one of the best fishing seasons I have ever had. With 8 Virginia release citations and 2 fish going over 50+"'s it was going to be hard to top. Or for that matter, even repeat. Catching just one of these citations in an entire season is a feat in itself.

The main goal for 2014 was to just catch one! My first trip out to the Eastern Shore of Virginia we were going to have near perfect conditions. Awesome water clarity and low winds should equal a good day of drum fishing. Today our hopes were high. Today we were going to get it done!

I was joined by my good friends Richie Bekolay and William Ragulsky. Our goal - get out to the shoals and find the fish! Richie has a rough 2013 Bull Red season going 13 or so times without a fish.

He worked extremely hard last year to find these fish and for whatever reason it just wasn't his time. This year was going to be different, he kept telling me (and himself). And sure enough he made it happen on his first trip. Richie landed this awesome Bull that measured at 46" - His first Virginia Bull Red Release Citation!

Photo Credit - William Ragulsky

  Congrats on the awesome fish buddy! Check out his full report here Monkey Eviction

As Richie was fighting his fish I stood up and noticed the huge school moving off to my left. I made several casts with multiple fish on then off again. I made another long cast and a fish exploded on the bait! I was in for my sleigh ride. As I went back and watched the GoPro video I giggled like a 12 year school girl the entire time. Just shows you how exciting it is to catch one of these beasts of the Chesapeake Bay!

Photo Credit - Richie Bekolay

Photo credit - Richie Bekolay

The last couple of months I had a quite a few people tell me that I had a "Lucky" 2013 red season. At first I was a little offended by the comments because I did work hard. But then one of my friends posted something that helped. "The harder you work = The luckier you get!" Another one of my favorites is "Work hard to put yourself in a position to be successful!".

Do your scouting - Watch the video's - Check out past reports. But most importantly. Go out and create your own reports. Don't just wait until you get one because by that time it might be too late....

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Back on the water...

A mouth full of Conviction Craw!

It's been a while since my last post. Heck, it has been a while since I got a chance to get on the water. My shoulder surgery went very well and 9 weeks later after lots of rehab I was really needing to fish. 

With the KBF Open right around the corner, I wanted to get on the water a few days to iron out the kinks. And this past Sunday was the perfect day for it with 65 degrees, sunny with a little wind mixed in. 

I only had a few hours to fish so I decided to hit up a local lake to try my luck at some largemouth. Immediately I could tell I was a little rusty. The day started off with me missing a few big fish early. Poor hooksets will do it to you every time. The bass weren't hitting the first couple of colors aggressively. I kept switching colors and weight sizes until I found the right combo. This was the 1/4oz Tick Shake Green with Greenpumpkin/light blue swirl conviction craw from PowerTeam Lures. Go getcha some!

This first fish landed was just over 16"s. These fish were tucked tight into the laydowns. You really needed to focus on the middle of the laydown in the thick stuff or you wouldn't get bit. The perfect combo for this type of technique is 30-50lb braid with 25lb flouro leader, about 36".

Ok, less talking and more pictures... I followed that up with this 19.5" chunk!

The day was really starting to heat up... I had already thrown back a couple of 18" fish while working some docks and more lay downs. I pitched my bait deep into the V of a large fallen tree limb. The bait hit the bottom and then "THUMP". I set the hook hard on this fish. I knew this was a better than average fish. After about 30 seconds of heart thumping fight! I landed my first Virginia Largemouth Citation at 22 1/2". I didn't have a scale so I would estimate this fish at 7-7 1/2 lbs.

With easily my largest Virginia Bass in the books I wasn't expecting much for the rest of the day. However the bites continued for the next few hours. Here are a few of the pics...

The day ended with a total of 11 bass with the majority of fish - over 18.5". My 5 biggest were 22.5, 21, 20.5 20, 19.5 fish totaled 103.5"!! 

This was clearly a day to remember and hopefully the start of a great fishing season. If you haven't yet, go check out PowerTeam Lures lineup of soft plastics. You won't regret it! I hope to see you on water!

(video to follow) 

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Bucketmouths...

This past weekend with the winds predicted at 15-20mph. I decided to hit the sweetwater for some largemouth bass action. I had only a few hours to fish each day so I hit a few public lakes here in Williamsburg.

I tried throwing spinnerbaits and cranks in the deep drop offs. Nothing, not even a strike.
I decided to slow it down a little and start throwing some craws and worms. I found some stumps in about 8ft of water off a main point and starting pitching a NorthStars custom swim jig with a PTL 4.5" Conviction Craw. The first cast bounced off the stump and I had a "thump" before it even hit the bottom. This nice 17" chunk to start the day. I took that pattern to each little point I found and consistently caught fish; 9 fish between 15"-18"

The next day I got on the water about the same time. I had patterned these fish pretty good the previous day and was going to continue more of the same. Today was a little colder and windier. Trying to stay in one spot wasn't working out to well. I had only landed 3 smaller fish (12"-15"). I missed 2 or 3 good bites today. I had 1 bigger fish on for a few seconds and shook off.

I scouted some more of the lake out for future trips. I then came back to the spot I missed the big one. With the winds calmed down I made it to the stump quietly. I made a perfect cast just inches from the stump. I could feel the bait bouncing off it on the way down. Once it hit the bottom I left it for 30 seconds or so. I made one hop off the bottom and "tick"! I set the hook hard and knew this was a little better fish. Not a bad way to almost end the night!

For those of you wondering what bait's I using; here you go!

The last two days I used the 4.5" Conviction Craw with a 1/4oz Tick Shake and NorthStars Custom Swim Jigs. I caught about the same on both green and black/blue so I have two favorites. When the craw bite slowed I tossed the 7" Tickler in Junebug with a 1/8oz Tungsten screw-in weight.

You can't forget the special ingredient, the magic that pulls it all together!

I soaked these in Hog Tonic - The best scent on the market!!

Please check out their baits and scents! 

For a 10% discount click here -->> PowerTeamLuresDiscountCode.

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Breaking in the new rods...

When I arrived home from work on Thursday, there was a unexpected surprise waiting for me. It was a package from Bill Merrick and Chad Hoover from ALL PRO RODS. It included 3 APX Graphite Pro Series Spinning rods, 7' med and 7' med/light. Check them out at www.ALLPRORODS.com.

With my new rods in hand, I needed to try and hit the water soon! I called fellow APR Pro Staffer Richie Bekolay to see if he was available to fish Saturday morning. And he was game (as usual)! Although, it is a tough decision this time of year with deer season underway.

I met Richie at the ramp before light to see if we could get on the early bite. Just as we were leaving the ramp, a fellow kayaker greeted us. This wasn't just any tall, sleeveless man at the ramp. This was Forrest Short! For those of you who don't know this man; he's the local Speckled Trout Master. He has 30+ Virginia Citation trout this season alone! Not to mention all the Freshwater citations!

We all arrived at the vortex trout fishing hole (Forrest's nickname for this spot) together and pulled the kayaks up in the grass. When your fishing with a guy like Forrest, you let him pick his spot first and then span out from there. It didn't take him long to show us how its done. First fish up was a beautiful 26" citation! Forrest continued to teach us how it's done with two more citations, 24.5", 25"! He kicked our butts! And it was great to be able to fish with him for a few hours. It's amazing what you can learn from watching such a great fisherman.

 I finally got on the board with a 17 1/2" and 23 3/4" trout, just short of citation.

 

Photo by Richie Bekolay

A few weeks prior to this trip, I had a huge trout launch completely out of the water and missed my Skitterwalk. I had the image of that trout in my head for weeks. So I left Forrest and Richie to head over to that spot. I know that it's ridiculous of me to think that that fish was going to still be in that area, but I had to try.
I made it over and quietly and pulled the kayak up on the bank. I grabbed my 7' APR Pro Series rod and made my first cast and nothing. On the second cast I was retrieving my Mirrolure, when I felt just a slight bump and set the hook (now that's why you want a sensitive rod). My reel started peeling out drag, and I knew this was a better fish. After only a few runs, I thought maybe it was a good red fish, but then I got a good look. This was a stud of a Speckled trout at 26 1/4"!

Photo by Richie Bekolay

Photo by Richie Bekolay

Photo by Richie Bekolay

Could this be the trout from a few weeks ago? I'll never know but I'll take it! I put the fish on my lip grippers and made my way back to the guys. Richie was in the middle of landing a nice fish himself, a 25" striper. The day ended with us landing 4 citation speckled trout and a couple of nice stripers. A great way to break in the new rods! Thank guys, we have to do that again soon!  

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Chasing the Slots

These last couple of weeks have been so busy with me personally. My wife and I moved into our new home in Williamsburg and getting on the water just wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
Well, things started to settle down here in the new Underwood household so my fishing adventures continue...

The first of these trips took me out on the salt, to chase some slot reds on the flats. I was pretty excited because I just received a shipment of All Pro Rods! I really wanted to put these new rods to the test right away. Let me tell you this - They didn't disappoint! The Atlantis Series and EL Series Extra Light Graphite Rods are powerful, lightweight and sensitive are what all anglers are looking for in rods. If you get a chance check them out here www.allprorods.com, you won't be disappointed.

The reds were out in full force. At one point I had two different schools of reds 20+ on both side of the kayak. I was hooking up and casting another rod to try for a doubles. I was able to hook up twice this way!

The baits of choice were PowerTeam Lures 3.6 JP Hammer Shad and the Swinging Hammer in multiple colors. I prefer the Spicy Goby and the Smoking Minnow in the 3.6 Shad. I have been experimenting with different and even some of my own concoction. If you get this near a Red with a little Hog Tonic he will annihilate your bait! They aren't just for a bass anymore!

  This was only a 20" red but it had 12 spots on one side. Pretty cool looking red!

One of my "custom colored swinging hammers"!

 



With the red bite turning on as of late. I haven't had much interest in the Sweetwater. However, stay tuned for my next report where I get a couple of days to fish with my bass catching son, Wyatt.

 

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Chasing Trophy Sheep

The day started early. Left to right - Joe - Rob Choi - Alex Britland - William Ragulsky
Photo Credit - Jay Brooks

Some Sheepshead fishermen make it look so easy but I’m here to tell you; IT IS NOT!

I was introduced to Sheepshead fishing sometime in August of last year.  While at the Yakattack Tournament in 2012, I listened to Rob Choi share his excitement of catching the mighty Sheepshead. I knew I needed to get out there and give this a try.

I wanted to know everything I could so I could tackle these fish.

Where to start:  I read reports, blogs and talked to some of this sports best Sheepsheads anglers (in no particular order), Rob Choi, Kayak Kevin, Lee Williams, Jay Brooks, William Ragulsky, Matt Anderson, Seth Goodrich and Alex Britland. These guys consistently hookup with trophy Sheeps every year. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to fish with and learn from these guys.

Well, little did I know that I was going to be in for a long ride. I have had mostly downs when it comes to Sheepshead fishing. I’ve had so many excuses about why I haven’t landed one. I was even getting sick and tired of hearing myself (and I know others were too).

These fish make some powerful adrenaline filled runs back to the pilings, immediately shearing my line. I’ve had fish right to the kayak and my 50lb flouro would just break. They will humble a fisherman quickly!

August 10, 2013 will go down in my book as the most stressful fishing day in recent memory!

I’m usually a pretty happy fisherman. I enjoy it when others around me have success. Today was going to be no different, I thought. Today was going to be my day; I knew I was going to catch the fish that has eluded me for 15 CBBT trips. Yes, this was my 16^th trip dating back to August of last year.

Today I witnessed Jay Brooks land several fish in the 23”-25” range! William Ragulsky landed 25” and 17”! Alex Britland landed a 15”! Rob Choi landed a 26”er! I was happy for these guys but the truth is, it was tearing me up as well. Jay Brooks after landing his second fish paddled over and said “sorry bro”!

I realized that at this point they were all feeling my pain! Rob has been one of my biggest supporters in my sheepshead quest. If you’ve ever thought about sheephead fishing you can learn almost everything you need to know right here --> Sheepshead Tips and Rigs by Rob Choi

The day was quickly coming to an end. Rob and I were the last ones out when even he said he’d had enough.

I told him I was going to spend another 45 minutes or so. I just didn’t want to give up just yet. The winds and current were just perfect for this type of fishing and I didn’t know when I could get out again.

Well, wouldn’t you believe, it actually paid off! Only 20 minutes or so passed. I dropped a fiddler crab down next to my new favorite piling.  Immediately I felt that oh so subtle bite. I set the hook HARD. Then I made about 4-5 cranks before this guy went ballistic on me. He drove straight to the bottom peeling off the drag. I got him turned a little and got another few cranks on him. The next thing I know I could feel my line rubbing against the piling. I have learned from past mistakes that this is the most critical time in the fight. If you feel your line rubbing pilings, you immediately put your reel in free spool! This is so unnatural because slack line is a sure way to lose trophy fish.

Just remember this: Your line rubbing pilings ALWAYS trumps slack line!

When I put the line in free spool, I got my kayak turned around and headed right between the pilings after him.  Once through the piling, I reeled in just praying that the fish was still there. Once I felt that heavy line and pulled on the fish. He headed towards the other pilings. This time my kayak momentum was taking me away from the pilings.  I was able to get his head turned around. A few cranks and head shakes later. I landed my first sheepshead! A true Chesapeake trophy!

 

 

I would under normal conditions release this fish. However today was the 23^rd Annual Angler’s Club Challenge and all the proceeds were to benefit the Catching for Kids Organization. This was a catch and keep tournament, so I took this fish to the weight in.

Eight fishing clubs from around the Virginia area entered the tournament.  It is comprised of mostly powerboat fisherman and TKAA is the only kayak club represented.

This was the largest Sheepshead weighed in and took First Place! This guy measured at 26” and 13.28lbs!

I feel as though a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders today. And I got to help my fishing club to their First Place Tournament win!

                                                       Congratulations to the TKAA Team!

I have so many great friends in the kayak fishing community. And I thank everyone for the support!

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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….

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