Corpusfishing.com

jagarcia10 · Last edited by jagarcia10 on Tue Sep 30, 2014 7:10 pm; edited 2 times in total

The much anticipated Sharkathon 2014 was days away. I decided to take some time off of work to scout the beach and try to get some fresh bait and test out the new rack me and a buddy built! Got down to the beach early Tuesday morning and was greeted with rain and rough seas.

I would stop every now and then as I saw skip jack hammering bait up close. The weed was sticking to my lures so I made an executive decision and busted out the cast net to see if I could nail these schools of skipjacks. Mr. Green

Driving wasn't bad, just a little bumpy. Took longer than expected but I was able to get down to the jettys at low tide using only 2wd. With what seemed like a big camp already set up at the jettys I introduced myself to the camp and state my business. "Just here for bait!" They had been there since last Friday and were there for the tournament a week in advance! Shocked

I get to BS'n with them for a little while then start the hunt for bait.

Not much action at the jetty so I go back to chunking cut skip jack out into the surf. Landed this beautiful spotless red fish almost immediately.

The day went on bringing scattered thunderstorms and rain. Sat in the truck and napped most of the afternoon. As the sun was setting i decide to get a bait out into the channel as i did not want battle the raging surf. That bait would go untouched as I kick back and drink with the guys at the jetty.

The next day I planned to meet up with Ron up the beach while I head off to re-group and freshen up for early check-in Thursday. I stop and fish my way off the beach with little success.

Fendencio, Amy and Ares would accompany me during this years Sharkathon. Fendencio is more of a jetty rat but wanted to test his skills on the beach. Amy would come lend a hand with Ares who would for the first time join me in the tournament as well. We arrive around lunch and get a good spot for the numbering system that's set to start at 10 pm. 10 hours to wait, drink and talk to other people. We did a lot of drinking. :modurnk

The next morning we get up, get our stuff and rock down the beach in the rain like a Platoon of tanks going into war.

Ron sets up just south of me while Fedencio and I waste no time deploying baits. We get a full spread going with no trouble keeping baits out.

With a nice wade gut I was confident there would be some fish in it as bait was present and plentiful. Managed a few nice skipjacks and this chubby little fella. Throughout the day I would keep baits out but only the fresh skip jacks were getting picked up. I missed a really good run late in the afternoon.

Come night fall I make dinner and we all get in bed by 10pm. With 3 of my baits out holding strong I was eager to get some rest. At about 2:15am I have a bait get smashed! I fly out of the tent cot superman style and start the battle. I yell and get Fendecio up to give me a hand as the shark has tangled up two of my lines and I am now in jeopardy of losing it. Fedencio leaders the fish just in time and we have a shark on the beach!

Finally after 5 missed runs (Not all on this trip) my losing streak is over and we are on the board. Although small and in my gut i knew it wasn't going to be big enough to win I was glad to see one.

One for the Rodeo!

The next morning everyone is well rested and ready to get back to work.

I waste no time and immediately get baits out again.

The slot reds showed up with Fedencio and I landing some at the same time. Of course the two that I land have their tail bitten off.

Ron attempts to kayak some baits out while I spy on the camps to the north of us. :wstl

After multiple attempts Ron says screw it, I"ll walk this bait out! Haha, persistence will pay off soon enough Ron.

And this is why I fish alone. No business sleeping on the job.

The shark gods would threaten us with another storm so I prep a couple of super fresh baits and get them out before it's too late.

We took refuge in the truck as the rain and winds descended upon us.

The winds were in excess of 30mph but I was all smiles as my baits were still holding strong!

As the tides pushed up to the dunes people were bombing off the beach as if someone called for an evacuation. Then had the audacity to look at me as if I am the crazy one. I wave people off and wish them the best of luck getting off at high tide. I guess once panic sets in common sense goes out the window. With low tide expected in the morning we were going to fish as long as possible despite the crowds leaving.

Come morning its smooth sailing off the beach! Just as expected both my redfish and shark were inches away from placing. Overall we had a great time with many laughs. Glad to see some familiar faces as well as meeting new people. Sorry if I didn't get a chance to chat a little more. Ares was being a pain in the butt. Back to the rodeo we go! Thanks to the Sharkathon volunteers and sponsors for putting on another great tournament!

Rickxt23 · Pony Mullet Joined: 03 Aug 2012 Posts: 51

Thanks for the report and pictures....way to grind..better luck and weather next time Confused

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

That made me tired just looking at the pictures. LOL! Thanks for the great detailed report. God help those poor guys yaking out baits Very Happy

_________________
Like Corpusfishing.com on Facebook!

poco bueno · Pony Mullet Joined: 09 Apr 2013 Posts: 87

Great recap amigo Joe. We need to hang out on the beach one day.

Ray

hickroots07 · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 7:53 pm Post subject:

we were a few miles down the beach. we also had a nice missed shark and an awesome wade gut. nice report!
_________________
Great captains, the stuff of legend, are made not by what they have caught, but by what they have given back.

Jetty Bandit · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 7:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the report man and it was good hanging out at the awards ceremony!
_________________
"I never had an Easter, but I've always had a bunch of speakers" - Beardo

justletmein · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 8:03 pm Post subject:

Great report man. Looks like you put in the work and gave it a go, sooner or later that'll pay off and you'll be holding a $20k check.
_________________
JJ

shallowsport · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 3:09 am Post subject:

Great report!!! Fantastic photo journal!

OSOMURF · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 4:55 am Post subject:

Excellent report. Thanks

TomP · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 433

Cool Pics thanks for sharing, I'm like Tyler I got tired just watching the Pics. Been there and done that Thanks.
_________________
Hook'em and givem Dragggg !!!!!!!!!!!!!

yakman34 · Finger Mullet Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 13

man that looked like a blast thanks for sharing the experience

jagarcia10 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 7:15 am Post subject:

It was tiring for sure... good thing i brought some extra 5 hour energy drinks!