I had a litlle trouble with the pic posting here, but I think I got it....so hereit goes...
I headed out of the ditch for Magothy Channel between Fisherman's and Smith Island. Soon as I was out of the ditch, I picked up an 18" flounder which I put on my stringer. I headed across Raccoon Island and as I got into the bay I encountered a peasoup fog, but since the GPS was working good I proceeded to may waypoint in the channel.
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The fog was a cool relief from the heat of the day, and I started rigging my chum line. I had a 25' rope with a float on one end, and an anchor on the other. The chum bag was attatched three feet below the float and dropped out with the anchor. I also hooked my stringer with the flounder on that line as well. I drifted downtide in the slick and anchored my yak. I also placed some drops of menhaden oil in the water periodically. I jigged up a couple of Roundheads between 12-17" and live baited my big rods and placed them both on the bottom. My first fish was a small Thresher, followed by a big hookup and escape after a five minute fight...got the bait too. I rebaited with my last whiting and got a big run after 15 minutes, resulting in a 4 1/2' sandbar shark which attactcked my trolling bait bucket when he saw it. I couldn't get the hook, so I cut the leader.
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I worked for 45 minutes to jig up another roundhead, and finally baited up with one about 17" I put out the big rod and continued jigging when The big rod started screaming off line. I set the hook into something solid which took off. after several runs I gained back a great deal of line, and managed to reel in the other line that was out with my left hand. I unhooked the anchor as he got close and played him out when I finally saw the sinker rise out of the murky water. As I looked I saw his huge tail and knew I had a ways to go. I had to keep the rod tip to the bow to keep from getting flipped on his frantic runs. When it seemed he was tiring, I threw my leg across the rod and paddled for the beach on Smith Island. It was a grueling paddle with this guy wanting to go left to the lighthouse, but I finally made the beach. I grabbed the leader to turn him sideways and drug him up on the beach by his tail.
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It was a sandbar shark measuring 84" from nose to tail. I took these photos and cut the leader, returning this fish to it's home. I had to revive it with a back and forth motion, but it took off like a shot. During this a big storm had approached the island, and I was temporarily trapped there, and prepared for the worst. I lied dwn on the beach and let it pass. Huge waves, pounding rain, and lightning for 45 minutes. I was at least glad not to be on the water.
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Paddling back I was lucky enough to see this rainbow by the lighthouse. It turned out to be a pretty good adventure. I can't wait to go back.
Tightlines
BIGMAX
I headed out of the ditch for Magothy Channel between Fisherman's and Smith Island. Soon as I was out of the ditch, I picked up an 18" flounder which I put on my stringer. I headed across Raccoon Island and as I got into the bay I encountered a peasoup fog, but since the GPS was working good I proceeded to may waypoint in the channel.
The fog was a cool relief from the heat of the day, and I started rigging my chum line. I had a 25' rope with a float on one end, and an anchor on the other. The chum bag was attatched three feet below the float and dropped out with the anchor. I also hooked my stringer with the flounder on that line as well. I drifted downtide in the slick and anchored my yak. I also placed some drops of menhaden oil in the water periodically. I jigged up a couple of Roundheads between 12-17" and live baited my big rods and placed them both on the bottom. My first fish was a small Thresher, followed by a big hookup and escape after a five minute fight...got the bait too. I rebaited with my last whiting and got a big run after 15 minutes, resulting in a 4 1/2' sandbar shark which attactcked my trolling bait bucket when he saw it. I couldn't get the hook, so I cut the leader.
I worked for 45 minutes to jig up another roundhead, and finally baited up with one about 17" I put out the big rod and continued jigging when The big rod started screaming off line. I set the hook into something solid which took off. after several runs I gained back a great deal of line, and managed to reel in the other line that was out with my left hand. I unhooked the anchor as he got close and played him out when I finally saw the sinker rise out of the murky water. As I looked I saw his huge tail and knew I had a ways to go. I had to keep the rod tip to the bow to keep from getting flipped on his frantic runs. When it seemed he was tiring, I threw my leg across the rod and paddled for the beach on Smith Island. It was a grueling paddle with this guy wanting to go left to the lighthouse, but I finally made the beach. I grabbed the leader to turn him sideways and drug him up on the beach by his tail.
It was a sandbar shark measuring 84" from nose to tail. I took these photos and cut the leader, returning this fish to it's home. I had to revive it with a back and forth motion, but it took off like a shot. During this a big storm had approached the island, and I was temporarily trapped there, and prepared for the worst. I lied dwn on the beach and let it pass. Huge waves, pounding rain, and lightning for 45 minutes. I was at least glad not to be on the water.
Paddling back I was lucky enough to see this rainbow by the lighthouse. It turned out to be a pretty good adventure. I can't wait to go back.
Tightlines
BIGMAX
