I got a very late start today and didn't wet a hook until 8:15 am. I missed the early morning Trout bite. When I made my first cast I had a good blow up on a She pup but the hooks didn't bite. After that it was dead for me. I moved around the lake and caught a nice 2 lb. 16inch Flounder and a Red fish that just made 20 inches. I released the Red just to be on the safe side. Later in the day I came across a school of over sized Red fish just breaking the surface in 7 foot of water out in the open lake. The size of the Reds was astounding! I could see Reds that would push the 40 inch mark cruising just below the surface. I cast out the HoganAR and hoped for the best. I hooked up with a strong fish and got it to the boat, it's a slot fish at 25 inches. I boxed the fish and cast for another. This time I hooked up with a much stronger fish. I fought it for about 15 minute's and finally got it in the net. It wasn't one of the big boys I had seen but it measured 30 and 1/2 inches long and weighed 9 1/2 lb. What a great fight on light tackle. The Red had battle scares around it's mouth from being hooked in the past. There was even an old hook still in it's lower jaw with a short piece of monofilament attached. I removed the hooks photographed it and released it to fight again some day. I lost the school during the battle and couldn't find them again so I called it a day. I did get a few bird photographs today. It's good to see the Brown Pelicans are making a come back in our area. When I was in High school back in 1977I don't ever remember seeing a Brown Pelican around here but now I see them most every trip.When I was leaving my boat slip this morning I has greeted by a Gaggle of Geese eating grass in the neighbors yard. They are tame Canadians that live in a lake near our house. Over on the Louisiana shore line the marsh had burned and the white Ibises were feeding in the open areas.

It's not just the fish that make a good day, it's all the extras thrown in with them that make a day on the water so special!

Tight lines, Mike http://rectorsguideservice.com/