Old Friends, New Waters Sep 13

For almost a decade, on a pretty consistent basis, I am fortunate to be able to gather with fellow naval aviators.  We were all members of a helicopter squadron based in Mayport, FL over 30 years ago.    That experience was formative in many respects, but most importantly, many lifelong friendships began there.  You could point to that squadron as the origins of Mikey D Fishing.   It was after we both departed the squadron, that CAPT Felker and I began to fish the Chesapeake and trout waters of the Mid Atlantic together. 

The weekend together, euphemistically referred to as "Man's Weekend", is a chance to catch up, solve world problems, and of course laugh endlessly at each other's expense.   We usually rotate venues based on the season, location, and availability.  This year, CAPT Steve Malloy offered up his beautiful beach home in Sea Isle City, NJ and was a most gracious host. 

As an added bonus to the laughs, great meals, and golf, CAPT Felker and I took the opportunity to wet a line on the Jersey Shore.  Squadron mate, Bill Flanagan joined us as a qualified observer.  Known for monster stripers and flounder, the back bays are home to some of America's oldest inshore recreational fisheries.  Even though we were violating a couple of Mikey D Fishing Pro Tips:

    1.  Plan to fish 3 days to at least have 1 good day of fishing.

    2.  When fishing new waters, book a guide for at least a day to gain local knowledge.

we still thought while we were in town, why not try to see what we could catch while the rest of the guys hit the local links.  After looking at a spot a block away from the house that reportedly held Tautog, we went to the local tackle shop before committing to a plan.   Mikey D Fishing recommends Sea Isle Bait & Tackle to kit you up with everything the out of towner needs to be successful.  The staff was friendly and quick to share recommended spots and tactics.  Best of all, their gouge paid off.

  

Based on the fishing reports, we decided to fish the Sea Isle inlet.  First thing we noticed was that the tide rips through there much like the Indian River Inlet, DE or Kent Island Inlet, MD.  CAPT Felker and I tossed gulps / paddle tails with 1 1/4 and 1/2 oz slip weights.  Just east of the bridge, I hooked into a nice little snapper blue to get the skunk off.  Meanwhile, CAPT Felker soon landed the first of 3 flounder using mostly white paddle tails. 

I have to admit that we were both a little surprised by our success as newbies on the scene.  But we were both happy to take the win!  With snapper blues and flatties in the books, it was time to turn our attention to fall reds and seatrout in more familiar climes.  Time to head south to the mouth of the Chesapeake and the land of pleasant living for fabulous fall fishing.  Stay tuned!

Tight Lines, 

Mikey D Fishing