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I try to live what I preach. With that being said I sometimes set up dates with people that do not fish much, or ever have and take them out on an adventure. This year that date was April 14, 2007. Yes, TAX Day weekend! I invited some families and a friend from Canada that had fished with me only once. The weather the previous weeks were absolutely gorgeous and you guessed it April 14 was nasty. A late cold front blew in and the wind was howling and it looked like it was going to rain. The water was low and the water was getting cold. We went anyway but not all showed up. We arrived on the beach and set up. We sent out live crabs and cut mullet. Priscilla was using shrimp and trying to get us some whiting. Before I could put my waders on we had a run on my favorite light tackle rod. It has a small reel with 15# test on a custom rod. It is very fun to catch a big fish on. I usually do not let just anyone use this rod but the way the day was I just knew we weren’t going to catch many fish so I let Homer Jr. take the rod. He fought this fish for approximately 10 minutes before I could get a hold of the leader. It was a very nice black drum. Especially for your first saltwater fish ever! Nice catch Homer Jr.!

We waited there for a while before Homer and family had to leave due to an afternoon birthday party. At least they were able to see a BIG Fish. Shortly after they left a pole down the beach bent over and Daryl knew the drill. He picked the drill up pretty quick from the first time he fished with me. Fish ON! This was not a monster but it will do for such a bad day. Another nice BU!

After the fish was photographed and released I decided to cut a whiting in half and re-bait two rods. The crab was working but the mullet was falling behind. It did not take long before this fish started to take some drag. This little thing fought very hard for it size. The unusual thing about it was that there were no spots on either side of it. I have only caught 2 reds without spot but they were much smaller than this 35 incher.

(Other Side)

I mentioned to Daryl that the next fish was going to be Priscilla’s. We waited about an hour and a rod that he was standing right next to bent over in two. He grabbed the rod and tried to hand it to Priscilla but she denied. MISTAKE! After about 20 minutes fighting the fish we still had not gained any line. Actually it was still taking line out. I asked Daryl to check his drag and it was tight. We waited a bit more then I saw the tail in the first gut. I am thinking tail in the first gut but I could not cross it because it was too deep? HUM??? Big fish! I kept it to myself because I did not want anyone to get excited. A few minutes passed and I finally had the leader in my hand. It was a monster. We weighed her in at 52 pounds and 48 inches.

I told Daryl that that fish was huge and maybe a state record. He did not realize what he had caught. I told him I know of fishermen that had fished for over 30 years and not catching a fish like that. We sent in the paper work to the TPW later that week and it in deed is the NEW Current Catch and Release TEXAS State Record Redfish. WTG Daryl! I am glad I was able to put you on TWO fish of a lifetime in one trip. It looks like being there at the right time and prepared with the right gear pays off. Next time you will have to get your own gear or rent it from ME. LOL! You guys that know how to fish next time you head out please take the time to teach someone how to fish!