Myrtle Beach Fishing 2010 Top Catch
South Carolina Fishing
2010 catch of the Season
Sept 2010
With one of the coldest winters in South Carolina history keeping water temps down causing slow-mo-low fish metabolism "I only bite once a day" winter and early spring; then typical July/August dog days of summer heat arriving early June with temps in the 90's never lifting, "too hot" quickly became inshore and near shore waters. Fishing manageable but slow. Overall season wasn't best season out many I have fished here. Some years are better than others, it's all about the weather. Fortunately, late Spring and so far early fall, have and are providing consistent excellent days.
The Tall Tale:
Bob, 101 Airborne Viet Vet , purple heart winner, saw more than his share of action in the NAM, but this was his first time using light tackle on saltwater ( medium 7ft rod with 17lb test line baited with fresh cut mullet). It turned out to be surprise attack from another veteran; this time waterborne, a battle hardened Bad Mama Red.
First shot from deep.....Bob got a big time hook up in about 20" feet of water . Line was running off fast, pole was bend over and before I could get in with some steady on drill instruction, within a couple of very short minutes, this fish was gone. When examining the 20lb test fluorocarbon leader line I could see the clean break meant this bad biker girl was not going to the ladies club waltz night. Bob was a disappointed trooper. The 101 never loses. I said "don't worry we will get her back , I'll bet she's a hanging in. That was a real fish! We will get her back!"
I gave some quick " on board "jump training " on handling such a hidden bunker bound predator on my light tackle. In particular how to keep our inbound fire on, even when we are totally out gunned.
Well , like all old veteran paratroopers, Bob was locked and loaded fast, cause' 101 airborne are always ready to go in, especially when the goin' gets tough! Not 5 mins later another hit em' hard hookup. I knew it was our fight ready fish friend! But this time Bob dug in hard, held and let this warrior female know he wasn't going to be overrun. It went back and forth with the fish not quitting. But neither was Bob. I wouldn't let him tighten the drag much above the medium setting . Having been through this drill quite a few times, I knew she could break us off with the slightest mistake, especially tightening the drag even a slight bit.
Bob's no quit will power finally got her into my reaching net after what seem like the fish fight that jus wouldn't end. I yelled at him to grab her tail cause she was too big. This fish was in the boat! We hooped and hollered , while I de-hooked, measured at 38 plus inches, got him to hold for a quick camera shot and then got her back in, letting Bob push water through those big gills with a tail hold. Soon, that definitive kick, and this behemoth took off quickly heading out and down swimming away with a speedy grace.
Subsequently Bob landed a 28" Bull and an assortment of small hookups. "Chump change" for this 101 trooper.
This was another fine September day....Just Out Beyond the Breakers!
Capt Pete
Contact (843) 344-0974
or
Extreme Fisherman, LLC
PO Box 3276
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
