Went out to try some new artificials, film some lure demos/rankings etc… Couple trout over 20” caught (23” hit shrimp under popping cork)

Day turned into filming tarpon stacked in Pine Island (whoever is trying to snag the fish, you’re a clown, multiple fish with flies and treble hooks on sides)

Tarpon struggling, after 100 million yrs on this planet, 18 million yrs in current evolution was a big surprise. 20-30 3-5’ tarpon on top not scared of boat or me(were in shock) stayed out above deep hole in back, the juvenile tarpon had much more life and were stacked 50+ in back creek, couple redfish on top in shock (watched one on top for awhile, took picture headed to Patillo Creek area came back and the 27” same fish was dead)

Trip turned into fish cleanup, 27 snook (smallest was 14” larger was 38”), 6 reds (all high slot, above slot), 12 tarpon (31” up to 52”), 10+ tilapia, 100+ mojarra no surprise they couldn’t handle the cold, surprise was the quanity, and a ton of smaller mullet.

All fish were in Patillo Creek to haulover east side, and in Pine Island deeper hole/kayak ramp)
Trout, sheepshead, black drum handle the inconsistency in weather the best and were the only aggressive species on the day (spent 2 days about 6 hours on water)

I know everyone knows and has seen it, but wanted to give update, ORCA asked me to remove as many fish as possible (gave them the red for “forever chemical testing”)

My sea grapes and mangroves (Indian River drive) took a beating also. I’d suggest leaving the inshore tarpon alone when site fishing, handle snook with care get them back too many vids fish out of water for 3-7 minutes ..too many folks with a camera and kayak keep these fish out of the water way too long TIP: wet your hands that’s Day 1 stuff)

Positive black drum have been a blast on flats and near structure, the trout have all been solid fish especially near drop offs and troughs, redfish seem be more aggressive night time low light hours (Nomad live ops testing proved they are the premier fishing company in terms of rod and lure design)