Last day's fishing for me, as I am due to fly out of here on Saturday. Phil was kind enough to lend me his Saratoga rod and reel, loaded with 8lb line. Went down to Laguna Keys ramp and walked out to the northern breakwall. Tide was high and the sweat was dripping off my face. Did I mwention it was hot up here? Loads of herring and millions of tiny krill were sheltering amongst the rocks, with showers of baitfish jumping out of the water every few minutes. Beauty, I thought. I clipped on a small Viva popper and cast along the wall, retrieving it with a satisfying bloop. Saw a big black shape come out of the depths and lazily swirl throught the packed baitfish at my feet. Then another and another. Thought to myself, I need heavier tackle!!! These were HUGE Mangrove Jack around 50cm or more and just under the surface, less than a metre from my feet. Dragged the lure past them a dozen times, but no interest. Tried a Nilsmaster - same result. Tried a SP shad - nothing. Went through a range of lures, all with the same result. Guess they were happy to swill the krill. I trudged off the breakwall, head hanging low. Next, went to the beach to target whiting with poppers. Too much storm debris in the water.
Colin came home at lunchtime, as the boss had sent them home due to the heat. Did I mention it was hot yesterday??? At 5pm we went to his bosses property. He was a magnificent property, with 20klm of river frontage - yes he owns the land from the ocean to the highway. His wife loved the colour of the borrowed rod I was using. I can't say on this public forum, what the coulour is. Contrasts nicely with the yellow Poly the owner of the rod has. The barra were not co-operating this afternoon, and Gary said, feel the water. It was hot!!! Tried poppers and other hard bodys. Hooked up on a black and gold squidgy shad. Got it to the shore, where it started to jump and race off drag on the 8lb line. Wanted to get a photo, but the camera was in the car. Last jump and head shake, saw the lure ping out of its mouth. Darn!!! A few cast later, hooked another one, which could have been a twin. Around 60cm. This one was lightly hooked and was on for about 30 seconds before throwing the hook. It was now almost dark, so had a last couple of casts. Hooked a big fellow, which took off and promptly went around a bit of timber. Ping - lure gone, fish gone. Hmmmm, do I need heavier line?? Ended up with two keepers of 60cm and 64cm. A fitting end to a great week. As Arnie says - I'll be back.