Each year we make a point to return to Ft. Island and introduce some of the new NCLA members to this area. Not everyone knows about every kayak launch site in Citrus County so this gives us an opportunity to visit as many as we can during the year so that these ladies and pick and choose some of their favorite spots to return to at a later date. The Ft. Island area is a wonderland of good fishing spots. We were expecting a total of 8 ladies to converge here this morning.
9:00 a.m. revealed a low tide and water as smooth as glass. It was an easy process to unload without the no-see-ums swarming around. 70 degrees and fair skies with just a hint of a breeze and lots of incoming water for several hours. Honestly could not have picked a better day.
Jeanne was the first on the scene. She normally fishes the Ozello area and was looking forward to paddling around and exploring a new environment with some of the others. Her set up was a bit easier than the others so she paddled on out into the distance in order to free up some shore space for the other 7 ladies that were planning on joining in this morning.
Suzanne arrived with her blue camo kayak, Delores with her purple camo kayak, and Val with her orange camo kayak, all three loading up their gear and looking forward to getting out on the water and casting a line - maybe even catch a fish or two....who knows?
Lois, one of our newest members arrived in style. None of that silly nonsense with strapping kayaks on roofs, or stuffing them in the back hatch of an SUV...no....she's got the right idea. Back that sucker straight down the ramp and unloaded right there! This wasn't her first rodeo and it seems that she knew these waters very well!
By 10:00 a.m., everyone was water bound and paddling in their own separate direction, some paddling out together and socializing along the way. We were on our own until lunch time.
From 10 - 12 we fished many of the various oyster bar cuts in the area hoping that the strong incoming tide would attract a number of predatory fish lying-in-wait for a variety of bait fish to get swept through those cuts with the current. The theory was good, but we were stumped when things didn't seem to be working out according to our plan. We caught several different species of fish throughout the morning but nothing spectacular. Still, it was a beautiful morning none-the-less.
We all met up together around 12:20 at a nearby sandbar and chatted over a packed lunch. These are the best moments of our Group Kayak Fishing excursions. This is where we really get to know one another as friends. Even though we didn't do so great with our fishing, we had a lot of fun just hanging around with one another.
Until next time :o)
Until next time :o)
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