The best catch in fishing
The best catch in fishing is the bond that it creates between children and their parents. For me, fishing is the very definition of “quality time.” If you want to learn more about fishing on and around Daniel Island, I recommend the Daniel Island Inshore Fishing Club. If you want to begin creating a lifetime bond with your children, do not miss the 9th Annual Kids Fishing Tournament at Smythe Park Lake this Saturday, June 15 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Speaking of bonds between children and their parents, I recently had the pleasure of fishing with Trent and Grant Gustafson. They are my good friends, fellow members of the Daniel Island Inshore Fishing Club and a great example of the best catch in fishing. Our plan was to fish the harbor and nearshore waters, targeting bull redfish and sharks. Typically, these species are pretty easy to catch. However, after fishing multiple sections of the jetties, the bull redfish eluded us. No worries - shrimp boats were clearly in sight just outside the jetties. Shrimp boats are shark magnets. So, we netted up a couple of dozen menhaden and headed towards the nearest shrimp boat. While I positioned the Pathfinder a respectable distance behind the trawler, Trent rigged a lively menhaden on an unweighted 5/0 circle hook. Once in position, I let the bay boat drift and Grant cast the menhaden into the wake of the trawler. This process usually results in an immediate bite from a shark. Not so, on that day. We moved from shrimp boat to shrimp boat until we finally got a bite.
Grant held the rod as the shark rapidly peeled 150 yards of 30-pound braid from the 6000 frame Shimano Saragosa spinning reel. The fight was on. For about 30 minutes the outcome was in doubt. Throughout the battle, Trent stood next to Grant and provided encouragement. I thought to myself, this is what fishing is really about. Eventually, Grant wore the shark down and brought it boat side, where it thankfully released itself.
By all accounts, we had a very slow day of fishing. Yet, Trent and Grant made the best catch of all, quality time together.
Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.