The best catch in fishing is spending time together

Every so often, my family holds a fishing challenge. Over the years, we have found this to be a good way to gather members of our family that are only occasional anglers. For us, the best catch in fishing is spending time together.

On Sunday, our challenge was to catch and release 50 fish in three hours or less, using only lures. The challenge team consisted of Dave (my brother), Amee (my niece), Andrew (Amee’s boyfriend) and me. We launched at dead high tide and planned to fish current seams created by the falling tide. A current seam is created when the moving tide encounters an obstruction such as a marsh point or oyster bar. The seam collects baitfish and provides trout and redfish with easy meals.

On the ride to our first fishing location, I rigged our rods with Z-Man TRD lures on 1/6-ounce NedlockZ jigs. Upon our arrival, Andrew cast his lure into the current seam and immediately caught a small trout. It seemed the bite was on. However, the fish had other ideas. Spot number one produced only one. So, we left in search of a more productive current seam.

Spot numbers two and three were no better. The clock was ticking down, and our release numbers were not going up fast enough. Success in the 50-fish challenge was not looking too promising. Spot number four was a marsh point that had a strong current seam and it saved the day. Pretty much every time one of us cast into the seam, our TRD lure was inhaled by a hungry trout. In no time at all, we hit the 50-fish mark. Amee caught the 50th fish and the boat was rocked by loud cheers and high fives.

It was good to successfully complete the 50-fish challenge. However, it was better that we were all together.

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.