First and foremost, the host of this great trip to Sea Island Resort GA, friend George Hillenbrand, made it home in one piece yesterday after his fall and he’s comfortably and happily at home in Jupiter, FL.  We sent him some fish pics from yesterday and he was thrilled.  And he was even more excited that we went deep in dinner last night.  George loves to see us eat!

The weather definitely deteriorated overnight.  Rain and wind was strong in the wee hours.  Luckily both eased by morning.  We were worried that our after breakfast shooting session might cancel but we got it in without any problem at all.  Then after lunch five of us headed back out with Capt. Kyle Meyer fishing.

While the weather forgave for shooting, it was nasty for fishing.  Last night’s rain returned and it was heavy.  We made a 45 minute run out to some offshore wrecks and reefs to try our hand at some different fish species.  The ride was a bit chilly and a couple of our far-from-hardcore anglers were wishing they weren’t there.  But we made it and the fish were waiting.

Kyle stopped the boat in exactly 42 feet deep water over the first reef.  The second Larry, Adam and John hit bottom with their live shrimp they were hooked up.  For the first 15 minutes it was black seabass after black seabass.  John snuck in this unusual looking bottom dwelling oyster toadfish.

It’s not easy to get a fly down 40 feet.  I was fishing my 9-weight Air 2 Max, my SA Sonar Sink 25 Cold 300 GR and a heavy Clouser.  The technique is make a short cast than do some fancy mending while you feed the line.  Within two minutes my fly was in the zone.  Chip was doing the same only with a floating line.  It took him about ten minutes to get down.  Regardless, once we got the fly down we also went tight every time with black seabass.  Everyone forgot about being cold and wet with all the fish catching action.

After pounding the seabass for 30 minutes or so we made a move.  And a lucky one.  Though we were over structure in 40 ft. of water again, Kyles fish finder showed a school of fish suspended about 20 ft. down.  In seconds I went tight and landed a new species for my list.  This is my first of three weakfish (Cynoscion regalis).

We bounced between several spots for about two hours.  By then everyone was numb with the cold and rain.  At the last spot another species joined in.  Had I landed one it would have been another new species for the list but only the live shrimp boys caught them.  This is the famous, red snapper.  I say “red” snapper cautiously because there are a few similar looking species of snapper that take on the name “red snapper”.  Feel free to share your thoughts in the “Comments” box below.

What a great day.  Despite weather challenges we truly made the best of things and had a terrific time.  And to add a new species for my list so early in 2024 – the best!  Naturally, we ended the night with a big celebratory meal.  Tonight was delicious Italian food at Tavola at The Cloister.  Now it’s time for bed.  Chip and I plan to fish in the morning.

Jeff Currier Global Fly Fishing