Reflecting back to January 25, 2020, the day dawned cold and blustery, yet Tania and I were undeterred in our excitement for our long-awaited fishing trip. It had been over a week since our last outing, and the anticipation was palpable. With each chilly gust of wind, we hoped the dropping temperatures and shifting currents would entice the sheepshead to migrate into the river.

Our intuition didn’t fail us. As we settled into our first spot, nestled amidst the river’s gentle currents, we felt the tug of anticipation as we cast our lines. It wasn’t long before Tania’s rod bowed under the weight of our first keeper—a proud 12 ½ inch sheepshead. Joy surged through us both; sheepshead were one of the targeted species for today’s outing.

After the initial catch, the bite died off, so we decided to shift to another spot as the tide turned. Although not the prime conditions for our secondary location, our perseverance paid off as Tania caught another keeper sheepshead while I caught a spirited short snook. We suspected we lost a few more sheepshead during our time there, though it’s hard to say for certain.

Our journey continued, leading us to encounter a diverse array of species at our third spot—a pair of short mutton snappers, a keeper mangrove snapper, and a flurry of short mangrove snappers among them. Amidst the chaos, we battled with a couple of jacks and, regrettably, encountered our share of catfish.

With the day progressing and our bait supply dwindling, we made our way to a fourth spot, where we managed to reel in a handful of short mangrove snappers before feeling the pull to return to our favored spot. There, amidst the familiar surroundings, I was fortunate enough to hook into a larger snook while Tania continued to catch short sheepshead.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the water, we reflected on the day’s adventures. Despite the challenges and setbacks, it had been an unforgettable journey filled with determination, fellowship, and the simple joy of being out on the water. As we recorded our exploits in the fish journal gifted to us by one of Tania’s good friends, we knew that January 25, 2020, would forever hold a cherished place in our memories, a testament to our love for the great outdoors and the thrill of the catch.

Tania and I send our best wishes to all fellow anglers, hoping your fishing adventures are safe, blessed, and full of tight lines and good times! Until next time, keep casting and chasing those dreams on the water.

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong now hosts monthly meetings in Fort Pierce on the 4th Thursday of each month. These meetings offer a range of benefits to members, including a 20% discount on tackle, access to Smart Fishing spots, and insider information on local trends. Additionally, there will be monthly tournaments and guest speakers featured. If you’re interested in learning more about Salt Strong, click the links below to receive a FREE pack of Slam Shady or a 30-day test drive.