It had been over a month since Tania and I had been able to go fishing due to inclement weather and busy work schedules. We were eager to get back on the water and invited our good friends, Darryl and Amy, who were visiting from Pennsylvania, to join us for a day of fun on the water.

The day began with a trip to The Fishing Center to stock up on bait. I was excited to discover that they now carry sand fleas, so we grabbed four dozen shrimp and a half cup of the lively crustaceans. We pushed off from the dock at 7:00 AM, ready to brave the frigid 47-degree morning with a 10-knot northeast wind biting at our faces. This was a first for me in my nine years of Florida residency – bundling up in a jacket and pants for a fishing trip!

We were targeting sheepshead, so I armed myself with an orange 1/2oz sheepshead jig tipped with sand fleas, while Tania and Darryl opted for pompano jigs in various colors, each tipped with a juicy shrimp.

The bite was steady, though dominated by feisty ladyfish. We also tangled with mutton snappers, jack crevalle, a few mangrove snapper, a few more mutton snapper (yes, you read that right!), a croaker, and, of course, the elusive sheepshead. Unfortunately, we also had a few unwelcome encounters with catfish, including one memorable triple hookup that left us shaking our heads in disbelief.

This trip marked a significant milestone for my new rod and reel. After a string of unfortunate catfish catches, I finally broke the curse, landing a sheepshead and proving that this setup was indeed capable of landing the intended target.

Despite the cold, the day was a resounding success. The constant action kept us entertained, and the fellowship on the boat made the chilly conditions more bearable. We may have ended the day early due to the cold, calling it quits around 10:30 AM, but the memories of battling those feisty fish and the thrill of the unexpected triple hookup will stay with us for a long time.

Tania and I send our best wishes to all fellow anglers. May your fishing adventures be safe, blessed, and filled with 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 Monday 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. To learn more about Salt Strong, click the links below for a FREE pack of Slam Shady or a 30-day test drive.