Grant/Sebastian Inlet Failed Mission

[jhdog]

Just had a good feeling that the day might produce an ever elusive Pompano. Instead of heading to Vero for Trout and Reds it was a stop at Sebastian. A slow run across the flats going to the inlet resulted in no skips. Started to work the cuts on the back side of the inlet. No Pomps, but the Ladyfish and small Jacks made for rough fishing. In one of the pockets, picked up an 18 inch Trout. The bad news, there were at least 20 more in the area. None of them were interested in the skimmer jig. Had a couple of followers and a bump or two, but no more hook ups. Back to the prime target. More Jacks, this can be good as I have caught Pompano under the schools. Not today. The Ladyfish got to be even worse, I like to fish the edges off of the "Sea Grass " areas. All the pockets held more Jacks and Ladyfish. Then comes the reason that I do not fish this area. A nice boat with a big poling platform motored through the shallow area in front of me. Probably thought the platform on the back was a nice picnic table. Worked the flat a little farther, and here comes another boat plowing up the sea grass area. He idled until he couldn't go any further, kicked up the motor and proceeded to chew up more turf. Disgusted, I left for the spoil islands. Picked up 4 short Trout and continued with the Ladyfish and Jacks.
Gave it up for the day, did not even skip a single Pompano all day.
It's semi OK to disturb my fishing by getting too close, but please do not destroy the habitat.

[Zecura]

It's semi OK to disturb my fishing by getting too close, but please do not destroy the habitat.

Good luck with that. I've run up on grass in the Keys by accident. Had to jump overboard and push to get the boat off to do the least amount of damage possible. Seen plenty of guys try to power their way out of grass in reverse. That just does twice the damage.

Better luck with the Pompano next time. I haven't seen any keeper size ones down here yet.

[LightDreamInTheStream7]

Super nice report! Sounds like you fished hard all day and at least had some luck, though obviously no Pompanos. Jacks, Trout and Ladyfish, a decent flats trip for sure. Not always what one is looking for, but certainly makes things interesting. Any big Jack Crevalle? Know what you are saying about people motoring through your spots. Back when I was a flats fishing guide that happend quite a few times; drives one crazy! Kind of part of the issue with flats fishing nowadays. Alot of nice boats out there seemingly on the water, but not as many people who understand the respect issue and how to use one properly. Glad to hear you remained cool and made the best of what sounds like a beautiful day. God bless and keep the art of push poling and flats fishing alive!

[jhdog]

The Jacks were all in the under 2 class. The Ladyfish were too big for the commercial guys to chase for bait and too small to sell to the fish houses. These grass areas are very well marked. There are signs warning of the shallow grass area all around the pockets. Best one I ever watched was in the South end of the Mosquito Lagoon. Following a small school of big Reds I got real nervous as there was a boat heading straight at me. With no room or speed to maneuver I sat there and watched. The boater finally made a sharp left turn and tried to power across an area that in good times may be 6 inches deep. Both anglers worked really hard to get over the bar. No luck. They finally pushed the boat back off and got the motor started. Sounded real bad.