After an awesome solo skunk session in the morning, I was ready to try again in the evening. Everyone in the family but me had plans, so that means I have plans too. Fishing plans.
Hot weather had the beaches packed and parking was a challenge, but I got a spot. Made a quick conditions check, and saw the water teeming with people still so I didn't really hurry to get my gear together.
At some point I looked down and found a phone next to my tire track. Just missed it. Tried to get some contact info, I've emailed the owner in tha past and returned phones, but it was password locked. I asked a couple groups of people if anybody was missing a phone, but no dice. I was ready to go set up so I wrote a note and put it on my bumper. "Lost your phone, Find the fisherman, I have it." Just then a lady comes along searching the parking area near my truck. I say "Phone?" She says "Yep" I give her the phone and she is all smiles. Saw the note and told me that was sweet. Good start to the day.
Anyway, I set up, Joe shows up not long after followed by Jimmy.
Not much action for awhile, then Joe gets some weeds on his line that pull a couple slow clicks. His rod is quiet after that so he decides to check his bait. Reels up and is on with a nice leopard.
Everybody puts on new baits, and we soak for some time, and then I get bit. Pretty slow run, but with some weight behind it. Didn't fight like a bat, but no tail slaps like a shark. I was puzzled. Then I saw some thrashing on the surface and make a tentative ID to myself. Turns out I was right.
Joe made a great tail grab and was barely able to come out of it with all his parts still attached. Sand hand definitely gets the action with these guys. Thanks Joe.
Last fish of the night was a thornback for Joe, canceling out his leopard and leaving him with a skunk. Sorry Joe.
You and Jimmy keep at it, you will get your target. Just a matter of time on the sand.
Left around ten and there were still at least 100 people on the beach.