Just because Tom had some kind of bogus family stuff to do doesn't mean it's not fishing Tuesday.
Ended up meeting Chip down at the bay. Never met him before so I wasn't sure what to expect.
When he showed up wearing a suit, I thought I was in for a strange night. Turns out it was just his work costume and he changed into some more appropriate gear.
I had just gotten a bait in the water and we chatted while he rigged up. Two rods, but he rigged up 4 times. That's OK, we have all done it.
Well, we spent the evening shooting the breeze, with a couple bounces here and there, but not much of a bite to speak of.
Chip made a run to the restroom and had to hustle back as I yelled that his rod was going off. Full bendo, line screaming. Then, just as he reached the rod and got one good hookset, nothing. Bit off. At least it was a bite. Soon after that, my rod does the same. I got a couple tail slaps and a short pull, but lost my fish. Pretty sure we each blew our shot at a decent leopard.
Not long after that I get a few bounces on the short rod, then nothing. Bait check reveals a big smelt that decided to pin himself on the 10/0 hook. In one gill and out the other side. Stupid smelt.
Well, that was about it, except for one final run on my long rod. Good take down and a nice fight. Chip reeled up to get out of my way even though I told him I was good. That was nice of him.
Turns out I ended up with a 45" bat. Nothing special, but it was the only fish of the night. Someone forgot to take a picture, so I am including a stock photo to spice up the report.
Good to meet you Chip.
