Life is GOOD!

First off, I have to say I am a lucky guy in several ways.
1. God is good.
2. My wife lets me fish. I owe her a lot. I couldn't imagine having a nagging wife that didn't understand my passion for fishing. I Love You Alice!
3. My friends are great! I have friends that help push me to get out more, friends that give me tons of information, and friends that give me a lot of competition (that's my favorite).
4. I am in an amazing location for fishing! Within 3 hours drive i can fish for nearly anything! Fresh, salt, or brackish fishing opportunities are endless! Trophy fish are possible year round!
5. Kayak fishing is amazing. It's much more than just catching fish. While out on the water I don't miss anything. I am forced to fish slowly and thoroughly. It is a peaceful way to fish and yet it can be the most intense thrill at the same time. There are few things that compare to being pulled around by a big fish or surfing a wave with a kayak full of gear.

 OK! that being said, on to the quickie report. In the past week Ive fished 5 times with 3 of those trips being skunks. I fished for catfish off of the Chickahominy without a single bite all day then 2 tries at the york with NOTHING. I was glad to shake the skunk with a few striper schoolies last Monday then get a real nice striper Friday night. So far this year I've caught 13 striper 3 of which were 41", 41-1/2", and 42"!

Here is some eye candy!

York river 1/8/11

IT WAS COLD! My gosh it was cold. It was a steady night of fishing from the shore facing the wind. I would say it was 20+ mph NW wind right in my face. I started the night with a fat 24ish" striper about 30 mins in.

 

I picked up another 20ish" striper about 20 mins after that and then things started to get fun. I set the hook on a SOLID fish. I knew it was a good one as soon as it shook its head. It took off with my lure like it wasnt even hooked. I fought it for about 10-15 mins and my right hand was about to freeze right off my wrist! I finally landed him and went to get the tape measure out of my truck. As i walked up the rocks i about busted my butt cause the rocks were coated in ice. I ran all the way to my truck and realized i didn't even have my tape so i ran back layed my rod on the fish for an estimate. About 30 mins later i get a call from my buddy Chris so I tell him whats going on. While he is on his way i hook another pig that fights even better! Chris arrives with a tape just in time. I measured the fat 41-1/2" Fish and released it. That was my last fish but Chris hooked a nice 30+" striper on a lure he built. After fishing for 4 hours in the sub freezing temps i decided 2 41" striper was good enough for the night. Not too shabby! I left the water slipping up the icy rocks as chipper as can be :)