Forecast was iffy - south at 10 to 15 increasing to 20 but today was the only day I could fish this week.
My dad ( 83 yr old ) and TFer Palm Pilot ( Tom ) were game so we launched at 7:30 am and headed out.
The late start was request of my dad - he's slowing down a little.
Worked out in our favor - incoming current would be about 8:30 - with the south wind.
Only a handful of trailers at Sandy Point - got to love weekdays. We ran north - letting the bridge serve as a huge windbreak. Big differance south vs north. We ran up towards Sandy Point light to gather Spot. Dropped anchor in 15 feet and put over fresh bloodworms on #6 hooks. My dad was just enjoying the day but sooon was reeling in 3-6 inch Spot. More on a whim then anything - I hooked a Spot and lobbed it behind the boat. Rare to find Rock with Spot but the cloud cover might keep the Rock shallow. Tom kept adding to the livewell and I unhooked Spot for my dad and baited his hooks - repaying what he did for me some 40 years ago.
The livelining rod doubled over - someone ( oops ) forgot to leave it in baitrunner - but the Rock hooked itself. My dad reeled in a nice 23 incher - that made the day right there.
Tom netted it and then rigged up a livelining rod himself. It was almost too easy - drop down a bottom rig - get a Spot. Hook it on a 1/0 hook with 20 lb leader and gently cast it back. The trick was to use a big split shot and let about 5 feet of line out. When it came tight - jiggle the Spot - then let 5 more feet out. The Rock seemed to be about 50 feet back and would hit hard- often after a jiggle of the rod. . Tom got the next one - fat 22 that fooled us. It looked bigger.
We did get about 7 Rock with sores - sad to say. The current was moving but not too fast. I tried BFG bobbers but the Rock preferred the Spot drifted back. The bite was not really fast - in fact 2-3 times we debated moving but would then get a hit. Never leave fish to find fish echoed in our heads.
Dad got our last fish - fat 20 incher about 11:00 and we headed back to Sandy Point. He was all smiles - not been out since early June due to foot surgery. Fish are in trouble now that he is back on his feet.
One of those easy days that make it all worth while.