Just got back from fishing the Ducks Unlimited "Band the Slam" Tournament. Today was less than optimal, the winds were in the 20 knot plus range out of the East. Most of the area is still void of grass. Further South in the Round Island area the grass is in good shape. You have to get to the Captains meeting to hear all the tall tales, posturing and excuses for a possible poor performance. Two hours into the day I boated a Trout that I figured was in the 6 to 7 pound range. Instead of staying in the trough she ran up on the bar and beat herself up pretty bad. Tried to revive her, but she just would not kick. A check on my scale showed her weight as 6 pounds 11 ounces. Given the Trout from last weeks tournament I did not think she would make the board. Had to try. Tournament scale brought her in at 6.59 pounds, of course we had to deduct a half pound for a dead fish. Placed just out of the money. Got checked by FWC Rep at the landing and they got a weight of 7.11 pounds. Love that scale. Spent the next three hours after getting the Trout in ice water chasing Reds and Snook. Could not find either one, not even a short. Spotted a pair of Tarpon in a back canal, not big, look to be in the 30 pound range. The sharks and Black Drum have moved into the back areas. Spotted several dark shadows moving down the Mangrove edges. Hoping for Reds, but everyone turned out to be a Shark. Still catching Flounder, the accident today was 15 inches. Released the poor thing as she was paper thin.
If you get a chance get out and fish your local tournaments. The people work really hard to get these events going. There is always a chance that you will win, and the knowledge you can get from the other anglers is well worth the enry fee.