We finally got a day with low winds and so we hooked up the kayak trailer and headed to the bay. After buying some live shrimp we crossed Copano Bay and found a spot to park near Big Tree, (it is the oldest live oak tree in the state of Texas).
It took us a little while to get the kayaks ready to launch but it was our first time out and we were making sure we did not forget anything. Our first stop was at a place where Renita had caught two keeper black drums. Anchoring we baited up and cast out. It took a while before I had a bite and setting the hook, I reeled in a hardhead catfish.
Of all the fish to catch, the hardhead is an oily fish, and no one keeps them. Releasing it I soon caught another and then another. Renita also caught one and so we decided to try another spot further up the bay.
After another short paddle we fished a spot where we had caught
quite a few redfish, but this time the only bites were more hardheads. Our
third paddle brought us to a spot further north, but this place was no
difference, more hardheads.
Talking it over we had a few more spots to try. One was a new spot where game and fish had been trying to establish new oyster beds. Anchoring we both cast out and this time I caught a small black drum. Hopeful again, the next cast resulted in another hardhead. What gives? Shaking our heads, we headed to our last spot where we decided to eat lunch.
As we entered the back channel, we spooked up a night crowned heron. An osprey called from the top of a light pole before flying away and a little further a great blue heron watched us before it too took off with a loud squawk of disgust.
Reaching our lunch spot, we anchored and then started to eat lunch. This usually results in fish disturbing our meal and this time it was no different. You guessed it; it was more hardheads. At least we were catching fish and so we continued eating and releasing more catfish.
Deciding to head back to our first spot we were greeted with whitecaps. The wind had picked up and as our yaks have low sides, we started to take water into the boats. We usually fish in shallow water but we still decided the wisest choice was to head back to shore and call it a day.
It had been our first day out and it had been a good day of watching birds, paddling, and even catching fish. To top it off we had not come across any alligators, (they usually leave us alone and rarely chase after us looking for handouts or fish on a stringer). Next time we hope to try a spot we have never kayaked before. Until then,
Clear skies!
Good day of catching even if they weren't keepers. Stay safe and healthy.
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