Fishing is an interesting past time. It can be very challenging, highly complex and extremely technical. But, it can also be relaxed, simple and fun. On Saturday, I fished with Alex Graudin and we opted for the latter. Alex is 6 years old and was hoping to catch his first ever Redfish. Our plan was simple. Stake out the skiff in shallow water and then soak mud minnows on lead head jigs. No run and gun. No fly rod. No lures.
Upon our arrival in the shallows, I spotted a small school of Redfish. Unfortunately, they spotted us as well (and promptly left the area). Knowing there were Redfish in the area, we staked the skiff, cast out our mud minnows then sat down and waited for a Redfish to bite. This routine is a far cry from how I typically fish but it was very relaxing. While we were waiting, Alex filled me in on his school and sports activities. As he was talking, I thought I should really do this more often. After about 15 minutes, Alex’s rod bounced and then bowed deeply as a big Redfish tried to escape. He fought the fish well but the hook pulled. Alex was disappointed but undeterred. We put a new mud minnow on his jig and cast it out again. We did not have to wait very long. When the minnow hit the water, it was inhaled by another Redfish. This one did not get away. Alex caught his first Redfish. I am not sure who was happier, Alex or me.