Thursday, August 23, 2007

Swimming with the cudas

Years ago, on my first fishing trip to the keys, it came to my attention that barracudas are cannibalistic opportunists. I found out the fun way, I had one on the line and a bigger one attacked it, sawing it right in half. It was a moment I never forgot.

Now that I live here, I still enjoy targeting cudas because of their aggressive style of attacking and fighting. Today was no exception - but it was exceptional.
















Using a topwater plug I caught (and released) a couple of fairly large fish. When a smaller cuda took the bait, he quickly went from hunter to victim. As I reeled him in, a larger one attacked and by the time I could reel it in all that was left on my hook was his head, with the lure still in his

mouth. So I tossed the whole rig back out, and waited for nature to take its course. It didn't take long...

About 5 minutes later, my line started flying out. I waited a few seconds, then set the hook. A monster cuda about 4' long had taken the head, and I had him hooked. Since I was using only 10 pound test and light tackle, the big cuda had the advantage. No matter, he was mine. A few minutes and several powerful runs and jumps later, I pulled him ashore.

Inside his mouth you can see the head of the smaller cuda, along with the well-traveled spook.

I love fishing.


Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Keys Scenes


Waterspout just off Key West. I watched it slowly navigate its way through the boats. Amazing.


Taken from my back porch, one of several bolts that night that struck a little closer than I'd prefer.



Mangrove flats at low tide. Once the tide comes back in these roots will be home to several species of fish.



The sun sets on another Coast Guard day.