Newport, 3-18-14

[Amish Ed]

Arrived at the USCG lot at about 5:15 and the south wind was blowing hard. Waited for Landwhale and was thinking this is going to be a rough day. I was cold, cloudy, and the wind was probably going a solid 25 with a few higher gusts. But, Steve was game and we were on the water by 6:15. Water was pretty dirty, but warmish (FF wouldn't turn on so I don't know the temp then).

Steve got one on his first cast, but it took me a bit to find one. But, what looked to be a snotty day turned out to be pretty decent fishing. The wind backed down by about 8:00 and for me it was a slow pick all morning. Finished with 15 bass; 3 calicoes (big one was over 2lbs), 4 spotties (biggest was about 1.5lbs), and 8 sandies (a few legal, but no girth to them). Broke off a couple and missed quite few on the hook set.

Baits selection was pretty basic. 4" Flurry in Sea Food and a slip jig w/a crawler skirt and 4" New Penny Paddlerz. Also ran were the 4" Flurry in Gold/Chartreuse and 5" Paddlerz in rootbeer gold flake. Hot Sauce was used for flavor.

We were off the water at about 11:00. As always it was a pleasure to fish with Steve and I'm so glad Newport has woken from its winter slumber.