THE WINDS OF APRIL
By Jim Foster
“Beware of the ides of March”, is the quote from Julius Caesar.
If March comes in like a lion then the winds of April will come in like a Coyote’s howl. And, that’s exactly what they did.
Regular readers of this column and blog know each spring there is a gathering of kindred souls who call themselves the “Fishing Coyotes”. At one time they (except me) were neighbors in San Antonio and started making fishing safaris to the coast. When O. L. Tripp was called to his reward I was asked to join. It has been a pleasure each year to involve myself in their lives and share three days on the bay with them.
For the last 29 years the “Fishing Coyotes” fishing group has gathered on the waters of the Laguna Madre for 3 days of fishing, food, and fun. This year the five gathered with guest Bill Mead from Salmon, Idaho to test their angling skills and the guiding of Capt. Herbert Bode and his able sidekick running the second boat. Capt. Bode takes his job seriously and works harder than any Texas guide I know to please his customers.
What none had taken into consideration for 2009 was how the wind will blow and the waters will roil. The wind blew each of the 3 days of fishing. Not to mention the winds would blow for several more as I left the Valley headed for the mountains of Arizona.
So, to say the fishing was a bit slow would be honest, but to say it was “bad” would be a total untruth. The Coyotes caught fish enough to take a mess to the Sea Ranch Restaurant for a great "fresh" fish dinner, and the guys take enough home for a few fish fries each.
On my first day out I drew Neil Haggar and Bob Bordelon to fish with on Capt. Bode’s yellow BayMaster boat. The morning started at 6:30 with the expected run north and an unexpected southwest wind blowing just short of needing a name. At about 9 Bob’s line went taught and his rod bent.
Walking up beside Bob we were about to come to the conclusion that he had hooked the bottom, when the bottom moved and shook it’s head. That was the beginning of a battle that lasted 15 minutes and took him around the boat several times. Saying this fish had shoulders would not be an understatement. Bob worked the large redfish like a professional giving line when needed and getting back line when he could.
Pumping the rod to regain line seemed like he was fighting a different species – but it was a red drum and slowly but surely it was wearing out and swimming closer to the awaiting net.
Then it was over - time for the congratulations, photos, and for Bob to rest his arms and cramping hands. It went over 31 inches and had a multitude of spots. This fish will be headed to the taxidermist when Bob returns to San Antonio.
After 3 days of hard fishing the class of 2009 was dismissed until 2010 when the 30th gathering will take place and the howling won't be the wind - we hope.
If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please email him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com
