The 2010 Shad run has started

So I was dying all weekend to go out to the first island for some togs. I was checking out the water temps online and was pretty sure they would be biting. My hunch was confirmed when I got the call from Jimmy telling me it was ON! I heard Kevin in the back ground... "where ya at Rob?!?!" It was killing me. I promised the wife that I would do the family thing this weekend. We went to the aquarium and yes, I did enjoy that. However, the rest of the time, I just couldn't get the togs out of my mind. I was constantly scheming of a way to get out on Sunday. But to no avail, I ended up back in Richmond without my tog fix. So I decided to get out on the James for a couple of hours and see if the shad were in yet. They are. It's just starting, so it wasn't on fire like it will be in a couple of weeks. I caught 4 in about 2 hrs. And they are fun, too. Especially on the flyrod. They call them "poor man's tarpon".



The togs however are still calling my name.

Soon....

Tidal James success

A couple friends have been wanting to join me on the tidal James and try for the big blues. So I picked a day and let them know. It was cold and rainy, but sometimes... that makes for some good fishing! Two of the guys that followed me didn't have the appropriate cold rain gear so they took off after an hour on the water. That left three of us on the water. First to hook up was me.

36lb Blue Catfish

I had another one at around 10lbs (not photo worthy).

Thom hooked up next with this 32lb 38" Big Blue.

T'was good times.

On the way back to the ramp I spied this beauty.

More cats

A new fishing buddy Justin Mayer came up to Richmond from the tidewater area to give it a shot at the big cats. It wasn't the most productive day, but at least he beat his personal record.

Oh, and in case you didn't know already...