So, it was kind of a slow day, or so I thought. I had done ok over the last few days, landing a brat last Wednesday after losing another on the bank, then a native on Sunday, a beautiful fish, but without much fight. Maybe it had already been on a hooked earlier that day. Anyway, off you go. The water was really clear on Sunday and I really didn't have much hope, but I wanted to go fishing and it's not too far away so what the h***.
It rained Sunday and Sunday night, but not as much as expected, and when I got up this morning it was obvious if I wanted some water with a little color this would have to be the day. So I got to the river late and fished my regular float and nightmare jig (thanks Mike123) which was so successful before, but no luck. So I did what I normally do after getting no action for awhile (and getting bored), and start experimenting with other jigs.
So as I'm working this hole over and over again along comes this beautiful pileated woodpecker. An uncommon woodpecker (I hadn't seen one in years) about the size of a large crow with a bright red crown and a long stout beak with which he starts having at the standing dead tree across the river like he had a small chainsaw in his beak, all the while I'm drifting this hole watching my bobber and watching the bird. The bird was winning till I looked back one time and it's like where's my bobber .... Oh S***, SET THE HOOK! And the fight was on. Man, this guys pretty strong, and 5 minutes later, man this guys really strong and I still haven't seen my bobber, and my arm is getting really tired and I'm starting to wonder who will win, my arm or the fish. I finally got him to shore, another native about 26 inches, not all that big for such a fight. I set him free, go make babies. A beautiful fish, made my day. I guess it's burritos again tonight.
Two things, The natives seem to have more fight, and they sure look a lot better. A really beautiful fish, and another day in paradise.