There's more than one way to catch a fish

I am a pretty fair judge of character. That is to say, from the get-go I can usually tell if an introduction has any merit. I am referring to individuals introduced at social gatherings as potential fishing mates.

For the majority, my method has been favorable, but there was this one particular incident...

Terry Watson, a man of the northern persuasion, was excited about his recent move to South Carolina. He had been informed that I was a pretty fair inshore angler and wanted to be introduced. At first, things went pretty smooth, all the niceties of the moment were accepted and exchanged with the normal amount of social grace and posturing.

Then it happened.

When I mentioned I thought the best time to fish for spottail bass was during the last two hours of the outgoing tide, he referred to the technique as "silly."

Now, I have had my share of conflict relating to things that had a questionable outcome. I wouldn't win a prize for my stock market decisions nor managing my meager funds heading into retirement. I have lost many arguments simply because the issues were too vague to pursue further. I have a well-known and deliberate stand on the environment, and everyone knows how I feel about family and friends.

But to have my method of fishing referred to as "silly," well that was a bit more than I could handle. The gauntlet was not only tossed, it was smashed against the wall with a vengeance.

Taking on the challenge, a trip to the river was scheduled for the next morning. The tides would give opportunity to both levels and we would see if Terry's remarks held merit.

I have learned and practiced, since my first arrival to the shores of South Carolina, that fishing a high, outgoing tide is more productive. I have managed a fair share of returns and even a few trophies using this method. I have marked favorite drops and weed lines and they have remained productive on each return trip, a last-resort spot when all else has failed. I normally position myself at the mouth of a large feeder creek or mud flat run and, when the tide was in its last stage of the turn (about two hours), catch fish that retreat into deeper waters by way of the creeks.

But today the challenge was to fish the incoming tide. Terry explained things somewhat one-sided, but not without merit. Spottail move into the creeks looking for a food source and sanctuary. As he put it in perspective, I began to listen more intently. A fish -- any fish -- that has been feeding in the shallows and moves to safer waters during the tide drop is less likely to focus on a food source. On the other hand, a fish that is on the prowl for a meal and has not fed due to the challenge of current and predators is more likely to take your bait.

He proceeded, with a somewhat repetitious but interesting synopsis, of how things are supposed to work: Redfish (as he preferred to call them), can be found in tidal creeks and generally in low water during either tide. Baitfish also are moving in these same shallow, as are crabs, shrimp and other food fish. Once a pattern is developed and a travel way has been established, visiting these and similar sites will ensure returns on future trips.

I listened to Terry during his presentation with as much diplomacy as a former Marine Sergeant, and now anxious angler, could muster. Then, it was my turn, and I took full advantage of the situation.

At the end of the day, the tally exposed the truth: Terry -- 9 hooked, 6 caught (4 legal), 2 returned; Lee -- 8 hooked, 8 caught (6 legal), 2 returned.

Not much difference, overall. In reality, the difference was more based on angling ability once the fish was hooked.

But it did prove a point. You should be open for suggestions, be willing to try different approaches and not become so involved in doing things your way.

Don't be quick to judge others just because they happen to use 10-foot boat rods and slap you upside the head on occasion. Overlook the shortcomings of others just as they do yours. Even though you would never think of offering a cucumber sandwich to a fellow angler.

Stay within your limits and that of your boat. Never venture into shallow water without the aid of a push pole, or at least someone who is not afraid of getting their feet wet. Remember: It's not the trip but the experience.

Most anglers know in advance if the battery is charged, the anchor rope is tied off or there is ice in the cooler. Veteran and novice know that bait is better used fresh and with an aerated bait tank. Finally, when launching your boat, be sure the hand line is at least long enough to reach the end of the trailer, and it is free of tangles, knots and discarded fish hooks.

So thanks, Terry, for sharing the experience, as we discussed before leaving the ramp all things equal and balanced. Your share of the bill will be forthcoming.

BASS AND PASTA

This recipe was used at the fish camp earlier this year. It was enjoyed during our normal GATRAG visit to camp (Get Away from The Routine And Gathering). And to this I add thanks to David, Ronnie, Phillip, Skip, Ray and Sloan.

Ingredients

1 6-ounce portion fresh spottail filet

1/2 cup orzo pasta (cooked)

2 ounce white wine

2 ounce heavy cream

2 ounce cream cheese (softened)

1 pinch mixed chopped herbs (parsley, thyme and oregano)

1 ounce mined shallot

1/4 ounce minced garlic

1 teaspoon grain mustard

Directions

Season the filets with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a non-stick sauté pan. Add the fish to the pan and cook on each side for 3 minutes and place in 375-degree oven for 4 more minutes to finish cooking. In another non-stick sauté pan, add enough olive oil to coat bottom. Add the shallots and garlic and simmer for one minute, but do not let the garlic burn. Add the cooked orzo pasta and toss to coat. Add the white wine and reduce. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat off and swirl in the softened cream cheese. Mix the grain mustard and olives and place pasta in the center of the plate, top with the fish, and spoon the sauce on top and around the sides of the fillets.

Beaufort Year-Round Fishing Tournament

Standings in the Beaufort year-round fishing tournament (species, boat, angler, weight):

OVERALL

Amber Jack: My Time Out, Ralph Worrell, 62.22

Barracuda: Full Tilt, Travis Plair, 34.9

Black Drum: Simpler Times, Chris Kozma, 10.58

Blackfin Tuna: Holdin On, Mike Perry, 29.38

Black Sea Bass: Mikes Marine, Ralph Worrell, 3.16

Bluefish: My Time Out, Danyelle Brelowski, 1.22

Cobia: No Name, Roy Talley, 69.5

Croaker: Capt. Worrell, Ralph Worrell, 0.42

Dolphin (Dorado): Kelsea, Tim Ferris, 34.82

Flounder: Lil Loo-er, Kristin Kirby, 5.32

Grouper (All Legal Species): No Worries, Joshua Martin, 20.28

Jack Crevalle: Hammer Down, Chris Bates, 29.72

King Mackerel: Happy Dog, Jason Ward, 38.7

Ladyfish: Captain Bo, Amber Von Harten, 2.8

Little Tunny: Top Gun 5, Ross Holquist, 13.5

Red Drum: Reel Contol, James Vincent Sr., 4.74

Red Snapper: No Worries, Joshua Martin, 29.76

Sheepshead: Little John, John Mucha, 10.96

Spadefish: Happy Dog, Ross Holquist, 10.4

Spanish Mackerel: Miss Match, John Gould, 6.08

Spotted Seatrout: Seas So Shallow, Steve Roll, 5.6

Spots: My Time Out, Frank Gibson, 0.32

Toadfish: Holdin On, Brian McCaffree, 2.38

Triggerfish: No Worries, Steve Roll, 11.26

Vermillion Snapper: No Worries, Mike Sackman, 5.12

Wahoo: Top Gun 5, Taylor Thomas, 26.64

Weakfish: Capt Worrell, Ralph Worrell, 1.2

Whiting: No Name, Chris Long, 1.18

FEMALE

Amber Jack: Happy Dog, Alice Houston, 44.86

Barracuda: My Time Out, Dianne Andrews, 12.36

Black Drum: Foreclosure, Lauren Graham, 3.16

Black Sea Bass: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 2.18

Bluefish: My Time Out, Danyelle Brelowski, 1.22

Cobia: No Worries, Caitlin Sackman, 32.6

Croaker: My Time Out III, Phyllis Gibson, 0.36

Dolphin (Dorado): My Time Out III, Phyllis Gibson, 19.2

Flounder: Lil Loo-er, Kristin Kirby, 5.32

Jack Crevalle: Froggy Daddy, Carol Currin, 3.04

King Mackerel: No Name, Maci Dean, 24.96

Ladyfish: Captain Bo, Amber Von Harten, 2.8

Little Tunny: Top Gun V, Lauren Graham, 10.08

Red Drum: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 4.52

Red Snapper: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 19.6

Sheepshead: No Worries, Debra Coffeen, 7.0

Spanish Mackerel: Miss Fripp, Patti Brown, 3.26

Spotted Seatrout: Froggy Daddy, Carol Currin, 2.38

Spots: Capt Worrell, Betty Worrell, 0.24

Toadfish: Froggy Daddy, Carol Currin, 1.42

Triggerfish: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 2.64

Vermillion Snapper: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 1.22

Weakfish: Capt Worrell, Kelly Childress, 0.74

Whiting: Foreclosure, Lauren Graham, 1.04

YOUTH

Barracuda: No Slack, Dillon York, 9.9

Black Sea Bass: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 2.08

Bluefish: Miss Fripp, Allison Kindwall, 0.32

Cobia: No Worries, Caitlin Sackman, 32.6

Croaker: Capt. Worrell, Jack Worrell, 0.4

Dolphin (Dorado): Tort Teaser, Kipper McIntosh, 19.94

King Mackerel: No Slack, Dillon York, 16.94

Ladyfish: Capt. Worrell, Jack C. Worrell, 1.48

Red Drum: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 3.86

Red Snapper: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 15.76

Spanish Mackerel: Miss Fripp, Kane Thorp, 1.9

Toadfish: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 1.68

Vermillion Snapper: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 0.82

Weakfish: Capt Worrell, Tyler Childress, 0.6

Whiting: Foreclosure, Lauren Graham, 1.04

10x10 YOUTH

Bluefish: Miss Fripp, Kane Thorp, 0.76

Croaker: Capt. Worrell, Jack Worrell, 0.4

Flounder: Seassoshallow.com, Steve Roll, 1.94

Jack Crevalle: Capt. Worrell, Tyler Childress, 0.7

Ladyfish: Miss Fripp, Kane Thorp, 1.64

Spotted Seatrout: Capt. Worrell, Tyler Childress, 0.82

Spots: Capt. Worrell, Tyler Childress, 0.2

Toadfish: Capt. Worrell, Tyler Childress, 1.3

Whiting: No Name, Chris Long, 1.18