Lost & Found

WHILE MANY COASTAL FLORIDIANS stick to the state’s sensational saltwater fisheries, I prefer the freshwater game. In fact, I’ll take the peace and quiet of a secluded sweetwater hot-spot over the chaos of a dozen center consoles harassing a single frigate bird any day of the week. However, during a recent outing deep into an urban canal system, things quickly went from calm to catastrophe.

- Mike Grafton

On a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, I performed my usual routine in preparation for a day on the water. After loading my kayak in the back of the pickup, I began making my way to a nearby canal where the peacock bass fishing had been epic. As I proceeded down the road, I chuckled at the long line of boaters waiting to launch at the local ramp, feeling a deeper appreciation for the simplicity of my game plan.

It wasn’t long before I was catching fish on every cast. While they weren’t monsters, I was having a blast and had the entire canal to myself. Further on down the bank, I saw something huge cruising along the surface and perfectly placed my popper just ahead of the wake. The bait was instantly annihilated and after a few spirited runs I caught a glimpse of a huge largemouth.