Intense Schoolie Action Part I

[cchobot]

This section of the forums hasn't seen much action lately so I figured I'd post something and try to get the ball rolling. If you know my story I'm relocated to Rhode Island in the past 2 years and new to fishing the salt. The bulk of my fishing experience to this point has been fresh water fly fishing. An uncle of mine took me under his wing at a young age like so many of the rest of us. I think the first time he took me we dunked worms in a trout stream but it wasn't long before orvis fly rods and trips to the farmington (CT) were the norm. At that time I could tell you all about the wood river here in RI but nothing about the surf. Ok... Background over for now... Flash forward to a couple weeks ago.

Earl and I start fishing by some docks for schoolies... This is pretty relaxed fishing for fish anywhere from 12 to maybe 18 inches. Those looking for stories of BIG fish probably should look elsewhere because this thread isn't what you're looking for. At any rate the first night I had a light-weight "schoolie rig" and Earl had his 8 wt. Really fun stuff since you can see these little guys feeding actively on the surface. It was a little bit frustrating fishing because the fish seemed to be everywhere but weren't very willing to hit what we were offering. We got maybe a couple. A few days later we get to talking at the shop about what we 'ought to do is bring some really lightweight flyrods to fish for these fish... so it is that "intense schoolie action" was born. Now I'm thinking I have just the rig, my Orvis power matrix 8' 4" 2 wt. w/ my CFO reel. I even think I've got some flies that will get the job done, some little marabou jig heads that are great for trout.

This style of fishing suits me just fine seeing as it's the only fly rod I currently have w/ me here in RI... I would have used my 5wt but it isn't currently in my possesion. So first night w/ the 2 wt I'm using a marabou jig head (from my trout fly collection) under a strike indicator (don't judge me ). This is a really productive rig in freshwater and I wanted to see if it had any cross-over appeal. Apparently it did as a few casts and the indicator goes under... I set the hook and the fish flashes underneath the surface... IT LOOKS BIG... I didn't know it but the lights and water seem to have a magnifying effect on the fish. After a couple head shakes the fish TAKES OFF... I'm very excited... The fish is into the backing in no time, the reel is screaming, and all I can think is: Better put the breaks on or the line will be gone. Afterall, I'm not even sure how much backing I have on this hastilly rigged setup. So I attempt to put on the breaks and you know the story... Rod goes limp. That is a TERRIBLE feeling. I reel in and find my lightweight jig-head is straightened. I call Earl all out-of-breath to tell him the story. Poor guy... I'm sure the last thing he needs to hear are the ravings of a mad-man at all hours of the night, but to his credit he listened and even shared my enthusiasm. Anyways, that night I bent the hook back and continued fishing.

This is just the beginning of the story. Let me know if anyone wants to hear part II or III or feel free to share your own personal stories in this forum.

Happy Fishing!