olcaptain
Senior Member
When many people think of Florida their minds immediately go to Panama City Beach or the wonderful white sands of Daytona. While these places are certainly nice and have their purpose there is a part of Florida that many folks miss out on and some never even know exists. When I think of these out of the way and away from the ocean areas my mind recalls the often used term of “Old Florida.� Old Florida to me is Live Oaks along the river bank draped in canopies and curtains of Spanish moss. I think of limestone laden riverbanks where huge wooden barges from days gone by lay bleaching in the sun while resting from their long ago trips back and forth to Apalachicola Bay. Old Florida has its own pace and it’s own schedule and this style of living fits the Ultimate Carp Hound (Maximus Relaximus) and this Ol Captain’s pistol just right.
My brother Dan who lives in Jacksonville joined Max and I over the last few days on a Carpin’ excursion that I will never forget. Dan and I grew up in NE Florida fishing with our Dad and he has been my big brother all of my life. It was a joy just to hang out for a few days with my brother once again.
Dan and I were joined off and on this week by our good friend Mr. O.D. Forrester who I believe is secretly the Mayor of nearby Sneads, Florida.
L-R: Dan w/Max, me, O.D.
Our group spent 8 hours on Wednesday and 11 hours on Thursday in the hot sultry sun on the east bank of the Apalachicola River about 500 or so yards below the Jim Woodruff Dam.
The scenery and the company were second to none but as good as that was the fishing was even better!!! In that time frame we caught and released 15-20 Carp from 12 to almost 28 pounds lbs each. Not only that but brother Dan put on a Multi Species Clinic banking not only Carp but a Hybrid, a Painted Turtle, as well as a Gar all on the Captain’s Puffs and Strawberry Grit Bait!!
Our good friend O.D. landed several nice Commons and also banked his first ever Grass Carp (White Amur) as well!
And being as humble as I can possibly be I have saved the Ol Captain’s catches to the very last. I caught several but the highlight was a new personal best 27 ½ lb Common Carp that still has my heart racing and my old worn out knees knockin’ in my Keens!! I have had the same 23 lb PB for nigh onto 6 years and I have finally increased it to 27.5!!
Folks, we have more fun than the law allows. I hope you enjoy our photos as well as our tales. We are blessed each day but this trip was even more special because of Old Florida, great fellowship and a great fish!!
My brother Dan who lives in Jacksonville joined Max and I over the last few days on a Carpin’ excursion that I will never forget. Dan and I grew up in NE Florida fishing with our Dad and he has been my big brother all of my life. It was a joy just to hang out for a few days with my brother once again.
Dan and I were joined off and on this week by our good friend Mr. O.D. Forrester who I believe is secretly the Mayor of nearby Sneads, Florida.
L-R: Dan w/Max, me, O.D.
Our group spent 8 hours on Wednesday and 11 hours on Thursday in the hot sultry sun on the east bank of the Apalachicola River about 500 or so yards below the Jim Woodruff Dam.
The scenery and the company were second to none but as good as that was the fishing was even better!!! In that time frame we caught and released 15-20 Carp from 12 to almost 28 pounds lbs each. Not only that but brother Dan put on a Multi Species Clinic banking not only Carp but a Hybrid, a Painted Turtle, as well as a Gar all on the Captain’s Puffs and Strawberry Grit Bait!!
Our good friend O.D. landed several nice Commons and also banked his first ever Grass Carp (White Amur) as well!
And being as humble as I can possibly be I have saved the Ol Captain’s catches to the very last. I caught several but the highlight was a new personal best 27 ½ lb Common Carp that still has my heart racing and my old worn out knees knockin’ in my Keens!! I have had the same 23 lb PB for nigh onto 6 years and I have finally increased it to 27.5!!
Folks, we have more fun than the law allows. I hope you enjoy our photos as well as our tales. We are blessed each day but this trip was even more special because of Old Florida, great fellowship and a great fish!!
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