Ridiculous Black Drum...

So in my endless attempt to become a better fisherman and learn the Tampa waters, I've been lurking on some fishing forums and trying to hunt down some people that know the area better than I do. I've been getting more in to "flipping" artificials under docks and I really like it. Just seems to be more productive working say 50 docks in an hour with a trolling motor as opposed to maybe 2 spots with live bait in a "hole."

So I found a guy (Kevin) who fishes the area a lot and said he could show me some really productive docks etc. We headed out yesterday (Sunday), picked up some live bait (as backup) and we decided to hit a couple docks I like to frequent first since they were close to the ramp. Kevin had about 5 missed hits but I pulled in a 24" Snook which was nice. We tried one more spot where we caught some small snapper and a HUGE Jack Crevalle but that was it so we headed towards north tampa (by the howard franklin bridge) to hit one of his spots.

On the way over... we saw a group of about 4 boats fishing in the middle of the main channel about 500yds from the main bridge opening (that I had to go through). They were fishing "something" but I had to run through them to make it under the bridge. As we passed them... one of the guys in the other boat raised his hands up (clearly I thought he was mad at us) but Kevin realized he was actually "waving us over" to fish the pod of "whatever" they were on. When we passed it looked like Tarpon.

When we pulled up it was actually a pod of HUGE migrating Black Drum. The other boats said to throw an artificial grub jig at them and so.... that's what we did.

2 hrs and 4 25lb or better fish later... we called it a day. The biggest fish (the one I'm holding below) is easily 50lbs. My 30lb Boga Grips (Fishing plier thingy's that have a scale on them) were maxed out and we didn't even have him halfway out of the water. I caught an 80lb Tarpon a few years ago that took about 25 minutes to land with a big rod and 100lb braided line. This 50 pounder was a MUCH longer fight since we were only using 7ft medium action rods with 10lb power pro line. Needless to say... it was CRAZY.

What an Amazing Day!!

This afternoon was one of the best days of our life - we got to see Trey via a 4-D sonogram. The technology is absolutely amazing and as you can see from the pictures we now have an idea what our little boy looks like. He has his fathers eyes for sure and his toes (the second toe is much bigger than his big toe). We think he is going to have his Mom's chubby cheeks. The sonogram tech, Rhonda (who was awesome and took so much time with us), told us that Trey was one of the best babies she has had and that he was clearly posing for the camera. He is estimated to weigh about 3 pounds, 11 ounces right now and he is measuring a week early (which would mean a delivery date of May 31). During the sonogram he breathed in a few breaths, opened his eyes, yawned and smiled at the sound of Mom's voice. It was such an amazing experience and Mom and Dad cannot wait to meet their little boy!! I have posted tons of pictures because I am still so in awe of the whole thing.

I love this one as he almost looks like he is praying and you can see his face, both hands and some toes.

He loved to put his fist to his face.


There is a yawn - how sweet is that!!

Look at that handsome profile.

A picture of his boy parts (no question there :o))

A Sad Day!!

It was a sad day when we found out about a year ago that our huge oak tree (figured to be at least 75 years old) was dying due to old age. We put off having it removed for as long as possible but lately Mommy to Be had been having nightmares that the tree fell in on the nursery so it was time to take action. This past week the tree guys came to remove her. Below are a few pictures of the process which according to Jimmy was pretty amazing. Now we have an empty space in our side yard and I am missing my tree.

Easter

Although not quite on Easter, this past Saturday Jimmy and Dad Ellis went fishing and Mom Ellis and I went shopping for Baby Trey. Although they got rained out the boys had a great time and caught a few fish. The girls bought the drapes for the nursery and a few other things (Trey is spoiled already).

New Hampshire

Although for a sad reason, my grandfather's passing, we made the trek to New Hampshire in early March to attend the funeral and spend time with family. Although it was an emotional weekend it was so nice to get to see the family as it is not often that all of the Fredricks get together.

Angie and Tim's Farmhouse - look at all that snow!! Angie and Tim were so gracious and let Jimmy and I crash with them.

The Fredrick Men - Joe, Ben, Micah, Rory, Dylan, Dad and Uncle Norman

Jimmy with Vivi, Malia and Bailey (all of the girls could not wait to play with Jimmy)

Best Buds - Jimmy and Rory

The whole family at lunch - I think we figured out that we were 30 and a half (counting the baby on the way :o))

The girls having fun - Tori, Vivi, Bobbi and Bailey

Grammie, Uncle Norman, Aunt Martha, Rory, Dylan and Kim

Jimmy getting his practice in for being a Daddy - Mr. Dylan and his always cute pictures :o)