Last Updated on June 11, 2014
Carl and I spent the day at the Dunlawton Fishing Pier fishing the Inter-Costal Waterway, and while it was a slow day there were a few moments of fun to talk about!
After spending about a half hour cast-netting bait (should have been a sign, normally takes less than 10 minutes) I had a bucket full of finger mullet and a few small pinfish. We went to the pier and on my first cast with a finger mullet I had a large hit that ran for about 10 seconds before coming unbuttoned.
Over the next few hours very little came over the rail. A few large catfish, some puffer fish, a couple blue fish and Carl caught one keeper sized whiting. Then Carl hooked into something large.
The fight was not very suspenseful. Carl said it felt “like pulling in a Volkswagen” and it kept running to the bottom and holding there, a sure sign of a stingray. After about 10 minutes of fighting Carl pulled a 30-40 pound Southern Sting Ray. Not a prize catch, but at least a big fish!
On my next cast I got a small hit and I pulled in a Flounder! Sadly, it was the smallest one I have ever caught!
Daniel Hagan has been fishing Florida’s shores since 1985 and writing about it for more than 20 years. As Managing Editor of FloridaShoreFishing.com, he shares firsthand experience covering surf and pier fishing, tackle, techniques, and Florida’s coastal species.
