05/14/2026
I bought a rod and reel and fished Blind Pass Bridge as well as Captiva island.
The Guy next to me was catching Snook on a Threadfin (a type of herring). I was catching Jack (fill in the blank) on live shrimp.
Iām a Miragliotta. Not catching fish is unacceptable.
So I made a call to my cousin who owns a few bait stores on the other side of Florida. It was time to stop being a MEANDERTHAL and catch some fish.
He goes, āWhat you catch, *Bleep.ā
āJackā¦ā
He goes Bleep you know betterā¦By the way, I just bought a Boston Whaler. They donāt sink. Then he continues to go on a diatribe about how much better they are than Grady-Whitesā¦
Anyways, I said I got mono on this reel. I donāt like the give on it for what Iām after. He goes get your behind to a good bait shop and put 100 yards of braid on it (like I have on all my reels at home).
I got the braid and some leader and asked the shop. They do better on the outgoing or incoming ride here?
Outgoing.
Ok. I have my spot.
11:44am is High Tide.
That means 12:15-2pm the bite is on.
I Planned the trip.
There were a few people on the bridge. But they werenāt catching fish.
The Objective was Clear. The Mission - donāt bring shame to the name and catch a fish - Critical!
It was time for an āExcuse me, Pardon meā moment.
I was getting nibbled by snappers.
Nibble, nibble, nibble, nibble, nibble, yeah (ahhhhhh!)
Another bait lost. (Mutton snappers getting me good)
Well, Iām a Miragliotta. Itās unacceptable to not catch fish.
I set the reel to live line.
Nibble, nibble, nibble, taking line, sets hook, Fish On!
Excuse me, pardon me!
First fish.
Jack Crevalle.