Lake Manatee SP (Jan 26-Feb 8)

Tuesday - We had a beautiful day to move and we could take our time since it is only about 20-30 minutes to get here. We got in and set up (Site 34) showered, and fed, then went down to the lake to fish. The hybrid strikers don't seem to be in yet, although a guy told John they caught two.

Wednesday - It rained all night and off and on all day. We went to O'Briens Farm for our usual BLTs and strawberry shortcake. 

Thursday - Rain all night and all day. So glad we have plenty of recorded programs. 

Friday - It was great to see the sun again. To chilly and windy to kayak, so we stayed close. John tied eight Clousers, of which we used two down at the dock near dusk, but no success. 

Saturday - There was a good crowd at the campfire coffee. We met a couple from Suchess who ride horses at Trackrock and have a mutual friend who stays there too. We launched the kayaks here and fished the nearby bay, but neither of us got a hit. There have been a few crappie caught here, but we have not found them. 

Sunday - Great worship this morning. 

Monday - We headed out early for EG Simmons County Park in Ruskin. We put the kayaks in at the launch and began fishing in the channel with zero bites. W then headed out on the flats and caught a few undersized trout and many ladyfish. Nothing for the fry pan, but a beautiful day on the water and some action. We also got to visit with our friends Bill and JoAnne, who are camping there. We stopped at Ybor Grill for an excellent dinner. 

Tuesday - We gave EG Simmons another try and got there about the same time.  We put in between the boat launch and the swimming beach and headed south to try the flats there. We had some sea fog roll in, but other than keeping us closer to shore, it wasn't thick enough to bother us. We fished hard, but nothing. We tried several other areas with the same results. John caught one trout just before lunch, then three more just before we quit. We would have kept fishing, but all four were 13 inches, which is two inches to small to keep. Skip & Shirl fished the channel by the kayak launch and managed to catch one keeper trout. It was a beautiful day in the water and we were so tired we decided to stop at Beanies for sandwiches before heading home. John had a Reuben and Joan had a fish sandwich. They were both delicious. 

Thursday - We met our friends Bill and Karen at Linger Lodge for lunch. It was great getting caught up with them while enjoying an excellent meal. This is a fun destination restaurant situated on the Braden River. It rained in the evening. 

Friday - It was very windy and chilly today. In the evening, we went to Sun Cuty UMC to enjoy The Band Anastazja" who were a large family from Upstate New York and do bluegrass music. They were a treat. 

Saturday - After a very nice coffee-campfire put on by the park, it rained and was cold all day. 

Sunday - Great service with an awesome Super Bowl skit. Watched the game, which was better than the commercials. It was a windy, chilly day again. 

Monday - Fished the dock with same results, nothing. Disappointed that the hybrid stripers never showed up this year. Still quite cool and windy.

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