Shimano Citica great on the Emmrod casting rods and super for kayak fishing

For 2012 Shimano has introduced a new Citica casting reel, but wait!!!  Before you buy check out any remaining 2011 models in the stores.  Other than the color and the offering of some new gear ratios in the lineup it's basically the same reel.  However 2011s are going for $89.95 at Gander Mountain in Saint Augustine, FL while 2012s are listed at $129.95.  Hmmmm that's quite a bit of difference for a color change.  The Citica is great if you are looking for a baitcast reel to use kayak fishing, it's light, compact, but extremely powerful.  Just the ticket for saltwater flats or freshwater if that's your calling.  Shimano has done this before, after all fishing has in many ways become a fashion industry.  But if you know your gear and can stand the fish chuckling at you because you gear does not match check out the 2011 Citicas.  Oh yes, on the Emmrod casting rigs WOW, this reel is a champ.

Kids and Emmrods

The son in law and I took two grandkids down to the waterfront in Palatka today.  Of course we had to stick a fishing pole in their hands and you can guess what that was, of course an Emmrod.  The each carried an Emmrod Packer the original design equipped with a freshwater spincast reel.  Although the fish proved to be off somewhere else they still had fun.  Casting Chug Bugs and bringing them back in is fun and there are few snags to worry about with a floating lure.  We only caught one dock with the help of the wind but that was an easy fix.  Next time we will find the fish.  Hopefully later this week we can get the kayaks or canoe out for a little on the water work.

Gotta eat sometime - Yummy ham from Best Packers in Palatka, FL.

Kate and I had a great holiday meal today anchored by a fantastic ham from Best Packers in Palatka, FL.  They are an old local meat packing plant that has been here in Palatka for over 50 years now.  I suspect when I get back on the water later this week there will be a couple of great ham sandwiches on board the W500.  This ham was one of the best I've ever had.  Great stuff!

Palatka Emmrod off the dock with Jeff McGovern

Took a stroll down to the docks at our waterfront here in Palatka.  The town sits right on the St Johns River, the area is a quick 10 minutes on foot from the house.  Just tossed a few lures around the docks and managed only to hook up a gar that grabbed the plug and proceeded to cut me off on the dock posts.  Oh well it was fun while it lasted.  I really need to get the W500 out here for a little kayak fishing.  The town is suppose to have the kayak and canoe launch done soon.  It will be behind where I'm standing in the shot and be very easy to use.  Maybe later today or even on Christmas we will walk over here with the grandkids for a little worm and bobber fishing with Emmrod Packers. 

Jeff and the new Emmrod score in Palatka, Florida

I took a stroll down to the docks here in Palatka, Florida this afternoon.  Two grand kids needed to burn off steam and a walk downtown would take of the edge.  I brought along the new Emmrod Packrod that has a synthetic handle material never before used for fishing rods.  Super tough and very comfortable the orange color in this one is a prototype, the regular models will be in black.  Made a couple of casts with a Mirrolure She Dog and got nailed by this little guy seeking bait fish along the rocks.  The rod handles very well with low profile baitcasters like this Shimano Citica.  The mono line it was loaded with it made a great topwater outfit in the tight places around the rocks and docks. 

Little saltwater pill - the tablet jig - hooks them and gets them in.

This is the small  jig that caught all the fish from my last post.  It's made by VMC and while designed for freshwater is great for saltwater flats fishing out of a kayak.  So long as it is cleaned after a day on the water it holds up fine.  The best way is the old peanut butter jar and a shot of baby shampoo lure washing trick.  It has kept my baits working just great for years.  For rigging the jig was tied with a canoeman's loop to a short 20lb fluorocarbon leader.  The hook on these jigs is very sharp and the design helps defeat lost fish at boat side.

Whew it's been some time - Jeff and Emmrods got out yesterday

Finally!  After weeks and weeks of everything else going on but fishing yesterday December 17th found me in the saddle of my fishing wonder the Wavewalk 500.  Frankly that is just too long to wait between trips.  However the wait was worth it.  I took along two Emmrod prototype fishing rods with a new high tech handle material.  Great stuff this was the first time they have been saltwarer fishing since I got them.  Hopefully they will be on the market sometime in 2012.  The day was out standing and the fish were there to greet me after a long time away.  Talley on the fish ended up at 17 reds, 12 sea trout and finally a baker dozen flounder.  Most were low end legal and a few were invited home for the freezer.  I'll post the rigging I used in another post.  Here are some fish shots.