After an hour drive the boat would not start. Pulled it out and tried for about 10 minutes. Finely got it running and headed out of Blacks Fish Camp to catch some catfish. Well the white caps were coming over the bow so I headed back to the landing like a whipped puppy. Didn't give up. Loaded the boat and went to the hatchery where the wind was blocked by the trees. Got 5,but it took about an Hour and a half. Picked up and went in the stump field in 3 1/2 ft. of water. Got much better. Caught 11 more in an hour. Went to pick up the back anchor and it was stuck under a stump. Tried everything but it was not budging. Tied a buoy to it and tossed it over so I could get the bow anchor lose and had the same problem. Took awhile but got both in the boat and went home to clean fish. Yes I did enjoy the trip. Here are some pics.

Had a nice little shakedown run at Beseck today. It wasn't quite as warm as yesterday and the
8-10 breeze was gusting to 15+, but I got out anyway. No luck with topwater or a swimbait, so it was Dinger time. I missed the first bite, probably early hookset. Caught a 2lb Largemouth skunkbuster, and then settled in. Caught 2 more cookie cutter males, and decided to shift gears. Pulled out the medium light, and the ultralight rods and went Crappie hunting. The blowdown trees were on fire. Caught 10 up to 1 pound or so. The wind was picking up so I picked up the worm rod one more time, and caught the big fish of the day, a 2lb 12oz chubby female. After that I called it a day.
Definitely a successful shakedown and first trip.

4/15/24 Beach fishing in FL. From Brother In-law..--I walked along the villa beach this morning towards the jetty but I didn't get to Venice beach before I turned around and headed back to the villas.
I was using a DOA shrimp in hopes of finding the trout but never did.
I caught 3 ladyfish and at least 4 flounder....none of which were over 13 inches.
I've caught at least 11 flounder in the last two days but only kept one....and it was only 14 1/2 inches long.
I can't believe how expensive DOA shrimp are at Publix.
The picture I took of the fourth flounder didn't turn out for some reason so I could only send you pictures of 3 of them....they all look the same. I couldn't believe I didn't hook up with one flounder that was at least 14 inches. I would love to get an 19 incher...I know they are out there. As long as the water is calm I'll keep walking along the beach looking for the trout.