Route #1: February 2, 2008
South Skyway Rest Area to Bishop Harbor

Well, the day I’ve been waiting for has finally come. I can put all the phone calls and emails behind me and just get out on the water. It’s all I’ve thought about this past week. Joining me today are two of my good friends, Peter Poletti, better known as “Mako” and Ken Mignogna who goes by KPMiggs on the fishing forums. After getting our vehicles situated we met at the South Sky Way rest area.

(L to R) Ken, Bill, Peter

I thought at first I might have to change the name of this adventure to “Walk Around the Bay” as a brisk North breeze pushed the water out of the bay. It was quite a haul from the parking lot out to the waters edge. I took some time before we started to reflect on just what I have in front of me, just on the other side of that bridge is my final destination; I hope to be there in approximately 14 days.

Bill contemplates the journey ahead.

With the Sky Way bridge as our back drop, we headed off towards Joe Island.

Getting under way.

My good friend Peter Poletti.

Ken was first to strike, finding a few reds hanging out on a deeper ledge next to a nice flat area. Peter and I moved in on Ken's spot, but we had no luck and moved on down about a mile or two where I found the mother load of redfish. I ended up with 7 nice reds, Ken landed 5.

My kayak tournament partner Ken Mignogna with one of 5 redfish he caught on the day.

Like I said, I found a nice school of reds mixed in with some mullet. They started out small, but soon got larger.

First fish caught on my Paddle Around the Bay:

I pulled the hook on one redfish that might have gone over 30 inches, lost another one later on and Ken and I both caught flounder and trout. Peter on the other hand, had a rough time I’m sorry to say. How can a guy stand next to you and not get a bite?

Peter and I both took some time to get some wildlife shots:

White pelicans.

Unidentified duck species.

Osprey in flight.

Well, it was a great start but we needed to get going so we paddled on towards Bishops Harbor, stopping at a few spots along the way. I came across a couple of big reds cruising a mangrove shoreline, coming right towards me, as I sat there motionless, they swam right under my kayak like I wasn’t even there. Finally pulling into the ramp at Bishops around 1 pm I was glad to get the first leg of the trip under my belt. All the while, I was still thinking about tomorrow and having to cross the Port Manatee channel. I did 7.3 miles today in some great weather, with some good friends. I only hope everyday is this good.