Last weekend I got to be part of a true “win-win.” Myself & a client of mine (RenergyCafe.com) hooked up with Capt. Mike Illig of Avid Angling in Charleston, SC. Not only did he put us on the fish in less than desirable conditions, proceeds of the trip go help get disabled folks out on the water for free!

We had planned to try the tail end of the Tarpon season out there, and had some big questions about the weather as the remnants of tropical storm Fay were just clearing out. We started out shark fishing for bonnet heads off of Shutes Folly during the morning slack tide and James (of Renergy) hooked up with a nice bonnet around 4 1/2 feet.

I hit the first of two snags, and was looking for to get goose-egged until 11:00 when we moved out to some jetties near the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Within minutes a nice redfish (thus far my personal best) tore through some line and ended up in the boat after about a 5 minute fight. It was a 32″ red, and was actually my first tagged fish so supposedly I’ll be getting some free swag from the SC DNR in the mail soon.

Next up, James hooked into something very large.

We can’t prove it was a silver king, but the amount of line it took, lack of head thrashing that might indicate a shark, and the obvious size of whatever was on the line makes me want to believe it. However, about ten minutes in, the fish ran for a ledge and got off clean.

My turn again, and it would be the luck of the draw.

After a brief lull in the action, something snapped up a live mullet and ran strong and hard, but not too far. It felt like I had a Volkswagon mini bus on, but without the big initial run we thought it might be a large shark or enormous sting ray. On and on the battle went as we locked into a tug of war with me gaining a few feet, and it taking a few right back. Not even a hint was to be garnered until the leader was in sight.

When you’re guide is jumping up and down with excitement, you know it’s something epic.

It was the second biggest Mike had ever had in his boat, and 13″ larger than I’ve ever landed. And that’s the story of my (new) best red drum, at 43 inches, it will be a while if ever before I top it.

I just wanted to thank James and Mike, who were exceptional hosts and fishing partners - and I look forward to doing it again real soon. PS- Kudos to Mike for having exceptional taste in Rock n Roll (it appears that Redfish love The Band).