Osprey got my fishing pole

[crabbypaddy]

Was fishing in the south bay on Jan 1 and boated a spottie and landed him on my deck. Looked up and saw a sea gull headed our way. The hook was a little further down than normal, so set my pole down to grab some pliers. Well, it was no sea gull. An osprey swooped down and grabbed the spottie from right in front of me and took off; taking my pole with him. The osprey stopped about 60 feet away and we started the motor up and went after him. We could see my pole sinking down a few feet behind the osprey. Just before we got to him, he took off again and the line had snapped. We fished around the area trying to snag my pole, but with no success. So, if anyone pulls up a pole with a Abu Garcia Revo SX on it, it's mine!

Fishing was pretty good for a lackluster tide. We got about 50 spotties in 3 hours, fishing from 11:30 to 2:30.

I also went the prior Wednesday and fishing was very good. I got about 30 spotties in just under 3 hours. Biggest one went 15 inches; one of the biggest spotties I've taken from the south bay. My battery died that day and we had no way of getting back to the ramp. A kayaker was coming by and was headed back up to the bridge. I asked him to ask a boat fishing several hundred yards away if they would give us a tow. They came by and towed us to the ramp. Thanks so much guys for the tow! You were lifesavers!

All fish were caught in 6-12 feet of water on 1/4 and 3/8 oz jigs with 4 inch shad tail plastics.

[Gotfish?]

I have had ospreys snatch fish from me in my float tube, fortunately always snapped the line instead of taking the pole. Startles the heck out on a person. South Bay has been good for me lately too, not as many fish as some years but better quality. Had a spotty about 17" on Friday.

FYI, you can store the coordinates on your smart phone so you can go back to it later. Some weighted snagging hooks should catch it if in the right area. Other possibility is to borrow an underwater camera, there's probably someone on the site that would loan one to you.

I have snagged 2 fishing outfits while fishing, None as nice as the one you describe though.

[crabbypaddy]

Thanks. 17 inch is a very big spotty. Nice catch!