Mission Beach 5/25

[Perch killer]

Usual bait stealing critters this morning. Lots of sc's again, but mostly small, none with roe but quite a few soft shells. Water temp felt around 64-65, no grass problems, just a few kelp floaters. Got a half dozen hand size perchies & one small ray. Nice to see a different species showing up. Switched to mussel meat on a #2 baitholder the last half hour before the high tide. Perch were still stealing but not as active with the big bait. After several offerings, got slammed hard and something big was on. Felt I had set the hook but after a few reels in, it unbuttoned. Damn, I was PO'd. Not the first & sure won't be the last, just frustrating. Guessing was a big croaker or corbina. Encouraged though, looks like the usual summer species are starting to show up.