Left Wappoo Cut at 4AM and headed almost straight out, a little south. Had lines in the water before 6:30. Buddy boated with FishNMistress in his 24’ Mckee. Ocean was georgous in the morning, slick as can be. As always, we talked before hand about who would have the best day, biggest fish, bragging rights sort of thing. So, the first fish of the day went to FishNMistress…and the second…and the third. I thought to myself, “Self, this is going to be a long day.” We picked up and headed about 10miles south of where we started catching a few. Had one little spot about 100 yards long with pretty consistant good bottom with bait holding over top of it. We just worked that area pretty much all day until 2 when the bite slowed down for us. Ended the day with 13 dolphin, the biggest went just shy of 24 lbs. Only two or three slingers and the rest gaffers.
Stopped to bottom fish over those numbers that were holding bait and got several very large strikes that we just couldn’t turn into grouper. Jerms caught one big AJ on the jig, but for the most part, I think the crew was spent by that point. Caught one keeper trigger and some beeliners and that was it. Jerms had something straighten out an owner and I had something break one of my hooks, I believe it was an eagle claw, most likely a shark. We will fish that structure again will hopefully more luck. The fish were there, just not cooperating like we wished.
All in all it was a great day, the right in was slow and wet with a sea crossing almost directly across the boat. Even with the curtains up, the back part of the boat was still getting pretty good spray. Fantastic day on the ocean with Jerms and a couple of high school buddies that I rarely get to hang out with. There was lots of old stories and plenty of beers drank. One of the best times I’ve had in a long time.
As for the “where’s 23 threads”:
I really really appreciate all the concerns. Paul, you are a standup guy and I apologize for having put you in this situation. I k
Phin woulda had a field day with the bottom that we found. This was by far, not the best looking spot though…just didn’t take a picture as the fish were always biting right as we got over it.
Heard someone on the radio asking about the limit on bonita…seriously.
Bean bags are the best invention ever.
Nuggs is a hardcore fisherman.
Dolphin
The dolphin have a truly mixed diet. Seems like they’ll eat just about anything. We found a shrimp in one that we cleaned later on…
There was the remains of another one inside the belly of this same fish. I swear I don’t know how they have all that in their bellies and continue to feed.
Try this, and return with a picture of the bottom in that spot for me next time:
Turn off your sonar’s auto settings and the surface clarity/noise rejection crap. Then, cut your sensitivity up to 69% and zoom in to 130-175’ range. Also, cut both chart speed and ping speed up to 100%.
Some people could tell you what was showing on your screen then. Some would say no way. All we can do is try.
As usual, I wasn’t gonna bring it up. I did imply that you caught the first three fish early indicating a good day on your part. Is it my fault that you guys didn’t catch any more fish and lost a stud hoo at the boat due to angler error? I think not.
I also find it hil…arious about the friendly wager scorecard after the yellow fruit was found on your vessel. Maybe there is something to that!
We will not talk about said fruit…I assumed the man knew better than to bring that ■■■■ thing on the boat. Boy was I wrong. You beat us, but there will be another day.
All in good fun. I thought for sure after those three fish to our “0”, you were gonna slay them and us for that matter.
That’s just fishing sometimes. Didn’t have much action on top, in fact the only fish that hit any of our lures with birds on them was a bonita and a peanut. We probably had 5 fish caught off of the planer…and the biggest fish of the day too.
Funny you say about the planer. One of the guys on my crew kept at me to put my planer out, but I never did. Next time the planer and spreader bar will be in the spread. Good job again.