Headed out of IOP Friday morning at 430. Thought it was going to be freezing as we prepared by covering 95% of our skin, but it wasn’t that bad at all. Seemed like lots of traffic as we got out of the jetties and pointed towards SW Banks. Seas were just fine and we were at the spot with lines in by 715. We passed some bait balls, but found a thick, semi-scattered weed line in 69.5 degrees. In May, this would have been Mahi City, but we had nothing as we fished south of there. While pulling in 170 to 220 ft in 68-70 degrees of water we happened to spot something long and skinny jump 100 yards from us. Headed that way and had a big knock down. Billfish Billfish! I couldn’t believe it at all. She had hit a skirted bally blue and white stubby bubbler. Cleared the lines and after some outstanding rod work, my buddy got the sailfish to the boat. A few seconds after I got my hand on the bill she spit the hook. Made sure she was swimming well and set her free. Right after that, we looked back and saw an even larger sail starring at us 10 feet behind my prop. By the time we believed our eyes and grabbed a spinner, she was gone. One knock down the rest of the day. Got back in safe with a little choppier seas, but we were definitely able enjoy our celebration beer(s) on the way in.
First billfish for Bout Time.
Bout Time
Sea Hunt 232
225 Yamaha
If at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your thing.
Warren Miller