It was nice to finally get out on the water after 4 prior failed attempts primarily due to weather and personnel issues. Made it down Sat afternoon from Asheville, NC. Fished aboard the Bandarstick with Michael and Dallas. Sellsfish was supposed to join us as well, but that didn’t happen (what up Sells?)
Anyway, we started out Sun AM and decided to try some live bottom around the Ed Offshore area. Had a mixed bag of bait including squid, fingers, and a variety of small critters to use as livies. Also picked up some shimano butterfly jigs from Haddrell’s to give them a try. Seas were 3-4 early AM with a nice period. By noon time, it had turned as flat as I’ve seen it in awhile.
Anyway, we ended up with 8 vermillions, ranging 12-17 in, 1 gray trigger (this was a first for Dallas), 10 seabass with one at about 18 inches and a mess of sharks. Michael’s second drop with the jig ended up with a shark that bit thru 100 # mono. Thought about using a short bit of wire leader but thought it might adversely affect it’s action, but at $20 a pop, but be worth reconsidering.
What is the best way to clean a trigger? That’s got to be one of the hardest fish to clean. I see why they call them leatherjackets. You could make a nice set of boots out of their skin. Tried some of the nearshore wrecks for the sea trout, but they haven’t shown up yet. Thanks again for a great trip, Michael.
I poke a hole with fillet knife and cut from inside out, lay skin side down and trim meat off.</font id=“blue”>
Nice report. Glad someone finally had the courage to brave the seas and bottom fish.
As for cleaning a trigger, Sells showed me a little secret. Above the eye socket and just in front of the first dorsal fin, there is a soft spot on the spine about 1/2" to 3/4" in length. Start your fillet knife in this “slot” and fillet the fish as normal. Great eating but they make you work for it.
GW 205
F200 Yam
use an electric filet knife and cut around the perimiter of the filet. finish with regular knife. no sweat.
folly basser
glad to see someone catch a few fish.
(my opinion) to get the cleanest filets and the most of your fish just break the skin all the way around the fish, don’t cut all the way down, and trim all the way around the fish as if you were fileting it, then grab the skin and rip it off. It’s really easy to pull off the skin, just get you a flap and pull it…you get the thickest filets that way
1996 21’ TROPHY
1996 150 MARINER
Thanks for the advice on filleting those triggers. Had some vermillions tonight–4 minutes on the George Foreman and ummm ummm good. Those little snappers don’t take any “dressing” to make 'em tasty.
Ben Miller
Florida Boy has the right idea. But, instead of using my filet knife to cut the skin around the filet area, I use a hook blade roofing knife. This save the edge of my filet knife. After you “outline” the filet on both side with the roofing knife, pull the skin off with your fingers. They skin easier than rabbits. Piece of cake.
Capt. Jim Bost
Edisto Offshore Charters
Go with the eletric knife. You will zip thru them in no time.
quote:
Originally posted by FLORIDA BOY(my opinion) to get the cleanest filets and the most of your fish just break the skin all the way around the fish, don’t cut all the way down, and trim all the way around the fish as if you were fileting it, then grab the skin and rip it off. It’s really easy to pull off the skin, just get you a flap and pull it…you get the thickest filets that way
1996 21’ TROPHY
1996 150 MARINER
Ever try that technique with the thick skin and scales of a trigger?
GW 205
F200 Yam
Hey Miller Time,
Nice report, sounds like fun. Are you from Ashville or just visiting. I’m from Brevard.
Any man that doesn’t know how to catch a fish, shouldn’t disgrace a fish, by catching it.
Rey. I’m from Asheville. Lived here since '02. My friend Michael (he lives in Asheville as well)keeps a boat at Bohickett near Seabrook/KI. We try and get a group to down there every couple months and fish usually over a long weekend. How bout you?
Ben Miller
electric fillet knife is the ticket!
My fish bigger than your fish
MT,
I just moved down here about a year ago. Love it. Next time you guys come down you should hit me up. I I live on JI.
Any man that doesn’t know how to catch a fish, shouldn’t disgrace a fish, by catching it.