Bottom fishing 8-8

Saltwater Offshore Reports
1

Fished several different spots in 90-120 ft. Never really got on great fishing but managed to limit out on smallish but legal BSBs and vermillion, along with a few trigger and pinks. The trigger hot spot from the last two trips cooled off and we never really found them. Had to leave the first spot due to catching nothing but the endangered red snapper. Rough to start the day but layed down nicely around noon.

Arrived to the first spot as a pon pon came over the vhf from the coast guard regarding an EPIRB hit from fishing vessel Fortunate Son. Called and straightened everything out. Ours is mounted beneath the helm chair and someone had put a cooler in front of it. I guess it responds to pressure as the switch was not flipped. Did not realize until I got back to the dock that they had called the wife and she was frantically trying to call friends to find out where we might be fishing. Learned that I need to take the time to leave a float plan every time I go out. Also once again realized how lucky we are to have those guys looking out for us.

Hydra-Sport 3300VX
18 Key West

2

Points out a good secondary reason to monitor 16 on a dedicated unit or at least include 16 as one of the scan channels. Primary being an actual.

Had you not received confirmation of your transmit it would have been wise to continue trying while you run in until you get one.

Good idea to leave word with at least one person on your EPIRB call list: Where, Who (age if young or old), Secondary location, approximate time back in cell range. Then call that person once inside the rocks. Also leave those who are on your call list a vessel description.

Real easy to have a blank form on your desktop, fill one out and leave it behind or email it to someone.

We always file a plan with TowBoatUS for over night trips. Dude is there for ya, he has even called me when I forgot to ring him before cleaning the boat.

3

X2 TowBoatUS. Excellent service