Not one to post much but thought it may be of interest since we found the fish closer in than most I have seen lately.
Headed out of St. Johns Marina late(6:00 AM) after deliberations about the weather. Rolling thru the harbor at 6:30. Jetties 6:45.
Wife, son (10), daughter (15th birthday) and daughter’s friend.
Made 20 kts despite the head sea though took a couple of hits. 120 heading seemed to provide the best ride.
Pulled back in 125’ at 9:00 to organize and get the spread out on way to ledge and beyond.
First dolphin in two minutes. Never went more than 10 minutes without a fish on for the next two and a half hours. Worn out at 12:00 with twenty in the box and 3 released. 3 triples (all caught). Smallest fish 12lbs largest 35lbs. Never made it past 200’. Fished in the low 200’s. Color did not matter. Most agressive bites I have seen. Only lost 3 fish out of 26 strikes, one gaff error late in the day (back was giving out due to bruised ribs and two spit hooks). Water was remakabley clean and clear to be that close in. No comment on water temp since temp sensor not working but it apparently did not matter.
Daughter said it was the best birthday ever.
Working in the pit brought back memories of the days as a mate. Not as young as I thought!
Junior ran the boat like a pro since I could not get out of the pit with all of the gaffing, rigging, cleaning going on.
Pulled lines at 12:30. Left them biting. Could have caught more but decided to leave a few for next time. 30kts back in.
Great way to start the season. Wore out the kids, the wife and boxed a mess of fish. Took longer to clean 'em than it did to catch 'em.
