Well, even though it was bumpy we still had fun on Sunday. After seeing all the reports (along with pics) of the mahi being slayed, Dave & I figured it was gonna be a big day for us. Pulled away from the Cut at 3:30 am with the crew being me, Dave, Jeannie & Jeff. Got outside the jetties and was met by a 2-3 ft churning slop with a stiff headwind. A couple of waves over the bow, and the crew began whinin’ about pulling out the curtains. The captain being one tough hombre (and nice and comfy behind the glass) wasn’t complaining one bit, but no one wants a cryin’ crew so out came the wings. Jeannie & Dave settled in the EZR’s for the ride out, Jeff & I manned the helm, kept an eye on the radar & blindly ran thru the slop at 30-31 kts. Started fishing around 5:45 am & had a small peanut to the boat within a few minutes that we threw back. Then nothing. Around 10:00 am the winds shifted & the seas began to build–so we kept a close eye on things–it was going to be a nasty ride in. We saw a ton of flyers, but no weeds & was the slowest offshore day that we’ve ever had–only 1 mahi over the next 3-4 hours. Finally, we had a sail come in and hit the short outrigger, let go, and then hit the WWB. Fish on. Dave grabbed the rod worked him to the boat, I billed him, Mid Level photographer Jeannie Swain took a couple of pics & fish released unharmed. A day saver. Caught one more mahi to end the day. Pulled in the lines around 2’ish & braced for the nasty ride in–waves not all that big–just steep–only could make 21-24kts. The most impressive performance of the day was by Jeff–his wife just had child #4 six weeks ago & he came–my new idol.
Final tally 3 mahi, largest pushing 20, 1 released peanut & 1 sail.
Mid Level
31 Contender
