We thought we had a break in the weather…Every wed this month has been windy with poor forecasts. We left the dock at 11.30 - Capt Jay and friend Drew. The ocean was far from slick - we could have put out the high speed trolling gear as we were unable to run more than 30 mph on the run out to the scarp.
When we arrived, there were scattered weeds and fliers galore. A slow start on the break, so we pushed off to deeper waters. We had a friendly report of scattered fish between 250 - 350ft.
Slow trolling, finally some action. Short strike after cluster of tangles, more short strikes, the wings on the bird get struck and break, wahoo cutting off the lines without wire, baits getting stripped clean and fish avoiding the hook set - strange, bad luck.
Finally land a nice hoo, and a mahi hits the line with the trolling weight. A nice gaffer. Just like that the skunk is off.
More short strikes and no fights…we went through 3 packs of Ballyhoo. Another hoo was landed. In anticipation of a long slow ride home, we decide to head back at 5:30.
The last reel goes off - screaming. Must be the monster HOO or bill fish. Not with our luck. GIANT Bonita (turns out a little tunny). Fun fight, released to tease another angler some other day.
Amazingly dry and fast ride home.
Not sure why the run of bad luck, but fortunate we were able to have the opportunity to have bad luck (we even tossed the banana boat sun screen over board).
Tight lines,
Jason
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