We left at around 5:00 am heading to the cigar. The seas were none too good, but we were hopeful that they would begin to space out a little more once we got offshore a little. Once we passed the CLT, it was obvious the sea was pi$$ed off & confused. We bust out at a blistering pace of 17-20 knots. we set in at the fingers. There were whitecaps for as long as you could see. Enough whining about the seas, lets get to the fishing.
About 30 minutes into the day, reel goes off, I get everyone to pump the other rods, & 2 more go down! All the guys are on the fish soI go back to gaff. Crap, Bonitas. I thought we may have found a school of small tunas. I grab the hooks w/ the hand gaff & send them home. Did manage 1 small dolphin out of that.
We circle thru that a few more times w/ no takers. We decide that the 19 mile trott to the cigar would not be fun, so we opt to head towards the canyon. We hit all the wrecks along the way. There was a steady line of debris & we picked up fish on the wrecks & the floating wood. We went thu over 3 packs of ballyhoos w/ fish hitting every bait in the spread all least twice. had multiple knock downs & multiple hook ups on 2 to 4 fish at a time. we did lose a few, but before they got to the boat. No big dolphins, but a great day w/ lots of action. If I had to pick the best bait of the day, Hands down, the cedar plugs did the job. Both red/white & natural. They were on our flat lines & caught the most action. They are great, sling the fish off & Throw it back in, no rigging needed. We did have a toothy critter come up & proceed to bite the hook off of my bigger get reel chugger, but it was nce enought to leave the bait.
Our crew was me, wade, tony, travis & eddie.
total on the day was 17 small dolphin & 3 released bonitas.
the fish were not huge, but hands down it has been our most active day w/ the most action & hook ups.
We were heading out today, but it is a little rougher & given the weather bouy reports, decided not to put my dad or myself thru the torture.
Until next time,
Cheryl
"SALT SHAKER"
a pic of Tony w/ the catch.
Click to view attachment