Hey guys. Headed out to Fingers yesterday. As we rounded Cape Henry at about 0645, the song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" came on the radio ... we did not take this as a good omen. A few jinxes thrown in early by the crew, and I had a bad feeling from the get-go. But with that said, I felt proud of being one of the few guys to recognize the break in the weather ... W @ 5-10. Only saw one other guy the whole day - MIRACLE MAX - and we talked a couple times.
Anyway, got there around 0900. Weather took a turn for the worse once we were out there ... nothing that would have us knocking on heaven's door ... but a couple directional clashes between swells and waves, providing for general discomfort on my 22 foot boat.
Three knockdowns in a school of skipjack was the single action of the day ... got the skunk off with one in the boat.
Best part of the day came around 1500, when the seas just died down, and the sun poked through. Nice troll back toward home, and an awesome run back on what turned into a gorgeous day.
Something I noticed going out: no temp breaks between here and the Fingers. Sounds like further out is the way to go, right now, having read BOBDU's thread on his trip to the Canyon.
- Salmon
Full Version: 7/18 VB Report
Virginia Beach Sport Fishing > VBSF.net Sport Fishing Forums > Offshore, Gulf Stream & Canyons (Ocean City MD to Hatteras NC)
QUOTE (salmonbb @ Jul 19 2009, 09:09 AM) 
Hey guys. Headed out to Fingers yesterday. As we rounded Cape Henry at about 0645, the song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" came on the radio ... we did not take this as a good omen. A few jinxes thrown in early by the crew, and I had a bad feeling from the get-go. But with that said, I felt proud of being one of the few guys to recognize the break in the weather ... W @ 5-10. Only saw one other guy the whole day - MIRACLE MAX - and we talked a couple times.
Anyway, got there around 0900. Weather took a turn for the worse once we were out there ... nothing that would have us knocking on heaven's door ... but a couple directional clashes between swells and waves, providing for general discomfort on my 22 foot boat.
Three knockdowns in a school of skipjack was the single action of the day ... got the skunk off with one in the boat.
Best part of the day came around 1500, when the seas just died down, and the sun poked through. Nice troll back toward home, and an awesome run back on what turned into a gorgeous day.
Something I noticed going out: no temp breaks between here and the Fingers. Sounds like further out is the way to go, right now, having read BOBDU's thread on his trip to the Canyon.
yes, we were out there weds at the fingers, no breaks, hot water, need to go further, same thing, skipjacks and one mahi lost at the transom.............
- Salmon
Anyway, got there around 0900. Weather took a turn for the worse once we were out there ... nothing that would have us knocking on heaven's door ... but a couple directional clashes between swells and waves, providing for general discomfort on my 22 foot boat.
Three knockdowns in a school of skipjack was the single action of the day ... got the skunk off with one in the boat.
Best part of the day came around 1500, when the seas just died down, and the sun poked through. Nice troll back toward home, and an awesome run back on what turned into a gorgeous day.
Something I noticed going out: no temp breaks between here and the Fingers. Sounds like further out is the way to go, right now, having read BOBDU's thread on his trip to the Canyon.
yes, we were out there weds at the fingers, no breaks, hot water, need to go further, same thing, skipjacks and one mahi lost at the transom.............
- Salmon
Glad you got out to the offshore grounds. Yep in a 22, you gotta pick your days and mind the weather. Thanks for the report!
What your fuel capacity in that 22 footer? I have a 22' Mako CC w/200 hp Yamaha which holds 60 gallons. I've been thinking about taking it offshore, but not sure if I have the range.
QUOTE (Volunteer @ Jul 21 2009, 09:08 AM)
What your fuel capacity in that 22 footer? I have a 22' Mako CC w/200 hp Yamaha which holds 60 gallons. I've been thinking about taking it offshore, but not sure if I have the range.
You'll be pushing it. My boat holds 120. On Saturday, we probably burned 60 gallons due to the seas, and that was with a 4 stroke. You should be able to make it out to the Cigar without too much concern, though. Main thing is to leave enough for an emergency trip hope home. For me, not a big issue ... once my main tank (80 gal) runs out, I know I have a reserve (40 gal) left, which will cover me for ~ 80 nm, at least. But 60 gal? You are right on the edge.
With that said, when you go offshore in a 22' boat, it's all a calculated risk. One I've been willing to take ...
- Salmon
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