Took BillableOurs down to Shallowbag Bay Marina Thursday before the Tuna Roundup. Always an experience coming in Oregon Inlet, running the crack and heading towards Pirate's Cove. Thanks to Don, 'Skinny's Kid' for running down with me.
After observing, cheering on, and rubbing shoulders with the Winning OUTBOARD Team at the 2nd Annual TUNA Roundup, had the boat all ready to start fishing during the week. You guessed it, the Weather blew up Sunday thru Tuesday. Thank heaven for Mohitos and neglected boat chores. Ran out of Shallowbag Bay Marina and picked up a few boats heading out of Pirate's Cove on Wednesday with Pat. Linked up with the rest of the Charter Fleet to scout out Thursday's fishing spots. Still a little sporty on Wednesday with seas about 5-6 with a swell. Just Pat and I onboard so I ran a simple 4 rod spead and fought the speader bars I had out on the short and shotgun with the wind and the swells twisting things up. Where's Don when ya need him? The Fleet was spread out from the 640's to 700, 75-78 degree, green and mixed blue water. Didn't see any surface crashes, but if you see a boat hooked up, circle the area (give them room to work there fish) other Tuna are around.
Some of you may remember the Cedar Plug Daisy Chain I demo'd at the Meet and Greet (ala Marlin Maniac), well I pulled it on the left flat 20' back and it got slammed by a 25# Mahi. Dinner is served. Mahi were all over and in the open, no real weeds out there. We had to get back to prep the boat for Thursday's Trip with the boys from Richmond, so turned back west.
Picked up a Little Tunny on the troll before picking up to run.
Thursday was a great day, lots of fun with Brian, Ken, John, Pat and Don. Followed the Fleet again and worked 660 to 688. The Guys, and Pat did great with some nice Tuna and Gaffer Mahi. Blue/White Get Real Shooters...don't leave home without some. Pretty day out there.
Friday had Neal (Wired Up), Brian, Jimmy, Pat and Don. Went back to the same area, Fleet was spread out and we had talked with another VB boat that had good luck working deeper water. The bite stayed scattered during the day, but worked cooler water 71-75 degrees in about 560' of water. The King Macks were busting through the spread off and on. Lots of big sharks (saw what we think was a Great White of about 10'). With a slow start, we were trolling past 2 big sharks 200 meters off to the side of the spread. Had three knockdowns and sreaming reels with three Tuna on, sharks turned and blitzed into the action...no more Tuna.
Finished the day with a nice mix of gaffer Mahi, 1 King Mackeral, and Tuna. Jimmy, a first timer to offshore was on the rod throughout the day and recorded several firsts and a nice Tuna battle on a TLD 25. Pat got her turn in the chair and had a blast as well. Talk about some high priced talent working the Pit..Don, Brian (Steady), and Neal (Wired Up). Great job guys and a pleasure to fish with you!
You will find nice Tuna between the 650 and 700, look for the changes, fish 70 fathoms and into the drop. Mahi are mixed in everywhere, but more scattered than last week. All nice class fish. Kings are working 70 to 150 fathoms.
If its a bit rough outside, nice Cobia are working a mile offshore from OI to Nags Head. Good luck, enjoy.
Pic to Follow.Tight lines.
Dave
