Oi 10/21 - 23

HeadHunt · 10-26-2009, 07:41 PM

I agree with Dave (vettman), this was a fun trip. Three flat days in October.... how often does that happen. As an extra bonus, we had several other buddy boats out there. I can't describe how much fun it is for a group of friends... rec guys, fishing the waters and sharing info. and camaraderie. The average guy never gets to experience that in a lifetime and we do it several times a year. Chris, Mark, Dave, Tab, Paul, Jeff, Josh, Stan and Walt, I really enjoyed the trip.

I do have a fishing report somewhere.... not sure where to start except the beginning.

Wednesday we were 15 miles out before the crack of daylight. We ran a 155 heading and pulled up off Diamond Shoals Tower at the 350 line. Noticed a few of the Hatteras boys steaming up the line from the other direction including a friend, Jeff Quidley on the Island Girl. It's always nice to fish around those boys. It was slow and we worked hard to pull in 2 yellowfin and a couple a false albies between there and the 500 before we called it a day. Both fish came off the planer rod, #12 planer and a blue/white Islander. That rod worked me hard all day with the grass around. Bust my chops but I didn't take pics, thinking that was just the beginning of a big meat week.

Thursday morning Stan fell ill so Walt and I headed to the ramp to discover my plotter locked up. No worries, I had a compass and a backup GPS in my bag so we cleared the inlet a few miles and radioed Mark/Josh/Jeff for a position and headed that way. We fished hard all day for a single blackfin but it was very nice with all the whales and other life.

Friday Stan was ready to go and Dave joined us and we shot the inlet about 30 minutes before first light,... and ran to the 660/50 and put lines in. Very nice ride except for all the boat wakes. Tried to pass Pelican but he wasn't going to have much of that. We found the eddy that had pushed in and fished it hard finishing with a few blackfins and a couple of slingers. The highlight was a screaming run on a 50 wide... no doubt a big tuna but it came unbuttoned just after I strapped Dave into the belt after clearing lines. He just threw the hook, no terminal failure but very heartbreaking none the less. I haven't fished with Dave in a long time but I was really impressed with his gear. We threw a few of his rigs on the boat and I learned a few new techniques. Dave is going to catch some big fish to come.

I had a real surprise with my fuel mileage. I have a thirsty engine but after a tune up and with startron I only burned about 70 gallons a day. You high efficiency boys may laugh at that but I used to burn 85-90 gallons on an OI trip.

I do have a pic that Chris took and a pic of Chris in full moon mode. Also some nice supper tonight... tuna and venison medalions (courtesy of Mark(offshore3144)) .

Alan

westco · 10-26-2009, 08:09 PM

A few days late, my buddy fished about where you fished Wed on Friday and had 15 dolphin, 14 YF, 12 BF, and 2 sails

Southern Fried · 10-27-2009, 06:39 AM

Nice guys

netman9 · 10-27-2009, 06:21 PM

Great report from the combined boats, I agree about the time enjoyed with multiple buddy boat outings.

fordfisher · 10-27-2009, 08:58 PM

we made the trip out from KY for the second time in a month and fished wed thurs and friday. I had water in the fuel issues last time so this time we just stayed within about 15 miles of HI. Bottom fished mainly got a nice grouper. threw some spoons and caught several false albie, they were everywhere down south. Mainly had what I think were atlantic sharpnose sharks sucking up our baits. (taste like chicken) I agree though it was beautiful for Oct. Fridays ride in was a tad dicey for my little SeaPro. Wish I knew that you were down there Headhunt you have given me some good advise this year, much appreciated.