Finally weather that allowed for a decent trip offshore. If there was any complaint about Monday's weather, was the winds were so light that it got really HOT! Our bottom fishing trip to 8A reef started before daybreak, and as the sun was rising, we arrived at the reef, to find the Baitfish "boiling" at the surface, with hundreds of Tunny's in several schools feeding and crashing the surface. We hooked up a few, and what an thrilling fight they make. I brought my river light spinning rod with 8lb line, and hooked up for a scream of the drag that made me think how much line I had on the reel. The fight finally ended with the lures hook being straightened out, and pulling out. Later while anchored, a school approached the boat, and another chance with the ultralight. This time both of the lures hooks set, and the fight was on. Under the anchor line a few times, and about ten minutes later, to the boat it came. This fish was kept, and despite a bad rep for food quality, when bled well, and iced right away, then cleaned of the "brown"meat, leaving only red, this makes real good grilling filets. The bottom bite was about normal, with the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark the dominate bite. After limiting on nice fat ones, about 20 to 25 more were caught and released on a variety of tackle and baits for the fun of it. A very large Bull Shark was within 25' of the boat, but went on its way before we could send out an offering. The fish was well over 8' long with a dorsel fin nearly 18" out of the water. Like last week a keeper sized Blacktip was brought to the edge of the boat, when it broke loose. This time wire leader was on the end, but it likely got kinked in the fight, and finally let go. All of the Sea Bass today were under-sized. The Red Snapper catch got up to 19 1/2" long, but none for the icebox. A couple Triggerfish came home to add variety to the menu. The Tunny's remained around the reef all day, but no other pelagic's were seen. Though there some large swells that rolled through, thats all they were, and as a matter of fact, most of the day spent saw the anchor line slack.
Henry
"Wile E. Coyote"
ACME Ventures Fishing
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