Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout! A Pleasant Surprise!

[Anngler]

Three fish, two kids, one dad...

My dad left on Tuesday to head down to VA and get us situated for the weekend. On Thursday, after playing in the Ventnor Jazz Fest that morning, my grandma rushed to get me from Ventnor and my brothers from school, to catch a 2:30 ferry! Figures, always in a hurry! It was a smooth drive down, we went to my cousin's for dinner, and back to the hotel. Friday was our layday, so we went and checked out the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum! Very cool! So finally, after a day of aquarium and anxiety, we went to sleep, waiting for 5 AM to roll around.

Saturday, January 12th, 2008:

Crew: THE ALL-STAR TEAM!
THE INFAMOUS SQUIDS - RENOWNED DOGFISH FISHERMAN AND THE FEAR OF ALL STRIPERS! (7 years old)
ANNGLER - ENVIOUS OLDER SISTER OF SQUIDS THE SHARK SLAYER
MATT UNSWORTH - WELL, HE JUST DRIVES THE BOAT FATHER OF SQUIDS AND ANNGLER

We left the dock at about 6:30, and by 6:35, Sydney was knocked out on the bean-bag. Not long after, I grabbed some floor and took a little catnap, while my dad drove us to the fishing grounds. It's 7:30 AM and the entire crew is anxious. Five minutes.......four minutes..........three minutes..........two minutes...........one minute............LINES IN! From the moment I woke up, I knew it was gonna be a great tournament! First drift, I caught two fish both around 30 pounds. A few minutes later, I caught another fish at maybe 28 pounds. Three fish in the box, we're set, so let's upgrade! We had a little bit of a lull in the fishing, but soon it picked up again. My dad and I each boated a fish, both around 30 pounds. We moved back up for the last drift. Quarter of two and my dad says, "I'd really like to catch a big one on this rod. It's a great rod and it's one of my favorites!" Nine minutes of, the same rod, his Penn Squider reel with his 7 ft. Shimano Muskie rod gets hit. I've been fishing that combo for my whole life, and he's been fishing it since before I was born. It's a great combo and the perfect set-up for this fish. Seven minutes of and my dad is hooked into a good fish. Of course, Squids and I start to clear lines, but they're tangled. FIVE MINUTES OF! I have 5 minutes to pull seven lines in by hand, get them out of the way and net this fish! Talk about a chinese fire drill. So somehow, Sydney and I get the lines in. "He's here!" I hear my dad yell. I grab the net, which Sydney had ready to go! Yes! the fish is in the net and a gorgeous 46 pounder hits the deck! "WOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAA!" screams Sydney as we clear the net and the rod so my dad can get the fish in the box.

Coming into this tournament, we knew we were gonna do our best, but we never thought that we were gonna have everything go this well! With a total of 113.44 lbs. Team ModSquad placed 9th place for the shoot-out and 5th for ASA! We were all pleasantly surprised. And even though we didn't win any money we still had a great time and had fun fishing as a family.

Congrats to everyone who got in the money! You had some great fish!

Team Hapi Daze - WTG! Congrats on a great first tournament Greg! "WOOOOOOO!"

Team Marlin Maniac - WOW! What an awesome way to start the year!

Team Chesapeake Angler - Congrats on a well-deserved win! WTG!

Sorry, no fish pics! But here are a few from the party and awards ceremony, curtesy of the one and only, Lucky Lady!

Picture 1: The Craziest Kids Out There

Picture 2: Me and Sydney with our Division 2 trophies

[Southern Crush]

Very nice job this weekend... Congrats

You can't beat a crew like that - well done.

[clt_capt]

Great job and a great start to the year for you!!!!
You are due to be on stage soon with a big check

[hunt4fish]

Great report Anngler,Nice meeting you guys sat.night.Your brother is off the hook.....

[gradywhite273]

Outstanding work guys, absolutely outstanding.

[flatbottom]

Great read Anngler, awesome report. Impressive weights with the rock fish. Congrats to a fine team.

[striper101]

Nice work down there Ann! Congrats to the crew!

[HANG ON]

Congrats. Team Mod Squad Why does RJ look so big for being a kid? Thats right its RG Tell your dad i said hi and maybe see you soon.

[Gregoo]

Great job matt ann and squid. You guys rock!!

[fightingcouch]

nice going congrats.