Life is Great!!

[cravertosu]

Taking hunting trips with my Dad are some of the best memories that I have. The couple hour rides to hunting camp, grocery shopping for junk to eat in the field, acting like fools for days at a time...life's greatest thing...Family!

I've finally been able to have that come full circle with my oldest, Diana, and taking her fishing. We had our first trip out last Sat in rain and cold. She was sure a little trooper and didn't want to head in after 6 hrs of just about nothing. We managed 2 SMALL bluefish and 1 even SMALLER grey trout. We had a great time regardless but I really wanted her to have a great day on the water to really get her hooked!

Well I think that day was yesterday! While it was certainly cold and the waves were stacked a bit more than the forecast, we still had a great time and caught some fish!

We left out of New River Inlet about 630 to a gorgeous sunrise. First stop was about 10 miles out. Had a couple of ledges with some really nice looking marks but there were a bunch of BSB traps set around and we were swinging a lot with the anchor out so we decided to check out some other spots. Our third spot really had a lot of sign so down the anchor went. In no time at all we were slinging BSB over the sides. Most were a bit on the small side but we had a couple of keepers and D was having a blast. Little shift in the wind and we were getting covered up with a fish that I wasn't even sure what it was! I was pretty sure they were grunts but I really wasn't sure. Checked it out when we got home and that's what they were, White Grunts. Are those worth keeping? I think most of them were over 2lbs with a couple of pretty good ones as well. After 7 keeper BSB and countless shorts and a bunch of grunts we decided to move.

Moved in to about 7 miles and found another ledge with a ton of life! Again started catching good sized BSB right away with some big grunts mixed in. Diana also caught a Wee little Gag, about 7in. Her first Grouper but it wouldn't be her last of the day!

At one point I had something big hit my jig and take off but he came unbuttoned pretty quick. Didn't think a whole lot of it until I heard D yelling for "help." I looked over and she's bent in half holding on to the pole with all her might! I thought about getting a picture but she kept insisting she was about to drop the pole. Thought maybe she had caught the bottom, I took the rode and felt the head shake. Felt like a pretty good fish but I really wasn't sure what it was going to be. Worked him a big on the light gear and finally got him to the surface. WOW!! A big ol' Gag ate that little jig!!



She hooked him on a 2oz pink/white stingsilver and kept him out of the rocks! I was much impressed! As you can see on her face, she was too! We ended up losing two more jigs that I think were grouper that rocked us up. We didn't get hooked on the bottom all day and then we catch him and lose two more in about 15 mins. I tried putting down some bait but it was just torn up by the BSB.

We finished out the day there and then headed to the hill about 230. We ended with 13 BSB to 2lbs and 1 Gag that was 29 1/2 in and 12lbs 10oz. I'm sure we easily cleared 50 fish for the day.

It was an awesome day on the water and I look forward to MANY, MANY more with my little Fisherwoman!

Tim

One of many little BSB



One of the many grunts



WEE Little Gag!

[clt_capt]

Great story, and even better that you were able to have such a great day with your daughter. Congrats to her on a fine grouper... The sammiches will taste even better.

Very cool that you got lots of action - certainly keeps the kids interested and excited.

[seapower]

Keep it up and those girl's are gonna make a Dad out of you !!!! That sure was a nice fish and she look's like she's "right at home" there. Pulled all the "offshore" stuff off the boat this afternoon, getting the rock stuff ready and loaded. Got the usual stuff to be rigged, but won't take too long. I'd sure like to get a picture with Ms. Diana and a big ol' rock in her lap!!!
Bear season open's in the morning, I expect I'll hunt all week if possible. Probably do some riggin in the evening's. Sound's like the rock fishin is starting to come together, I'll be giving you a call soon. When is Diana out of school for Christmas break? I know you said she'll be going off for a few day's. I'm really looking forward to it my friend!!! May sneak a few day's in Christmas week. Frank

[SeaBiscuit]

Good stuff Tim and a big congrats to Diana on a fine catch!
The grunts are fine to eat. They have a massive ribcage that needs to be filleted around, but they eat good. Not as good as sea bass or grouper though, so now that you got started in that direction, do not lower your standards!

Thanks for the great report.

SeaBiscuit

[cravertosu]

Keep it up and those girl's are gonna make a Dad out of you !!!! That sure was a nice fish and she look's like she's "right at home" there. Pulled all the "offshore" stuff off the boat this afternoon, getting the rock stuff ready and loaded. Got the usual stuff to be rigged, but won't take too long. I'd sure like to get a picture with Ms. Diana and a big ol' rock in her lap!!!
Bear season open's in the morning, I expect I'll hunt all week if possible. Probably do some riggin in the evening's. Sound's like the rock fishin is starting to come together, I'll be giving you a call soon. When is Diana out of school for Christmas break? I know you said she'll be going off for a few day's. I'm really looking forward to it my friend!!! May sneak a few day's in Christmas week. Frank

Hey Frank,

Sorry I missed your call earlier. Been a busy day here with cleaning fish, making gingerbread houses, and hanging with the family. Really looking forward to getting Diana up there to fish! They finish up school for Christmas break this friday.

Good luck this week in the woods and take some pictures with that new camera!

Tim

Good stuff Tim and a big congrats to Diana on a fine catch!
The grunts are fine to eat. They have a massive ribcage that needs to be filleted around, but they eat good. Not as good as sea bass or grouper though, so now that you got started in that direction, do not lower your standards!

Thanks for the great report.

SeaBiscuit

Hey Nick!

Thank you again!! All your teachings really came through! Maybe next time we'll keep a grunt or two to try out.

Tim

[Robja]

Great report Tim. Congrats on Diana's Grouper. If you can get her to go out on a cold damp day fishing I think you already have her hooked.

[offshore]

Great post Tim. You cant replace the look on a Childs face when they are having fun. She is definately a trooper in the cold weather!! Mark

[merry marlin]

Good to see you taking the little Fisherwoman out for some great bottom fishing... She seems to enjoy this stuff so you're good to go with pefect mate who's all smiles!
MM

[Ace1st]

Got a tough one there Tim! Shes a go getter for sure! These are the best of times when shared with the family. Cant wait till Little Asas big enough to go.

[HOLWACHAGOT]

That's the best Grouper on a jig story I've heard. Congrats to D!
Thanks for the report Tim.
Holwachagot