SeaBiscuit fishin' report July 9, 2010

[SeaBiscuit]

Greeks are superstitious people, so when the LOCKED trailer hitch bounced off the ball as I was leaving my driveway this morning, causing the trailer to rear end my old truck, I had to scratch my empty head trying to figure out just what kind of omen that was. 4 hours later and 42 miles offshore when I stuck myself in the shoulder blade with the short gaff I had perched on the leaning post, I was convinced that the omen was a very bad one with cataclysmic consequences yet to come!

Brother Slip is out of town this weekend, but Matt was willing to step away from the world of tournament bill fishing and dink baiting and "slum" it on my little bottom fishing skiff. After the unexpected delay of the trailer hitch incident, breakfast biscuits and making bait we finally got going around 7:30AM. Last Monday's hot fishing with the Godfather had me determined to head far offshore again looking for the same quality bite. A few miles short of my first destination I marked a little 2 foot ledge and decided to try it.

In Spite of having "soft" hands as required of finesse bill fishermen, Matt demonstrated right away that catching big grouper is much like riding a bicycle



The man was hot while I managed to stink up the place on that first stop. A couple more red groupers and a small scamp later I was schooled by a bully, shutting the bite off like a dropped switch.

Off we went toward the initial destination, but never made it that far. A little bigger ledge this time with the marks of big fish tight on the deep side and lotsa bait on top. "Kind of place big scamps like" I said to Matt. "Let's give it a shot".

Matt picked up where he left off just minutes earlier



By this time I was not only embarrassed I became a bit jealous as well.



After an incredible wide open 20 minute long grouper bite, we had our limits filled and several "large" released, including 2 red snappers. Stopping while on such a quality bite in not easy to do, but it is the right thing to do as bottom fish even with our best care (venting and using release weights to return them to the bottom) still can experience release mortality. How much will always be debated and likely never exactly determined. Our total fishing time was probably 30 minutes or so and it was time to ride 42 miles back in the exact opposite direction that we had just come from.

Contemplating all this over drinks and sandwiches with the Godfather Lou and his harem at the Dockside marina at 1:30 in the afternoon, we came to the conclusion that since we had not really fished very much today, it was time to go flounder fishing.....of course.



I hope you have a wonderful time in the big Apple brother Slip and thanks a lot for allowing my to use some of your basin's "pet" pogies for my flounder fishing this afternoon. Hurry back, cause the fishing is hot as a July 4 firecracker right now.

Life is good. Superstitions are silly.

SeaBiscuit

[clt_capt]

Nice to see you return with all of your fingers and toes this trip.
Quite a nice catch.

A little adversity seems to lead to good days for me - if I stick a finger while prepping bally hoo, We almost always have a good day - If I trip and skin my knee, it's gonna be a banner day...

[reelreturn]

Epic report, a must read for those students of Greek mythology. Thanks for the report and great pictures, as well as the great description of the days action.

[PurpleGold]

Wouldn't expect anything less from this crew...

I want to be like you when I grow up.

Just let me know how many times I need to scrub/wax/spit polish your boat for a grouper lesson! Ya'll amaze me with your consistancy.

[bobdu11]

those are beautiful fish man !>....nice job..thanks...Bob

[WAHOONBOX]

SOUNDS LIKE THE GODFATHERS FINGER IS HEALING RATHER WELL DOCKSIDE....


NICE MESS OF FISH DUDE.....NICE.

[Tenacious]

This post gets two thumbs up and a nibbled finger!

[cravertosu]

Great report Nick!! You can definitely find the fish!!

Tim

[HOLWACHAGOT]

Ridiculous! Look at the ripples on those Scamps. Fine fishing report....as usual....you make it look easy.
Holwachagot

[Ponce]

I think it is impossible for you to have bad luck grouper fishing, great report and fish.