What friends are for

[SeaBiscuit]

My buddy Nick (Slip Slidin) had been having trouble sleeping at night lately. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind wondered to the same place. A small bottom scratch 19 miles off the hill. He run across that place last week when he took Worknot fishing. They each dropped once on the drift and got 2 nice gags. Then they went home.

I've been rather busy with work lately, travelling here and there. Each time I spoke to Nick from the road he told me about this special place he wanted to take me fishing at. After the 10th time hearing about it, I started having trouble sleeping as well. Gags are very special fish. They can live closer to the beach than other groupers. They live in bunches. They get big. They taste great. Last, but not least, they will pull harder on the hook set than any other fish I know off. Ole captain Bruce Sessoms, a legend of our waters, calls them "go down fish". That's what they do. When they sense that something was not quite right with what they just inhaled, they head for the safety of the bottom. Mind you they never stray too far from that bottom structure they make their home at. Usually, a few feet will make the difference between: "OMG, I just got slammed" and "I think I got the bottom".

Late morning departure, through an inlet (Carolina Beach) that is nearing the impassable stage. A big sea running from the East, but doable on dying winds. Made bait at the dredge wreck and by early afternoon we arrived at Slip's special spot. It looked great on the sounder. 2-3 foot relief, hard bottom with coral.

I was first to the bottom and immediately hooked up


I boxed the fish and dropped a second time. There was no activity on the other side of the boat. As soon as I asked Nick why he was not fishing, I got slammed again. The second gag looked like the first one's twin.
Once that fish was boxed, I started to put up my rod, as I had just limited out. Slip, still leaning on the post and not fishing said: "you go ahead man, I've been saving these fish for you" I protested vigorously, but he'd have none of it. 5 baits, 5 bites, 4 fish in 10 minutes (picture taking takes a minute or two). Each between 32 & 34 inches.

#4


With the two limits of gags on ice, we headed offshore looking for other groupers and may be a mahi. Water was blended green 73 degrees to about 35 miles. One weed line at about 25 miles had a bit of bait on it, but no mahis.
At 35 miles we started seeing better water. Blue and 76 degrees. We decided to bottom fish that area hoping to attract mahis or cobias to the boat. No mahis or cobias, but a steady pick of fat red groupers and jumbo sea bass. We moved around a couple of times releasing some large reds, hoping for a scamp bite.

When that scamp finally bit, the box was full and it was time to head home


Captain Slip turned up the volume and brought us home at 30 knots, all the while signing along to the sirius classic rock tunes. He wore a life is good, "gone fishing" Tshirt and a big smile on his face.

The dock shot


Thanks for taking me fishing and sharing you special spot with me brother Nick. I owe you one.

SeaBiscuit

[hrdcor32]

Well I was planning on trying for a few grouper tomorrow night, but the way you guys have been going I'm not sure there are many left around here! Guess we'll just go out and get a good rest on the water and hope there are some mahi around when we wake up.Great report as always Nick, nice job guys, thanks!

[worknot]

Nice job fellas

[kschupp]

Slip you're a class act - way to go. Biscuit great report. Beautiful box-o-fish! Hope to see you guyz soon.

Ken E.

[hunt4fish]

Great report Biscuit,The Grouper Brothers do it again.Pretty work fellas'.

[slip slidin]

Great day again Biscoto. One thing that was not mentioned in your report was that you did the same for Geoff(Holwachagot) and I last time we were out. You put us on the fish and did everything possible to ensure that we enjoyed ourselves and that the fish that were underneath made it to the box. I was just trying to return the favor man. I wish I had a video camera on board just to tape the strikes alone. Pretty vicious. Congrats on that very nice scamp also. I had a great time as always. Thanks. Slip.

[paul708]

great pics.way to go..

[weekender]

great read, story, pics, smiles, box full of fish, and oh yeah, FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[flatbottom]

pretty work guys. Congrats on having a great friend with a hot spot Slip nice fish man. Good read SeaBiscuit, thanks for the pics !!!!

[Anngler]

Sounds like sooooo much fun! Congrats on finding a great hot spot!