10/01 MHC Report

[BlueFin103]

Sorry for the late report all, but after I fished last Thursday, I had to come back home and pack up for my first wedding anniversary - I had to choose between the two, and my wife won this one

Anyway, I had the chance to take my best friend Andrew, and my father-in-law out, along with my fishing bud Wayne and his dad (Easy Money). We headed out of Beaufort inlet around 6am, and the forecast was everything it said it was gonna be - 1-2 all the way out to the Rock.
We trolled trying to pick off some hoo's and after 3 missed fish, we finally came tight on the left long. Hit an orange/black witch and was an easy battle to the boat - a 20 lber. Around 10am, planer trips, only to reveal a short strike. Reset it, and within 5 minutes we get bit off on the wire. We were using #9 piano wire and this was the first of two fish to break it - the second one about 30 minutes after the first. Re-rig the planer bait once again, but this time when the planer tripped we boated a 25 lber and then a 3rd one shortly thereafter. The first hit a purple/black, black-headed skirt and the second hit a orange/blue matanza. Thanks to Brad (birdhunter) for the great bridle system!
With 3 in the box and noon time approaching we decided to do some jigging/bottom fishing. My goal was to get both Andrew and my father-in-law broken into jigging. After about a half a dozen drops I come tight and gave the rod to Andrew. He had a blast bringing in a 25lb African Pompano caught on an Eastern Tackle potroast Sandflea. Goal 1 of 2. After about 30 minutes, my father-in-law comes tight on a fighter - got some good video footage of him reeling and landing another 25lb African Pompano caught on a blue Sandflea. Goal 2/2!
Both of them loved every minute of it and it was hard not to keep a smile on my face seeing how much they enjoyed the fight. Along with those two fish, we caught a few more bottom dwellers and decided to call it day - enjoying a flat, and fast, ride back to the dock.
Just wanted to say thanks to Jim (Eastern Tackle) for setting me up and having great products that helped catch some fish. I'll be getting some more from ya Jim - lost 3 to cut-offs (1 flat-hammered and 2 240g katanas).

Thanks all...tight lines!

Craig

[Ponce]

Nice report, I think we saw you guys on the AR. We were in the 24 Sea Hunt CC. What a nice day on the water.

[BlueFin103]

Yeah...it was a beautiful day! How did you guys end up?

[clt_capt]

Nice APs - and glad you finally found some hoos that wanted a boat ride.

It sure was a pretty day on the water.

[Sea Draggin]

Pretty work Craig. I know you guys wanted those AP's. Really glad for you that you got them. Ponce is jealous. He was right there with you.

[livin once]

I see you have your priorities in order. Thanks for the late post, pictures and fishing report. It keeps those of us sitting at the dock looking forward to our next trip.

[Ponce]

Yeah...it was a beautiful day! How did you guys end up?

We had some Gaffers, a Hind and a few giant Triggers. We didn't get anything on the AR.

Sea Draggin is right I've been itching to put the AP notch in my belt, its just a matter of time.

[BlueFin103]

Sea Draggin is right I've been itching to put the AP notch in my belt, its just a matter of time.

I know from how hard it hit and how they fought my buddy and father-in-law that those AP's sure pack a punch. I really wanted to fight the one, but my softer side took over and gave the rod to my bud
We also got in 2 triggerfish around the same area - one on a katana and the other on some squid (bottom rig).

I tried to tip the jig hooks with a small piece of squid...not sure if it increased the bite/hook-up ratio, but we did get quite a few bites that way. Actually, both AP's were caught like that.

[buzz4prez]

I can tell a big difference on the eastern tackle jigs of mine when I tip it with a small strip of squid. I get way more with a little stank on my hook....