First Offshore Trip On Our Own

[spurge0n]

I have been sportfishing offshore with more experienced people in my life (although, much to my dismay, not as often as I would like). But this was the first time Captain Stephen (my son) and I went offshore by ourselved.

He was wanting a mahi. It was my job to deliver.

Only took 8 ballyhoo. Why would I need more?

Lost 5 due to washout. This was either due to 1) The fact that I was poking out the eyes or 2) trolling too fast. I slowed the troll and quit poking out the eyes.

Had one hit that I lost. That hurt.

Then we got another strike and this one kept. We boated him and we were happy. WE GOT OUR MAHI!

We were trolling between the NW Places and Big 10/Little 10 off the Carolina coast. I think it is better to troll one place or the other - between them didn't seem to do too much.

The final tally was one decent mahi, but we only trolled for half a day and I really messed up at the beginning so I am pleased.

We'll be ready for more next time!

10,000 Reasons To Love The Ocean!

[Nauti Natured]

Nice work, Dad! All is well that ends well!!!

[clt_capt]

Congrats to you both. Hopefully the mahi put on quite a show for you both.

[paul708]

very nice
congrtas on the great catch.

[Sea Draggin]

Anytime you get the species you went after, thats a good day. Way to pay it forward with your son.

[gottaflylee]

Congrats on getting one for Master Stephen, love the picture...it's all about the kids...

[Robja]

Way to go. Did Stephen injure his knee during the fight?

[fishduck]

Spurge,
Sounds like a good 1st trip. The thing about going offshore on your own boat, you'll learn something everytime. If you were pulling the hoos naked, try putting a sea witch or small Islander in front of them it will help to keep them from washing out as fast. I always take more hoos then I think I will need. I usually take 40.

Good Luck next time,
Fishduck

[Fish-N-Fool]

Congrat! Sure it will be the first of many more to come.