On Friends, Groupers, Contenders and Diners

[Squidnation]

Just got back from a great trip down to North Carolina. last week I was bitchin about the cold when I got the call from the Nicks, Seabiscuit and Slip slidin. I walked in the kitchen, grabbed my suitcase that was still packed from Venezuela and headed down to Wilmington NC. Met Bite Me Lou at his favorite watering hole for a few and then went to Slips house to set the plan for Thursday. All three of the guys are the salt of the earth. discussed the wind, admired their catch and then headed off to Nicks diner for a great meal of eggs and country with crispy grits. Damn that hit the spot.

Next morning we needed to do a little trim tab repair and contemplated canceling due to the wind. But Slip made the call and we headed out in his 21 contender in a steady 15-18mph northeast blow. I thought it was gonna be a "wheres my kidneys" type of ride in the 3-5 footers that were 5 seconds a part. man was I shocked when the contender ate it up. Nick cruised at a safe speed and we made it to some of their secret grouper holes. Man these guys are trusty worthy, they never made me put on the blindfold as they zoomed in on the spot.

I have a new found respect for bottom fishing cause these suckers made a fool out of me. Slip lowered his bait only after I was all set up and lost three or 4 baits to the stealth groupers. And when he did - wammo - He caught two nice gags before I could shoulder him out of his spot. With Slips limit acheived he moved on to making bait and I took his spot. Biscuit moved to where I was and proceeded to catch 2 more right where I was standing not 22 seconds prior. Can you say damn? We moved a few times and caught some seabass and b-liners but I never got the chance to stick one of the groupers. So I quess it ain't Drop and wait for a big tug like I thought it would be. Their is a science to this grouper stuff and the Nicks got it down.

Pointed the contender for home and sliped in the inlet as the sunset on Carolina beach. The little boat still has me baffled as to how it took those seas so well.

Thanks very much to Lou, nick and nick for the incredible hospitality. I hope to get down their soon for another crack at the Grouper action.

BTW - Nicks family diner is a 10. Great food, great service and got to meet his dad who was just a joy to talk with. The place is called Jimbos.

Thanks again guys it was a blast and Happy Birthday Slip

[hrdcor32]

Great report, glad you got to visit and enjoy Wilmington. And Jimbo's is the spot!

[slip slidin]

Bill, the pleasure was all ours. It was a pleasure to have you in our little ole town. I wish the weather would have cooperated a little better but that is more reason for you to come back and get another crack at them very soon. I hope your wife enjoys the grouper. That is another reason for you to come back soon. We have to redeem ourselves so she will not heckle you too bad. Tell her hello for us. You are a class act! Come down and get some soon. I had a great time. Thanks. Slip. P.S. Thanks for the birthday wishes. We just went and test drove Biscoto's 21 and she is sweet. Only problem is she is too clean.

[shoefish]

Man I am jealous. I met those three a month ago, was impressed with them then, and have only grown in my admiration of them as fishermen and gentlemen since. I'm glad you got a chance to get out to see real bottom fishermen like them work- it is downright impressive. I bet you're counting the days until you get back down there- I know I am. Thanks for the great story.

[hunt4fish]

Sounds like a great time,glad you enjoyed yourself Bill,Slip or Biscuit you guys need my #??

[SeaBiscuit]

Although I had met Bill Pino before, I never had a chance to spend time with and get to know the man. When Slip and I returned from fishing last Wednesday, a couple of phone messages from Lou revealed that Mr Squid had indeed come to town. I must admit that the combination of the man's reputation as a world class bill fisherman and the deteriorating weather had me a little nervous.

On Thursday I made sure we did not rush any decisions. By the time we had the boat repaired and back in the water it was well past noon and the breeze was still kicking. I just knew that Bill and Nick would take one look at the inlet whitecaps and would want to turn back. I was then going to conveniently suggest that we just tie up at the dockside and have a beer and some shrimp while waiting for it to lay down a bit. Instead Bill, the man who is used to fishing from battle wagons, smiled and said he was just fine. Slip pushed on, but wisely stayed near shore to try for gags.

As Bill already mentioned, we did not set the world on fire. Only caught a few fish and failed to hook him up to a grouper, as much as we had wanted to. The gags are not easy to fool this time of year and the more willing reds and scamps just too far offshore for Thursday's conditions.

The time spent with Bill was great, regardless. This guy is pleasure to share a meal, a boat or a conversation with. I sure hope he would consider giving us another shot soon. We got some unfinished business just offshore as well as at the dockside!

SeaBiscuit

[LuckyLady]

Bottom fishing fills in the voids in between, its fishing and its fun! Pretty work and Happy Bday!

[Admin]

Great report man and was very nice seeing you In Morehead

Something on my todo list is to one day get to meet Seabiscuit and fish with him as the few times we spoke, he seems like a great man.

Good times

Capt John