Mixed Bag Out Of Morehead City

[spurge0n]

Spent July 4 offshore with my son, Captain Stephen.

Brought a bunch of ballyhoo and some shrimp (marina was out of squid thanks to the holiday rush) so that we were ready for both bottom fishing and trolling.

Started trolling at the live bottom spot that worked well for us last weekend. Within 5 minutes we had a small mahi (pictured below). I made the mistake of turning him upside down when I was setting him up for the picture - he peed in my face. That was a new experience. Took the picture and let him go so he could grow up.

Kept trolling the area and my sonar marked a sweet segment of live bottom. I couldn't resist. Put some shrimp on an 8/0 hook and inside of 30 seconds we had a beautifully large sea bass (also pictured below).

We kept bottom fishing. The good thing about shrimp is that it fish love it. The bad thing about shrimp is that it is easy for fish to steal it because it is so delicate.

So I switched to cut ballyhoo. We caught a mess of white grunt, triggerfish, and a couple of exotics. The first one I think is a spotfin hogfish. I believe the second is a sand bass.

All fish except the sea bass were released.

Called it a day around lunchtime. Headed in for the fireworks.

For the sea bass: I sprinkled sea salt on the filets and sauteed them in garlic-infused olive oil. Ate it with olives. Heaven isn't so far away.












10,000 Reasons To Love The Ocean!

[BTH284]

Nice work on your fish. BSB sounds delicious. Good to see the youngun out there with you as well.