X Mas Eve in the Keys

[Deep C]

Picked a sail out front of Haulover on a live pilchard for the morn then it was time to bolt to Key Largo...
Nice 33 knot run interrupted by something "not right" steering got tough, Surging rpm, I stopped and could see nothing. Still carried to the dock. When I dumped the engines in reverse i noticed a white "thing" come out. It was a quart oil bottle that had been hit asnd split square on the seam and must have rod on the shaft for almost my whole ride...
Mrs Deep and I took a ride in the golf cart. Picked up bait, chum and ice. Then wen' for a mission of mercy... Over at the end of D dock sits a pretty burger yacht, Sothern Star... Bang on the window hard enough and out pops a prize... Our own Surfergirl... We shared some conversation then moved on to next task. gathering sis, brother in law and nephews.
Next it was sink the shark baits. Snapper obliged then shut off. About 10m a herd of porpoise moved in around the dock and started working bait in a big way under the full moon. We caught nothing of note but the night was beautiful and flipper and his pack of thugs put on quite a show.
The morn woke with a light chop. The hoos on the patch were trying to eat the bag off the boat. We had a lifetime of bait in minutes. Filled a 50 quart cooler with exta baits on two throws.
On the edge the triggers were brutal. Slid out and the gannets were on us. I ulled the spread and moved. Finally found the life in 170'. A little deep but all kinds of stuff. We raised a sail and a frigate drilled the jumping bait before the sail could eat... We reset and finally picked one. I slid back into the zone and this time it was dolphin that swarmed us. Again and again the green death raided us. We boxed some and let the rest go. The birds found us and we bowed up a double ... Gannet and Frigate . Clean release on the gannet. The frigate was a battle though. It was airborn and using all its aerodynamics to wear me down. rapid moves trying to hang our line in the riggers, antennas, etc... Finally busted the leader...
Came in at 33 with a burst to 43 to clear the tubes...
Time to do the ho ho ho stuff now. Merry Cristmas and happy holidays from the Deeps...

[intruder]

Paul,

Sounds like fun! Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year. See you next month.

[Proheat]

Happy Holidays Deep and Family!!!
Hope ya have a good one!!

[Deep C]

We did the gift thing tonight. Couldn't stand to see one of our own SFC family alone on the holiday so we grabbed Surfergirl and made her an honoray member of the Deep family tonight. A great time was had by all.

[LuckyLady]

Great stuff Deepy and Family

Hope to visit you all soon down there. I know I will be down there on Feb 12th - 19th might stay a few days later

Any way enough of the warm talk Happy Holidays!

[Deep C]

Mary, Ken, Pro... You all are welcome to be honorary Deeps too.