Ocean Man

My buddy Milton (outdrsmn) came down from North Carolina with his cousin Fred to do a little fishing. We talked Duayne into joining us Saturday last minute. We headed East with hopes for Grouper and a good assortment of fish. First stop was a bait hole and the action was fast. It didn't take long and we had plenty nice Grouper baits in the boat. We continued on to the spot and anchored up. The bite was slow to non-existent. Duayne did catch a decent sized Nurse Shark that we release to fight another day.



We were fishing a large area of natural bottom so we kept slipping anchor rope trying to find some fish withlittle luck. Fred had mentioned that he wanted to catch a King and at least he got his wish.



We eventually picked up anchor and headed for the Edge. The fishing there was very slow as well. We put a few Mingo's in the box then decided to look for some Snapper at a closer in spot. We only had about an hour to fish (had to get Duayne back so he could go to work) but figured that would be plenty time to get our Snapper limit. The bite at the Snapper hole was very slow as well with most of the Snapper undersized. We did manage to put 4 keepers in the boat with a few more Mingo's. Just before we left Milton got a good hit on cut bait. He reeled it up and to our surprise up pops a keeper Cobia.



About 2:30 we packed it up and headed back to Sherman Cove thru the rough seas. Total for Saturday: 4 Red Snapper, 8 Mingo's, 1 Cobia, and 1 King.

Sunday we headed back out this time without Duayne. The sea's were even rougher than on Saturday so westayed closer inand fished theParadise Hole. We were still feeling the beating we took on Saturday so we opted to drift instead of get beat around on anchor. We made a few drifts and weren't catching anything then my rod starts stripping drag. I immediately thought I might be in the props so I threw the motor out of gear. My reel stops for a quick second then is off to the races again. I figured I hooked into a nice King, then my line broke close to the boat. Thats when I realized that when I took the boat out of gear I pushed the throttle too far and put in forward instead of neutral.:banghead I tied myself off to the back cleat and jumped in with a knife to cut it out. The waves were big and tossing me about as I was trying to cut the line out, almost throwing me into the motor several times. After cutting on the line for 30 minutes or so I had had enough. I hopped back in the boat and we motored back to Sherman Cove. We pulled the prop and got the line out. No harm done other than a broken cotter pin on the prop nut. We headed to West Marine to pick up a new one then headed back to the marina. Milton was tired and needed some rest so Fred and I headed back out to try some inshore action which was much better.

To be continued in the inshore section.........

konz

Nice job Matt!!

AquaSport175

Good write up. wonder what you had that broke off on the prop.... or was it just caught?

Ocean Man

It was just caught in the prop.

JoshH

how big was that john boat you said you saw at the mass?

zodiac470

I've been wondering what happened to Milton...

ScullsMcNasty

nice cobe!! ive always enjoyed reading outdoorsmans posts. he is a true sportsman

mpmorr

Nice Job Matt, that is great fishing right there. Way to put them on the fish.

outdrsmn

Matt,

Thanks again for the trip. I am tired as all get out, but it was well worth it. Fred talked about the trip the entire 10 hr. trip :banghead.....without getting me killed!!!!! I'm going to have to leave these rabbit dogs alone for awhile so I can get my fishing legs back

Man I can't tell you how much we both enjoyed it but Fred was like a kid in a candy store. Tell Duane we will catch him on the next trip. He's pretty funny!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Again!!!!

Ocean Man

It was about 14-16 ft. They were crazy to be out there in that but I do have to say it handled it well and they caught a King.

Milton you and Fred are welcomed back anytime. I had a great 3 days fishing with you. Glad you made it home safe.