Ahoy there one and all!
We are defiantly into our summer season and the rock fishing has been steadily improving.
As an example, Wednesday we had 15 limits of Rock fish with some nice vermilions, Brownies and great olives and blacks mixed in to fill the sacks.The Ling cod were also cooperating quite nicely.
There was one customer on the bow who had his own rod doubled over looking like a pretzel working up a fish so I grabbed the gaff and stood by awaiting the arrival of some denizen of the deep to emerge.
Man, Let me tell you it was a good thing he had his drag backed down and worked the line expertly when the fish wanted to make several of its mad dashes back towards the bottom.Working his rod around the bow to be on the port side as there was a bit of a drift which was working to our advantage for fishing. Well after watching Jim working the fish and wondering who was going to win this battle when I saw emerging from the deep not one ling but 2 nice lings coming up! So, I had to decide which I was going to gaff.
All the while screaming for Zack, who was busy in the back with the other customers, which were having a great day as well. When he realized it was me he grabbed a gaff and came up to get the second ling. Fortunately they both were hooked good and were tired from the struggle with Jim and his rod to get to the surface. Not only were the two lings tired but Jim was pooped and had to sit down and admire the pair of 10 pound lings laying at his feet as Zack and I had to chase down a couple of more around the boat.
My Friend Peg from Wisconsin is out for her annual fishing trip with me. This women was not about to be out done. So, She hooks a toad as well!! Peg has been fishing with me for 35 years and has that innate ability to always figure out some way to out fish everyone!
So, here she is also having one of those epic battles with the fish making some nice runs and working the fish up. Peg's ling is emerging as a hitchhiker holding onto a nice 12 inch black rock fish tenaciously. Well of course I was standing there, ribbing her about who's but was getting kicked with the gaff. Sticking the fish and popping him over the rail she knew she had done it once again. Putting everyone in the sack with her catching the whopper of the day!
Looks like the summer is shaping up nicely for a great season of fishing for everyone!
Grab your rod and lunch and give Smitty a call to get in on some of the fun!
Thanks!
Smitty
