July 9th Report

[Captain Jay Kavanagh]

Our annual trip with the Hokie Crowd, and it was electrifying to say the least.

We managed to find a hungry school of dolphins first thing, and I gotta tell ya, these guys can catch dolphins, probably the best dolphin Bailers we have had on the boat this year.

Dave managed to hook a big gaffer dolphin while everyone else was bailing and not only did he keep out of everyones way, he managed to land the big 30 pound bull.

Later on we caught a wahoo, then the thunderstorms hit us, litterally.

We had lightning strike about 100 yards from the boat, fried my radar, shut the motor off, kind of scarry.

We decided it might be best to head for home. so we came in a little early.

evidently these Hokies are a lightning atractor check out the pic below.

[Capt. Fred]

Yikes! Bummer on the radar. Hope it's not toast.

[fishbard]

Looks like they attract dolphin as well. Your Cat is a pre-electronic one, isn't it? Wonder if the surge just managed to shut of the fuel solenoid valve? Lightning on the water is one of my least favorite things--I put on the rubber gloves when I am driving the boat, even though it is probably silly to think they would help me if lightning hit really close--still don't wan't to have bare hands on metal when it's flashing and booming.

[Captain Jay Kavanagh]

it is an electronic 3406e one of the first ones, and I have heard tales of lightning shutting them off, but I did not believe it.

It fired right back up. thankfully.

Fourtunately, I did not have my hands on the wheel, in t-storms, I turn on the auto pilot and step away from the wheel.