Well instead of ruining our super bowl plans we decided to brave the seas today and look for some rockfish. Though I've seen the forecast wrong a million times, it was pretty much spot on today with 20-25 kt winds @ 4-6 out of the NW.
We got to the marina this morning a little later than normal and left at about 6:30. Once we reached the inlet we passed a couple boats coming back in but never looked back and pointed North. Once we made it to the Wright Memorial, hydraulic fluid started leaking out by the steering wheel (we think a bad O ring). 10 minutes later we're continuing North with absolutely no steering control! Lucky for us my buddy Ron Deel is a couple miles in front of us on the Little Jeannie and he's got some fluid for us. After a stern to stern pass in 6 footers, we had the bottle, filled the reservoir, bled the line, and we're back in business!
Made it just north of Duck research pier and neither of us had really marked a thing or seen any action. Headed southeast a ways before we saw any action.
Stayed within a couple miles of here the rest of the day and ended with 12 fish; lost 5 or 6 more. Had 3 that were over 40# with one that was 45#. Also had the USCG C-130 (see pic below) come check us out...they circled us and only us 4 times! Besides us, I saw 2 other boats fishing all day and to be honest with you it was really enjoyable not having to deal with the usual rockfish traffic.
I know the report is long, but remember the hydraulic problem? Well 3 miles from the inlet it happened again...total loss. Refilled with all we had left and made it to the bar, which was breaking all the way across...Not sure if any of yall have been through since they changed it but the first green coming in is close to the south bar. Well today it was breaking so bad we actually thought it had pulled mooring and was stuck on the bar because of all the whitewater around it. Anyhow the dredge helped us out a little and we made it in. Solid day overall despite the problems and it was the adventure that I've needed after being stuck at school. Hope yall have a good super bowl sunday....I'll take the Cards for this one
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First hook up of the day....double header
My brother Mackie getting a workout...he had 3 hooked up on the umbrella rig!! Lost one at the boat, landed 2. I thought he was a whining over a 30# at first.
Brother's friend with one of the biggest of the day (largest we got a picture of)
Brother James and friend with yet another double header
Striper Report- OI 1/31
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