Thanks Guys!
Could not respond last night, I had to have some family time or I might not be able to fish again. Then I went to bed early.
I met up with one of our mates on the Islander located in Barnegat Light to run open Boat for 8 am departure. Being a new boat without a sign not enough fares showed to sail for Fluke fishing.
So the mate and I got some breakfast, and then decided to take the boat and go north for some Fluke and see how strong life was tight to the beach.
We pulled out around 10am made our first drift around 10:30 about 3 shorts. Made a few more drifts same area same results. Moved a little further up north only to find more shorts. Noticed a lot of bunker activity decided with no fares on board to switch to snagging and some live-lining. Put some live ones in the boat for later use made a few drifts no takers. We got the direction of the bunker dialed in, so decided to go a little further north and while we were under way we got a phone call about some action.
We head towards our tip, snagged a few more, and dropped in our live line setups. We had 2 that made it to the boat only to break off 30-40 lbs.
Not a good day to use light leader.
So we re rig and decide to go further North in search of a pod with more action and that was what we found, it was a Bass bonanza crushing the bunker. We made it just north East of the pod and started our drift through them hooked up with 2 more and they came un- buttoned close to the boat.
Moved up 1 more time and fish on, peeled line like a shark, then headed to the bottom to sulk, would not budge, felt like I was hung up on the bottom as the boat drifted from the fish I was head to be spooled. Now the fun has just begun.
I toyed with the idea of having my 1st mate for the Islander, Dennis to run the boat after the fish so I would not get spooled or risk breaking off this fish. Too Late, Dennis got hooked up now it was a rodeo, going under over and trying to keep these 2 apart was a blast. We got the fish to the boat about the same time as they actually looked at each other and ran again. With 1 more short fight we get them back so I work my way up the rail and with rod in one hand keeping pressure I net Dennis's fish for him both of us lifted it over the rail. The Captian get’s to mate for the mate. LOL
Now we look down at mine to see the size with amazement and scramble to get it in the boat. As the last fish is in we dropped them side by side and the high 5's have just begun. Wow we were syked...
So we decided to leave and get these 2 weighed in at Barnegat Light Bait and Tackle. After tying up the boat is was about 1:00-1:30 when we weighed in and those 2 fish drew a crowed. The 1st fish weighed in at 40lbs.
The second weighed in at 51lbs 3ozs. 51" Another 14" and the fish would have had me...
Wow now I was part of The 50+ club awesome feeling for me. We took a few pics gave a little report; looks like the Fish will make it into the Fisherman magazine. Then a few of the spectators decided to run in make a few brief purchases and try their luck were we pulled these 2.
Ran back to the boat drew another crowed and secured a night trip for the Islander in hopes of a shot at a few more. The other Captain Mike ran the second trip up to the same location for some more action.
Thanks again for all the kudos!
I would like to get us together for some fishing aboard the Islander maybe a group of 25 max so we can have plenty of room for comfort. If any one is intreasted please post and we can throw something together. The trip can be tailored to our desires from Fluke to sharking. If we can put something to gether in the near future we can chae these Bass down and try for a few more.
Capt. Mike
