NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports => Topic started by: mboy on December 28, 2007, 09:26:50 PM
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Well, interesting day to say the least.
Started out well. Met Young Gull and Duffman (finally, after trying to fish together for a few years now).
Headed down to the boat at the Highlands to meet up with the other 3 fisherman and Capt.
Headed out to 17 fathoms area. Made 1 drop and moved fast after a few minutes of no action.
Started to set up for 2nd drop and then the lesson began.
Anchor line + forward gear + inboard engine = BAD.
Anchor line wrapped around prop.
Not good. After a bit of trying to decide what to do (and not do- like jump into 45 dgree water with no wet suitor tank- yes SOME people were considering doing this-not me tho), capt. cut line, got anchor back, spliced to new line and dropped anchor.
While Capt was trying to figure out what to do, who to call, etc, we said F*ck it and dropped our baits down. Started with a couple of Ling and a nice conger eel. Then to the tog started chewing.
About this time, Sea tow was called and they were looking for a diver.
So during the 3-4 hours we waited, we had some action (which seemed better then all other reports today).
Mind you we were dead in the water, 1 anchor out basically randomly where we were.
Sea Tow eventually came, diver went under, cut the line, everything OK.
Capt then dealt with is winch and anchor line for another hour or so while we continued to catch fish.
After that, we made some moves, caught a couple other fish and that was pretty much it.
Ironically, the best fishing we had was when we were dead in the water, unable to move.
Turned out the other 3 from the crew (Bob who was a late addition via email last night) was a super nice guy and experienced fisherman/boat owner- he had the biggest tog around 7lbs and a bunch of nice Ling.
The other 2 were friends of the Capt (Mike and his buddy Ron) and very nice guys as well. Excellent conversation, plenty of jokes and just all around good company helped turn the day around (along with fish of course).
We wound up with 15 keeper togs to 7lbs, maybe 6-8 throw backs. 1 conger eel and 6 ling to 3lbs or so.
Got in late as capt stayed out to make sure we got our full fishing time in.
Really is special to get a few guys together on a boat many of whom never met before, but share a hobby that they are passionate about and can enjoy while hanging out together.
Was that kind of trip even with some DRAMA thrown in early on.
1 more thing to add was Sea Tow. I have had experience with them several times on pops boats past few years and now again today.
1st off, you are a fool (yes a fool) if you do not have their coverage for $149 per year).
2nd, their professionalism and knowledge is exemplary. I hate having to need them, but when you do, you better believe you can count on them to make the right calls and offer top notch assistance.
I have heard good things about boat US, but never experienced them. I have no reason to change from Sea Tow tho.
Couple great guys came out and helped us today (at a premium of course).
Anyway, here are some pics:
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Turns out, what amounted to really just 5 guys fishing on this boat today, seemed to do better then most of the other boats out today from reports I have seen. Appeared to be a slow day by all other reports for most part.
Turned out to be pretty good day for us I guess chrz
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GOOD JOB GUYS t^ t^
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1 More thing. I finally got to use my new blue Avet SX 5.3
Could not be happier with the reel today. It was AWESOME. Smoooth. W/ 50lb braid, this thing is basically an aluminum winch mounted to a rod with an excellent grip and handle.
I highly recommend if you are thinking about one.
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Yes, Young Gull was even offered a new part time gig as mate for Sunday's trip with the Capt.
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wow... what a day... DRAMA included.. I know about the Sea Tow and boat US. Those guys really know what they are doing. Mike, you saw my boat slip and how difficult it can be to back into it... Well, I forgot the problem but had to get towed in with my old boat.. it was also a 26 footer. These guys had me tied to there side and were still able to back me into my boat slip without even touching a pole... i couldn't believe there skill...
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Yep, I mentioned that today when we were talking about them. Able to do same for my pops boat earlier this season. Amazing their boat ahdnling skills.
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Awesome Report, That's a day to remember t^
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I am surprised that a Charter boat, with experienced Capt. and mates on a very calm day, got themselves into such a mess.
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it's trips like that, you will remember always......... t^
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Its simple, Sh!& happens,
What a report beats my whale watching story. TT^
Paul
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Great report guys,never a dull moment when mboy and big fish young gull get together. Glad to hear the reel worked out for ya mboy t^
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Excellent report. Seems you guys did good on the catching. Didn't see too many reports where the action was as good as yours. t^
Sucks when you need Sea Tow or BoatUS, but nice to have when it's needed. They both do a good job.
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I wish they had these guys when I had my boats. Thank goodness for vhf radios and good samaritans.
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Everyone returned safe and sound, caught some fish, had a "different" fishing trip. Sounds good in the end. I think I'd need a stiff drink or two after that. chrz <'((((><
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Real good fishing with you guys. No shortage of conversation (or should I say ballbusting) all day! had a great time and the tog were an added bonus.
Interesting day to say the least. Thanks Young Gull for being the voice of reason. 60+ yrs old + 43 degree water is a recipe for disaster!
Tough to find bottom swinging like that, but hey, thats what rollerskates are for, right Mike??? ::)
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Yup, Duff wasn't shy about bouncing around the boat.
He was a skatin' fool yesterday :)
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Nice to fish with you guys yesterday. Isn't it great when real fishermen can get together and enjoy the fun of catching even when you don't know each other. Been fishing for a long time on many make up trips and always enjoy the company of real fishermen who know how to. You even let me join in your give and take. A real trip to remember.
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1st, welcome to the site Bob. Glad you made it over.
Was def a real pleasure fishing and goofing around with you.
I hope we get to fish together again whether another charter, my boat, your boat, or whoever's boat.
You are certainly more then welcome to join me on mine anytime this coming season.
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Welcome to the site Bob grtn
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welcome Bob... I am sure you will enjoy your stay...
GO GIANTS.. IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A GAME AT HALF TIME.. HOPEFULLY IT WILL KEEP UP..
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Welcome to the site Bob. Looking forward to your reports/posts.
Go Giants!! t^(http://smilies.sofrayt.com/eng/breakdance.gif)
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Hey bob t^ Nice to hear from you t^
And again. Welcome aboard
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Welcome Aboard Bob,
It sounds like you guys had a great time even if everything did not go as planned.
I have to warn you though the site is addictive so make sure, especially during the summer, to make the time to fish.
Again Welcome Aboard...
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks for all the welcomes. Just returned from the Boat Show. Saw a lot of nice fishing platforms but the bags of money were no where to be found! Ed, did you mate today? Assume you brought your wetsuit so you could pick up some extra change.... 5hrug
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Just spoke to him. He mated, but no wetsuit required today.
Gues capt. learned form his $1k lesson :)
Still only used 1 anchor tho 5hrug