Pilot - Black Fish Friday 11/25

[pilot2550]

Had the early morning shoppers out looking for some basement bargains.  Kooz, Poor Dog, TBone and Don Jr. filled out the expedition.  Loaded up with Greenies.  There were scattered birds outside, south of the clam beds.  About a half dozen boats working the area.  Didn't witness much rod bending.  Hung tight for a half and then motored off to find some toothy ones.   Wind honked pretty good with a tight chop.  First two hours made it feel like a promising day.  We had a fairly good bite going with the front end of outgoing.  We were fortunate that the hook laid tight but we were off the strike zone by a good 50 ft.  Still managed to get some life going.  As the bite got picky, decided to make an adjustment.   Might have been better off sitting tight   Repositioned on the other side of the marker and had a slow pick.  We got one good burst with the largest fish 5/6 lb coming three at once and the then the bottom fell out.   All in all a good day and a fun bunch of guys.   Ended up with 17 black fish  in the box.   Had stopped counting at 36 fish and had a handful of annoying doggies.

This will likely be the last run of the season on the Z'Obsession.  Some needed maintenance, cleaning etc for the winter over.   Enjoyed the hell out of the company I had this year, and the fishing was near the top.  Learned quite a bit.  Tested some new techniques, honed a few others, and found some new grounds.

Some key memories that jump out:

Bassing with the boys livelining till midnight -helluva night. Paulie, T-bone and Pete

Paulie’s 13lb fluke -he said it was beginners luck than followed it up with 8.5lber the next week with Capt Don Jr on board  (oh yeah,  how about custom seekers?)

Tbone’s PB Striper.  Beautiful fish!

Fishing the Raritan Bay Angler Club Tournament with The Assassin, Tbone and Nick

Afternoon runs with Capt Don Jr. poking a few stripes before the storms

Getting my PB fluke for this season as Brother Jay demo’s his new triple threat rig racking up the numbers.

Capt Don Sr re-emerging on the Tog scene with his son Don Jr. T-bone and Kooz

Outstanding opening day Tog with Capt’s Don Sr, Don Jr, The Dog Catcher, and Tbone.

Till next time 

[Bucktail]

Way to finish!   Nice recap as well.

[Capt. Don Sr]

Nice season for the Z-OBSSESION,Thanks for the days at Z on the Z.Great GUYS,FUN,MUSIC,TRASH TALK,SUBS,HOT FOOD and JACKIE D  Cant wait till next year.THANK YOU CAPT JEFF,   CAPT DON SR

[Tbone]

Pilot, We had a great year fishing.  I will always remember the big striper, many togs, and great fluke trips.  Can't forget the big fluke that got away at the 11th hour for the tourny:'(.  We are not done yet .   A least one more tog trip remains.  Until then.  Thanks again.  TBone

[Reel McCoy]

Thanks for the report and the season overview. Have a great off-season.

[flycaster]

GOOD JOB INJOY THE WINTER javascript:void(0);

[The Dog Catcher]

Another stellar report from Capt. Jeff  Always a great read !! My summary of 2011  on the Z 'Obsession
   To get out more then a few times a year
   When you make plans for the next trip out you don't think you can outdo the last one but we always do!
   Alwasys a blast !
   And last if not least if there are  dogfish  I'll find' em
     PS  I hear big pool $ for the 4th see u there!