Made bait with Skunk on Friday late afternoon and loaded up for Saturday's early departure fishing the SWABC tourney. Had my own version of wounded warriors on board. Skunk recovering from a good burn and Kooz with a 5 inch hernia scar from 4 weeks ago. Brother Jay and Kooz's buddy Eric (sometimes Kevin) filled out the crew. We had all the necessary hardware, gear and bait. Pushed off at 5:30 and made the turn around the tip only for the Z'O to drop RPM's at a steady throttle position. Not good..... Made a slow run to local grounds and patterned it pretty good with wind against knocking some very very nice CB's on the head to go back and a lonesome keeper fluke on a deadstick. Explored for awhile looking for some steady action and found it a little further. The shorts, large skates, CBs made for fun but keeper fluke where hard to come by for us. Eric and I had some good rythm while Kooz and Skunk tried fishing from a sitting position almost all morning. Jay poked at a couple of nice Biscuits but had a tough time in the fluke department too. Not feeling real good about the boat performance made the call to end our day at 12:30, not knowing if I'd have to resort to SEATOW for an assist. Fortunately, I did not. Made it back burning horrendous MPG numbers 1.1 - 1.2 with throttle set at same position throwing RPMs between 48-52.... Back at the dock, put the blade to 8 keepers with our largest 20". Jimmy says the VST is the culprit and the Z'O will undergo necessary root canal and 1000 hr overhaul. Will be out of commission for the next 3 weeks at best based on current book of service orders at the marina.
Consolation prize! Fluke sandwiches.