Well my brother-in-law and I headed from PP thu the canal and out of MI to head to IBSP for some snotty weather bass. We were going to use Barnaget Light but, since I am unfamilar with the area, nonetheless at night we chose to stick with where Ive become comfortable as I am again new to boating.
We managed an early start thu the canal and out the inlet to be greeted by what I would think were 6'+. Already committed to the inlet we motored thru to somewhat calmer water. We conferred and agreed to head down the coast. Conditions did seem to vary but, overall improved.
We reached about 1.5 miles south of Seaside when we made contact via VHF with one other boat who reported 4 stripers in the boat already. Seas seemed to be intensifying and the winds continued. We opted to fish where we were as the sun was coming up and the area was covered with birds, although diving was scarce.
We managed to jig a 28" to the boat within a few minutes and in the box it went. The bite died and seas continued to get more rough. By this time my BIL is now sick and not improving. Because he wasn't feeling well and the increasing seas we decided we would troll as we headed back towards MI. Dropped the umbrella rigs w/eel lures and within minutes we had another 28" in the box. Dropped again and a little later we boated a 34" stripe. Seas are now worse and we decided on one more troll and then it was time to move to the inlet. Dropped them again and a few minutes later BANG! A big hit and nothing. Brought in the trollig weight only. The braided line was cut clean about 3" below the weight
I am going to assume a big blue tried striking the weight??
After a long slow ride into the inlet Ralph continued to feel lousy. Made it back to the ramp to filet the fish and pull the boat. Another guy was there trying to pull a 26' - 28' Parker from the ramp (broken concrete and gravel) using a 2wd drive truck. That worked about as good as a condom with a hole in it. He sunk the wheels up to the hubs. We gave him and boat a tow out.
Our turn. Get the boat on the trailer on the first try despite current and wind. On the way out the trailer gets hung up on the broken concrete. After multiple repositions we manage to get an angle and cantelever the wheels up the concrete and out we go! (Sweet, huh? NOT). Pull off the ramp to find a blown tire and no spare.....
Go to STS for a tire (Sweet, huh? NOT!). No tires in stock. They can get it tomorrow. Make a call to the local Goodyear to find out that they have a used tire in the back (Sweet, huh? YES!). Off to Goodyear, tire on, back home we go.
If you were out you know conditions weren't the best. After a day in the slop, 3 fish in the box and home safe we couldn't complain too much. After all it wasn't work
Well, the new (to me) boat has been good to me during the short time I had her. I have a punch list for the winter so, I think I will now put her to rest unless weather really stays nice.
Thanks for everyone's help making this a great learning experience and now successful fishing season for me. I cannot wait till next year!
Fred
