Tastee Fluke - 6/29

[pilot2550]

Was planning to hit the SH reef today to look for some big flatties but the plan had to change. Got a call from the marina yesterday afternoon which was unusual. The message they left was that my boat would not be going in the water and would be on a service rack due to a gas leak in the bilge WTF     I'm hoping it is a minor issue.  I've had a venting problem in the past and when I took delivery a couple of years ago the nut for the sending unit on the top of the tank wasn't tightened down.  Just filled the other day and only burned 16 gallons... so, maybe sunday's heat expansion and all the volume at the back end of the tank when removing from the rack it's the same problem    Going to find out tomorrow.

Donnie and his pops came through with the alternate.  We met at 7:00 and worked the traditional spots in the keyport area.  Slow pick most of the morning with 17.5 fish dominating.  A couple hours after the change the bite picked up considerably with 4 quality fish making it to the cooler.  I haven't been keeping my end of the bargain on contributing to the keeps but sure have had enough shorties.

Here's a pic of Donnie and two of the larger fish 20.5 and 23.5"  and the "CUTMAN" doing his thing!

Good times as usual.  Thanks guys!

[Bucktail]

Nice report.  Hope your boat feels better soon.

[Hotrod]

  Nice Job..

[Fishin Dude]

Good Luck with the boat, thanks for the report. <'((((><

[Salty Dog]

The hole in the water that you pour money into.Hope it doesn't hurt for long.Had recieved those calls myself.

[ped579]

Good luck with the boat problem. 

I know what you mean about the shorts this year.  Can't catch a break myself.

[Tbone]

Pilot, Hope you get her fixed.  The McGiver boys should be able to help you.  They can do anything!!   .  T-Bone

[urulie]

That ____s, hope it's a miner  problem.

[wb]

nice job, hope the fix is cheap

[kezsr]

nice catching and pics  hope your boats a simple fix.

[pilot2550]

Thanks guys for the kind words.  We've all been there.  Here's what I found out today.  It looks like the tank is slightly arched near the plate that is screwed into the top of the tank. The sending unit is mounted here.  Had the boat on the forks today with a slight tilt and she started pouring immediately.  Potentially, the arch in the tank was caused when the the fuel line nipples were welded into place from superheating.  Looked like the gasket and some other material was caulked in the gap and the caulking material finally deteriorated.  Spoke with Kenny May and he's looking to do the honorable thing.  Will be speaking with the tank mfg tomorrow.  Fingers crossed we're not going to be cutting a tank out  that would be a nightmare.  The mechanic at Gateway had an idea that I think might do the trick but we'll wait to hear from the tank guys.

Pics added... Aft inspection port

[Pfishingruven]

Great catch!

Hope you are able to get your boat fixed quickly and as easy as possible.

 

[Hunter 2]

Good Luck,  Give me a call if you need a ride to catch some fish.      ,, Eddie

[pilot2550]

Good Luck,  Give me a call if you need a ride to catch some fish.      ,, Eddie

Eddie,

Thanks, I'll let you know if I'm grounded for any period of time.