Had my long time fishing friend Darren Stiles and our friend Joe Tilton today for a shark trip. Perfect conditions...N, NW wind (more than NOAA predicted, but this time thanks NOAA), birds, bait, life and just all around good "fishy" water.
Left SRI at 4:30 am and make the ride out in about 2 1/2 hours...set up and within 15 minutes we had a caught and released a 120 lb class Thresher. It hit the short rod 25' down with a bluefish fillet and pink skirt. It jumped a little after hitting hard.
About and hour later we had a shark take the short rod, again bluefish fillet and pink skirt. Darren set up and the fight was on. Tough Mako...15' jump, tried to go under the boat, around the boat, you name it. Joe got on the fish and did well while I was on the steering. One last deep dive and Joe put the 50 VSW into 2-speed and we finally had a shot at the fly gaff. Darren did great a great fly gaff job because the Mako wanted no part of it and went nuts at boatside.
It weighed 193 lbs...and was 78" long. It had bluefish in it stomach.
Headed in for a slow ride into tight N, NW 3 to 4's...
Awesome sharking day!!
Great team work all around.
Great eats for the BBQ.
Joe T.
