First, the front end of the weekend: Finally had an opportunity to chase rockfish after the lifting of the 15-day moratorium by MD DNR (thanks a lot DNR!). The water temps had cooled from 86-88 to 82-83, which makes a huge difference on the way the fish feed, in a positive way. Also, was finally able to get my new son-in-law out on the boat with me. I gave him a new Ugly Stick and Penn spinning reel wound with Spiderwire last Christmas, and he was finally able to break it in. And break it in he did !
Sunday, Sept
6 we launched at 130pm, showing up early for an expected 4pm high tide after a
30 minute ride to the secret spot. There
were 2 other boats there when we got there, and we creeped past them and
secured our own spot far enough away from them.
For the next hour and a half, we picked through countless small rock,
and also managing to put two keepers in the boat. One of the other boats caught nothing during
this time, the other, a few small fish.
And then they both just left !!
And I knew when they left what a big mistake they were making, as the
tide was just about to turn (start falling) and it was likely going to be the
start of a short-lived bonanza.
And then it started, just as the tide changed direction. Boom !! Bam !!! One nice rockfish right after another. There were an additional 8 keepers (above 19”), all in the 19-21” range, and also a number 16-19, all great-fighting fat fish. None of the skinny rocks like we saw last year. So much for the rockfish shortage, DNR. Mixed in were 2 nice speckled trout, which were quite tasty for dinner the following evening. Also 1 small (14”) red drum, which we had also caught a bunch of two weeks prior at Spring Island. Well, we left and the fish were still biting but it was best to leave them for another day. I’m hoping to get another piece of this action before the bait gets scarce and we change up to throwing plastic.
And now, the weekend grand finale, which deserves a little space on my otherwise fishing/hunting dominated blog. I had the high honor and privilege of once again being a passenger on Skipjack Kathryn as she sailed and competed in the 61st Annual Deal Island Skipjack Race! I am a HUGE fan of these vanishing vessels, and my connection to Kathryn is quite personal. In 2011 I witnessed her almost sink during the race. And from 2013-2015, I was able to be part of the crew that fully restored the 1901-built wooden sail-powered oystering boat. I am so very grateful to the current owners, David and Dawn Whitelock, for having my aboard!
Until next
time, this is #dealislandrandy
