As most know, I moved my boat north to Bodkin Creek. Plan was to scout the upper bay looking for fish close to home. I got word that there was a Rock Hall Tournament (Fri. Sat. Sun.) with the Bay Bridge being the southern border
That changed things. Figured I better work south of the bridge (Thomas Point area). Plan was to Jig and troll.
Winds were not scheduled to lay down until later in the morning, so my 5:30 am departure was pushed back to 7:30. Left Bodkin Creek to some nice rollers, but at least we were all headed in the same direction
When I got south of the bridge, the structure knocked the winds down a couple of mph. Received a text from a good friend (thanks Rockin Robin) that he had breaking fish. I gave a "call out" to another Judge (Justified) and found out he was running a half mile behind us.
The "Judge Fest" began. Jason had attracted a slew of boats using their "bent rod" sonar; but there were enough fish still around to throw topwater, BKD's, or metal to willing eaters. Bruce hooked into a "screamer" again and the next thing I heard was, "I'm down to the backing"
I quickly started the motor and by the time I put it in reverse, Bruce had one wrap left on the reel. We gained line, and Lou reached for the harpoon
OOPS, that's another show
Lou grabbed the net, and a another "over" went in the box.
Jeff stayed "outside" and trolled; while Jason and I chased birds and breaking fish. Staying in touch with one another allowed us to help pinpoint schools large enough to jig on (winds blew you off fish quickly). We could even call jeff into some fish occasionally
I had several nice fish in the box, so we decided to "leave fish" to troll farther out in the channel. I put out a 9 rod boat spread and we quickly hooked up a nice fish that went in the box.
A sailboat decided to come up behind me and push me toward shallow water. Bruce reminded me that even though he had his sails out, he was the overtaking vessel and I had the right of way. That didn't help me make my turn
He passed about 40 ft off my starboard and waved as he went past. I cut behind his stern and missed him by about another 40 ft trying to send him a message.
I doubt he received it.
We trolled back across the bay to our starting point, and put another nice fish in the box. I noticed a fair number of fish tight to the bottom, so we wrapped the trolling rods and broke out the "buggy whips" again.
The fish laying on the bottom were not in a feeding frenzy, but Bruce "finessed"
another "over" to take his jig. With six in the box (our limit of overs and unders), we stored rods for the bouncy ride home.
At 16 mph, we had a long ride home. But what a trip. I can't believe I left Deale just to run almost back to Deale from Bodkin Creek
Fishing with friends (both on my boat, and on other boats) is what it's all about. Everyone had a ball. We each did our on thing, and we caught fish.
I washed down my salt covered boat while Bruce and Lou cleaned fish. Another successful trip. I may have to do this more often
As if that were possible.
5th