never thought I'd be doing a post on fishing

[goosifer]

I went on a 6-hour offshore fishing trip with my stepson today off the cost of St. Augustine and Jacksonville, FL. I have only fished once before, and that was in a small boat off Long Island years ago. This was a 36 foot 600 hp center console boat. Water was a bit choppy heading 10 miles offshore due to swirling winds. We then headed north about 10 miles towards Jacksonville. For most of the time we had lines in the water, it was non-stop action. We were bottom fishing, and the fish would sometimes hit the bait before I had even set the reel. I must have caught over three dozen fish throughout the day. Unfortunately, most of them got thrown back in the water. We ended up keeping our limit of seabass (5 over 13" each). Over half the fish we caught were red snapper, some nice sized ones, too, but we could not keep any. Also caught a  30# drum fish and a small strawberry grouper that had to go back. If anyone has visions of relaxing while ocean fishing, forget it. There was no place to sit. Instead you had to brace the front of your legs against the sidewall of the boat while holding the rod in your hands. This did not do my back any favors. With all the action, my wrists were actually getting tired. (I know, I know.) Then there was the mid-trip nausea and dry heaves for five minutes. The captain gave me credit for getting right back on the horse and continuing to fish afterwards. I don't mean to complain, I just wanted to relay my actual experience. The captain definitely delivered as far as finding where the fish were goes. As I understand it, trolling-style fishing happens in the summer when the ocean water is warm. Maybe I will give that a try someday.

[Zem18]

Sounds like an awesome 6 hours and you earned your sea legs. Win win in my book!!

[reeltime]

you mean the captain didn't offer a runny egg and greasy sausage sandwich?  LOL  congrats on the fish.

 

[grampy]

Sounds like you had a good charter captain and a great fishing trip! Once you get over the soreness in your arms, you will have a good fishing story. Just remember, the fish get bigger each time you tell it!

[goosifer]

Thanks for the kind comments, guys. I should have mentioned that the weather was mid-70s today, and I was able to fish in shorts and a t shirt. Not bad for mid-January, even for Northeast Florida. The captain says he usually only goes out for 5 charter trips during a typical January. We've been very lucky with the weather this week.