Motor tested fine in the yard but in the water it would fuel starve. Called certified Suzuki mechanic Doug (now working at St. Marks Marine) for consultation. Fuel filter bowl was leaking. Tom went to Ace and got a hose adapter, bypassed the filter and we were gone.
The weather was super and for once it beat the NOAA guesspectation although we should not tell them how close they got it. So, It was 40MPH all day.
Along with Tom were my son, a high school buddy and his 15 year old son, Sam. Tom got out his old book that was old enough to have large barnicles on it. As promised first stop was loaded with sea bass. They would swarm up with their buddies and take the lead, over the side with one on the hook and one passenger. Sam yanked two up only to have the passenger release the lead in mid air and dive over the boat. Gave the fish an 8, was a pretty good effort.
Next stop looked elegant on the screen. That's where the fish were. Just a few shorts, red catfish (aka American Red Snapper) were present to filch some bait. The six keepers did not need to be measured.
Back at the dock we were greeted by FWC who seemed delighted to interupt the loading process. Oscifer Less Presonality checked everthing including all cavities in the boat so thoughly I thought a prostate check was next. Said he had only seen one grouper all day. He then hoffed around the parking lot looking like Barney trying to find his bullet attempting to check all the other boats at the ramp. Although I am extremely thankful for the work they do, it seems that If boater safety and compliance was the main mission they would check me leaving the dock. Nuff said.
Doug called and asked how we did and to come by his house to refit the filter bowl. Turns out that the corn in gas makes plastic swell like JT at a peep show. Took just a second to fix and home we went. Thanks to Doug for his contribution to our trip.
And thanks Tom for your big contribution to a super opening day.
