Keaton 10/3/04
Posted: October 3rd, 2004, 7:24 pm
Well after getting everything worked out on the boat, getting the MIL and her goods back home and no more storms the Son and I were finally able to see how the new ride would perform in the Gulf. Headed down the Keaton canal about 7:00 this morning on our way to ?? somewhere – with not knowing anything except public numbers, I studied the chart looking for every possible place to wet a line for them bottom dwellers, at least prepared a little instead of hunting blind, or a least eliminate what I thought were possibilities. Made are way to just off the channel markers to find some bait before heading out, managed to pic up a few baits, and with frozen on hand it was time to head out.
Now I have not had much water time with the new ride, so it was gonna be a touchy fealy thing finding the right trim setting. Decided to tuck the Merc under and hit the throttle, up on plane quick, and once settled down started the trim process. Just kept an ear on the RPM and eye on the GPS speed, I was able to squeak out 29 MPH cruise at 4000 and left it there, every time I tried to trim up, speed slowed, and boat wanted to porpoise.
First stop was in 45 ft, tring to locate some productive bottom, but was not looking good. Well first time off shore in our boat tring to hunt, so we did not do well on that part. So now we decided to try to public reef numbers and see what we could do. Three boats already there, so we find a spot and anchor. Wait, wait not much going on, other boats have left, so I toss a big ol pin out and see what happens. Wait, Wait, nothing, I stand up, Brandon asks what I am doing, I tell him the pin is dancing like something is on its azz. BAM, something on, we fight and fight, the fish gets close, its an AJ, and there are 3 – 4 other AJ’s following this one up. Brandon decides to drop his bait and now we have two on. The first keeper to is bout wore out and I have to figure how to get him in the boat while Brandon is fightin his.
I'am bout wore out, and we still have another AJ to deal with. This one is all over the place but finally gives in and we haul in this 33# bruiser.
Thats it I'am beat, might as well eat lunch and pass out. Flat as could be out there.
Now I have not had much water time with the new ride, so it was gonna be a touchy fealy thing finding the right trim setting. Decided to tuck the Merc under and hit the throttle, up on plane quick, and once settled down started the trim process. Just kept an ear on the RPM and eye on the GPS speed, I was able to squeak out 29 MPH cruise at 4000 and left it there, every time I tried to trim up, speed slowed, and boat wanted to porpoise.
First stop was in 45 ft, tring to locate some productive bottom, but was not looking good. Well first time off shore in our boat tring to hunt, so we did not do well on that part. So now we decided to try to public reef numbers and see what we could do. Three boats already there, so we find a spot and anchor. Wait, wait not much going on, other boats have left, so I toss a big ol pin out and see what happens. Wait, Wait, nothing, I stand up, Brandon asks what I am doing, I tell him the pin is dancing like something is on its azz. BAM, something on, we fight and fight, the fish gets close, its an AJ, and there are 3 – 4 other AJ’s following this one up. Brandon decides to drop his bait and now we have two on. The first keeper to is bout wore out and I have to figure how to get him in the boat while Brandon is fightin his.
I'am bout wore out, and we still have another AJ to deal with. This one is all over the place but finally gives in and we haul in this 33# bruiser.
Thats it I'am beat, might as well eat lunch and pass out. Flat as could be out there.
