Offshore Mashes Sands, 10-24-04
Posted: October 24th, 2004, 5:57 pm
After worrying over the weather reports, checking every site I could, decided to see if I could get some close grouper out of Mashes Sands. Eased the Ghost Rider into the basin just before dawn, and carefully motored out the narrow channel (it was low tide). Upon arrival, I already was having second thoughts because the wind was howling out of the west (NOAA, kiss my grits). Decided to try anyway.
Followed the channel markers out, and punched in my first number - 11.5nm away, roughly south. The wind was now 10-15 out of the SE, with a vicious, short period chop on top of rollers. Slow and wet, but I made it there. Trolled a bit, and put the first fish in the boat, a 24" gag. Anchored, and proceeded to catch 250 zillion undersized red and gag grouper.
Moved twice more, and caught one more legal gag, plus so many little grouper I could hardly believe it. I actually ran out of bait from feeding the little guys. At noon, the wind was even getting stronger, and it was Sunday, so I left to go in. Had to put on the rain outfit, because the spray was so strong I was cold and wet.
Two gags in the box, finally cleaned up at five. Better some salt spray and enough for a meal or two, than not....
Luck,
EJ
Followed the channel markers out, and punched in my first number - 11.5nm away, roughly south. The wind was now 10-15 out of the SE, with a vicious, short period chop on top of rollers. Slow and wet, but I made it there. Trolled a bit, and put the first fish in the boat, a 24" gag. Anchored, and proceeded to catch 250 zillion undersized red and gag grouper.
Moved twice more, and caught one more legal gag, plus so many little grouper I could hardly believe it. I actually ran out of bait from feeding the little guys. At noon, the wind was even getting stronger, and it was Sunday, so I left to go in. Had to put on the rain outfit, because the spray was so strong I was cold and wet.
Two gags in the box, finally cleaned up at five. Better some salt spray and enough for a meal or two, than not....
Luck,
EJ
