2004 Fishing Reports

Carteret County King Mackerel Tournament - CONTINUED
July 17-18, 2004

soon die with a King on the other in of the line....LOL...We worked this area and just off the beach for about a hour and 45 minutes without a strike. I went back and replaced the ribbonfish on the downrigger with another Pogie. As I settled back on the wheel, the reel screamed. Brent, who was cutting chum yelled, got him on!!!!I jumped to the back and began grabbing rods as Brent held on the rod which by now was screaming smoke. After all the rods were up, I took over the fight and Brent pointed the Sea Drag,n into the direction of the fish that was smoking offshore. After almost a half mile chase and 3 hard runs, we saw the big girl roll up on the surface.The entire surface of the water began to shine as this Silver Sea Monster rolled up. I yelled for Brent to grab the gaff and he made a quick swipe and drove the steel hook in her side. He hauled her overboard and after a quick moment of celebration we bagged her up. We secured all the equipment at 10:55 a.m. and began our track back across the Shoals and to the weigh in. The winds had began to lay out and we only had to deal with a lot of swell on the ride back. We jumped the shoals on the beach as we did that morning and made it to the scales to watch the big girl pull down the scales at 36.40 and a 4th place finish. Great start for the team!

We were grateful for the fish, but wish the weather had been better so Al Sr. could have shared in the moment. Fishing was tough as it often is in July and August with only 2 bites in 2 days, but at least one was the right one. Thanks to Coastal Carolina Marina of Wilmington for rigging our 2005 Mercs, which allowed us to reach our fishing spots. Congrads to everyone who fished, and hope to see everyone at the Raleigh Saltwater Fishing Club KMT on July 30.

Tight Lines....Capt. AL