ISLAMORADA 7-24/26-2011 ON PLANE FISH N. SAILFISH, DOLPHIN, BARRACUDA, VIDEO ATTACHED
Plane Fish n
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We assembled our team (Eric and Chad from Plane Fish n, Dan from Reel C's and Jerry from Lucky Us) for the trip to Islamorada.
We left on Sunday evening and drove for 3.5 hours from Palm City. :driver
We arrived at the Hampton Hotel and Suites which was a great place to stay. They have their own boat ramp (which is capable of at least a 31' that we know of) and wonderful docks. :crowd
On Monday morning, we awoke to 10-15 knots of wind and an occasional gust. The boat was launched and we went to have our full complimentary hot breakfast.
After breakfast, we drove to the Trading Post which has the most awesome deli sandwiches for our lunch.
Having to wait for the tide to be up a bit wasn't too bad and we finally left the dock about 8:30am.
We set up 2 outriggers, 2 flat lines and a squid in the center and started to troll past Alligator Light and in about 150', our squid catches it's first dolphin (peanut). Chad (aka the Sailman) brings the fish in. The day is looking promising.
We continued to troll out to deeper water and in about 255', our right flat line snaps from the clip. The TLD 25 starts to spool... FISH ON!!!!!!!! :fishing
Dan quickly grabs the rod and sets the hook and hands it off to Jerry who is still trying to catch his first Atlantic Sailfish.
With some coaching, Jerry brings in "Freddy" (no ****.. he named it!). :shrug
Problem is, Freddy is pissed and lets Dan know it. We called him Psycho Fish (Freddy, not Dan). :cookoo
Chad and I backed up several times as Freddy decides he wants to impale Dan perhaps for a kebab that night.
Dan expertly removes the hook from Freddy and he was still so green that we let him swim off for another adventure.
We trolled all the way out to the Islamorada Hump (285' to 560') and had several sail knockdowns. The seas were probably 2-4' at their worst. Very fishable and a nice ride.
We trolled from the Islamorada Hump to the 409 Hump and halfway, we decided to troll in towards shore.
We get a knockdown in about 210' and Dan quickly runs and grabs the rod nearly knocking Jerry and whoever else was in the way overboard. :hairraiser:hairraiser
Seriously, Dan brings in a barracuda and for the first time, my stainless dehooker actually dehooked a fish. I still don't like them but perhaps my technique is wrong.
We hit the channel at about 3:15pm, did a quick washdown of the equipment and the boat and relaxed by the pool and beach.
Monday night, we walked outside to check the boats and winds are blowing 20 to 25 knots. NOT GOOD!!!!
We awoke Tuesday morning to Small Craft Advisories with an Increase in wind. :banghead
We decided to scratch the day of fishing and just be happy that we had one good day on the water.
Jerry was amazing though. On 2 separate days, he managed to completely screw up making a waffle and caked up the machine both times. Lucky for him, the lady who was setting up the food didn't speak english and she just kept smiling and he kept talking.. Somehow they actually communicated.... perhaps in pig latin or something. :rotflmao:rotflmao
All in all, a great trip.
We missed Bo on this trip but I know he will be on the next.
Thanks Chad, Dan and Jerry for a great trip. :applause:applause
Cheers
We left on Sunday evening and drove for 3.5 hours from Palm City. :driver
We arrived at the Hampton Hotel and Suites which was a great place to stay. They have their own boat ramp (which is capable of at least a 31' that we know of) and wonderful docks. :crowd
On Monday morning, we awoke to 10-15 knots of wind and an occasional gust. The boat was launched and we went to have our full complimentary hot breakfast.
After breakfast, we drove to the Trading Post which has the most awesome deli sandwiches for our lunch.
Having to wait for the tide to be up a bit wasn't too bad and we finally left the dock about 8:30am.
We set up 2 outriggers, 2 flat lines and a squid in the center and started to troll past Alligator Light and in about 150', our squid catches it's first dolphin (peanut). Chad (aka the Sailman) brings the fish in. The day is looking promising.
We continued to troll out to deeper water and in about 255', our right flat line snaps from the clip. The TLD 25 starts to spool... FISH ON!!!!!!!! :fishing
Dan quickly grabs the rod and sets the hook and hands it off to Jerry who is still trying to catch his first Atlantic Sailfish.
With some coaching, Jerry brings in "Freddy" (no ****.. he named it!). :shrug
Problem is, Freddy is pissed and lets Dan know it. We called him Psycho Fish (Freddy, not Dan). :cookoo
Chad and I backed up several times as Freddy decides he wants to impale Dan perhaps for a kebab that night.
Dan expertly removes the hook from Freddy and he was still so green that we let him swim off for another adventure.
We trolled all the way out to the Islamorada Hump (285' to 560') and had several sail knockdowns. The seas were probably 2-4' at their worst. Very fishable and a nice ride.
We trolled from the Islamorada Hump to the 409 Hump and halfway, we decided to troll in towards shore.
We get a knockdown in about 210' and Dan quickly runs and grabs the rod nearly knocking Jerry and whoever else was in the way overboard. :hairraiser:hairraiser
Seriously, Dan brings in a barracuda and for the first time, my stainless dehooker actually dehooked a fish. I still don't like them but perhaps my technique is wrong.
We hit the channel at about 3:15pm, did a quick washdown of the equipment and the boat and relaxed by the pool and beach.
Monday night, we walked outside to check the boats and winds are blowing 20 to 25 knots. NOT GOOD!!!!
We awoke Tuesday morning to Small Craft Advisories with an Increase in wind. :banghead
We decided to scratch the day of fishing and just be happy that we had one good day on the water.
Jerry was amazing though. On 2 separate days, he managed to completely screw up making a waffle and caked up the machine both times. Lucky for him, the lady who was setting up the food didn't speak english and she just kept smiling and he kept talking.. Somehow they actually communicated.... perhaps in pig latin or something. :rotflmao:rotflmao
All in all, a great trip.
We missed Bo on this trip but I know he will be on the next.
Thanks Chad, Dan and Jerry for a great trip. :applause:applause
Cheers
Eric
PLANE FISH N
Replies
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
A bit of constructive criticism if you don't mind... PLEASE keep the boat in gear next time you have any feisty billfish next to the boat. You'll have far more control over the fish on the leader as it comes alongside for release. The infection that often comes along with a billfish puncture wound is no joke, never mind the puncture itself. My forearm has a lovely scar from "Zorro the sail" during my earlier days fishing in Mexico. I hate seeing people get hurt over something so easily avoidable.
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Dave,
Excellent advice.. thanks and keep it coming.
I am at fault there. I did take it out of gear just as the fish came to the side.
I guess I should have treated this scenario like we do with dolphin by having them swim along side with the boat in gear.
Cheers
Eric
PLANE FISH N
It was awesome. Thanks
Jerry
You did a great job with Freddy. See you tomorrow.
Dan
Thanks buddy. It was very enjoyable. Also kudos to you for your movie making skills. It came out great.
Hank
Hey buddy. Are you back yet from Indiana?
Hope all is well. We will be out tomorrow with Bo (Let's Go), Jerry (Lucky Us) and Dan (Reel C's)
Cheers
Eric
PLANE FISH N
WWW.PARROTSHINE.COM
This weekend is looking a little sloppy out there, so I'm going to hook up with a buddy and see if I can scoop up a snook or two. I can't wait for Sept. 1:fishing
Nice post. Glad to see you guys had some fun in the keys. I stayed at hawks cay a few weeks back, but I didn't have the boat. I walked to the marina daily and every boat was slaying the fish.
BONES AND BOOMER. :dog :dog LET'S MAKE EVERY TRIP COUNT
Thanks buddy.. .there is always room for you. :Rockon
Sea Era and PaulBoat,
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Pescado,
Agreed... we went to the Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet which was pricey at $30 pp but it was mediocre at best. Very institutionalized when it came to food and they metered out food. We would not go back. We should have done Outback which as you said was connected to the hotel. :shrug
Rick,
the wind was howling for sure. I hope it didn't screw up your time down there. I guess there were already some deaths down there. Be careful my friend.
Sean,
You will love it. Your boat would trailer nicely down there. Give me a shout and I will give you all the particulars. Hope to see you on the water next week buddy. :thumbsup
Mike,
Wow... a blast from the past. I thought you were angry with me or something. Hope all is well and that you are enjoying the family! Give me a call sometime.
Bo,
It wasn't the same without you. I need your calm, easy demeanor to keep me in check. We really missed you buddy. :beer
Steve,
My videos never compare to yours. You guys are dialed in with the video and camera. We went to your website the other day and saw the Tuna video.. AWESOME!!!!!! Say hello to Mrs. V.
Isla21
you are so right. It is a fantastic place. We are already contemplating our next mini trip.. perhaps to Key West, Marquesas or........
Eric
PLANE FISH N
Thanks much buddy.
It was a great hotel to set up headquarters.
Again, anytime you want to join us on the boat, give me a shout... as my guest.. we would be glad to have you.
Take care my friend
Cheers
Eric
PLANE FISH N
Awesome that you guys scored some bugs and some "snappa" too.
We had a great time.
We will get together soon.
Cheers
Eric
PLANE FISH N
“When you have to choose between two evils you still choose evil” Jerry Garcia
How was 1deadbait's trip down there?
Did they do ok?
Cheers
Eric
PLANE FISH N
“When you have to choose between two evils you still choose evil” Jerry Garcia