Venice heat

[capt hoop]

Yesterday we had 5 boats running a donated trip for a bunch of guys from all over the country that served in the same unit in Viet Nam and have remained in touch since. They come here every year and this year I was proud to be a part of the outing. The trip was to just go out and find a few fish for the cookout that night. We gathered for breakfast and got to the water little after 8:00 am. Normally we are on the water for 2 hours already but today would be a different day for a special group of guys.

Captain Donny Ray served with them and has been instrumental in keeping this going. His boat was the lead boat for this day.




Once we started fishing the fish were not cooperating. 3 of the boats were in the same area and we were all struggling to loose bait. My first fish was a very nice flounder. Which was the only one caught of all 5 boats.



My boat also managed a few reds but it was not on fire.



We were headed in around 12:30 with more than enough for tonight's meal. The guys gathered around the cocktail BS area and we cleaned the fish. I went home, cleaned my boat, got it ready for the next day, put it in the shed, and went down to join them for the evening meal.

We had a great day and I am already looking forward to next years fishing trip.

Today I fished for Super Strike Charters. 2 boats 1 family. Damon had the daughter and her husband. I had mom, dad, son, and his girlfriend. Mom did not want to fish. Dad kind of set this up for his son and girlfriend. They were not looking to keep any fish. Maybe one for supper but that would be it. At 5;00 this morning it was 80 degrees at my house. It was going to be very hot out on the water once the sun came out.

Our first 2 places produced nothing and when I contacted Damon he was doing about the same. I decided to make a big move and we got into big fish. This was the scene for the rest of the day with a lot of fish throwing the hook but over a dozen coming to the boat.



It was hot and the girls wanted to cool off. I think they went in about 6 times.




Just after getting out of the water with her hair still dripping she was doing battle for the first time today.



It would be our smallest of the day at 33 inches. We kept this because they wanted to try one and I do not consider this too big.



As the bite started getting more consistent I called Damon and invited him to join the party. We were lucky to get a double to add to our excitement.



The action was steady and dad was content just watching the kids have a blast but I saw to it Dad got into the act also. After that he appreciated all the work the kids did.



Even mom got into the act by the end of the day with her own battle that almost spooled her. We had a solid big fish trip today.



2 different days. 2 different trips. Both very eventful and full of pleasant memories.

Life is Good!


Fishing is not a matter of life or death. It's more important than that.

CAPT HOOP -- OUR FREEDOM