I have some bad news for everyone. I'm getting a new reel for the tourney. That noise you all heard was the Vegas odds swinging in the direction of Team Jackal. I haven't selected my final weapon of choice, but have been leaning towards the Quantum Boca 50 - partly because Quantum - through Goose Hummock - are an awesome tourney sponsor, and partly because my brother has one that I have seen in action. This action includes an epic trip we took to the Dump last year.
On that trip, we hammered through the sound on one of the roughest days ever. We actually got the very first, front public slip in Edgartown harbor - partied a little too hard, and then headed out to meet another tourney vet - Capt Rob - on Charlotte E which they trailered down to cut on fuel costs. We had some perfect weather, had all the bait/gear we needed (ballyhoo included), but had a rough go. On the way back from being shut out, we found a floating/tangled hy flyer and saw a bunch of Mahi underneath. We threw everything we had at them, and could not get them to hit - including chunk ballyhoo. A few good sharks did show up, and my brother hooked up on his Boca - w/ 20 lb braid - and fought a good 150 lb blue shark for 30 min and muscled it to the boat - pretty impressive.
Also remember how everyone on the radio was so cooperative with each other. Random boats calling from various corners sharing reports and info. I know it's a bigger area, with less competition, but definitely a contrast to most of the tight lipped chatter up our way.
Back to the weaponry. I have also been hearing good things about the Penn Battle and Spinfisher series, but we will see. Either way, this will be the tourney set up this year so going to make it count. Any recommendations are welcome and I will be getting something at the Goose (only place I'll buy a setup) in the next week or so.
On the reports front, not a lot of action but a few reports trickled in. Some of the boys from Plymouth got shut out on Saturday am after grabbing some mackerel which were everywhere. Our other teammate only got a few shorts on his skiff further south. Tria got his species count up into the double figures almost coming in 3rd in a fluke tourney this weekend. I took the rod to tee-ball again but no luck in the North End - even if there were a few guys fishing there who had heard of my previous exploits. Either way, Team Jackal is gearing up.
Do me a favor and get your registrations in early - will save my brother and I a lot of hassle to know how many boats are going to make it.
I'll be fishing Plymouth this weekend if anyone is around and wants to hook up or talk some tourney smack.
On that trip, we hammered through the sound on one of the roughest days ever. We actually got the very first, front public slip in Edgartown harbor - partied a little too hard, and then headed out to meet another tourney vet - Capt Rob - on Charlotte E which they trailered down to cut on fuel costs. We had some perfect weather, had all the bait/gear we needed (ballyhoo included), but had a rough go. On the way back from being shut out, we found a floating/tangled hy flyer and saw a bunch of Mahi underneath. We threw everything we had at them, and could not get them to hit - including chunk ballyhoo. A few good sharks did show up, and my brother hooked up on his Boca - w/ 20 lb braid - and fought a good 150 lb blue shark for 30 min and muscled it to the boat - pretty impressive.
Also remember how everyone on the radio was so cooperative with each other. Random boats calling from various corners sharing reports and info. I know it's a bigger area, with less competition, but definitely a contrast to most of the tight lipped chatter up our way.
Back to the weaponry. I have also been hearing good things about the Penn Battle and Spinfisher series, but we will see. Either way, this will be the tourney set up this year so going to make it count. Any recommendations are welcome and I will be getting something at the Goose (only place I'll buy a setup) in the next week or so.
On the reports front, not a lot of action but a few reports trickled in. Some of the boys from Plymouth got shut out on Saturday am after grabbing some mackerel which were everywhere. Our other teammate only got a few shorts on his skiff further south. Tria got his species count up into the double figures almost coming in 3rd in a fluke tourney this weekend. I took the rod to tee-ball again but no luck in the North End - even if there were a few guys fishing there who had heard of my previous exploits. Either way, Team Jackal is gearing up.
Do me a favor and get your registrations in early - will save my brother and I a lot of hassle to know how many boats are going to make it.
I'll be fishing Plymouth this weekend if anyone is around and wants to hook up or talk some tourney smack.
