Finally!

Finally, the weather cooperated and we were able to get out and fish.

The morning started a bit foggy, but given the temperatures we've had lately, it was relatively warm. 

We left the dock early and got out of the inlet before many other boats.  We headed directly for the bait spot and loaded up!  Everytime we dropped the zabiki rig over, we pulled in a full stringer.  Once we had a couple dozen, Captain Frank said we needed to stop because there would be too many and die. 

Off we went to areas we head had been producing sailfish and some dolphin. 

We set up our drifting with three lines out (two close to the surface and one at the bottom).  We drifted and we drifted.  We changed the baits, we did our magic fish dance, and even put on the stereo.  Nothing!  No nibbles, passing glances, zippo.   We even tried and early lunch and still nothing.

Finally, we got a bite or at least the rod was bent over and line was zipping off.  There was no jumping or splashing, but something was on there. 

Frank worked and worked to bring it closer to the boat.  As the fish got closer, it looked a bit like a shark.  But it was a cobia!  We thought we had missed the cobia season so this was a real treat and it was REAL big!  We finally got it in the boat and headed back to see if there were any others hanging around.

A while later, we found a very long and wide slick area (that for fishermen is typically a very good sign).  We drifted through it for a while watching the balloons for any activity.  After a while, the balloons (which are attached to the line above the bait) started to zig and zag which meant that something was chasing the bait! 

A small dolphin was doing the chasing and it was pretty cool to see him jump and splash about trying to get the hook out of his mouth.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRq3iICwIk  No such luck!  Reeled him in, plucked him from the water and into the box he went.

We ventured back to see if there were any others, but he must have been traveling solo. 

The winds were starting to pick up so we packed it in and headed for the fish camp.  Captain Pete was waiting for us and offered some consult on how to clean the cobia - the 25 pound cobia that is.

A pretty good day of fishing.