Captain's Log: November 22, 2024
Location: Hatteras
Weather: Slick seas, clear skies, and a light breeze
Today was nothing short of epic on the waters of Hatteras. The conditions were nearly perfect, with slick seas that made for a smooth ride and provided ideal opportunities for fishing. As I arrived at our chosen spot, the sight of diving birds was a promising sign; they were working tirelessly over schools of baitfish, hinting at the feast that awaited below.
We set up to free line live menhaden—an excellent bait choice for the king mackerel and blackfin tuna we were targeting. It didn’t take long for the action to begin. The moment the baits hit the water, we were met with an adrenaline rush as the reels started screaming.
However, we had to stay sharp. Sharks were prevalent everywhere, lurking beneath the surface, waiting for their chance to snatch our catch. It was a constant reminder to keep our game face on and stay vigilant. Each time a fish was hooked, we had to work quickly to reel them in before the sharks could make their move. The thrill of the chase added an extra layer of excitement to the day.
The highlight came when Josef hooked into what would turn out to be his personal best blackfin tuna. As he fought the fish, the energy on the boat was electric. After an intense battle, we finally saw the flash of silver beneath the waves. With a final surge, Josef landed a magnificent blackfin weighing in at 28 pounds! The look on his face was priceless—a mix of disbelief and pure joy. We celebrated the catch, snapping photos and sharing high-fives as the sun began to dip toward the horizon.
As the day unfolded, we continued to catch and release several king mackerel and more blackfin, each one proving to be a worthy adversary against the sharp teeth of the sharks. The camaraderie on the boat was palpable, with each angler contributing to the day’s successes.
As we headed back to shore, I couldn’t help but reflect on the thrill of the day—the perfect conditions, the excitement of the catch, and the unforgettable moment of Josef's personal best. Hatteras never ceases to amaze, and today was yet another reminder of why we love these waters so dearly.
Signing off with a heart full of gratitude and excitement for what tomorrow may bring.
Comments