Ron and me left Alan's at around 05:00 after having breakfast cooked by Alan. We made it out of the bay area fast and made good time until road repair around the Cove fire slowed us down, but we missed the ETA by 15 min. Ron took a quick shower, we split up the fish and got ice for Ron's fish then he headed home.
The trip was a blast, even though I lost my first BFT almost to the gaff....oh well, tangles happen. I hope every one got home safely and with most of their gear, I found a few extra things in the bed of my truck, a beach towel, some bright yellow wash cloths and a nice Columbia rain jacket. Let me know if you are missing these and we will get them returned.
Did the iMac survive?
Yup, wrapped in the beach towel. I will set it up when I get my gear cleaned and put away. Thanks again.
The towels were from costco and I brought them to share with everyone. I think they were about 40 cents apiece. They worked well and the softness was nice for reel cleaning or just getting mackerel slim off your hands. Thanks again for being the gear mule. Tommyd
Any time Tom, it was fun fishing with you both.
I made it home about 2 AM Thursday morning (EDT). Had to jump right into the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Fortunately our power was restored the day before I came home. And the hurricane hit 2 days after I left. So great timing on my part to go along with a great bunch of guys (and gal) and some very good though spotty fishing.
Damage update:
House in Leesburg, GA (Albany suburb) - lost some roof shingles and have 1 broken window. Neighbor on each side had a tree fall across my fence. Anne kept the refrigerators and freezer running with the 3 KW portable generator while the power was out for 6 days, so no fish or meat was lost. Very minor damage considering how others in the area fared. Oh, my 24' Proline cuddy that is sitting in the driveway had one bimini top strap break.
Condo at Mexico Beach, FL - drove down there today (Friday 19th) to assess the damage. The devastation in and around Mexico Beach is unreal. Plus downed trees and powerlines for the whole 180 mile drive.
My condo is OK. Front door is warped, 1 broken window in living room, all utilities will be out indefinitely (even the towns only water tank blew over). I got my (uninsured) golf cart running in about 15 minutes-no water in oil or in gas tank. Amazing. Two other gas carts in our building were totaled. Anne and I took the cart for a test drive and also took about a 20 minute video of the eastern part of Mexico Beach. That's the older part of town with mostly single family dwellings and a few mobile homes. I'm uploading it to YouTube and will post a link tomorrow.
Fishing trailer at Lake Eufaula (GA-AL border) - Haven't been over there yet but a neighbor tells me the trailer is fine, a few trees are down, but the metal outbuilding where I store my Sea Ark flats boat is leaning about 30 degrees.
All things considered, I came out in great shape. So I went and bought some lottery tickets.
Glad everyone made it home safe, and to a safe home.
GA Mike
Thanks for the report Mike, I was thinking about you today.
Glad your Condo made it Ok Mike.
I saw today where they aren't allowed to buy alcohol in the area.
Afraid someone will get plastered and go nuts?
I would go nuts without it. ::)
Glad you guys had a good trip.
https://youtu.be/7yvF4hI1Ka4
Check this out. 20 minutes video driving around Mexico Beach in a golf cart. Unbelievable amount of damage. Amateur hour for sure!
GA Mike
Praise God you and your fared as well as you did. I got home about 2200 last night. Got the fish in the freezer and car unpacked. The gear will be sorted through and cleaned next week after I've caught up with school. I have a lot of lessons learned in the tackle department and will begin implementing them right away.
Glad everyone gor home safe.
Ron
Quote from: Keta on October 19, 2018, 02:12:07 AM
I found a few extra things in the bed of my truck, a beach towel, some bright yellow wash cloths and a nice Columbia rain jacket. Let me know if you are missing these and we will get them returned.
I'm missing a black Columbia rain jacket. The matching pants made it home??
GA Mike
I have it Mike, PM me a address and it will be on the way. It is in a safe place if you are busy right now.
We need pictures of the trip!!!
I have one more thing that someone on the boat left, the nasty cold.
Quote from: Keta on October 20, 2018, 12:26:39 PM
I have one more thing that someone on the boat left, the nasty cold.
I might be the culprit. I think I caught a cold on the flight out. I felt like heck for the 1st 3-4 days. That's why I didn't catch a BFT at SC.
Sounds like a good excuse to me.
GA Mike
I'll blame it on Brian. ;D
Wally all I can say is oh my lord what a mess that hurricane made of the town. So many families lives turned upside down.
Quote from: David Hall on October 20, 2018, 04:17:01 PM
Wally all I can say is oh my lord what a mess that hurricane made of the town. So many families lives turned upside down.
The really sad thing is that Mexico Beach is a "family beach", no high rise condo's (by design....and code), a real blue collar community of relatively modest single family vacation homes and trailers that are "grandfathered" into current building codes. A stark contrast to Panama City only 30 miles west. And they're separated by Tyndall Air Force Base, so no encroachment. Anne can take the grandkids down there by herself and I don't worry about them at all. Neighbors are very friendly and we all look after each others stuff. But a lot of the older properties don't have insurance and some of the folks lost everything. And a lot of them live in S GA and their primary homes got hammered by Michael as well. I was so lucky compared to a lot of folks I know.
It will probably take 60-90 days to get all services restored to the condo complex. Then we can start doing legitimate repairs. At least it hit at the tail end of "beach season". But the folks that live and work in that area will have tough living conditions for quite a while.
GA Mike
Here's a few I managed to get get while attempting to remain attached to the deck.
Thanks Wally & Ann, for a great report & video, gee you came out of it, very lucky ay, cheers Don.
Here's Alan's Wahoo.
https://youtu.be/K1Lc5ys48Xw
Some of the amazing wildlife scenes we encountered.
https://youtu.be/suv5Brep9zM
And sunsets that never gets old.
https://youtu.be/WlNoBCugNb4
A pro in action!
Good job!
Sal
Looks like a great time and a fun trip! The only issue I can see is there was not enough Canooks on that trip !!!
Mike: I'm glad you fared OK through that hurricane and hopefully the repairs go smooth. It seems like smaller centers with a close knit community get through these things better than cities.
Cheers:
Todd
Way to go Alan, I'm sure that one tasted good!
Quote from: Hardy Boy on October 22, 2018, 03:32:26 PM
Looks like a great time and a fun trip! The only issue I can see is there was not enough Canooks on that trip !!!
You and the Port Hardy crew can cure that Todd.
I didn't see the green flash either. Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on October 22, 2018, 05:05:14 PM
I didn't see the green flash either. Dominick
Neither did I although Tommy insists he saw it. Next time I will records this in slow motion...
Yep, caught "the cold" 🤒
Best time fishing with family.
mike, the georgia flu hit me thursday. i was down friday, saturday and most of sunday, finally started feeling better yesterday. i understand now how sick you were. no wonder you were so cranky..... ;D
Great trip guys...awesome fishing...looks like an incredible experience. 8)
I felt the crud coming on Saturday afternoon aboard the boat, so started dialing down on the fishing and upped the sleep time. Stopped fishing Monday at 2pm after landing my one and only Dorado of the trip:
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/9140_23_10_18_10_20_31.jpeg)
All that bunk time got me to 95%...good enough to fly to Southeast Asia Saturday AM for the week without misery.
Quote from: alantani on October 23, 2018, 02:03:31 PM
mike, the georgia flu hit me thursday. i was down friday, saturday and most of sunday, finally started feeling better yesterday. i understand now how sick you were. no wonder you were so cranky..... ;D
I'm thinking I caught the flu bug on the flight out. I felt great until we were eating dinner at Miguel's. Then for 3-4 more days I felt like crap. I barely fished San Clemente and finally started feeling better about Cedros southbound. I apologize for passing around the bug to everyone. And also for being cranky!
GA Mike
It happens Mike. I can barely talk but I don't feel that bad, I started feeling it between Alan's and home.
My snot locker finally calmed down and now I'm just coughing up a lung every few minutes. I would expect nothing less from a dog face!
Love you, brother.
The Man
I had a great time. Even though I was gimpy, sick, a little banged up, and caught all of two bonito I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Thanks to everyone!
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_42_56_256931453.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_42_56_25693701.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_00_25695993.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_02_256971807.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_03_25697617.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_15_25703944.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_08_25699691.jpeg)
I wish you felt better Steve but you weren't all that grumpy.
Stevemeister!
How did your new (is that your 2nd or 3rd) Knee hold up???
Wayne
I think theme bugs are picked up on the planes! seems like I snag one everytime I fly anymore. im gonna start wearing a mask when I get onboard from now on.
Quote from: swill88 on October 24, 2018, 12:46:16 PM
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_15_25703944.jpeg)
@ Lee, compadre you need to update your profile pic, I would've recognized you if I saw you.
you look in good shape and younger than in your profile pic
Quote from: David Hall on October 24, 2018, 03:53:25 PM
I think theme bugs are picked up on the planes! seems like I snag one everytime I fly anymore. im gonna start wearing a mask when I get onboard from now on.
I carry hand wipes. I wipe down my hands, tray table and the arm rests. I am not germophobe but I am realistic. They do not clean planes to degerm them. Planes do not spend enough time on the ground nor do the airlines have enough staff to clean them properly. Dominick
Quote from: steelfish on October 24, 2018, 04:42:20 PM
@ Lee, compadre you need to update your profile pic, I would've recognized you if I saw you.
you look in good shape and younger than in your profile pic
Done, thanks for the photo Steve.
Quote from: Dominick on October 24, 2018, 05:17:30 PM
Quote from: David Hall on October 24, 2018, 03:53:25 PM
I think theme bugs are picked up on the planes! seems like I snag one everytime I fly anymore. im gonna start wearing a mask when I get onboard from now on.
I carry hand wipes. I wipe down my hands, tray table and the arm rests. I am not germophobe but I am realistic. They do not clean planes to degerm them. Planes do not spend enough time on the ground nor do the airlines have enough staff to clean them properly. Dominick
Great Idea there Dominick, Im gonna bring plenty of them along with me. the only thing worse than getting sick on a plane is getting sick when your on a boat fishing.
Great pics and videos. That boat is huge..!!
5 bites, 4 hook ups, and 3 landed to 59 lbs. according to five star scales. S-332 Newell loaded with 30 on a seeker black steel landed one and the other two came on 40. Penn 25nld2 on a phenix 908hfx. Fg knots held. Still have the cough, mostly just phlegm balls now, hacking em up.
5 bites, 4 hook ups, and 3 landed to 59 lbs. according to five star scales. S-332 Newell loaded with 30 on a seeker black steel landed one and the other two came on 40. Penn 25nld2 on a phenix 809hfx. Fg knots held. Still have the cough, mostly just phlegm balls now, hacking em up.
Back out again? Your an animal! Which boat and how long a trip?
No, this was what was going on, on my side of the boat. Where were you? Late report.
(http://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=26741.0;attach=61478;image)
Hey, I know that guy!
.
Quote from: Keta on October 24, 2018, 11:50:31 PM
(http://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=26741.0;attach=61478;image)
Hey, I know that guy!
.
I thought 'Hamachi' translates to Yellowtail. Now I know it means 'Fishing Machine'.
This trip was an education. Thank you to everyone!
steve
Quote from: El Pescador on October 24, 2018, 02:01:50 PM
Stevemeister!
How did your new (is that your 2nd or 3rd) Knee hold up???
Wayne
There is no doubt the chromium cobalt knee and the the implant glue are far stronger than any bones. Being heavy with weakened legs is not a good combination for the ocean. Fortunately I didn't hurt anyone else and only bruised myself. There is power in that ocean.
i'll be stronger and lighter next year...knock on wood.
Steve
Hey, thanks for the accolade, Steve. Being able to read and react to a situation has a lot to do with it, also casting close to the chum line helps. Nose hooking means you're fishing on the retrieve, which got me at least an extra bluefin and dorado that I know of. Maybe we need to do more to help the less experienced guys to hook up more, if they want the help.
Hamachi looks like you were one of the hot sticks on the trip! Thanks for the awesome pics.
Jim
Just maximize time bait is in the water, more chance to get bit. A little luck helps also.
You didn't mention the shark. Some of the most patient fishing I've ever seen! And Pete can tell you how patient I am on the water. Anyone who has an opportunity to learn from Warren would be wise to do so. I watched him on the bow and learned a ton. Between what he taught me here, and Mark taught me in Cedros, most of my fish were on iron.
It was nice to be on the above average side this time.
The Man
Quote from: swill88 on October 24, 2018, 12:46:16 PM
(http://alantani.com/gallery/25/12788_22_10_18_1_43_15_25703944.jpeg)
And am I the only one that is wondering what Mike is agonizing about?
Quote from: Hamachi on October 25, 2018, 01:03:42 AM
Hey, thanks for the accolade, Steve. Being able to read and react to a situation has a lot to do with it, also casting close to the chum line helps. Nose hooking means you're fishing on the retrieve, which got me at least an extra bluefin and dorado that I know of. Maybe we need to do more to help the less experienced guys to hook up more, if they want the help.
I'm always looking for help! Next time I will ask you and I will hound you like a NUBEE😉
That's just what Peaches look like. You'll get used to it!
The Man
Quote from: Ron Jones on October 25, 2018, 04:11:00 AM
You didn't mention the shark. Some of the most patient fishing I've ever seen! And Pete can tell you how patient I am on the water. Anyone who has an opportunity to learn from Warren would be wise to do so. I watched him on the bow and learned a ton. Between what he taught me here, and Mark taught me in Cedros, most of my fish were on iron.
It was nice to be on the above average side this time.
The Man
Ah yes the shark. He hit a gold Hopkins spoon. The skipper said it looked similar to a Galapagos reef shark. Took 200 yards of fifty pound mono straight back past the stern. Worked him back to run the gauntlet of tangled lines of hooked up anglers across the stern and then back again. Up to the bow for a second time, then back to the stern, across and up the other side where Evan ended my misery, grabbing the line and popping it off. I hope he got rid of the jewelry hanging from his jaw.
Hey, Chief, I'm learning too!
Yep Warren is not only a greatly skilled angler but he also was pretty hot and I figured out early to emulate his technique which rewarded me with a nice blue fine as well.
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 25, 2018, 04:55:12 AM
Quote from: swill88 on October 24, 2018, 12:46:16 PM
And am I the only one that is wondering what Mike is agonizing about?
1) I'm trying to reel in a really big fish
2) I'm jealous Lee caught the sheepshead and want to throw them both overboard.
3) I'm in week 4 of quitting smoking (after about 50 years) and I'm having the DT's.
Probably some of both #2 and #3 ;D
If Lee is going to use that pic as his avatar, I'll pay to have me photoshopped out.
GA Mike
Quote from: Wally15 on October 25, 2018, 08:08:48 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 25, 2018, 04:55:12 AM
Quote from: swill88 on October 24, 2018, 12:46:16 PM
And am I the only one that is wondering what Mike is agonizing about?
1) I'm trying to reel in a really big fish
2) I'm jealous Lee caught the sheepshead and want to throw them both overboard.
3) I'm in week 4 of quitting smoking (after about 50 years) and I'm having the DT's.
Probably some of both #2 and #3 ;D
If Lee is going to use that pic as his avatar, I'll pay to have me photoshopped out.
GA Mike
Love ya GA Mike. I had a good laugh with your last sentence.
Keep at it Wally.
I smoked for 30 years and quitting was the best thing I ever did.
Vaping really takes the edge off.
Quote from: Wally15 on October 25, 2018, 08:08:48 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 25, 2018, 04:55:12 AM
Quote from: swill88 on October 24, 2018, 12:46:16 PM
And am I the only one that is wondering what Mike is agonizing about?
1) I'm trying to reel in a really big fish
2) I'm jealous Lee caught the sheepshead and want to throw them both overboard.
3) I'm in week 4 of quitting smoking (after about 50 years) and I'm having the DT's.
Probably some of both #2 and #3 ;D
If Lee is going to use that pic as his avatar, I'll pay to have me photoshopped out.
GA Mike
Well, we know it isn't number 1!!
The Man
during these last few years, i have had the privilege if sharing the rail with men who have served our country with honor and distinction. i personally never served our country in the military, but if the bond developed with these charters is even a fraction of one percent of what guys in the service have, i can understand how such deep friendships develop.
I joined the Navy right out of High School.
I just thought it was the right thing to do.
I was not a career man or saw combat, but I do not regret it.
I came back home and have the same job and wife for 30 years.
It makes you a better person.
I'm glad to have served, but Wally served in the thick of it.
I hope to meet the man some day. ;)
Quote from: Shark Hunter on October 26, 2018, 04:11:47 AM
Keep at it Wally.
I smoked for 30 years and quitting was the best thing I ever did.
Vaping really takes the edge off.
I can't handle vaping. To me it's harder on my lungs than cigarettes. I had to go cold turkey. Make that Wild Turkey! Plus I walk around with a Snickers bar in my mouth as a placebo. I've gained about 10 lbs. Also, being on a boat for 8 days with food available 24-7 didn't do much for my willpower.
GA Blimp
Quote from: Shark Hunter on October 26, 2018, 06:17:33 AM
I joined the Navy right out of High School.
I just thought it was the right thing to do.
I was not a career man or saw combat, but I do not regret it.
I came back home and have the same job and wife for 30 years.
It makes you a better person.
I'm glad to have served, but Wally served in the thick of it.
I hope to meet the man some day. ;)
Joining the military was the single best decision I ever made. And it was an easy decision, if I didn't join, I'd get drafted :)
As an 18 yo HS grad, a blue collar kid with no college prospects and no skillset, the Army gave me several opportunities to improve my lot in life. A year in VN was both the price they extracted and the final exam for all of my training. I'd easily make the same decision again.
And the GI bill allowed me to educate myself after I got off active duty. That may be the best government program out there.
Daron, we are going to meet on a FL beach one evening and solve all the worlds problems over a couple of shark rods and barley pops. Navarre is only a couple hours west of Mexico Beach. Just got to get MB put back together.
Brothers in Arms!
Wally 15
Quote from: alantani on October 26, 2018, 05:49:48 AM
during these last few years, i have had the privilege if sharing the rail with men who have served our country with honor and distinction. i personally never served our country in the military, but if the bond developed with these charters is even a fraction of one percent of what guys in the service have, i can understand how such deep friendships develop.
How appropriate you wrote that on Oct 25th, Alan, supposedly the anniversary of Henry V's famous St Crispin's Day speech in 1415 immortalized by Shakespeare:
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother.....
And no Ron, I wasn't there for the speech :) But I did help Willie Shakespeare write it.
The friendships and camaraderie I have formed through the AT website and multiple fishing trips remind me a lot of my military experiences; people from diverse locations and backgrounds sharing a common goal, and working together to achieve that goal. Focusing on what unites us, not caring about what separates us. Our country seems to have lost that. You certainly can't be thin skinned around this bunch!
If Alan had been in the military, he would have been just like Sgt Ernie Bilko in the 1950's Phil Silvers TV comedy (not the 1990's Steve Martin cheap knockoff) :)
Me? I was more like Will Stockdale (Andy Griffith) in "No Time for Sergeants".
Check those out on UTube if you like late 1950's G rated comedy.
GA Mike
Quote from: Keta on October 20, 2018, 01:45:08 AM
Thanks for the report Mike, I was thinking about you today.
Great avatar, Lee! You look just like Robert Duvall in Open Range.
GA Mike
I love that quote. I have it on a T shirt I earned 20 years ago when I gave the Navy a bunch of blood so they could figure out that submariners suffer from vitamin D deficiency and that something needs to be done about it.
The Man