Happy New Year to all you die hard fisherman! We started out the 2008 season this past weekend with our first scheduled 18-hour trip with a bang. With a good forecast and moderate seas we loaded up and traveled about ninety miles to fish wrecks along the 30 fathom line to our south. After somewhat of a bumpy ride out we arrived on the scene at just about daybreak. With the anchor set and the bait passed out the sun was just breaking the horizon as the first Jumbo Bass of the 08’ season started hitting the deck!

As the sun got higher the fishing only seemed to get better with some anglers actually having coolers full of big bass by as early as 8:30 in the morning. It took a while for some folks to catch on dealing with the deep water and the swift current. Most folks ended up using anywhere from minimum of 12 oz. of lead to as much as a pound or better to keep their lines from zipping towards the back of the boat. The first hour was about the toughest with slack line tangles and people getting frustrated seeing these beautiful fish coming over the rail while being tangled with their neighbor, but after that everything just started to click and just about everyone on board was working together nicely and in on the action.

We were able to stay over the first wreck for a few hours with only one minor adjustment. The Sea Bass were at the top of the menu with just a smattering of Cunners and a few Spiny Dogs and Conger Eels in the mix this trip. We did see a couple Ling caught and Capt. H managed to land a good sized White Hake while trying to catch the crew a Sea Bass supper. I would have say the average size of the fish coming from the depths was about two to three pounds with countless fish in the four to five pound category. Our biggest Bass was caught by John Driscoll from Gibson Island Maryland and weighed in at just over six pounds taking all the money in the pool. I have to say it was very impressive seeing these fish rise up through the crystal clear water.

By mid morning we decided to make a move and try another wreck in a little deeper water that was close by and once again we were rewarded with some doubles and triples of more Jumbo Bass. By days end several anglers would end up with a limit of beautiful fish while just about everyone onboard landed anywhere from ten to twenty of these big Sea Bass. It was a successful trip!

We have several more of these long trips scheduled and given the water temperature offshore was still around 50 degrees I believe these fish are really just starting to migrate. We should meet with good success for several more weeks to come. Remember if you would like to sign on for one of these offshore adventures advanced reservation are required. There is a complete list of dates on the special trip link from our homepage at fishlewes.com and as long as the weatherman gives us a break we will continue to see some good action. This is just the start!

If you would like any more information about trips sailing out of the Wharf or you would like to reserve a space please give us a call at (302) 645-TUNA.

Until Next Time Happy Fishing!

Capt. Rick Yakimowicz
Thelma Dale V
catchfish@verizon.net