December 1-4 Lady Pamela 2

December 1, 2, 3, 4, 2011

During the first four days of December, the northeast to east winds were just relentless. They were blowing about 10‑20 knots the first two days and 20‑35 knots the second two days. The good news though is that the mahi-mahi fishing has been the best I have ever seen. We have been averaging 5 fish every trip up to 30 lbs., with most of them gaffers. All of these fish have been on the reef, in 200 feet or less, and kitefishing with live baits has been the most productive. Also, the trolling for kingfish on the reef has been great, with some smoker kings up to 35 lbs.

On December the 3^rd trip, I was running the boat both in the morning and the afternoon. On the morning trip, Dr. Sun and his family from California came out deep sea fishing. We loaded up on the mahi-mahi and even had shots at a couple of sailfish. At 3-4 ft though, the seas were a little bumpy for the anglers, so we called it quits early. On the afternoon trip, a local angler Earl, and friends came out with me. They were comfortable in the 6-8 ft seas, and the fish were tearing up live goggleyes on the kite. We were catching mahi-mahi one after the other in 140 feet of water. While watching the action from the tower, I spotted a sailfish on the right long line, and after a quick yell down to mate Joe, he had the fish hooked up for Earl. This was a tough fish that Earl fought for 40 minutes in the 8 foot seas. It was a battle, and everyone in the cockpit was soaking wet before he finally landed the monster sailfish. It was great! Earl has been fishing and hunting everywhere in the world and he said he will never forget that fight!

On the December 4^th trips the hot fishing continued as we caught more mahi-mahi and two wahoo while trolling. We also landed a black grouper and a few amberjacks on the shipwrecks in 180 -240 feet of water.

Driftfishing

The great fishing continues as evidenced by the catches brought in on the drift boat. Every day we have been catching a few mahi-mahi, lots of yellowtail snappers, and a few mutton snappers. We are even landing a few king mackerel on deep jigs rigged with ballyhoo.