Dan Kelly showing off a big Bull Dolphin

 We got an early start from the dock this morning and headed to the beach in search of pogies. Luck did not seem to be on our side as we had difficulty locating live bait (pogies). All indications were there. Diving Pelicans and an occasional flip on the top of the water. After several throws of the cast net we came up empty. We had heard reports that there was abundant bait at Snow's Cut. The only problem was that we were all in unfamiliar water and not really sure how to get there. After a quick call to Rob Ferris, VP of our fishing club, he told us how to get to Snow's Cut. Jake and Dan started throwing the net at the pops on top of the water and it wasn't long before we had a livewell full of bait. After an hour trip to 23 Mile Rock we set out lines and it wasn't long before the reels were screaming. To make it short, we caught 3 Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin) and 3 small Kings. Dan is pictured above with one of our Dolphin catches. Our King only weighed 10 lbs. Just enough to make the board but out of the money. The leader after day 1 was a 34 lb. King.

If Doug only knew what the next day's weather was bringing.

 What a difference a day makes. Saturday we were met with 30 knot winds and waves from 5' to 8'. Aint no sissies on this boat. We got pounded but we never quit searching for the big one. It was a rough day and we fished up to the last minute. The winning fish was caught on Saturday at the Dredge Wreck, about 15 miles offshore. A 44 lb. fish. Good for about $42,000. Whoever he was, he earned it fighting those seas.

Jake said he is a member of PETF (people eating tasty fish)

 Jake thinning the herd.

It appears a fish has snuck up on Dan

 Look at that bent pole behind Dan. He's looking the wrong way.

Steve fighting a Dolphin

  If you look close at the water you can see some color of the fish.

What's so funny Forest?

  I must be on the bow digging a hook out of my finger or something!

Forest Kelly launches the "Total Satisfaction".

 Jake, Doug and myself were invited to fish with Forest and Dan Kelly aboard their 32' Wellcraft named "Total Satisfaction". This is Forest launching the boat the evening prior to the next morning's tournament.

Charlotte Offshore Saltwater Fishing Club members participating in the Greater Wilmington King Mackerel Fishing Tournament.

  This was the Captains meeting at the Wilmington tournament on June 24. Pictured left to right is Rob Ferris, Dan Kelly, Forest Kelly, Doug Weaver and Jake Sherron

CHRISTINA GIVING A FEW TIPS TO DOUG. (he needs them)

CHRITINA SHOWING DOUG HOW A FISH ON WILL FEEL. 
Christina hands down caught the most fish on this day. Put all of us self proclaimed fishermen to shame. It was fun watching her pull them in one after another.

CHRISTINA JOINS THE "CAROLINA CHALLENGER" CREW.

 
Aint she cute!!

FIRST KING IN THE NEW BOAT

First King in the new boat.  

This is our first King in the new boat. Jake landed this one at Frying Pan Tower on 5/29/04. Not big, but we'll take it. This King was the honored guest that night back at the house for the Weaver/Sherron fish fry. We appreciate his contribution to a great meal served up by Adriana, Luanne and Christina. We caught 4 kings this day. 3 on long lines and 1 on the downrigger. Live pogies were the bait of choice. The 45 mile ride back to Southport was great. Slick seas and only took an hour and a half.