We left port around 6 AM with Capt Nick and Capt Chip close behind. Along with me were my shark-fishing buddies Justin, Aaron, and Chris, all new to the game of jigging. Got to the fishing grounds around 8 and fished until 5. I have to say we had a blast. Non-stop action on AJs (150+) all day, with several around 65-70 lbs (no monsters this time...), 3 blackfin, 3 African pomps, and 3 brown/dusky sharks (2 on jigging gear). Justin and Aaron were both bent up all day on big AJs and african pompanos. Justin also got broken down by a big 9' brown shark on jigging gear...he had to pass the rod off to Chris!
Oh boy were we all in pain, but we kept going back for more. It didnt help that Rick put us on the big fish at the end of the day ahah. It came to a point where we would drop and not hope for a hit...drop, jig, jig, jig, jig, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....oh b****! We did lose a couple monster fish. Aaron lost a few jacks that seemed to have been beasts, and I got rocked by what I think was a large gag. Chris also lost a large fish that was just smoking him.The constant verbal abuse over the radio between Chip and Rick also made the day enjoyable.
Chip: Hey Rick...we got a, uhh, monster coronet fish here. Why dont you come over here so we can weigh it on your boga grip.
Rick: Yeah, just stick it in your pocket and I'll be right over...
Chip: Is that a coronet fish, or are you just excited to see me?
Anyways, I'm pretty sure all of us will be back for more very soon...
Mark it down guys. September 2010, the hunt for the NC state record AJ will commence.Rick is a great guide, he knows his stuff, and is a freakin hilarious person. He just gained a lifelong client. I'm already booking my next couple trips with him.
Gear review:
Shimano Stella 20k FA-worked flawlessly as always, pushed it up to 28 lbs of drag, and fought fish on that drag setting for the rest of the day
Alutecnos Gorilla 12C-worked flawlessly on its maiden voyage. Need to mess with the preset so i can get more drag without loosing freespool. I want to be able to put out 35+ at max
Accurate twinspins-Great reels, very powerful. not as smooth as the stella, but it really didnt make a difference
Accurate BX600s-didn't fish
OTI 600 gr rod-worked great as always
Hopper 500 gr rod-Very parabolic rod...however I didnt like the rubber gimbal. Will change that out.
star rods-Very impressed, smooth bend to them. might have to get me one
mmmmm blackfin sushi
i would rather go through the pain the next day 
i missed that