Fish Quest with Capt. Paul Benson to the Tortugas- Report

[sepaik]

Well it was with much anticipation. As with any Tortugas trip comes much preparation like making sure you have the right tackle, bait and of course the right people to fish with. Thought we had it set but 2 people decided to bail at the last minute. One heming and hawing....I'm not coming , I not coming, I'm not coming. Making it very difficult to get another person to fill the spot. We managed to fill it and we where off, although I almost canceled myself due to falling off my bike a week before the trip and separating my collar bone. I said to myself " I'm going Frog it" and delt with the pain. I caught bait at the pier pretty much with one arm but still managed.

The weather was actually perfect. Light breezes with sea's flat and the occasional 2-4 bumps. The currents very light. Most used 2-4 oz most of the trip but going heavier at night.

I had anticipations of big fish, thinking "TORTUGAS" man big fish out there! I have to say the Captain is very nice, very talkative and likes his Yellowtails. His nickname is " Yellowtail Paul".

We went deep the first night, about 180. Brought up some fish. Mostly tails and occasional Red Groupers, mostly short. During the day it was about 80-110 which really is an ideal depth for big muttons but didn't really happen. Lot's of nice Kings where caught and of course the Bo-Bo's where thick. I even had one attack my Cuban King jig bare as I left it in the water getting a bally ready.

We hit a mangrove spot that night and you pretty much could get all the mangroves you wanted 10-16" with the occasional 18-20.

If your just out to catch fish I would recommend this trip for sure but this really wasn't what I was there for and I was a little disappointed. We did get plenty of fish. I landed 3 muttons which was the most of the crew. Biggest Mutton 12lbs. Not a fantastic tortugas trip. Next trip for me to the Tugas will only be Yuri or the Yankee......

[sepaik]

Matters not, Chico. You went out and did your thing with a fked up arm Thanks for the report & pics. I did see your future way before you took this trip



http://boatlessfishing.com/forum/viewto ... 41#p291141

[swordfish]

One arm bandit has struck and struck HARD! I hope you get better soon bud! Decent haul!

-sword

[Green Tide]

Nice mutt and tails. Glad you got out there instead of your trip being cancelled like happens to so many people.

[Chevy Juan]

You made the best of the trip Sehoon and good job with the pile of fish. Regardless you brought back home some grub and had an experience many don't get to do. Now you know, and your future on other key west boats will flurish. Aint nothing to it man, but to do it man. Enjoy it.

[bigseank22]

thats still a nice haul some monsters in there

[cudaman]

Regardlless, you did well and with an injured arm.

Next trip for me to the Tugas will only be Yuri or the Yankee......

Good thinking.

[SAMJOECAST]

Well good or bad I still wished I was there!! Guess I will be still trying to stock up on supplies and gear for a Yankee trip , you guys still had a good load of fish, though I did just as well w/o the mutt of course on the Sea Legs that weekend

[Green Tide]

Well good or bad I still wished I was there!! Guess I will be still trying to stock up on supplies and gear for a Yankee trip , you guys still had a good load of fish, though I did just as well w/o the mutt of course on the Sea Legs that weekend

Do you have any pics

[PhishingPhanatic]

Nice report, way to stick it out. Consider that your practice run for Yuri next year

[fishnfool73]

Nice trip and I have caught muttons with Paul. He isnt Yuri on that regards but if you are catching ytails then there are muttons around. Shallow water muttons generally require different rigs and setups but they are there.

[SAMJOECAST]

Well good or bad I still wished I was there!! Guess I will be still trying to stock up on supplies and gear for a Yankee trip , you guys still had a good load of fish, though I did just as well w/o the mutt of course on the Sea Legs that weekend

Do you have any pics

All posted on the Sea Legs pages on facebook... we had some stellar nights last week!!!

[sepaik]

I did mention how nice of a guy I think Paul is, he is a pretty decent captain as well. His father just passed away and my heartfelt condolences go out to him and his family.

[englishadam]

Was a fun trip don't think I will every try two weekends in a row again tho Specially after getting off a Yuri the week before. To the next one . Thanks again Sehoon for the invite.

[englishadam]

Yeah I'm down 100% for the west coast cobia run was insane the last time. Make sure we bring a spare gaff tho can't remember how many we went through lol.

[Green Tide]