Well I didn’t plan many trips around New Years because the fishing hasn’t been the best, plus I had a few tournaments to fish. Our last ASA for the year was held down here on the Outer Banks. You would think we would have the home court advantage, but the fish haven’t been here in large numbers. So, we decided to make a 120 mile run up into the Chesapeake Bay. There were reports of 40lb plus fish being caught. We left Oregon Inlet at 4am to make it by our start time of 7am. It’s kind of nerve racking running 40mph in the dark, but we made it with no problems. We setup drift fishing with eels and after several hours we only had a 18lb fish to show for it. We were going to work back towards Carolina and fish along the way. After running to the mouth of the bay, we spotted the fleet. I’ve never seen so many boats in my life fishing at one time. There had to be over 500 boats packed in a small area at the mouth of the bay. Out went our gear, dodging other boats as we trolled along. Zero bites, I just couldn’t believe it. So we pack up again and aim it to the south. After another 30 minutes we notice a loud noise out of the starboard motor. We’re not sure what it is but we make it to the dock. Not knowing if we will be able to fish the next day, we decided to weigh the small fish in and run the boat over to dealer to see if it can be fixed. When we get there the mechanic, Craig at Wanchese Marine, tells us the lower unit has several broken teeth on the forward gear. Just so happens that my other boat has the same lower unit , so Craig makes the exchange and we are set for the next day. Day two, we are back up and running at 4am. We reach our spot in the bay and set out. Not much time passes by and we get several runs, but no fish. Then when the tide changed, things started to happen. The first fish was around 25lb, but not what we need. The second fish was 37lbs, getting better, but no cookie yet. The we get the big pull. The fish is taking line like there is no tomorrow. After a five minute fight, we get a look at her. We are all excited because this fish is BIG. Out comes the StowMaster net, because gaffing is not allowed in the bay. We missed the first try. Now we are hoping for a second try. Earlier, a boat beside us lost a big fish while trying to net it. On the next pass, into the net it goes. It takes two of us to lift this huge fish. After a round of high fives, we weigh the fish. The scales are hitting the 50lb mark. We pack our gear, and make the long run back to Oregon Inlet. Back at the scales, the official weight is 48.30lbs and gets us the second largest fish of the tournament and 13th overall. We also fished 3rd in our division. By the way, the first place fish was 48.40lbs., that’s the 3rd time we have finished in second by a tenth of a pound. The tournament crew of Brian Bracey, Woodie Spruill, and myself start our 2007 in a few weeks in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I do have some open spots for Striper fishing in Jan. And Feb. If you want to go look for a 50 lb. fish.

Tight lines, Ray
PS Sorry about the bad photo, I was excited.
Plus we are always looking for good sponsors.