Our trip started with a beautiful ride out beside many other boats including the classic Capt. Stacy VII. We passed Cape Lookout and crossed the shoals to fish the east side. This was my first time crossing the shallow shoals in several years. These shoals can be a dangerous place with shifting sands and breaking waves. On a trip across them many years ago we were hit by a huge wave that spun our 35’ boat around like a toy. We read the water and picked a path that avoided breakers around shallow areas.
The fishing was kind of slow as we picked at Black Sea Bass, a few Gag Grouper, and some nice Red Snapper that had to be released. The 20 pound snapper in this picture was suffering from barotrauma and would have floated off and died if we did not help it. We used a Descending Device that releases fish at a depth where the gas in them recompresses to the point they can swim home. We have taken scientists out to study the effectiveness of these devices. Research shows that almost every floating fish dies while 90% of fish released with a Descending Device live. This is another way we try to be responsible
fishermen. There is a good chance we could keep most of the 500,000+ pounds of Red Snapper that are allocated to dead Regulatory Discards every year if more fishermen used these devices.
fishermen. There is a good chance we could keep most of the 500,000+ pounds of Red Snapper that are allocated to dead Regulatory Discards every year if more fishermen used these devices.
The ride home got a little sporty as the wind and waves picked up but our boat handled it well. There is always a feeling of relief as we approach the port and safe harbor. A pretty sunset was the perfect ending to a memorable
Memorial Day on the water.
Memorial Day on the water.
We pack our fish in plenty of ice to preserve them so the meat is firm and fresh. Bass have a flaky white meat that is delicious. We sautéed a few fillets in butter and Caribbean spices with a splash of lemon last night. We also fried a couple of pieces along with some tasty grouper livers. Fresh NC seafood is hard to beat. My goal is to provide you with the highest quality fish possible while sharing the experience through photos and words. I also hope to educate consumers and concerned citizens about positive solutions that will allow us to more responsibly harvest NC seafood.
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