April Shakedown

Mikey D Fishing started the 2016 season on the Bay with a few bumps and a nice fat Striper.

Captain C.C. holds a nice Striper above caught just south of the twin Bay Bridge spans in 35 feet of water while chumming.  The moment of glory was but a respite from multiple obstacles encountered during MikeyDFishing's shakedown jaunt for 2016.  Captain C.C. and Captain Joe were on the boat by 0700 under cloudy skies and calm waters.  Obstacle Number 1 required charging one of the marine batteries enough to turn over the Mercury 150.  Underway and feeling that we beat our one glitch of the trip, we fired up the Lowrance HDS 12 and soon began marking multiple fish on the bottom and several groups at 15 - 20 feet. 

We anchored in 32 feet of water, lowered the chum bucket, and deployed multiple lines baited with fresh alewife.  Fishing was slow, but soon enough the telltale sound of clicking from one of the fishfinder reels caught our attention and after a nice fight led to the 24" beauty above.  Unfortunately as fat and as tasty as it looks, it is still 11" shy of the 35" minimum required during the Striper trophy season that lasts until May 15.  With cigars ready to celebrate a new season, we encountered Obstacle Number 2:  always have a working lighter and a backup on board. 

As the bite slowed, we decided to shift to trolling.  While in the process of re-rigging, Obstacle Number 3 confronted us:  I pulled the last of my leader material from the spool.  Always ensure that you have enough tackle at the start of a new season. 

Fishing is often about adjusting to your conditions, so we decided to use what we had and relocate to a new anchorage in hopes of enticing a few more fish into the chum line.  While heading toward the mouth of the Severn not far from one of our favorite spots, the Lowrance HDS marked multiple fish at varying depths.  With little hesitation or delay we dropped anchor, deployed the chum bucket, and began re-baiting.  As we moved with precision around the boat, I caught a glimpse of a Coast Guard cutter on a constant bearing and decreasing range.  Within a minute, they were close aboard and announced they intended to conduct a safety inspection.  Obstacle number 4:  Coast Guard boats powered by twin diesels are not conducive to productive fishing.  We passed our safety inspection with flying colors, but that was little relief as we stared at a blank screen on the fish finder. 

With the weather deteriorating and the sea state increasing, we decided to call it a day.  Despite the obstacles, MikeyDFishing can take solace in landing the first Striper of the season and meeting the challenge over a brief two hour fishing window!  Looking forward to the stars aligning during our next outing!  -- Mikey D Fishing