By Jim Field
Some days the Fishing God giveth, and other days go the other way. Back in the middle of May, Jon and Tim took Jon's Regulator down the Outer Banks and launched from Oregon Inlet, the plan being to troll--indeed catch--tuna migrating North. The weather was fine and they were right in the hunt with the charters, but no luck was had. Apparently, one day they were North of the tuna, the next day too far South.
On Monday, May 17, Dan and I headed South to Hatteras and asked Jon and Tim if they wanted to accompanying us to Hatteras Village to fish on the Sea Ya Bea. Jon at first declined, being bummed about the two-day skunk and in the mode to put his boat up for sale--totally in jest but understandable. Tim, on the other hand, reminded Jon that they were on holiday, they had set the day aside, so why not go. Jon came around. The next day the four of us headed out to bottomfish in the Stream.
The weather was great and the sea perfect. We fully expected to be (highly) successful. But again, the fish would not cooperate. We caught a half-dozen bottom fish and Dan and Jon had success on the vertical jig. Unexpectedly, Jon brought up a small cod--didn't know they came this far south. We saw some interesting storm clouds, including what looked like a water spout in-the-making, althought one never came to fruition.
Jon's catch on the jig is highlighted today--a Lesser Amberjack. I've included details below and have entered the species in our official catch list.
By the way, we have yet to have a stellar day bottomfishing this year--like we had multiple times in 2008 and 2009. What's going on? We've simply got to turn this around!
Lesser Amberjack
Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOS
Seriola fasciata
Description: olive green or brownish black and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than greater amberjack.
Similar Fish: other Seriola.
Where found: nearshore and offshore, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180 - 410 feet deep).
Size: usually under 10 pounds.
Remarks: smallest of the amberjacks; believed to spawn OFFSHORE; adults eat fish and squid.
Jon's catch using the vertical jigging technique
(He released the fish)
The unexpected cod
The upside-down anvil storm cloud that looked threatening but wasn't
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