12.14.20 Fat Lady is warming up her pipes....

     With Christmas and some nasty weather coming and being busy with work and home I wanted to run down for a shot, maybe the last shot. Lots of water out there this morning and it was clean and green. Started at 530 and fished two groins for a while before going tight for a while being being broke off on a bad knot. I was pissed because I figured it would be a one and done morning. 

     When light arrived I could see Leif off in the distance doing his thing and he found one to bite. It was a slow morning and I stuck around after he left trying another groin that has been chiseled away

nicely after all the weather we've had lately. Its a sand eel bite, like I predicated a few months ago. The last time we had a good snd eel bite we had a herring bite that followed. However, than was then. You'll see some, you'll see the gannets diving on them, but the fish that usually chase them are gone this year. We haven't the micro bass invasion which arrive when the Fat Lady sings, so now its a pick of school bass if you're lucky enough to be in front of them as them swim by. 

    When I lived close I would quit about 6 times as winter arrived, and usually the last was in frigid water in Ajn wary, trying for that first of the year bass. Well, maybe for me not this year, mid December might have been it, but, "just when I thought I was out they pull me back in". 

12.13.20 Looks like we'll be getting our first taste of winter....

     So when I lived in Red Bank a few snow shovels and then a Toro snowblower were all I needed. I enjoyed getting myself free and clean of the snow and helping my neighbors out up and down the block. I always like the people that do themselves and then retreat inside. I could help others for hours.

     Then when I moved out to the country I had to get a tractor. The above I found on Facebook Marketplace and Theresa, I and the girls drove out to Amish Country to pick her up. Mowed the grass one time and then the engine blew. Recently I found another Kohler engine and purchased it and the guy who's mechanic and small engine tinkerer rebuilt my old one. She runs real good now. 

      This Case 224 comes with a large mowing deck, a plow, a grass and leaf picker upper and the above snow blower. Today Jim took a look at my truck and helped me get the snow blower hooked up for Wednesday night, when it looks like we might get a foot or more along the Delaware River corridor. 

     

     Besides Jim I had a little help from one of the girls today. I love chickens, don't tell my dogs but they are the best pets. This one hung around today for about an hour as I worked, and was nice enough to hold her bowels until she joined the flock. 

     I was hoping to have her running today. So far so good, she turns over, and all the fluids and filters are changed along with the plugs and distributor and rotor. I'm having a problem with the fuel, which if you look at it doesn't look good for engine consumption. I removed the fuel filter and tried to siphon the gas from the fill, but it doesn't want to come out. when I put the ignition on the fuel pump shoots out some fuel, but I need to get the tank bone dry, and don't yet want to have to drop the tank. We're still moving forward, slowly, but we're moving, this will run again!

     As far as fishing, get it in while you can. Smaller fish around on the beaches, better in Ocean County than Monmouth but just go where you can. We'll see if the fronts affect the bite. 

     And lastly I got tested for Covid on Thursday. asymptomatic but had been around someone who tested positive. CVS did mine, in fact I did it in the drive through. Just went and made an appointment a few days before. If you don't to swift, or around someone who has tested positive its good to have a test of your own. No cash, no insurance needed, I didn't give them anything. 

 

12.11.20 Super day of fishing, better day of taking out.....

      Best picture of the day is above, boat securely on trailer and Yukon safely off the ramp. So the takeout went well after chocking three of four wheels. So the end of the trip went well, but we hit a bump before we headed out. Today I shared the boat with Leif for one of my fish-a-long trips. We had this day picked a few weeks back and luckily the weather held out long enough to catch a bunch of fish. 

     So I had the boat backed off the trailer just after 6 am. I went to fire her up to back her off the trailer and tick-tick-tick. The motor wouldn't turn over, after having it on charge all night.  So I got her back on and pulled her up the ramp and off to the side as the traffic was starting to build. I tried to jump it, nope, tried to charge it, nope, lastly I went to the marina and they gave me a jump pack and after hooking it up to the 24 volt batteries and turning the key it started. Leif and I jumped into action and quickly had her wet and we were underway. 

     We headed out and after turning the corner we could see the fleet out near the line. Even with the glare I could see birds, a lot of them, down off the beach. We went and quickly were hooked up. It was a day of fish, a lot of them, probably three dozen or so, with four being better than keeper size.  

     When we went the SW wind wasn't too bad, good bird action, and calm enough where you could see the swirls and splashes as the fish were up on the sand eels, bunker and micro white baits. The fish, even the schoolies, fight hard and have sharp spines that seem to catch you every time you touch one. Most of the day the fish were low, and you needed to nymph them up, and the larger fish 

seemed to be along the bottom. When we did find the fish on the screen and were able to get them to bite we were usually doubled up. There was a point where the SW wind died and we were all alone and just on 

them really good. The birds were the best fish finder today, as any time you were able to nose into a flock picking there was fish under them and they would eat. It wasn't albie run and gun but you had 

to first be in the area and then position yourself for a good drift or just motor in and uphill a touch and fire as soon as your hand came off the throttle. All of the fish had sea lice and I'm thinking these were the ones last to leave Montauk in early November. So its December 11th, not bad, 60 degress and fish all over the place. Just as the wind started up we decided to take a ride to join the fleet at the Rocks, we had a guy stop and tell us he got "two 30's and a 40 on the fly rod" there, but next to us he was throwing a spinning rod, but, hey, he had a Jones 19"10" so I believe him. Jones brothers guys don't lie.... From noon on the wind went S and it just slowed things down to a pick. 

   Leif broke a rod on a larger fish, and after coming off the ramp and putting the rods in the truck I hit the switch to put my passenger window up, and, I heard the snap. My favorite H2 11 wt. I think I can salvage it as it was just the tip of the tip section that broke. Like I said to Leif "What's a good 

day without breaking a few rods, or submerging your truck". I have a big update on the truck, I'll save that for an upcoming day as the weather isn't looking good going forward, and who knows how long these fish will stay. In Monmouth County its a boat thing, while those driving or walking the sand in Ocean County continue to fare better, kinda reminds me of 2011, just not in the insanity that was nearly 10 years ago. If I do go and fish the beach I will making a right off 195 and heading south on the Parkway till Exit 82.

     So I'm not sure what the rest of the year will bring as far as boat trips go.  Rory from New York I got you in mind, but the weather patterns have been from good, to great, to shit, and then change again all within a week. Today was a great late season day on the water, and if it was my last time at Conte's in Long Branch washing her up, I'm good. It has been an adventure with Jim's boat in a short period of time, maybe I should put her to bed and count my blessings. 

 

12.10.20 Not a paid endorser but this is what I use...

     For those of us that fish when we can the third shift 11pm-7am is part of the addiction. Having a headlight is not only safe, it can also be used to mark your territory in low light. 

     My headlights are years old, not as bright, have to squeeze them at time for the battery to make contact, and the headbands are all stretched out. These are the same as above, I have just abused them as I do everything else. And, like my truck, they have seen their share of salty air and water. 

     The brand is Coast and they make a variety of headlamps, these are the best I think. Just enough light in red and white and cheap enough that if they wear out from use you don't vomit from the cost of replacing. 

     I found this pair on Amazon, HERE, where else, $29 and free shipping if you're a Prime member. 

     And as far as safety, few things. Well good to have before you go trying to tie leaders and flies on. Safe for the trek across the sand to where you'll meet the Frank Pallone beach replenishment drop off. Then if you venture out on the rocks, lights and studs in your waders are a must.

     And as far as marking your territory. There's no more boner killer then getting to the beach at O- dark-thirty and as you make your way to "your spot" someone gently flicks on their headlamp for you to know you should have got up earlier. 

     

 

12.08.20 Still trying to figure out why....

      Not that solving the case will change anything, but, I need to know. What I will say is this. This boat is different than my old one. Each time I splash her, the water comes over the transom until she's level in the water. Mike, Jim's friend, explained to me a while back that Jim had relocated the batteries and was unable to put the poling platform on due to the stern weight. 

     This boat has a 175 HPDI on it, a little bigger than my 150. It also has a Bob's Jack Plate on it, which adds another 60 pounds plus. Again, my brothers synopsis of what happened works. Push down on the stern, up comes the trailer tongue like an A frame, and the truck jumps the chock, and into the water the truck went. 

12.06.20 She's home and now the fun begins....

     Yesterday she came home after a long salt soaking night in Atlantic Highlands. She was brought out west by AAA, thank goodness for that, all it dose me was a tip. Lots of encouraging Ellis and texts from friends, family and followers. Have to again thank Bunky and Paul for jumping to and helping out after it all went down. There was few questions on the cost of this mishap. Boat US doesn't cover anything, even with the xtra salt/fresh/trailer. on the road and water coverage. The towing and the diver cost me $525.....I thought it was going to run me thousands. Getting her back and road worthy again, if possible, priceless. Again the overwhelming opinion on this, "Forget it", except for my guy Jim, an ace mechanic, he ready for the journey with me and has been advising me since the beginning. 

     So as soon as she hit my yard it was game on with my ace mechanic helper Theresa. First we drain the oil. My bet to Jim was no water, just oil......his reply, "Yeah right". 

     So after 5 gallons of Sandy Hook Bay saltwater drained from the plug the oil finally came out. I flushed the engine, ran some oil, and filled it and put the plug back in. Next was the transmission. Mind you, I am not mechanically inclined at all, maybe decline even. But I took the pan off, got all the old fluid out, flushed it and partially filled it and replaced the pan. 

     Today I removed the seat which weighed about 500 pounds from being water logged. Another pressure wash in and out followed by a leaf blower session getting all the water away from anything I could. So then it was time to replace the battery and remove the spark plugs spitting some water out, of the pistons?and see if she would turn over.....

......and she did. Phew! The lights came on, radio come on, horn worked and after spitting some water out, of the pistons?, it was WD40 in each, hole?, and repeat the process again. Tomorrow it will be out with the old gas and repack it with fresh, install the new plugs, and fire her up for real....and then drive her down the block. Just wishful thinking. 

     My brother, a true problem solver, came up with the explanation of what happened. We know what I did, but why did it happen? Here's why. 1995 GMC 2500. Heavy in the front, light in the rear with the high and extra suspension. The ass end is way up. Yes the chocks were in place and there was no bounce at all after coming off forward with the engine and trimming. But what happened was, picture this, with the weight on the stern of the boat, it stood up where the tongue of the trailer meets the ball, and that caused the truck to jump the chock. Now, was it my fault, well Monday morning quarterbacking would say so, I checked the rear wheel, had I done the front, where the weight is, my brother thinks this may not have happened. It really makes sense. He slo said I should get a drop hitch, which would lower the center of gravity, which may have would have prevented this. 

     After cleaning up and giving her a soapy bath I covered her and ran a torpedo heater pointed under the hood. It needs to warm up and dry out as quick as it can. I'm still hopeful, but so far everything is going as planned, well hoped. 

 

12.04.20 Great day of fishing until the last two minutes....

     I knew Friday was going to be the only shot I would have to get out this week with the forecast not looking good for the boat through and after the weekend. Tried to get some clients in, then tried some friends, then my daughter, when I asked Charlie, "See you at 4 am, I'll bring lunch" 

     We were in the water at Atlantic Highlands Marina by 630 and after turning the corner we found that SW wind had the ocean up and a little sporty. We pushed down the beach and out a bit but didn't find any life worth sticking around for, or even conditions you could safely fly fish in. 

     By the time we circled back the fleet had taken up position between the channels, and they never moved. We had one fish, over 30 inches release itself at the boat as I reached my thumb into his mouth. We decided to leave the party and went and found our own fish, luckily. Drift after drift brought feisty and fat school bass to hand all eating sand eels flies. Today was interesting, birds around, not picking as the bass never brought them up to the surface. A 350 Depth Charge line wasn't enough, and Charlie went to the 450 gr and it made the difference.

     We had nice weather through the bite and then the wind picked up and the colder air came in along with some rain. We tried the Bug Light on the outgoing but only marked fish and had a whale and a seal for some company. Another quick trip out front and we found tons of birds with gannets diving on large adult bunker. We threw big flies but didn't mark or see anything on them. And just about after 2 o'clock we decided to head in. 

     There was about 1-1/2 hours left till dead low and the ramp had a few boats ready to take out. After docking we got boarded by the State Police Marine Division checking credentials, safety equipment and compartments for any fish. I went and got the truck and backed it down the slick ramp. When in place I put into park, shut down the engine, applied the emergency brake and chocked the wheel. 

     I pulled the boat on and got down and winched it tight and applied the chain for safety. Funny, a guy from Blue Marine was there taking out a large boat and said "Its nice to see someone here who knows what their doing".....30 seconds later my truck was submerged. 

     Everything was done right, with a lot os people watching, including the State Police Marine Officer. It just happens. Charlie was right next to the truck, with the guy, and watched the truck jump the wheel chock and slide into the water. Charlie valiantly tried to get in the truck, then moved to the winch. In the end he wound up swimming and holding onto the boat until I could fish him out. 

     Charlie and I stood on the bow of the boat for an hour before the divers and tow truck responded, hooked it up, and got it out. They did a great job. As we waited I took a pic looking to the ramp and you can see the chock just sitting on the ramp. 

                           

      I reached out to Paul Eidman who was there in twenty minutes. After we were able to disconnect the boat from the trailer in the water and tie it off we headed to Middletown Trailer Supply and had the damaged tongue replaced. Charlie had left his truck at my house so Theresa brought it along with a change of clothes for us as we were soaked and frozen. 

     When we arrived early this morning Charlie commented on the "Trucks Don't Float" sign that is posted around the ramp. The ramp where most operators cringe when its near dead low. It's a great ramp, but can be a severe incline or decline when the water has left or is just starting to arrive. Paul used his truck to get my boat up and out and we used Charlie's truck to bring it back home. 

                               

     It always could have been worse, for any situation. Charlie could have got jammed up while trying to stop the truck and boat, run over or caught and swept under. The trailer could have been jacknifed and flipped the boat. But it all worked out, no one hurt, except my feelings, but I remain confident as I took all necessary safety precautions as I always do when launcjing or taking the boat out of the water.

     Of the five people who talked about my truck, five of them said "It's done". I went for a visit to Hennessey Towning's yard and disconnected the battery as instructed by my friend Jim who is an ace mechanic. She get towed tomorrow by AAA to my house where I will begin the process, hopefully not a waste of time or money, in getting her back running. My early goal, pass by Hennessy's, he was the most honest and vocal about my trucks fate, and to launch my boat before years end. 

     After hearing the news through the grapevine Capt Jason Dapra reached out to make sure everything was okay.. I explained to him exactly what happened and he too is always cautious and concerned about that ramp at low tide. He followed our conversation up with a screen grab from some forum, titled, @thequalifiedcaptain. In my life I never judge or throw stones at anyone when they have misfortune, because, I know, that at any point something bad, which could look like a careless mistake, could occur to me, and I would not want to be judge and jury to something I hadn't been witness to or experienced myself. They call them social media tough guys, or keyboard super heroes. Call them what you like, I hope he got the satisfaction he was seeking in his post.