Going on Deployment

Well, the time has finally come. As a United States Navy service member, it is time to once again go on deployment. Due to weather, I'm now leaving Sunday. 

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/military/uss-mcfaul-to-deploy-friday

  
After my last deployment in 2010, the random urge to want to go fishing for the first time since my childhood--I had not realized at the time--was just the beginning. I had no idea then that I would be as passionate about fishing as I am today.

I would have never discovered jet ski fishing if it weren't for Brian Lockwood. I started out fishing piers for some time, but wanted to get out on the water. I always wanted to own a jet ski instead of renting. When I saw someone combine these two things, I knew very quickly I wanted to do the same. Once I acquired a jet ski and start fishing on the water, my love for the sport grew even more.

Many people have helped me make the experience great. Of course Jet Ski Brian for being kind enough to help me out and letting me come out with him on a couple trips. Tony and Rory at Atlantic Bait and Tackle for always helping me out with answering my questions. I've met plenty of people from the kayaking community as well that have also helped me out, especially Kayak Kevin, Rob Choi and Justin Mayer. The countless people I've met and that gave me tips to better myself as an angler. I also can't forget my amazing girlfriend for being so supportive.

With my busy schedule with the Navy, I was fortunate enough to go out nearly 40 times since May. Caught many “firsts” and managed two citations in my first year on the water. I’m going to absolutely miss it. There’s just something about riding out on the water as the sun is rising and I’m headed towards one of the islands at over 45 mph. It's hard to explain it words, but there's nothing else like it.

Whether I’d be for Spanish Mackerel on a nice summer day in sandals and swimming trunks, or bundled up with survival gear for Stripers in the winter off the oceanfront, jet ski fishing is by far the most fun and rewarding thing I've ever involved myself in. This is a huge transformation for me, as a few years ago I didn’t really have an appreciation of the outdoors and probably would have stayed in and played video games instead.

Tight lines, good luck out there, stay safe, and see you out there later this year.

Cape Henry And Further South

I'm finally back after a 3 week underway with the Navy, so in an effort to get back into the action, I left Crab Creek as soon as the morning light began to show in search for some Rockfish. One of the calmest days on the water I've seen in awhile, I averaged around 45 miles per hour and had a smooth ride on the way to Cape Henry.

I stopped at a spot and immediately marked plenty of bait as well as fish but with no takers. After trolling for some time, I had some intel about a possible bite further South. Later on, I decided to run towards False Cape. Not a whole lot was going on over there, so I made my way back towards the Oceanfront and trolled North from the Ramada hotel all the way past the Cape Henry lighthouse. There were a decent amount of birds working and a few whales out there. Although it appeared to be great conditions to land a nice one, the chatter over the radio certainly confirmed otherwise.

I didn't catch anything but it was a great day to finally be back on the water again.