Team Reeltime would like extend a hearty "Congratulations" to Joe Babboni of Chesapeake, Virginia on his first catch and release Citation Black Drum!  See below:

Also, congrats to Joe,who graduated from high school this year and is soon to head to Virginia Tech for his freshman year... 

Awesome Catch, Joe and all the Best for the Season to Come !

Here's a recap of the action packed day:  Saturday, Team Reeltime had the pleasure of putting a trip together for Mr.Bill Babboni and Family. Bill wanted to put a trip together for his son, Joe who is soon to head to Virginia Tech for his freshman year.  Bill's wife, Chris also joined us and she brought the Lady Luck... (Which we all know brought Joe's citation, as well as all these nice Spad Fish !) ...

Pictured above from left to right are Joe, Chris and Bill.

(Chris probably won't want to take any credit, but we ALL know that she brought the Lady Luck  )

W.T.G. & Thanks Chris !!!

With the wind at our back and sun in our face, we departed Taylor's at 0630. We had a stellar crew which consisted of 1st Mate - Ed Stonich, as well as Captains Mike Beane and myself.  We headed toward the CBBT to check out a couple of haunts were we might site cast for Black Drum. With a couple of tournaments going on around town we had to work at it, but finally set up on a prime spot.  With this, Mike and Ed worked the area for signs of black drum on the surface. 

It didn't take long until Mike yelled "Fish-On"!  Joe was up to the task and picked up the rod ... And the fight was on.  The fish made an several runs with line ripping off.  While Mike gave Joe a little couching on rod management, I worked at the helm to stay on the fish. This took some manuvering, as well as backing down on the fish a few times. 

Joe did a nice job on keeping the right amount of pressure on the Drum and it started to surface for the first time.  Ed prepared to net the fish, but the Drum was too green and when it saw the boat off it went.  Finally, after about 15 or 20 minutes the Black Drum tired and Ed and Mike did an awesome job brigning the fish on board, measuring it, setting up for the photo op and then releasing it back healthy. Outstanding Job, Mike and Ed!  

Soon after that, the "Saturday Flotilla" closed in around us and we opted to run north to escape the masses!  So, off we went in search of Spad fish. 

! . . . * * *  ><*>

We reached or new destination and setup. Shortly after we achored, Ed and Mike prepared a few Spad rigs to float back some fresh bait.  The current was at it's peak, and things started slow but then Chris wished a little "Lady Luck" on our fresh clam and WHAMMM!  Bill boated our first Spad for the day...

Nice HOOK-UP and way to bring it in the boat, Bill !!!

And well, speaking of Hooked-Up, look who stopped by say "hello" but Mr Lious Glaser and Crew - one of Virginia's most aggressive Flounder Pounding Teams...

(Lious and crew were fishing the Flounder Tournament.  Good to see you, Lious and Lucian!)

The surface current finally started to slack off and the Spad Bite turned on -> Bill and Joe dueled back and forth catching Spads nearly in turn and forcing each other to "Anti-Up"...

Here are a few pictures...

Nice Spad, Joe !!!

Waste no time to come back, Bill !!!

Here's Bill after battling another "Brim on High-Test" !!!

Awesome Job, Bill!

(No, thanks, Dad)

Ed and Joey, with a another Spad.

* * *

Above is Bill with another nice Spad fish: This one was on the coattails of several back to back hook-ups between he and Joey, followed by a double knockdown. 

And of course, Chris in the background who added the Lady Luck! (Thanks, Chris!)

Awesome Job and way to go, Bill, Chris and Joey!

* * *

Finally, with the current shifting and the morning nearly at end, we caught a few more and then headed back to the barn. We finished strong for our guests with 13 keeper Spad fish for the Grill and one very nice C&R Black Drum Citation for Trophy Wall:

* * *

All in all, the day was awesome and Team Reelltime enjoyed the fishing, fun and fellowship with Bill, Chris and Joe!

* * *

We are take reservations for the following species, but please book in advance, because things are filling up  ...

• Summer Flounder
• Cobia
• Spanish & King Mackeral
• Red and Black Drum
• Spad Fish
• Fall  & Winter Rockfish

Call Fletcher at 757-292-7702 today and reserve your slot.

Good Luck, Tight Lines and See You on the Water, 

Captain Fletcher Dunton USCG OUPV