Today Team ReelTime had the pleasure of running a Striped Bass trip for two avid sportsman, Don Rosie of Carrsville, VA and Jim Carlson of Suffolk, VA.  Don is an avid hunter and expressed the interest of getting into some good saltwater fishing action, which is something he has not done much of in recent years.

The seas were calm and the water temperature was 55 degrees. The stellar sunrise let us know the Creator was at work! We left the dock around 0600 and put Don and Jim on fish quickly by casting to the rocks around islands.   He are snapshots of both of them with the first of their morning catch:

The action continued as the Striper and Birds fed heavy on top water bait fish ...

As the feeding frenzy progressed, we were quick to trade up to larger fish. This techique has worked well this season, allowing are parties to fish continuously with action packed, C&R (Catch-N-Release) action. We are always conscience to keep each fish healthy and in good shape, both in handling them properly and insuring our Live Well recirculates sea water properly.

1st Mate, Carl showed Don and Jim various techniques of working the lines and bringing Schoolies on board.   I was impressed at how well they worked together through the various double knock downs and chaos that happens when you have multiple hook-ups back to back!  Way to go, guys!  As the morning progressed, we shifted to trolling and caught fish up and down the CBBT.  The Rockfish are about everywhere and you just have to know how to target them.

The final talley for the morning was:

• Over 30 Rockfish C&R'd (Caught & Released)
• One 31 plus inch Rockfish released b/c it was in the non-keeper zone (28+-to shy of 34)
• Eight choice Rockfish from 21 to 26 inches kept for Holiday Table Fair!

Schoolie Rockfish like these make Awesome Table Fair! ...

Here's are snapshpots of Don and Jim with choice schoolies that Carl soon turned into nice fillets:

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All and all, it was a fun, productive and beautiful day on the water! Carl and I really enjoyed hooking these guys up with some awesome striped bass action.  But we have to thank our guests the most and especially Don, for NOT BRINGING ANY BANANAS onboard! (this is a story for another time).

Good Luck, Tight Lines and See You on the Water,  Captain Fletcher Dunton - USCG Liscensed, OUPV

PS-  We still have key dates available though Thanksgiving and into December, so let us and we'll be glad to setup your next charter aboard ReelTime! Call Fletcher at 757-292-7702 and book today!