The first two hours from anchor drop to sunrise were literally lock and load. A flurry of fish within an hour had anywhere from 4-6 keeper sized fish in everyone's box all on the clam with a standard hi-lo. Next hour was a good pick with some decent ling and bigger cod along with the regular keepers. By 8am I was already on 8 keeper fish. And a few guys already had a limit. Magical was the way I'd describe that early morning bite. In this area about 4 fish in the 12lb range were also gaffed. Most fish were nice 5lb cod.
A quick move to fleet gave us a shot at some smaller fish but it wasn't all that productive. After a bit of time here the boat steamed back to our first drop in the morning. Here the ten fish were easily boxed for everyone on board. It was a no brainer with a few more big fish mixing through. I'd say the boat had a limit by then.
The weather was downright wicked but you can't have that make your decision of to fish and when not to. It was bitter cold and windy, ice was all over my reels on the way home, but you can't wait for a bluebird day this time of year.
I had an absolute blast today and look forward to getting back out in two weeks. As nice as it is to sit around and read reports this kind of fishing you need to get up and go because it changes every single day and that is the truth. This was the first decent night bight in a while too it seemed form all the boats.
Here is a few pics:
Two Ice cold ones for me
RSONS and myself with some nice fish.
Early morning totes filling up
Helen H Brothers and Drew at work
Tote of ling
Frozen Newell
.Thanks for sharing.
