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Now that the offshore fishing season is in full swing in my area some friends and I decided to head offshore for some fishing. Pulled out of the driveway with Outrage in tow at 1am headed for Wachapreague VA. The plan was to head out to an area that we've fished before then continue out to the Norfolk Canyon. The area I fished last week, "3 buoys" on a friends boat where we caught a Mako, Tiger shark and 7 large Mahi 20lb class...After picking up the crew which consisted of Bryan, Billy and Brady (Brady also is a member here and has a 25 Outrage WD).

We had the boat in the water by 5am and the conditions were near perfect. Once we arrived approx 40 miles offshore we began trolling and picked up a nice Mahi and Blue Runner. We continue trolling the area with no luck so we decided to head further offshore in search of more fish. On the way, look who shows up.
[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q117/homey1110/Fishing2008029.jpg[/IMG]

These Dolphin rode our bow wake for 15 minutes and were very vocal. They were just an arms length away. A very up close experince to say the least.
[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q117/homey1110/Fishing2008030.jpg[/IMG]

We continued to troll around the area seeing many Mola-Mola, aka: Ocean sunfish, numerous sea turtles, and flying fish. We had several more strikes but none produced any fish very frustrating. Lost a nice Mahi when the hook pulled. The weather improved even more and the water temp reached 77 degrees. We also heard the Coast Guard firing there weapons, and saw what appeared to be Navy or Airforce jets practicing "dog fight manuvers"

We went back to the area we started, "3 buoys" and saw a small Mahi chasing our teaser jumping out of the water right behind the boat as if to give us an arial show. A short time later a big strike, fish on. Brady is on the fish.
[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q117/homey1110/Fishing2008031.jpg[/IMG]

A short time later and the fish is in the boat.
[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q117/homey1110/Fishing2008032.jpg[/IMG]

A great time on the water, home by 11pm a long trip but worth it. I'm looking forward to getting back out there hopefully we'll find the Tuna.

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Great story Mike, the day looked fantastic :p

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The water looked fantastic! Great story, thanks.

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Nice pictures Mike. You really had some pretty water that day. What lure/bait did the Mahi hit?

I tried to go offshore yesterday out of Port Aransas. Six miles out and I was still jumping huge waves....circled an offshore platform and headed back to the jetties.

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Nice day on the water. I'm surprised you didn't find tuna around those flying fish. Looks like a day my 13 could have gone out!B)
Mike

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What is the water depth and temp at 40 miles out in your area?

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Texas,

I believe we caught that fish on a skirted green dart lure, $4 Bass Pro Offshore Angler lure. They are cheap and work pretty well. One did have a crimp failure and we lost a nice fish early, which was a first...We need to see some pictures of your trips down in Texas.

Moose,

We were surprised too, with all that life out there I was sure we would find more fish. Apparently they have moved north and I believe we ran over alot of fertile fishing spots on the way out. Oh well, maybe next trip.

Tom,

The water depth where we caught the Mahi was 140-150 feet. I believe the water temp was 74-75 degrees. In the canyon it gets much deeper and the water was 77 degrees.

It is great to be out there when the weather an water are perfect...Thanks for the comments.

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What a great time! Tonight the Mahi went from the grill, to a plate, and to my belly. An outstanding dinner no doubt!

What a picture perfect day it was. The best part is the buoys. Mikes spot ( the three buoys) is really fun. As you troll by the buoy you can see the Mahi swimming around it. Not something you normally see 40 miles out. Drag your lures by it and WHAM! fish on. Awesome! Can't wait to get back out.

Thanks Mike, Brady

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Makos are good eating, tastes like swordfish. Was your mako small enough you could boat it, and eat it? Their great jumpers, too.
rich

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Binkie,

The Mako I caught last year was big enough to keep which we did and eat. Wasn't much of a fight compared to the Bluefin Tuna up here but was good all the same. The Mako we caught on a friends boat a couple of weeks ago was on the small side so we released it alive to fight another day. Unfortunately, no jumps with either Mako. We did see some big fish jump, off in the distance but difficult to tell what species.