We had a great ground fish charter today with Patrick, Frankie and Dave.  Lots of market cod to 20lbs along with haddock and cusk.

Full report to follow but we are after them again tomorrow at 0500 so this Capt. needs a few ZZZZZZssss.

Stay tuned for the "rest of the story"

And now for the "Rest of the Story"

I welcomed aboard Patrick and young Frankie  who hail from Ohio and Dave who lives in Billerica where I have taught for 38 years.  The goal for the day was to get Frankie a chance to haul in some large fish and I headed the Lady Diane to the grounds where I hoped we would find some success.  Seas where flat calm with 2-4 swells from Tropical Storm Bertha who was well out to sea.  A beautiful day to be on the water and hopes ran high as we headed east.

The first area I planned on fishing was one were a good friend of mine a few days earlier had found slammer pollack in the 25 lb class who were gorging themselves on squid.  We moved around the area for about an hour but unfortunately the pollack were no where to be found as the dogfish had invaded big time.  At one spot I marked solid dogs from the surface to the bottom in over 200 ft of water. 

I turned the boat onto a new heading and steamed across the flat seas at 26kts to another area where my son and I had fished the day before.  The Lady Diane's ability to cruise at these speeds means more fishing time and less riding time for my customers.

When we arrived the guys dropped jigs and teasers to the bottom and immediately hooked up on nice market cod and haddock.  Young Frank was having a great time sticking cod while giving the "older crew" a hard time about not catching as many fish as he was.  A lot of good natured kidding continued throughout the day.  I really enjoy seeing customers get into the competition of trying to best one another and have success at doing it.

On one of the drifts Frankie's jig stick bent harder than previously had been seen so I knew he had tagged a good fish.  Frankie followed directions very well and before long I stuck the gaff in this beautiful 20lb steaker.

The day saw more haddock and cod coming aboard as I moved from spot to spot.  The "old guys" Pat and Dave caught their share as well but just before it was time to head for the barn Frankie reminded who was the hot gun on board that day when he landed another beautiful cod while jigging in the deep water.

Having worked with children as a teacher all my life I really enjoy seeing young anglers like Frankie come aboard and have a great time fishing.  Reminds me of a young kid who years ago spent every minute I could steal on the water fishing for anything that would be available.  Kids who get hooked on fishing and other outdoor activities find little time for less desirable habits and I am happy when I see them come aboard.

We arrived back at the dock around 1600 and the guys loaded coolers with plenty of cod and haddock fillets.  I am sure the memories of the trip will be told back in Ohio (and Billerica) and I look forward to having everyone on board again next year.

Tight Lines,

Capt. George