[Charkbait]

We did finally get out for a day, it was a wild one. Supposed to be 16 out of the east, arrived to 20+ NE and white caps as far as the eye could see. Outter bar break was 6'-8' one on top of the other and shore break was 4ft in some spots. Set up in my usual haunt and proceeded to drift 10oz up on the beach, went to 16...same thing so we packed up all the rods and headed north to find some deeper slower moving water. It's be a hell of a thing to wake up at 4 and drive all the way down and not be able to fish. Found some deeper water that 10oz held on the outgoing and picked up my father in laws first "fish" ever at age 62. He's got no trouble catching skates and sharks but the target species alluded him this year so far. Well with 10oz and 6'waves we didn't know for sure he had one on until it hit the wash. Next time we'll hope for some drag smoking.

Had to go to a 10 and a 6 on the incoming, it sure was back breaking work but I was glad I built those supped up rods for just a day like this. Tossed 16oz + head without a whimper and still with the sensitive tip.

Here are some pics of the calm spot at low tide and the fish - 24". Sure looked fishy out there, I'd kill for this in late May, think I saw the fat lady singing on top one of the dunes...

I'll be stripping down reels and doing maintenance until March...maybe I'll build some rods too...then casting practice starts and maybe an Outer Banks trip.