Part II:  Fluke Fishing Recap & Family visit

Dad steps up.  Cousin Jess and Aunt Pin drop in.

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ  AUGUST 10, 2002

Continuing the news from LBI, the highlights of the last few days included a visit from my Aunt Arlene (a.k.a. Pin) and Cousin Jessica as well as our annual trip on the Doris Mae for fluke fishing.

pinjess.jpg (14352 bytes) A day on LBI is not complete without a visit from family or a visit to the beach.  Here we have both as Jess and Aunt Pin pose behind me.  The weather really cooled down from earlier in the week.
On Thursday the attention once again turned to Fluke fishing, the annual battle vs. nature on the world's angriest stage: the Atlantic Ocean.  You may recall that last year Dad dazzled all by hauling in a 5 pound hog of a fish - easily enough to win the pool for the largest catch on the boat. 

This year Dad did not disappoint, although not getting the largest single fish, few would argue that he caught the most.  Many left the Doris Mae empty handed.  Here is a round up of how we did:
 FLUKETOID:  Fish Take 2002

 
         
       
 KEY

Keeper (16.5" minimum).  What matters.  Pride.  An 'eater'.  After pulling in a keeper (after proper measurement), fellers usually get a hearty fist thump, a couple ataboys, etc.  And until the next guy gets one, they become the expert on topics such as bait, reeling-technique, weights, fish, sports, politics, etc.

  

 

Under limit.  Pan fish.  Scummy.  Irrelevant.  After watching the fish being tossed back into the drink, they'll get comments such as "ahhhh, you'll catch that one next year when she's ready". 

                                 (c) 2002 gd.com
keepers02.jpg (38055 bytes) Here is Ron and Dad with the keepers.  Last year Ron came up empty-handed.  If there is a single goal for a feller when he steps off the Doris Mae, it is to not be taking the picture of the guys with the keepers.
   
3guys.jpg (26960 bytes) The three boys taking in the sights & a couple cigars on the way back into shore.
   
hansel.jpg (26208 bytes) Here is the first mate cleaning Dad and Ron's catch.  We didn't catch his name but we quickly came around to referring to him as "Hansel".
   
barn.jpg (14673 bytes) Barnegat lighthouse.  Old Barn.  The old Man.

More:

 Part I:  Dog Days on LBI.  Crabbing Theories.

 Crabbing 2001

 Fishing 2001