NJ Fishing / GAMBLER offshore Sea Bass trip

[AndyS]

Started out by working a double Friday 7am to 11pm, had Sonic burgers for dinner at work. Flew out of work at 11 and right to the boat.
Got my odd spot under the bench, odd yes, comfortable yes. Tossed and turned the whole smooth ride out, bad problems with acid reflux lately, I guess it's all the crap I eat, got a solid 10 minutes sleep.
Got on our spot in the dark, everyone dropped down at once and I think everyone got tangled, it was time for all to make adjustments, spread out a little, a little more weight etc. It wasn't long before everyone got into their groove and sea bass and bluefish of all sizes were coming over the rail. Sun starting coming up and the bluefish wandered away.
Nice sea bass bite but a real wacky wind against tide. Fishing in the stern the lines would go from strait out, to under the boat, to out and around again, this kept us on our toes. I tried 2 lbs at one point but settled in with 1 lb. weight for most of the trip losing only 2 or 3 rigs the entire trip.
The bite was steady, some had honey holes, some baited and waited.
A few wiggles on the anchor and the sea bass bite continued.
Next spot had a good sea bass bite also. Saw alot of ling come over the rail also.
No need for me to be a grumpy old man on this trip, great people and great fishing.
I stuck it out with the electric reel, for fun, never hurt anyone.
Around 3 or so we haeded to the barn in tight 6's. Capt. came off the sticks only once, good eye ! Like Howie said, any other boat would have been tough but the Gambler mashed down those 6's and got up on plane for a quick ride back.
Thanx for putting the trip together Howie, always a great time. Working alot the next couple of weeks and at one point I got to do my Christmas shopping, it's a 1 and done sea bass season for me I guess, hopefully the regs will change back and we go get the big humpback knuckleheads all winter. Fish are cleaned up and I'll be inviting people over for a fish fry tonite since I really don't like freezing fresh fish.
Maybe I'll get out Tuesday for stripers.