We departed sunset maring at 0600 26May. The plan was to make the 100 mile or so run to the warm water IVO 1500 line where the Muff Diver was the day before. We made a pitstop at the Jack Spot and loaded up on Chopper Blues in short order. With our shark snacks on ice we picked up and started for the warm water thread that was still near the 1500 line; anticipation was high as we setteled in for the long run out. About 8 to 10 miles off the Jack Spot we began picking our way through a debree field, and then there was that very loud "THUD". We shut everything down and did a damage survey. Nothing internal, we were running fine, no water intruding; just this strong vibration on the port side when you tried to get up to crusing speed. Most likely a damaged wheel.
Plans Change, thats fishing: Having a good idea of the damage, the Capt Aaron Rogers turned the boat back to the Jack Spot. We couldn't run to the deep, but what the heck, we had shark bait and could still get some poles bent on those choppers.
We spent the rest of the day drifting IVO the Jack Spot shark fishing and bailing Choppers on light tackle. The tally for the day, 35 Chopper Blues, too may Dog Sharks, and Mr Mako did not show. The Anglers aboard went home happy with wore our arms; a day full of those 10 -12 pound Choppers on light tackle will do the trick!
The Muff Diver is being pulled today and the wheel will be replaced. If all goes well she departs tonight for another run to the deep.
Ken
