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OFFSHORE REPORT

Don Malkowski Offshore Report

VBSF.net fishing report contributor

and founder of the Get Reel Lure Co.

July 4, 2008

Happy 4^th of July to everyone!! Our Independence Day and our time to practice one of our greatest freedoms…the freedom to fish. Many have taken advantage of the holiday already and have hit the offshore grounds looking for fresh fish for the grill or Billfish so bragging flags can be raised. This week has seen a little of everything.

Virginia boats have been hitting the Bluefin pretty hard. Reports of catches around the Hot Dog, SE Lumps and Fingers are promising to anglers heading out over the extended weekend. Fish ranging from schoolies to medium Bluefin have been caught and released. Boats are keeping their 2 fish limits. Some of the keepers are topping 100 pounds. VBSF Sponsor ‘Backlash’ boxed a 90 pounder and a 45 with 8 others that were released. There are lots of King Mackerel being caught in the same locations. Remember Bluefin regs can change overnight, so check with HMS before heading out. Current regs are 1 fish over 47 inches, but less than 73 and 1 under 47, but larger than 27 can be boxed for the trip home.

Further out, John Hamilton on “Norfolk Blue” put his crew on a clean release of a Sailfish and boxed a new VA Saltwater Tourney leading Mahi at 58 pounds 6 ounces. They nearly missed the lead when the fish fell in the water next to the weigh scales. After rounding up a volunteer diver, the fish was recovered and hit the gallows. Mahi are scattered from the Cigar to the Canyon. Weed lines are scarce, but the fish are out there. Our ever-present Capt Bob of Team “Still Think’n“, hit the northern waters in Rhode Island. The only thing he caught were a couple of “Lobstahs” be bought fresh off the boat. Bob is back and I’m sure will be in next week’s Rundown!

Oregon Inlet’s reports resembled the kids game, “Red Light Green Light”. One day there were very few fish caught and just when you thought we hit a wall, the Billfish show up in tremendous numbers. Wednesday saw 53 Billfish released between the OI Fleet and Pirate’s Cove Fleet. Several boats returned with Grand Slams to their credit. Thursday saw continued Marlin success.

Along with the Bills came some heavy duty Tuna. OI Fishing Center reported catches of Yellowfin ranging from 86 to 92 pounds, a great sign for the Fleet. Big dolphin rounded out the reports with bailers to gaffers. Several large Dolphin hit the docks and weighed between 41 to 60 pounds.

Further south in Hatteras, boats encountered another week of steady fishing, as long as the winds were not closing off the inlet. Marlin, Mahi, scattered Tuna and a few big Wahoo, up to 41 pounds, showed up for the fun. Ronnie Love of Norfolk got paper for a released Sailfish. Joseph Ketron from Williamsburg caught and released a White Marlin. King Mackerel are making a great showing as well.

Fishing out of Ocean City is still going strong. Reports from Masseys Canyon to the Hambone indicate a slight cool down in action, but fish are still being snagged. The Lumpy Bottom is producing strong numbers of Bluefin, ranging from 80-100 or more pounds. Some boats are catching their two fish limit and releasing up to 20 more fish in a day. Reports are also trickling in of a better Yellowfin bite close to these same haunts.

Weather is iffy for the 4^th of July weekend, but there will still be boats heading out. Send us you reports and will get them in the next VBSF Rundown. Send them to vbsfoffshorerundown@hotmail.com . Have a safe and Happy 4^th of July. Let’s not forget the men and women that are fighting to keep us free!! Until next week, Get out there and…

Catch ‘em Up!!
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