Virginia Beach (9/1)

[Latimeria]

OK, it's my buddy Andrew from VA Beach that came out for work and wanted to do some serious fishing in-between.   We had him out on Tuesday, but only bass and bait stealers were around before the weeds showed up so I have to try and get him on some fish before he heads back. 

I met Andrew and Steve out at a different spot known for Shovelnose, Leopards and Soupies.  I was hoping he got a leopard shark since it's on his bucket list, but we had to wait and see.
Conditions were great, but very little in the way of bites.  I brought 2 rods for Andrew and used my long rod as a third for him.  I was just trying to get him the best opportunity to succeed...

The only bite he had and a good one was on the squid.  I brought a small pack and decided to switch my mack for a squish and it didn't take long!  The rod doubled over and I yelled "Grab it Andrew!  This fish is yours!".  Good thing too since it was a nice bat ray and it got to tire him out. 



And he was fighting his fish, I reeled in his rod and got hit on the retrieve!  That's right, fish on for me too! I was surprised to see a 21" halibut hit a whole squid just on the "reel-in"!



Andrew avoids the structure and pulls in this legit Bat Ray!  We didn't measure it, but suspect it in the 75-80 pound range.



It wasn't too long after another cast and the squid got nailed again!  I thought it was a Leopard since it jumped and thrashed at the surface while making some good runs, but got fooled by the Surf Tractor.  Andrew was stoked because he's never seen one before and just thought it was the weirdest thing!



Steve finally got something to take the mack and got his skunk buster on the shore.



We ran out of time and squid, so called it an early one.  Not great, but not horrible either as it's been a while since we saw anything over 10 pounds over the last 2 months.  Not a bad few hours and just goes to show with a quick change of the bait, a skunky night can turn into a feel good night.

Possible one shark bite, but never made it to the rod in time.  Lot's of fishing still to do while he's out there so plenty of time to get some real fish.

In the meantime, thanks for reading. 

[Eric H]

On a squid retrieve

I bet that shovel was cool for him considering he's never seen one.

When I first started I remember how neat I thought they were.

Still do a little...

[LONGCAST JOE]

Good man, spreading the love....

On another note, I still can't figure out how so many halibut somehow know to stop growing right before they hit the 22" mark 

[xjchad]

Right on!
Glad you got him on some fish, and glad to read about more than just seaweed!

[sasquatch]

Good night. Happy hour, and fishing.

[spideyjg]

Cool. Just picked up a 3lb box of squish and squish heads at Ranch 99.

Squish heads kill on a critter rod.

My critter rod often gets hit by leopards Tom. Bring one for Andrew. 1.5 foot drop shot with a 4/0 hook.

Jim

[SevengillTheVC]

A WSB on the squid retrieve I can see, but a Hali, that's just awesome. Way to go guys!

[WheresMyBeer]

i'm only replying to say nice fish Andrew. 

I'm a little but hurt not to meet you though. 

[Eric H]

The butt has fungus head

[Latimeria]

i'm only replying to say nice fish Andrew. 

I'm a little but hurt not to meet you though. 

It's this Rasta and  did you steal WMB password?

[sasquatch]

i'm only replying to say nice fish Andrew. 

I'm a little but hurt not to meet you though. 

Don't you have a dizzy wife to look after?