[classicrockfish]

Met "jobsite" on the way out of Rudee around 10:45 or so and unfortunately they said they had no luck. As we headed out of Rudee someone else gave us a tip about Cape Henry. We headed out there and we didn't ping a thing. About 1/2 way there we were greeted by some birds which we were happy to see but again no pings. So we looked at each other and said what the heck we will head over the eastern shore. Two boats approached us on the way there ( there were only 2 other boats on the water other than us that we could see) and also said that they had no luck yet. So I got out a chart from a very well known fisherman who I have a lot of respect for and who proves himself regularly. I looked for a pattern in the numbers where fish had been caught during this time of year near the concrete ships and headed that way... I was excited to try this spot out we set up our eels and floated a couple and sunk a couple..5 lines out in all but unfortunately again no bites, no runs, nothing an hour and a half down and now it was just about ready to get dark... I looked at Kevin and I said.. ...Lets go try the "spot" We headed over towards the high rise and got there around 5pm and we put the lines down. I have always said the Rocks love the dark.... However, it was not during tide which is when the bite is at it's best!.....The wind also appeared to be coming out of the NE at that time which I hate..... So we waited.. and it wasn't even 5 minutes there and I started to hear the pings.. I love those pings!! Then at 5:45p the line made that favorite hissing sound that we love to hear..................FISH ON!!! A Christmas Surprise! It's length was over 44+ and the weight was very heavy at least a 35 lber. I thought about releasing it but then I knew Kevin's mom is coming into town and LOVES fresh fish... we decided to keep it... we headed back home at 6:15pm as Katie and Clara were done for the day. Between presents and fishing they were ready to call it a day. I will take the fish to the tackle shop tomorrow when it is open and get it officially weighed . Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Hope this report finds you having a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!Beth

 

[Dangerous]

Great report - even nicer fish !

We ate the last of our fresh fish tonight for dinner and hope
to re-supply this weekend...

Dave

 

[Finfever21]

Way to go Beth nice fish congrats....

 

[Jet Ski Brian]

Nice Christmas fish and great report. I am looking at the wind trying to decide where I am going to drop.

 

[martineta]

Thank you for an excellent report. I am leaving Richmond with a bucket of eels in a few minutes.

 

[racn35]

 

[flounderman06]

:bigfish: nice catch!!

 

[DAWGONIT]

Sweet!
Evan.

 

[Kevin Smith]

Great Report & Pics

Beth,

Obviously you and Kevin had a Merry Christmas & Tight Lines! Thanks for sharing!

Kevin
Weekend Mistress
Coastal Conservation Association-Virginia
Stripers Forever

 

[cmacdol]

Beautiful Fish.
Congrats!

Les

 

[pbbk143]

Great catch!

 

[cigar_stub]

Great report and of course the fish is SUPER. Merry Christmas indeed.

 

[jmille8766]

Very nice fish!

Joe - Miller Time

 

[Brandon]

:bigfish::yes::thumbup:

 

[classicrockfish]

Responses....:0)

Just got back from Oceans East where the fish was weighed..When I brought the fish in everyone in the store was convinced it was a citation...After it was on the scale Kevin and I and a few spectators waited for the scale to move just a little bit further... it unfortunately did no make the "paper"... the Official weight was 35lb and length was 44 1/2 inches... It would have been a release citation but due to the holidays the demand for the meat for the incoming relatives"over"weighted the decision to release....Nevertheless, the catch was fun and exciting and the paper opportunity will hopefully present itself again soon.....)
Dave,
Good Luck with the "restocking" I am sure you will get plenty for your freezer.:chef:
Brian,
We had the same situation. Let us know how it goes.:thumbup:
Martineta,
You are probably on the water by now so I wish you much luck. I am looking forward to reading your report when you get back.;-)
Jamie,
Merry Christmas!!!!
Rich and Evan,
Thank you !!:yinyang:
Kevin. Merry Christmas and I can't think of a better way to spend the holiday with the family.. Thank you:rockon:
Les and pbbk143,
Thank you both. ;-)
Stubby,
Love the supersized!!!:yes:
Joe and Brandon,
Thanks and hope to see you both on the water!!!:fishing2:

 

[Icatchbigfish]

Thats a nice fish! Now If we only new where THE SPOT was!!!!!

 

[J Lavender]

Very Nice! Congratulations!!!

 

[classicrockfish]

I catchbigfish,
Thanks.. the general location is the high rise.. As for specifics, you have to go with your gut..that's what I do. The spot today may not be the same productive spot tomorrow...I hope this is helpful)
Joe L,
thank you and Happy Holidays

 

[thill]

Beth and Kevin,

Glad to see the nice catchin' report! Sweet fish, especially sautee'd in butter with parsley and lemon squeezed over top!

I find it VERY cool that you take the girls on the water, too. Now THAT'S family!

Keep up the good work. See you out there!

Best wishes.

-TH