Archive for June 22, 2014
Back in Time – Fishing the Albatross Fleet
On Saturday 21 June, I had the opportunity to fish on the historic vessel Albatross II out of Hatteras Harbor Marina North Carolina. I fished that day with several friends from the Outer Banks Anglers Club.
Between spying the vessels from the dock that morning to the short chat I had with Captain Ernie Foster the night before lead me to believe that it was, in fact, going to be a memorable trip.
To sail into the Atlantic Gulf Stream with a captain and one of his vessels that actually created charter fishing on the Outer Banks 75 years ago was to say the least was just unbelievable.
On this day we arose early and assembled at the dock and climbed aboard the Albatross II at 0600 am. Within minutes, the mate had thrown the dock lines and Captain Ernie was turning the grand dame of a vessel toward the inlet.
Early on the cloudy skies and churning seas gave us insight that we would need to work for our prey that day. But the Captain was confident and vessel was ready and the anglers were up for the challenge.
With minutes of setting the lines in the Gulf Stream at 0730, we hooked up with our first dolphin. There would be several more early morning. We could now confidently say, “We would not be skunk”.
Over the course of the next several hours and despite of some heavy rain squalls and wind, hooked up with a beautiful white marlin (and yes she put on quite a dance show), we teased a big blue marlin in our spread without a hook up and landed several skipjacks.
But probably the most amazing sight of the day was when we witnessed close to hundred Mahi Mahi bust the surface right in front of us trying to escape a larger prey. We suspect that it may have been a one or many blue marlin chasing them into the air. Captain Ernie remarked that it wasn’t what we saw jumping that was amazing, but what we didn’t see lurking under the seas chasing those fish.
We finished the day with a school of baler dolphin. The small batch of fish were found just off the end of a long grass line. And after all the frenzy and determination, the school of balers were safely in the fish box.
Finally, while cruising home, I witnessed an amazing sight – about what the meaning of “respect your elders” really was.
As the Albatross II was on a steady course into the harbor, I saw many other charter vessels following at a safe distance. Each one could have just as easily pasted us by, but each one held steadfast behind her majesty – the grand dame. Just watching the grand old lady lead the fleet home and the fellow charter captains allow her “first billing” – well what a sight.
What better way for the fleet to respond but to respect and acknowledge the greatness of this captain and his fleet.
Until next time – Tightlines – Captain Tony
NCsaltaire 