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Dawn
has not yet streaked the Outer Banks horizon as I greet
the captain and mate. There is always an unmistakable
sense of excitement at the Pirate’s Cove Marina's docks
as each of the offshore charter boat crews prepare for
the daily march to their favorite Gulf Stream fishing
waters. Beautiful charter fishing yachts warm up their
massive diesel power plants and are rumbling, idling in
their slips.
As
I walk the docks, I am able to almost taste the
saltwater air mixed with a slight lingering odor of
yesterday’s offshore catch of tuna, wahoo, and mahi.
Captains are greeting today’s lucky anglers all around
me as I walk to the transom of the spectacular yacht,
Sandra D. From the moment I reach out and shake the
capable and experienced hands of Capt. Keith and his
mate I know I have made a wise choice. This is going to
be the day that I catch that giant offshore predator
that I have dreamed about for years.
As
our fishing machine works its way out of the marina and
towards the inlet, I am amazed at the plush air
conditioned and heated salon. How can this be fishing?
Better yet, how can this be world class fishing with
this much comfort? I’m sitting here relaxing while an
experienced offshore fishing guide carefully plots a
course straight towards one of the world’s greatest
fishing grounds that is teeming with various marine life
and fish that memories are made of. My many previous
trips have taught me that every day offshore is unique
and special.
Today
will I see flying fish, porpoises, pilot whales,
hammerhead and mako sharks, sea turtles, albatross,
petrels, frigates, or maybe even something that I have
never before seen in person? Or will I catch mahi, wahoo,
yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, blackfin tuna, king
mackerel, sailfish, white marlin, or maybe even the
ruler over all predator species, the incredible,
majestic blue marlin? The ocean’s beauty abounds and I
can’t think of a better way to soak it all in than an
Oregon Inlet fishing charter on the Sandra D!
To
me, it never really matters what I see or even what I
catch. I just feel privileged to have the opportunity to
share an offshore adventure with a very appreciative
professional captain and a skilled, anxious, hard
working mate. The anticipation of the trip provides a
level of excitement that I have never been able to equal
in any other way. Somehow I know that this is the
essence of being addicted. But my addiction is actually
the awesome adrenaline pumping thrill of the entire
offshore fishing experience.
Come
on folks, admit it ........ with a magnificent Carolina
built fishing yacht, an experienced and highly
productive captain and mate, the spectacular views in
the Atlantic Gulf Stream, and an ocean full of giant
aggressive fish all around us, who in this crazy world
would not get extremely addicted? |
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