"The True Criminals...Blackfish" Ocean Eagle - Sheepshead Bay November, 2001

Blackfish, the true criminals of fishing...they'll steal your bait, your hooks and your entire rig in a heartbeat. Blackfishing is one of my favorite fish, they don't jump into your bucket, you have to earn them, period. They grow slowly, very slowly...a 10 pounder has been around since the late 80's. Check out his shoes dude! He has over a hundred of your rigs decorating his home for Christmas. Scared up and nasty. Pound for pound, they won't back down...just ask Phat Phil, out on his first blackfish outing, they gave him a run for his money. Phil had a blackfish make a pretzel of his rod...up one foot, down two feet, to do a double cinch knot around a rock. You lose! Phil caught on to his little game and started to bang those fish out. I think Phat Phil has a new species of fish to attend to, just because of the challenge. The best rod , the best reel, line, hooks and sinkers won't help if you don't have the blackfish touch. I prefer spider wire, 40 pound test or play it safe with 50 and a 40 pound 6 foot leader. Mono holds up on those sharp rocks before breaking. Spider, silver thread or fire wire all snap in a heartbeat on rough surfaces. Sorry, but true guys. Ande is an old faithful leader, tough and alligator strong. Fluorocarbon leader is not really needed here...blackfish are not that finicky this time of year. If you are going to use fluorocarbon make sure it's fifty pound test. Also, tie your own rigs and save a fortune. This is the best blackfishing I've seen in years. Well Greg has spoiled me on the Ocean Eagle because of his knowledge of the waters. A real fishing Captain, not a hire-on-wanna-be. If I want a ferry ride I'll get on a ferry, thank you very much. You must know the small wrecks and how to position your boat to get the best shot when fishing the reef. It's all about building the life up under the boat. Knowing when to stay and build the bite up. Of course, the tide and being ther for the change up. Blackfish sweet nasty blackfish, don't break ;my rod today! P.S. No matter how good fishing on the Ocean Eagle gets, Greg will always tell you, "I've seen better." Dress warm and get fishing. ScreamingReel Dave

 

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