Last week, we were super excited to take a deep sea fishing trip! While we didn't catch any of the massive fish we were hoping to (such as sailfish and mahi-mahi), we caught over 100 fish of an astonishing 25 different species in the span of 7 hours.
We met Captain Tyler and his mate Lucas at the docks and loaded up onto the boat that was to be our ride for the day. On the way out to the ocean, we gawked at the massive, gorgeous mansions lining the riverway, most with equally fancy big boats moored in front of them. Capt. Tyler introduced us to the game he plays with every tour group...if you could have any house and the boat that comes with it, which one would you pick? Once you choose a house, you can't change your mind, and no one else can pick that same house. Folks, some of those houses were INSANE!
We motored out a couple miles into the Atlantic Ocean where it quickly became obvious that despite it being a 'calm' day, our landlubber legs would need to adapt to the rolling waves that rocked the boat.
Fun fact: Captain Tyler turned on his speaker system and let us pick the music we wanted to listen to. It was so awesome being out on the ocean fishing on a beautifully, gorgeous warm day, rocking out to music by the Down East Boys, For King and Country, Anne Wilson, and more.
Within minutes of casting out the 'chicken rig' consisting of a weight and two hooks featuring chunks of disgusting-looking squid, we began reeling in the first fish of the day. We Mid-westerners have never seen fish like these! Groupers, parrotfish, strawberryfish, lizardfish, triggerfish, grunts, and more! We didn't keep track of the number of fish we caught in total over the day, but it was well over 100. However, we did keep a list of the species we caught and it numbered 25 different kinds. Here are pictures of some of the highlight fish each of us caught, and the video at the end shows many more of them!
Okay, so this isn't even a fish... it's a young shark! This is actually the second one we caught, as Dominic caught a smaller one shortly before Dad reeled in this guy. Unfortunately, I don't know what shark species it is because Mom simply filed them on her list as 'baby shark' and 'larger shark,' LOL. Needless to say, this catch caused a lot of excitement onboard! Ironically, these were caught on the chicken rigs meant for fish...and when we actually set out a shark rig, we didn't get a single bite.
This subspecies of parrotfish was the most unique, beautiful fish we landed throughout the day.
Dominic caught several red groupers...but ultimately earned himself the title "Grunt Master" as he reeled in grunt after grunt. And yes, grunt fish earned themselves their name because of the grunting noises they make.
I personally didn't fish as much as the other kids, but I did catch a few...plus I have a 'fish that got away' story at the end of this post:) This guy, whose species I cannot remember, ended up in the cooler for my fish-eating family members.
Maleah reeled in this beautiful Queen Triggerfish, but wouldn't hold it due to it's nasty-looking teeth. She also refused to give it a 'good-luck kissy' when Lucas held it up for her, LOL.
Sammy liked his colorful porkfish that was unlike anything he's caught back home:)
Levi caught several of these fish...but I can't remember what kind they are.
FISH THAT GOT AWAY STORIES!!
I hooked a very large and heavy fish that fought hard as I got it up by the boat. Lucas caught sight of it and called the species to Captain Tyler, both of them getting really excited and yelling for me to 'get it in the boat'...which is obviously what I was trying to do anyway, LOL. Right as it neared the surface, the hook bent and snapped...and the fishy got away :( Our guides were so bummed that we had missed it and started rushing everyone to get their lines back in the water, with the hopes that it would bite another tasty morsel of squid. Unfortunately, it didn't, and we were left to speculate about the 'one that got away.' I can't remember what kind it was, nor do I have any idea why the guys got so hyped when they thought we were going to get to reel one in. Maybe it's because they were guestimating it to be about 100# based on the rod action.
Later in the trip, Dad hooked a giant ocean creature and played it for several minutes, causing a lot of excitement on board when Captain Tyler announced it was probably a large nurse shark. We'd caught the two small sharks already and would have loved to land another even bigger one. Unfortunately though, as the creature got close to the boat it snapped the line and got away. It was pretty disappointing, to say the least, but Dad had a blast fighting it.
After our trip was over, Capt. Tyler and Lucas fileted the fish for us and recommended an oceanside grill that would cook our catch for us. Mom, the big boys and Maleah decided to check it out, while the other four of us opted to just chill in the RV and eat from the fridge (AKA...save money, LOL). They loved their food and enjoyed eating professionally cooked fish that we'd caught ourselves. I enjoyed a nice cup of cheap ramen noodles while curled up on the couch after a long day in the sun.
We had a lot of fun and are so thankful that God provided lovely weather for us to enjoy while out on the ocean. Our knowledge of fish species expanded and we left with stories and memories that will stay with us for a long time to come.
Until next time, God bless!
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