We went jigging out of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina this sunday with Capt. Rick Croson of Living Waters.
We left port around 6 AM with Capt Nick and Capt Chip close behind. Along with me were 3 of my buddies (Justin, Aaron, and Chris), all new to the game of jigging. Got to the fishing grounds around 8 and fished until 5. I have to say we had a blast. Non-stop action on AJs all day, with several around 65 lbs (no monsters this time...), 3 blackfin, 3 African pomps, and 3 sharks (2 on jigging gear). Aaron lost a few jacks that seemed to have been beasts, and I got rocked by what I think was a very large gag. It smashed a Roscoe one crank of the bottom, and I could not lift my 600 gr rod an inch. This standstill went on for about 5 minutes, until it made one searing run of about 20 yards and broke off.The constant verbal abuse over the radio between Chip and Rick also made the day enjoyable.
Chip: Hey Rick...we got a, uhh, monster coronet fish here. Why dont you come over here so we can weigh it on your boga grip.
Rick: Yeah, just stick it in your pocket and I'll be right over...
Chip: Is that a coronet fish, or are you just excited to see me?
I fished my Stella most of the time, and also wetted my Gorilla 12C as this was its maiden voyage. It handled great! I love that little reel. I also fished with Rick's Accurates...nice reels, very power. I was impressed by the star rods Rick had too. The one thing I found out is that I didnt like the rubber gimbal on my hopper rod for the 12C. I will definitely be changing that to a metal one.
Rick a great guide, and a freakin hilarious person. He just gained a lifelong client. I'm already booking my next couple trips with him.
