Headed out of St. Mary's river entrance for a quick bottom fishing trip.  Had to be back at the dock by noon, and it was 8 a.m. before we left the marina.  Since we planned to fish 22 nm out, actual fishing time was going to be brief. 

Al, Seth, Ross, & Erin were out on their first salt water trip ever, so Capt Tom & first mate Daniel felt more than a little pressure to produce.

Enjoyed smooth sea's allowing for a 30 knot ride out (and back).  Stopped at whistle buoy to pick up bait, but no luck.  Tried some channel markers, no luck.  Picked up and headed out to the "AJ Hole", but stumbled across some great looking bottom just 10 miles out.  We dropped the sabiki's and picked up bait immediately.  Seth & Ross battled for the title of "Bait King".  I have to award the honor to Sir Seth.

After rigging up, once again Seth is in the spotlight with a nice Trigger on one of the first drops.  Captain is optimistic he might pull it out.  Despite tremendous bottom  and fish being indicated on the sonar, we couldn't find any more large fish.  We had as many black sea bass as you could want (and they did taste good last night!), but no other real game fish.  Erin managed to land two of the ugliest fish seen on the boat so far, but no ones sure what the heck they are, sculpin or scorpion fish????  She caught a small and large version.  Daniel managed to also provide some constant action & diversity with lizard fish and a variety of grunts, seargant majors, and constant sea bass. 

The most excitement of the day (other than the captain realizing no one was going to get sea sick) came when two very large cobia cruised by for a view of Seth's hat.  They were well over 50 lb. size fish.  They spooked when we tried to grab a free rod to throw a pin fish their way. 

All in all, a good day.  Crew didn't get sick.  The fish cooperated, their enthusiasm was large, even though their size didn't match.  For a very time constrained trip, I think it was a success.  Could have been better, but certainly could have been worse.