MAD4 Fishing Report

[Shakespeare]

Guys,

I had the pleasure of taking our country's finest out for some much needed R&R. This was part of the Military Appreciation Day (http://www.militaryappreciationday.org/phpBB3/home.php) where various boaters donated their time and vessels to take our active duty soldiers out for some fishing. This year there were over 400 rods in the water at MHC which beats the previous record of around 200 at an event that was held in Texas. A few other CSO members donated their time and effort as well; Whatever, Gary13, 1stSarge, Moonshiner Jack, DontCatchMany and if I've missed anybody then my apologies and please chime in and let yourself be known.

Sunrise at MHC waterfront:
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/MAD4/DSC01104.jpg


MAD4 Docks at pickup time:
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/MAD4/DSC01105.jpg


My crew:
Left to right - US Marine Sargent John Rowland, myself, US Army Ret. Ron Rodrigues, and US Navy E5 Michael Reid. :secret: Ron is Michael's father in law.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/MAD4/DSC01106.jpg


Cooler almost full:
We departed MAD docks at approximately 0630 and made a bee line out of Beaufort Inlet. The inlet was unusually rough with huge incoming waves. The seas ended up being nice and calm after exiting the inlet. Many boats were attacking several bait balls outside the inlet and picking up a variety of Spanish and blues. We elected to make a path outside Shackleford Banks, trolling our way to CALO (Cape Lookout). We picked up the occasional Spanish on the way up then set up a trolling pattern around the rock jetty buoy. We did this for a good 30 minutes or so with not much luck. Suddenly this huge bait ball appeared at this sand bar between the inlet and the rock jetty. We made a pass right beside the bait and all of sudden it was "game on". On about every pass we either hit Spanish or a bluefish, sometimes doubles and triples. Sorry for the lack of pics during this moment but I had to choreograph 3 lines in the water, line retrievals, and negotiate the other boaters out there. All I can say is that we were having a ball and time flew by rather quickly.

We broke for lunch around 1300 in a nice calm spot back in the hook. Afterwards we drifted the inlet for anything that would present itself. The water was beautifully clear that day. We went back outside the inlet one more time to see if anymore action was out there but as the tide had changed over, so had the fishing. We then went the back route through the marshes and past Harker's Island. There appeared to be a rain cloud over MHC so we stopped in the Middle Marshes to let the crabs steal our bait. About 1600 it was decided that we needed to head back in and get our fish cleaned up so that no one would miss the evenings BBQ back at the MAD4 operation center.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/MAD4/DSC01107.jpg


The Catch:
We picked up about 13 Spanish and an equal amount of bluefish and a croaker or two.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/MAD4/DSC01108.jpg


Day's end:
I believe the guys had a good time. I know I did and look forward to doing this again if the opportunity presents itself. It was great spending some time with some of the guys that help to keep our country free and secure. My hats off to ya boys! *Cheers*
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/MAD4/DSC01109.jpg

[Gunnar]

Way to go Shakespeare *Cheers*

That's the way to put some American heroes on some fish *thumbsup*

Thanks

Gregg

[Whatever]

Thanks for your help with lodging and docking...and of course for those left over Blues..;D.....We have to this more often, the Crystal Coast was great..*Cheers*

[Gary13]

That was truly a great day *Cheers*.
We passed the Coast Guard station and I took one look at the inlet and let discretion rule. You sometimes have to do that when you don't have freeboard *laughing*. We fought our way through the wakes and hit the Haystacks....a few small flounder and lizardfish. Came back to the turning basin and hit the sea mullet and a good time was had by all. Sharks moved in, and the sore arms weren't too far behind. Watched the sky and decided about 3pm to head back to the dock. Missed it by 5 minutes rotflmao but my guests didn't care. Hard to get pics off of a wet camera though. Maybe in a few days *laughing*. Thanks to all the CSO members that were there *thumbsup*. Looking forward to next year already.
I finally got to meet the legendary HECTOR of CSO fame *laughing*. Just like everyone else with CSO that I have met....outstanding *Woot*

[Whatever]

I was a pleasure meeting you and your wife Gary, I am glad you guys had a good time, and thanks for sharing with the troops....*Cheers* Any time you want to come down and fish in the Cape Fear area just give me a shout..*thumbsup*

[MartyJ16]

Great pics of a job well done!!*thumbsup*

Hey Shake, in the My Crew picture, who's that skiff lurking off your stern?

[workinprogress]

Way to go Shakespeare and crew!*thumbsup**thumbsup**thumbsup*

[Redfish]

Nice report, Shakes. Those Spanish will make a very tasty broiled seafood feast! Glad you were able to be a "full service" guide to our servicemen!*thumbsup*

[Shakespeare]

Hey Shake, in the My Crew picture, who's that skiff lurking off your stern?

Not sure who's DLV that is but it sure is a good looking boat. ;D I was a little distracted at the moment so I wasn't aware of what was behind me. Maybe 1stSarge will know. He was working the docks that morning.

[Dave]

OhhhhhhhRAHHHHHHH !!!

Shake, you put one thing to rest for me... if the weather will let you get to 'em, you can sure catch 'em up Pal *thumbsup* It was a fantastic day, any better and folks would have complained it was too nice to catch fish ;D

Military Appreciation Day, Inc. holds the largest fishing oriented event of its kind in the Nation and we all can be proud of our CSO.com members that took time from their own personal schedules to show a few of our service men and women that we approve and truly appreciate their service to our country *Woot*

Mike, Hector, Gary... without folks like you, and the so many others that commit to volunteering their services each year, Military Appreciation Day would not be half the event it is today. Because of your belief that our nations freedom fighters; our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines deserve more than a friendly thought now and again, you not only talk the talk, you put words into action and I know the men that boarded your skiffs on this day will remember you, your kindness, your support and encouragement, and your generosity to them for a long, long time to come. *Cheers*

John (dontcatchmany), a former soldier himself, is one of three founding members who got MAD started some 4 years ago. He's lived these past several years heavily devoted and dedicated to the current and future success of Military Appreciation Day. It is him and his team of cooks and helpers that are responsible for the fine chow served up over the course of each MAD event. Jack (MoonshinerJack), a former Marine, has been with MAD from, or almost from the beginning, and he too is committed to our military men and women throughout the year. This year he organized and chaired the Headboat committee to a successful conclusion, by his many days of tireless efforts.

Hector is a former Navy Chief and Gary is a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant. Not to take anything away from these other fine gentlemen, but you should know that Mike (Shakespeare) is the only one of us that has not had prior military service... that fact impresses me more than he can know, and does not go unnoticed, nor unappreciated by many of our group of volunteers! We often take for granted, and we generally expect the fellowship and common bond displayed by our fellow servicemen... after all, we've all been there and done that. Sadly, it's not so common (in my experience) to receive genuine thanks and appreciation from those that have not served, ironically the very ones that so many have sacrificed so much to protect and defend. However..... times are changin' and that is one very important goal and result of Military Appreciation Day... to bring civilian and military together for one day and to offer ONE SIMPLE THANKS... to our nation's finest.

With a little better advance notice next year, I'm looking forward to many more boat volunteers from CSO.com (civilian and prior military) for MAD 5, which has been tentatively scheduled to be held on 5 June 2010 *Woot*

Dave

[Dave]

A few of the pics I took while loitering about the area ;D Sorry, I don't know who's CS that is in the background of Shake's picture... could be the skiff that came to pick up MAD volunteer and financial contributor John Shakleford (salesman at BayRacer Marine).


The first (of our fleet) to depart was Hector and his able mate Eli, along with his "Marine for the day". Hector took his crew offshore in search of the "big" bite. I understand the gang had an exciting adventure out on the big pond *thumbsup*
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatsReturn_20090530_010.jpg


Covering the nearshore waters, Shake departed with a full crew of hard charging warriors and returned with one fine lady... not a bad trade and definitely a keeper Mike *thumbsup*
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatsReturn_20090530_007.jpg


Gary brought up the rear with his crew of two big ol' boys :eek: Gary covered the inshore waters. Just curious Gary, how much ballast did you have to unload in order to get all those fish aboard and safely back to port *laughing* Folks, Gary proves ya don't have to have a mother ship to volunteer your boat and show these fellows a good time *thumbsup*
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatDepartures_200905-8.jpg

[Dave]

Here are some miscellaneous photos from the dock area where the private boat volunteers greeted their guests:

Call sign "MAD Dock", our mobile control center to greet and manage the arriving volunteer boats.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatDepartures_200905-10.jpg


A young couple patiently waiting their turn to board.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatDepartures_200905-4.jpg


The ever loyal and iconic "Midnight Wind" heading out with his crew.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatDepartures_200905-6.jpg


Volunteer boats of all shapes and sizes arrive to pick up their crew for the day.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatDepartures_200905-5.jpg


A had way to clean a dolphin... oh, my back hurts!
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatsReturn_20090530_005.jpg


Not a scrap left on the carcass *thumbsup*
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatsReturn_20090530_001.jpg


A battery operated fillet knife makes short work of this Spanish.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatsReturn_20090530_003.jpg


Three lucky fisherman, six unlucky dolphin ;D
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/MAD%204%20Event%20Photos/MAD4PrivateBoatsReturn_20090530_006.jpg

[shack27828]

Hey guys thanks for taking part in MAD, I have been hooked since the first one this is the first one I did not use my boat but went with one of my customers named Ike , it was his boat in that picture comming to get me and our service man Frank.

Its a 218DLV with Suzuki DF140, we hit the big pond started at the Sea bouy and lost a nice King he skyed a few times for us what a great sight, till he shook the hooks. then went too NW places no luck there so we headed too big 10 and little 10 and went a little further found a nice grass line and ended up with 3 nice dolphins.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x52/shack27828/mad%204/P5300208.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x52/shack27828/mad%204/P5300212.jpg

[Shakespeare]

Thanks for the report John! *010* You could tell that the guy in the peach colored shirt was a very happy man landing that bull. *018*

It was good meeting you at the event. *Cheers*

[Harry]

Looks like a great time was had by all.
Just wanted to make a quick post about how proud I am at the fine folks we have gathered here at CSO. To donate your time, efforts, fuel, and boats to get these deserving folks out on the water is a true blessing.

Thanks to all that contributed in any way, shape or form. *Cheers*

[1stdnpirates]

Sign me up to take a group next year....what a great idea....

[Whatever]

Sign me up to take a group next year....what a great idea....

Welcome aboard *Cheers* we can always use volunteers thru out the year, for more info. visit: http://www.militaryappreciationday.org/phpBB3/home.php