Lessons learned?
What have we learned on our trips to Ocracoke the last few years? Post your lessons and comments if you have any or can remember them!
1. Big drum bite @ night:
This is the main one for me. Just last week, Dawg and I again discussed how this fall, we’ll be on the beach well into the night and next morning. In looking back at the fishing reports on Tradewinds site, it appears 17 big drum were pulled in after the sun went down the week we were down. None were caught during the day. Even when we all go back to the house, everyone stays up well past midnight drinking anyway. I know some may not wish to stay out until 3am on the beach. However, I am sure that this fall, there are going to be at least 2 of us doing just that a few times. You’re all welcome to join!
2. Cast iron cookwear:
After taking my 3rd generation cast iron frying pan, I learned that they might be tough but still require much TLC in the salt air/H20 environment. It doesn’t take long for the rust to really screw things up. It also doesn’t take more than one improperly cooked meal to also screw up the pan. Add both of the above together and 50 years of slick non-stick carbon build up turns to crap as does the pan. After stripping the pan down to original condition and 3 months of reseasoning and careful TLC when using, “Ol Blackie” is coming around! Blackened Redfish for all!
3. Sounds in the night:
Not all sounds in the marsh, should be responded to via a Barney Fife lake loon call. The results could consume lots of beer and launch into a PETA inspired anti-fishing speech. One of the best things about these trips, is I have no interaction with any women less the angry cell phone calls from home. However, events like this one do add to the stories we get to tell in subsequent years. Next time, let’s hope the marsh produces some strippers from the Doll House.
4. Sounds in the night, Part II:
Many of us snore like hell. Some of us also stop breathing, choke, wheeze and gag until we get things sorted out. Perhaps, I need to see a doctor about that stuff!
Final thoughts:
We have a great group that get’s together each year. We all get along no matter how much we drink and we each get to do our thing. Thanks to everyone who makes this trip the highlight of the year for me. Bigwig gets a big thanks for always doing the leg-work and handling the details with house and money, etc. Thanks, Bigwig! Let’s strive to continue the tradition of Fishing, Drinking and Stinking in 2005.
See you all in October!!!