NCDEERMAN ON BOARD THE "SUSHI"

 The adventure started out on a humid Sunday morning around 4:15AM.  As much excitement and anticipation as the opening day of hunting season, had kept me looking forward to this day for the past week.  As we headed to the docks at Pirates Cove in Manteo (NC), I was actually relieved the wait was finally over, and now the excitement began.

  Our fishing trip came about as result of a friend who is a Major in the Air Force being deployed overseas, and one of his desires was to get out deep sea fishing prior to departing.  Within a short time period we had everything scheduled.  We booked the “SUSHI” operated by Captain Charley Pereira, a beautiful 52 foot custom Sportfisherman, built by Ricky Scarborough.  This boat had all the amenities one could want and the captain who made the trip complete.

Our trip was about the three L’s:

1)      Laughing and simply having a good time.

2)      Learning.  I learned more about deep sea fishing that day than I had in years, from Captain Pereira

3)      Most importantly…Landing Fish !!!!

Captain Charlie at the wheel, as the sun makes it way up.

Upon our arrival at the docks early on Sunday, our education began immediately.  We were advised that banana’s were not allowed…an old, but still held to belief that banana’s were bad luck to vessels.  So no banana’s for us.

We headed out of Manteo for the trip out to the fishing grounds.  Watching the captain carefully navigate the boat, I quickly learned just how shallow the Hatteras’ waterways are.

The sun rises as we make our way towards the ocean

The ride from the marina to the fishing spot takes just over an hour or so, just long enough for everyone to start to wake up, get a bite to eat.  The morning was simply beautiful with a fairly flat sea, and a typical gorgeous Outer Banks sunrise.

Everyone was “pumped up” ready to get into some fish

Sunrise as we make our way to deep water

John, our first mate rigged up outriggers and we focused on the seaweed lines first thing in the AM.  Doug, (the Major) hooked a beautiful bull dolphin which kept jumping 5 to 6 feet out of the water and unfortunately managed to finally throw the hook.   We also stopped to work bailing dolphin, nestled under patches of seaweed.  This was a lot of fun, as you could actually see the fish swimming around and watch them take your bait.

The Major scores first…..MAHI MAHI !!!!

The water was crystal blue, and we were actually able to see dolphin (mahi mahi)

as they came to our baits.  This actually caused me to miss several fish as I tried to set the hook too early (at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

Jim also had the opportunity to get into a nice cow dolphin caught while trolling.  The colors on these fish is something that you just need to see in person to believe.  Simply beautiful !!!!!

Jim and a nice dolphin

Although the trolling was a bit slow at first, all captains we heard on the radio were having the same issue.  That’s why they call it “fishing”, and not “catching”.  Actually it’s very similar to hunting in some respects, where longer periods of waiting time are burst wide open with sheer craziness, intensity, and jubilation.  All worth the wait.  

 It was amazing to hear the captain call out “MARK”, identifying a fish, and within three seconds this fish has raced from 60 feet below your boat, and is now ripping line off the reel.  Seeing the fish hit the top water baits was simply awesome.

Nader fights one of two tuna we hooked at one time…DOUBLE !!!

I was wondering how long this tuna would keep taking line ?????

Nader gets his yellowfin !!!

After several minutes of battling, it was a relief to finally get the fish onboard as my arms screamed from pulling.  Another lesson learned….use your back and the harness, not your arms to pull the fish in.

I finally got this yellowfin in after a ten/fifteen minute battle !!!

We trolled to a new spot where the captain had luck a day or two before with bluefin tuna.  We worked this area for a while, ending up with several more dolphins, as well as two king mackerels.  At one point we did have an enormous sonar reading that the captain said had to have been a very large tuna.  I saw this mark on the sonar, and would have swore it was a submarine it was so big.

 Our day started winding down, and we headed back towards land.  After a hearty day of fishing there was only one thing to do…..RELAX.

So, can you tell who stayed up late the night before playing poker ????

Twin 735’s can make the journey out and back a bit quicker.

Land Ho!!!! Coming back in under the Hatteras Bridge.

Bodie Island Lighthouse on our return trip.

And the fish count seemed to keep on growing !!!

One Happy Group….Good Luck to the Major overseas

Thanks to Captain Charlie Pereira for making the Majors wish before his deployment, come true.  Also we all had a great time and boy are we eating some great tuna steaks, grilled dolphin, and king mackerel.

 This trip actually convinced me that instead of spending my money for hunting club dues this year, I would in turn be coming back in October for another round of fishing with Captain Charlie, during the peak of the tuna season.  Now that says something special when a dedicated hunter will forego his hunting, in turn for a day on the water.

 Laugh,   Learn,   Land Fish

 To book your own great fishing adventure, you can contact Captain Charlie Pereira at: