Ran my first ocean trip of the season solo yesterday, nice long initial shake-down of the boat, zero issues found, just a sweet day outside. Made the usual sandy bottom stops in increasing depth, a few shorts here and there, with some truly monstrous winter dogs around the deeper drops. Big Surprise.
Took an early-season run to Cholera (eh, because why not?) for a couple of lost bucktails, a half dozen impressive sized dingalings and some MONSTER cbass - all returned - because who needs the drama? Once DEC or the Bay Constable gets ya, you're always a target. Not a fan of that at all.
Anyway, pulled the plug at 1:00 for a lovely run back to the dock, cleaned the fish, washed the boat and home to my wife's excellent "Toaster Oven Ling Oreganata." Delish!
So, no keeper fluke and no first-trip boat issues - I guess I'll take that. I think another two weeks of good weather will get the ocean ball rolling.
As an aside Kal, Found that my brandy-new Black Hole Charter Special Slow Jigger spiral stick (with my customized Zillion Coastal) is really a very sweet rod for ocean fishing - nice wide 2 to 6+oz range, excellent sensitivity, very well balanced and light in weight to the hand. . . your friend chose his rod wisely . . .
