View of the Solomons Island BridgeThe slow ride out gave us a chance to take in the scenery. The sun was just up and the sky was a bit overcast. There was a small bit of chop to the surface but nothing that would be of any concern. It was a bit chilly and I was wishing I had brought something warmer than the no sleeve shirt I was wearing. Oh well, too late now, we are on the water. It was about a 20 to 30 minute trip out to where we would try our luck. Just enough time to really get amped up. Everyone was ready. The gear was laid out and finally, we got ready to put some lines in the water and do some trolling.

The captain came back and started getting things set up. We were going to be trolling with umbrella rigs that are a circle of squid looking things with two jigs trailing behind. I guess that the “slackers” to the rear look best to the fish. Sometimes we were using white and other times yellow. My opinion, both seemed to work equally well. It didn’t take long for me to miss the first hit. Maybe it was too early and the coffee hadn’t done it’s work yet. More likely it was just lack of experience. Whatever, but the captain didn’t look thrilled. Me, I was determined to get the next one.

Trolling for RockfishSo the rest of the gear is out and Captain Simon is back at the wheel. Each of us planted ourselves at a pole and crossed our fingers. Since I chartered the trip I planted myself at the stern location. I didn’t have to wait long. It only took about five minutes for the next strike and this time I was ready. I grabbed the pole from its holder and set the hook. Damn that felt good. Fish still on, captain looking like maybe I wasn’t a total idiot and the rest of my buddies cheering me on.

As I brought the fish in the captain directed to walk forward and grabbed the rig swinging the fish aboard with a smooth, practiced motion. This was something all of us would get a chance to do over the next handful of hours.

It was a keeper and I was thrilled. It wasn’t the biggest one I caught but it was a grand sight. First rockfish landed and what a pretty fish it was.