We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat - Part 1

One more thing to scratch off my list of things to do before...well, you know. Babysitting Norah isn't without some compensation. Today I received a surprise that has been something I've wanted to do for some time. Deep sea fishing. Drew and Mackenzie arranged for us to go out on the Miss Pas-A-Grille for a fishing expedition about 7 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.

Here she is at the crack of dawn. It was a hurried trip to get everyone rounded up for the trip. Cooler with ice, check, water and pop, check, snacks, check.

It was a beautiful morning and there were already some fishermen at the dock trying to catch something.

The Captain of he Miss Pass-A-Grille has never had another job. He started this as a helper on another boat when he was a kid. His staff was exceptionally friendly, helpful and truly add to the experience. There are other charters around but we liked these guys a lot and will book with them again.

Tide and other sea information at the dock.

I looked for BFE but, sadly, it was amiss.

Heading out for about an hour or so to a great spot.

Undocking, and I'm sure there is a more nautical expression.

I was thinking that even if I didn't catch anything, the ride alone would be worth it.

Some shore-bound fishermen wade out fairly far.

Another boat is out this early, too.

Waiting to reach the spot. Here are some anxious passengers ready to wet their worms.

A picture of the land slowly ebbing away.

A cormorant sunning itself on a signpost out in the water.

The Captains trusty and loyal 1st mate, Blue. He wandered and acted like he had been on hundreds of trips, and I bet he has.

One of the staff testing his pole.

I lost my sunglasses somewhere around here looking down like this.

Poles in place and ready for action. Bait was your choice between large minnow type fish or squid.

One of the staff attempting to get live bait at a popular spot for that sort of thing. A couple other boats were here trying for the same bait. Unfortunately we missed out.

So, on to the spot. I felt as excited as the ill-fated fishermen in The Perfect Storm. Going to load up our coolers with fish and not have to go to the grocery store for weeks.

Center is the Skyway Bridge that connects the peninsula of St. Pete to the Florida mainland.

A couple of the staff are attempting to grab some quick live bait for the trip. Ended up we didn't get much but we had all the bait we needed anyway.

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