Finally got the “Big Drum” re-powered with a 2006 225hp Evinrude E-Tec. I couldn’t stomach dropping any more money into my lemon 225 Ficht. The trips to the local mechanics were becoming way too frequent and expensive. I shouldn’t have any more major engine repairs for a long time, since my E-Tec has a 7 year non-declining warranty. My bait pump is now louder than the new engine at lower speeds and idle. It’s one heck of a super quiet, clean burning and fuel efficient engine.

Took it out on Saturday 2/18 with Dave ”night8hawk” to do some local hooping. The action was slow and we only got 6 legals before the rain and wind chased us off the water.

Went back out on Sunday 2/19 with Joey “Joey805”. The sea conditions were very lumpy in the afternoon, but we managed to catch over 40 mackerel for the hoops. Fortunately, the wind died down after sunset.

The first spot we tried was wide open on Starfish, Conches, Sea Cucumbers, Red Crabs and an occasional Brown Rockfish. After 2 rounds and no bugs, we pulled the nets and tried another area.

The new area was much more productive. On the first, I pulled in a 36 inch net that had 3 Brown Rockfish, 6 Rock Crabs and 2 big Lobsters. One of the bugs was a 4 pounder and the other was a 6.6 pounder. That was the most critter infested net pull that I’ve ever done locally. We ended the night with 8 keepers and some big Yellow Crabs.

Here is Joey with the two big bugs of the night.
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Here I am with 4 of the medium bugs.
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Here I am with one the big tasty Yellow Crabs.
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I had great time fishing with Dave and Joey. It was such a very nice feeling being back on the water on the “Big Drum” and not having to worry about something else failing in the enfine. HOOK n’ HOOP-UP!!

Vince
2300 Seaswirl Striper "Big Drum"
1500 Duroboat "Red Drum"
http://www.deliciousagony.com/

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