Pêcheuse: 2006 Thanksgiving Trip to Hurricane Bank

Passengers boarded the Excel Thanksgiving Day for a feast prepared by Chef Jason Fleck. Lobster, shrimp scampi, and filet mignon surrounded by scalloped potatoes, squash, fresh bread with pecan and pumpkin pies for dessert. We spent the night on the boat and the remaining passengers showed up the next morning by 4:30 a.m. Kenny Cirks was caught by surprise with the photo collage of his heartbreaking loss the previous year. To Kenny's credit, he used the photos to analyze why his fish escaped.

Departure commenced with a stop at the bait receivers for 500 scoops of lively sardines.

Travel time was enjoyed listenting to games on the satellite radio, reading, and preparing tackle.

We traveled 4 days before reaching Hurricane Bank. We were the third boat to arrive just after the Red Rooster III and the Independence. Weather was an issue, blowing 25 to 30 knots the first 4 days, gusting to 40 at times. The bigger fish bit better the first two days then backed off. We had 5 fish over 200 pounds the first day, 4 over 200 the second day then 1 each of the next two days for a total of 11 over the magic mark. I ended up with my personal best at 258 pounds and another fish that weighed in at 230. Kenny Cirks landed a 249 and the Jackpot fish was caught by Mike Stiny and weighed in at 292.

The fish were just a portions of the fun on this trip. Dennis Braid had a wine tasting contest that covered 10 days of the trip providing us with 4 new and interesting wines each day. Basil Pappas was the winner of the Penn Reel for bringing the best wines overall.

The group was relaxed and enjoyed much laughter and fun throughout the trip. Competitive card games were always in session and the winner's shouts could be heard on and below deck. Shane and Jason's meals were another cause for celebration - from steaks to sushi, ribs to seared ahi and fresh bread every night. This was a great vacation and a good fishing trip too.

These photos tell the story.