Water is fine, but no one to go out with. Stopped at Chris' and talked with Mike Smedley (Team Old School), had clients and about to hit the bay. Said he'd call me, but so far he hasn't. Picked up 2 dozen eels that now reside in the bath tub. Not per say, but in the 3 bucket system. Ice dripping on the eels to keep them cold and wet. Looks like one croaked already. Time will tell as I'll need ice in the mornng . . . Ramrod kept his eels alive for a week in the 3 bucket system before he opted to try his bait tank. Quite different this year due to the cold tempeatures. In usual years, the bait tanks had to be in the shade and likely needed both frequent water change and frozen bottles of ice to keep the eels happy. Yet, for weekend ventures, the 3 bucket system works great. On the water, I gave the eels a chance to swim around and get a bit hardened. Back in the bucket with ice dripping on them, the became lethargic and pretty simple to handle. By the way, don't drill holes in the eel bucket larger than 3/8 ths. Small eels can squeeze through 1/2 inch holes. Also, I kept my eels on the boat in '09 with a bait spa on the bottom and didn't lose any eels. Just need frequent water change and rinse of the filter. The filter is only necessary to allow the aeration gadget to function properly. Some just use an airstone. One of them 5 gallon insulated drink coolers works great. I never got an inside bucket arranged. Maybe next year, maybe not as I like the 3 bucket system. Yet, in hot weather . . . Think I saw Yogi uses the 5 gal insulated water cooler on his boat.
Think we found that stopping at Ocean's East #2 and buying a couple dozen eels at less than $20 a dozen was a wise choice. Chris' charges $25 a dozen and that's ok considering the bridge tolls. Some bring in a hundred eels per batch and maintain them in a bait tank. A lot of work and I think I'd rather spend my liesure time otherwise.
Talked to Ramrod and agreed to go out with him in the morning (7 AM) oh my god, that's early and cold. I'll call him in a few mintues about dinner. My son Hawley will be here tomorrow about 10 PM. Steve Smith decided not to join me. Bill Fowler will be here sometime tomorrow afternoon, maybe. Will be a room full as I have full size rather than queen beds as earlier thought. No matter, we'll make due as there's no room at the Inn. Whoops, Steve Smith changed his mind and will arrive at 7 AM tomorrow morning. Great to have guys on the boat that are familiar with my tackle and take charge so I can keep the boat on course.
Lots of miniscule stuff to report, but I'll add it as time and incentive permits. This blog is a work in progress.
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