The plan is in the making for 2015

Got a call into Raymond and the event is still percolating at his end.  He is trying to get here on the 13 of December.  His boys are still considering arrival about Dec 19, but that only leaves a couple of days to challenge the weather waves.

I'll call the Shore Stay Suites today and try for a reservation for the period December 13 arrival and December 22 departure.  I think that's ten nights if my brain is working OK.  It's an efficiency with two full size beds and a kitchenette.  Rates say $89 a night, but I think I got a quote for much less?

Captain's Quarter 540 721 1175  Dewayne Lamb  No room at his new cottage, ut he might have an opening on his crew after the 14th of Decemer  


Teacher  919 274 1410  Sent a note to Jimmie Beaty to ask about charter availability after Dec 14 and also about a possible meet in late November.

Tom Hughes sent a note that he has refunded a deposit of $200 that I made years ago.  He got tired of waiting for Bill and I to get with him.

Shore Stay Suites  757 331 4090  Made reservation without confirmation of rate. 
can't find the note.  Murphy is still with me today.  Spilled a drink on my favorite wave keyboard and it's toast.  Now using an old flat keyboard and it's tough to adjust.

I made some changes on the boat in case I have to fish alone.  First, I put a rope to pull the trolling motor.  But, the release lever is still a problem to unlock with one foot while lifting the trolling motor head when the water might be rough.  I added a tall leaning post in lieu of the seat and it works well as a balance grasp while standing on the bow deck.  I'm thinking to run a line from the T to the bow as a safety grab.  Side curtains would be great, but this is my last outing on the bay.  No sense with adding stuff that won't be used again.  But, wouldn't a 12 inch monitor be great!

Time to start a plan for kiptopeke lodging . .

Time for a plan as so many things are changing with regard to Kiptopeke Cows.

This year, have to watch where the fish seem to be.  Last year, they seemed to be above buoy 38A and nearer 40A most of the time.  A long run from the Kiptopeke Ships.  A few miles shorter from Cape Charles if ya cut the sand bar.  Then, there's a few other launches that could be treacherous if the weather becomes windy. 

With the passing of Kiptopeke Inn and the abusive management at Shore Stay, I moved to the Sunset Beach.  844 666 2583.  The facility has a cleaning station nearby and ample parking and a buffet breakfast served after 7 AM.  😥

 Bill Fowler mentioned a few times that he might take his travel trailer as there's a huge facility associated with the motel.  32246 LangFord Hwy, Cape Charles. 

There's also the Peacock that was renovated a couple of years ago.  757 332 1127,  26369 LangFord Hwy, Cape Charles. 

Yet, there's Exmore and Easton  to consider if the fish are near buoy 41A.  Maybe the Morely's wharf Creek area might be worth the dangerous/tortuous outlet.  My boat can only handle winds less than 11 mph.  

Need feedback from Dewayne Lamb, Teacher, Yogi, and other Kiptopeke officianados doing the tournaments.  A distant network not always willing to share.

Got my gear boxed and ready to go.  Do want to repair my sport mask and have it available.  That cold wind forces never a look see where someone else's boat is going.  Honker down in my parka.

Certainly more planning needs to be done.

Too early to plan for Kiptopeke 2015?

OK, just what is the plan for 2015 .  .  .

Well, it depends on how long it takes to get with a plan.  For me, I'm pretty slow and it takes months.  Still in the packing/sorting the gear for 2014, let alone get ready for the coming December.

Got my winter duds stowed as I'll need them if I get on LKA or Kerr before spring.  Also got rods stowed in the furnace room.  Additional eel tubes constructed for a total of 13, maybe a lucky number.

Thought about restoring 4 older planer boards, but now think it best to buy 4 new Walleye boards so they'll fit my storage on the boat.

Think this year will be different with regard to lodging and the length of stay at Kiptopeke.

Now September and the season is passing quickly.  Doctor, doctor, when can I fish?  Gout and arthritis are the controlling health issues. 

Brother Raymond says he will be available with his son over the college vacation around Xmas.  Not sure about Bill Fowler.  Think he may have had enough interference with his hunting turkey and deer.  A friend here on LKA, Pete DeRosario might have a day or two.  As might my son, Hawley.  I might try to reserve a room for two weeks at the Sunset Shore Motel where I usually stay and see where it leads.

I've tried to contact some of the skippers that I'm sure will be fishing for Kiptopeke Cows to find out if I can hitch a ride.  No success yet. 

Can't plan to do it solo, that's for sure.

YES, Kiptopeke Fishing for Cow stripers is fun, I think . . .

Thought I'd just post photos taken on my boat by Raymond.

Oh, the pain of hefting a striper.

Joy and Bill in a standby position.

Raymond has limited rods in the water while Bill has 6 on the opposite side of the boat.  Hmmm, why did Raymond catch all the fish?

Joy just had to do it!  The oysters were great, the steaks sucked.

Can't get enough photos of Raymond's catch.

Yep, Raymond with another prize.

Joy and Bill waiting for something .  .  .

                                                  Maybe the 2 fingers between the sun and the horizon?

Not sure this is the best part of fishing?  Had to wash my rain jacket after the event.

Oh my gosh, what's this?