Grounded, fuel leaks and no AC!!

[FINS]

This was my most challenging day yet. After getting minimal sleep on the boat because of a faulty AC unit, we left Shallowbag at 5 am in a smoke filled environment. Visibility was poor but managed our way down to OI channel before running aground ( Ive been waiting for that happen) at the entrance to the OI Channel. Took us an hour to get "unhung" checked everything and seemed to be in working order. Made our way out to the 650 where green stickers and a fleet of recs were fishing. No love-went way deep and north up to the 710. We were in La-La land. Picked up and ran south to the point and immediatley caught two small gaffers. Thinking this was the right move we didnt have another bite. Had a fuel leak that we "fixed" twice before getting it right. Unfortunately it was caught a bit too late. Came back into OI uneventfully and tucked our tail between our legs. Showered had a great dinner at Stripers and off to bed in an with an "unthawed" AC unit. AC unit froze up again and woke at midnight in a pool of sweat. Pack everything up depart Manteo at 1 am. Golf is getting more appealing every time I fish. Bringing the boat back to VA Beach in two weeks.

David

[b8 boy]

Dave, sorry to hear about your tough trip. It seems to be getting harder and harder to have fun in our sport after all the problems boats can cause, catches have been slow and the expenses of fuel have gone outrageous. Thoughts of selling my boat have crossed my mind but then reality strikes and I could never get out of the boat what I just put into it($$$$$). We all have to get thru these tough times together so we can have the good times down the road. Hope things turn around for you soon. Martin