Off Hiatus, session notes from the Rogue

"Enticing white marlin to bite takes practice and finesse, but once hooked, the fight is on, as these fish are
 known for their acrobatic leaps and intense battles." -Fish In OC
Registration Day...anticipation of the return. Lotsa prep, big crowds, busy marina. Harbour Island, OCMD. 8/4/2024

      After 2 years (2022- the last WMO qualifying White Marlin brought to scale), the star of the White Marlin Open was finally off hiatus. Several brought in, but only two that qualified. Waste Knot outta NC brought the winner in on Day 1 at 77.5lbs. The 2nd placer weighed in at 76lbs. No biggies, but a triumphant return regardless. Hurricane season was making itself heard with Debby coming up the coast creating high seas on Friday (no one out). Up front, the tournament was extended to Saturday. Imagine. Having to wait five more days to see if you won. Captured $3.8 mil. I'd say it was worth it. As for our Crew. While Whitey was sittin' up front, we kinda' hung back. Debby was gonna make the weather during the week a bit erratic. Except for those invested, intermittent dark skies would keep many away from the scales. Good thing the Whim-O has a web-cam to monitor the incoming. Still got an up front view of all the prep action on registration day. Luv this event! It's like gittin' wet! Sorta.

Bait up!

 

Comeback claimed.

    Good beer to mellow out to, and enjoy the festivities. Old Nation's Lemon Shandy. 4.8% ABV makes it a sixer worth carrying around. Pours a copper-yellow. Nice finger+, white head. Sweet, citrusy aromas. Sweet lemonade, backed up with an ever so light bitterness at 7.0 IBUs on the palate. You at the Open? Need to drink and repeat, and enjoy without slurring. This is the one. Rated a solid B.

    Bourbon. Small Batch. "Most admired." That's Michter's. Flavors of stone fruit, touch of charred oak and vanilla. Copper color. Aromas of apple, smoke, more vanilla and oak. One of my top bourbon's so far. 

Rated an A.

Crowded lineup; ready to release the horses. WMO 2024, 8/4/2024.

Sunset Stick, session notes from the Rogue

Placid sunset evening. Ideal for a stand up stick cruise. St. Martin River, 8/1/2024.

     An outdoor rack for our SUP boards make it very convenient to just grab and go. Then why don't I do it more? Unlike our lower than average ocean temps, and shore break that has limited surf time, when it comes to a paddle... no excuses. Really need to get out more. Very chill. Helps to stem the stress of the day. And good for the core. Tonight was a quick trip around Tern Island, the bird sanctuary right off the residential areas of Tern Circle. East-Southeast and back, with a quick side trip down Moonshell/Lookout Canal. The paddle back put me right in line with the orange, red, and pink glow of the sun drop. Like a exploding dissipation of the strain of the day. Could feel the atmosphere let out a sigh and settle down. Me? Same. Really need to do this more often.

Well it ain't no mystery

Just laid back and feelin' free

And if you wonder where I'll be

Just keepin' it low key.

-Jesse Rice

Fancy Papers. Pretty sure a nod to the Tampa Cuban cigar industry. When I think of Hazy, I think of warm waters. Summer temps. Cigar City Brewing. Tampa, FL. Cuttin' grass. Tangerines. White Sangria. Nose full of the South. Flavors of lime, melon, guava. Telltale citrus with hopped resin playing the yin yang thang with subtle malts.  6.5 ABV. 60 IBUs. Fresh finish that left me wanting after the evening's paddle. B+ rating. Bring on another. Cheers!