New Boat for 2014
February just arrived and so did my NEW 240 LTS Triton!
I was in the market to purchase a new boat, and after some extensive research, I went with the best bay boat I feel is on the market. One of my fellow captains and friend George Ballard has one and after riding in it, I was sold.
I originally planned on getting another all white model, but they had a black and white one on the lot with all the bells and whistles, and it was love at first sight. I guess the trend this year is the two-tone boats, because several of my captain friends have recently gone with the black and white design. I will be outfitting the boat with state of the art electronics, Humminbird's 99ci HD SI, Power-Pole's 8 ft Blade, and Minn Kota's Wireless I-Pilot. These amenities will be on the boat in a few days. The boat came with trim tabs already and with the Mercury 250 Verado Pro on the back, this baby will scoot!
I took the boat out a few days ago to start the break in period on the motor and I cannot get over the incredible ride. The Triton is a dry ride, it corners like it's on rails, and top end speed is over 50+ and for a 24' heavy bay boat that's saying something. The 240 LTS Triton is one of the heaviest bay boats out there and still only drafts 12"- 13", so I'll have no problem stalking reds on the flats this spring. Mr. Redfish, you better watch out!
Fishing Report:
Here's a quick report for the area: We had one more cold front again, not as bad as the last one, but it was pretty chilly getting down into the 30's. The trout bite in Escambia Bay is plentiful with big fish, but with this really cold weather, it's best to work your baits SLOW!
Try the Paul Brown or 17MR or 18MR made by MirrOlure; trust me, with these in your tackle box you can't go wrong. If the fish don't hit these, they're not there. Bob Sikes Bridge is producing some sheepshead along with some nice slot reds, and so has 3-Mile Bridge. Pensacola Pass on the jetties is starting to show signs of life with a few sheepies being caught as well as some gray snappers.
March is not far off and I'm excited to get the new boat out on its first charter of 2014. My guess is it's going to be on the flats this month then off to the sheepshead grounds in March .
If you want to fish on the latest and greatest fishing machine around, and hang out with a captain who is passionate about panhandle fishing year round, then give me a shout, and we'll get you on board!
It's going to be rocking good time in 2014 on the Mega-Bite!
Tight Lines.
John
