I was right next to these guys. There were some big blues out there today. When I got out there and dropped over a fresh bunker, it lasted all of two seconds and my rod was doubled over only to have my 60# wire leader bit off. I think we could see an 18 before the derby is out.
The biggest blue I landed was 12.04 and it did not even make the board.
I think I am done with the boat fishing in this derby. It's becoming too much like work and I am not having fun at it. I spent a full day finding fresh bunker and even then bass just played with them beating them up and would not eat the damn things. I'm done.
Will try a few more nights for (shore) bass and maybe a morning for albies (just cause I like them) but for the most part this is it for me. Crappy derby this year for me. It was just not my time.
One thing I have noticed as I have gotten older, my drive to fish hard has dropped off. When I was younger I Would fish 24/7, and did whatever it took to hook up. Now, it's a different story, I still like to fish but I am not driven to fish. (My wife and kids would disagree with me) but I just don't have it anymore.