Title: What is on for 2004
By Jim Baugh
Reporting from the Flybridge

First let me send a BIG thank you to Captain Chandler Hogg and the fine folks aboard the Smoking Gun. Captain Hogg put us on the largest Rockfish we have ever caught on camera. A beautiful 49.4-ounce Rockfish caught during the ocean striper season only 2 miles off the beach. Captain Hogg is a Hampton VA captain who can be booked for fishing charters throughout the year. To get a good look at our monster catch, log on to jimbaughoutdoors.com and go to the "More Stuff" link. Once at the "More Stuff" page, scroll down near the bottom and you will see a link that reads, "Big Rockfish", click that link and gaze at one of the best Rockfish to be landed this year. The show will be aired with the rest of our 2004 programs staring in April. We will also post the show on our web site so it can be streamed worldwide.

We are very busy preparing our programs to air starting April 2004. A lot of great trips we were able to capture on tape and we look forward to our year-end 2004 DVD coming in June. The things that stick out in my mind the most for the shows we shot during 2003 mostly have to do with hurricanes, low salinity in the Bay, a Gulf Stream that will not come closer than 120 miles, and a spring that would not stop raining. Yes it is true, 2003 was one of our more changeling years for getting the fish we wanted. We spent a lot more time on the water than usual to get the footage we need to produce our programs. Many fishermen have told me they thought 2003 was the worst year for fishing in the mid Atlantic in 50 years.

While the year was not banner, many fish were caught throughout the Bay. We have learned that when fishing gets a little tough, it is time to get a bit more creative in choosing baits, tackle, and even fishing locations. We have learned new ways to fish for Founder, and even designed our very own striper rigs that do work, when not much else does.

Two very striking species of fish that we had great success with during the 03 year were Spadefish and Rockfish.
The Spade fishing at the Chesapeake Light Tower was absolutely fantastic. I encourage everyone to log on to our web site and stream the show. Some of the best Spade fishing footage you will ever see. One reason we like Spade fishing so much is because it is very visual. Many times you can see the fish circling the boat, and often you can even see the hook up. Spadefish are strong fighters and can easily break small tackle. Once the start feeding, everyone on the boat can enjoy the tug of the Spade. The run from Hampton is about 33 miles and many Hampton charters offer Spade fishing trips. These fish are also fantastic to eat. If you have not tried some Chesapeake Bay Spade fishing, book a trip now for the spring. May and June are hot months for Spadefish.

This year we boated our largest Rockfish ever on camera, a whopping 49.4 ounce Rock. Yes, everyone at the JBO camp is VERY happy with this catch. I have been producing Rockfish shows for 17 years, and this almost 50 pound Rockfish is the largest we have ever boated. The ocean season is some of the best fishing all year. Right now, you can still book charters and get some wonderful filets for the freezer.

The ocean is full of Rocks this year, however the Bay season left a lot to be desired. Our Get Hooked On Hampton Rockfish Tourney and Oyster bash had a lot of nice catches, however that was some of the best fishing during the entire fall season. It looks like the Rockfish will not come into the Bay in masses every year. Depending on water temps and bait location will have a lot to do with which way the Rockfish steers it's head.
We have a lot of things we will be announcing in next months column, however this month I will spill a few beans.

We have more boat news!! In January we will be putting on the new twin 225 Suzuki four strokes. These engines will be featured throughout our 2004-shooting season. We will have preformance comparisons of the 225\140 HP Suzuki four stokes once we have all the data available. Everything will be posted on out web site and also featured on our program.

The end of 2004, we will then install two 250HP four strokes, and post performance test of these engines as well. For more info about the new line of Suzuki 200-250HP engines, contact a dealer nearest you.
I hope to bump into some of you fine folks at this years boat shows. I will be at the Sportsman's booth for a while in Richmond VA for the Virginia Boat Show in Feb., hope to see all of you there.
Time to go togging.

Tight Lines,

Jim Baugh
www.jimbaughoutdoors.com

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