Up early to try some trolling on the southern drop off, where the depth goes from 100 feet to 1000 feet. It’s along the southern end of the BVIs. We motored out past the island, then raised the sails. Put out the trolling spread on two rods and immediately caught a tiny bonita. Trolled on out past the drop. 4-5 foot seas and 15+ knot winds today. Few folks are not feeling good because of the large swell. Changed lures a few times with no luck other than 1 additional medium-size bonita. Aaron took the helm for a bit, but was having trouble tacking without help from the engines (tacking is turning the boat the other direction into the wind). We got the lines caught on the prop on one tack, so I had to jump in and cut them loose. Pulled in the trolling lines and made our way to a day mooring at the site of the Rhone shipwreck near Salt Island. Again, seeing mostly dead stuff w/ some fish and a turtle.
Headed to Cooper Island for the night. All moorings were full at Manchioneel Bay, so we anchored in Haulovers Bay nearby. Nerve racking to anchor for the first time. Noises during the night usually wake me up, due to thoughts of the anchor releasing and the boat drifting into another boat or shore…
Most of the group took the dinghy over to the resort back at Manchineel Bay, but Mike, Pat and I stayed at the boat. Pat caught a couple nice sized Yellowtail Snapper. We enjoyed another fantastic dinner on the boat, consisting of grilled shrimp, rice and baked veggies. Jeff and Pat are doing a great job as our chefs! Amazing star gazing and even saw a couple shooting stars.
Chris, Cindy, Charlie and Cecily’s Adventure Blog 