Bald head has become our magical home away from home. Mom and dad first took us when I was in college and honestly back then I thought it was boring. But now it is the amazing combo of relaxed with no people, no agenda, and no noise! We packed up our new minivan and both dogs and we fit all 5 of us with our totes and drove down! After we missed the 3pm ferry by minutes we had to wait 1 and a half hours. After a minor break down I remembered I was on vacation and needed to relax. (Favorite Bluey episode insert)
The trip graced us with immaculate weather with only a little rain as we left on the ferry but thankfully I had a new shirt to put on! This was probably the most successful fishing trip I can remember but also the trip I fished the most. Blues were running and we caught 6-8 a day and kept somewhere between 3-4 each trip out. I convinced Dad to teach me how to filet blues and I learned the trick was to cut the fat off. If I do say so myself I became rather good at it and really enjoyed it.
The one night Dad and I caught two beautiful Drum (Justin had one but it broke his line in the surf) Dad had some back luck. It was the first fish hook of his life which he promptly drove directly into his thumb. We learned that night a few valuable lessons 1) those don't come back out without making a bigger hole 2) there is always someone at the bald head island fire department if you go to back door- if you call 911 it involves alot of paperwork 3) the last ferry in off seasons is at 9:30 4)Seatow will take you back and forth 24/7 if not for a pretty penny. So Dad and I went back over to Southport and had a lovely experience at the ER. Then a lovely Seatow trip back. I can report all is well with his thumb and he made a full recovery. I now have Lidocaine and a surgery kit placed into the fishing gear so I can take care of it if it every happens again!
The rest of the trip was beautiful beach walks, reading 4 books, and fun fishing adventures. Justin also read a book which I jokingly told him was only the 3rd book I've ever seen him finish :).
I am grateful to my Dad for showing me how to filet a fish and I think I can bring his expertise now forever with me and be able to filet a Blue and make it taste amazing. Mom then taught me how to make them taste amazing with her recipe that can be molded any which way!
So thankful for our yearly trips to such an amazing place.
