Summertime Fishing and Crabbing with Ryan and Friends

I was fortunate enough to have Ryan for a full two weeks during August. We had a big list of things 'to do', and got through alot of them. In the short time that we've lived here, Ryan has already made lots of friends, and they get the opportunity to engage in all sorts of fun summertime activities together.

One day, Mike Casey and I took our boys out fishing at the crack of dawn. Following a beautiful sunrise, we headed West to the Mann's Harbor area in search of whatever was biting.

Naturally, the boys had a solid breakfast of champions on the way out.

Both Mike and I try to emphasize safety first while boating, and lifejackets are a mainstay...

and although Bryson looks cranky, it's really just early in the morning.

One of the twins. I still can't tell them apart.

Prepping for departure.

Within 5 minutes of dropping anchor, Ryan had already hooked up and landed his first speckled trout. Seriously, Ryan already demonstrates some impressive fishing skills, and seems like a natural. Not once did he snag all the obstacles we were fishing (around a dock) or loose any lures. I on the other hand, managed to hook up with the old bridge at one point. DOH!

Oh, BTW, this is Ryan's nostril. Hmmmmm.....

On a separate trip, Ryan, Austin Shackleford and I went on a crabbing trip. Austin is the son of Audra and Brit Shackleford. Audra sold us our house, and Brit is the captain of the Doghouse - one of the top charter fishing boats in OBX. It's no wonder that Austin is so mature and alot of fun.

We headed down to Mattamuskeet, and crabbed several spots within the refuge first.

Crabbing was not very good there, but we did manage to pull out maybe 9 good size jimmies.

We then rehydrated and headed to my secret crabbing spot outside of the refuge, which turned out pretty well.

We managed to catch around a dozen and a half big crabs, and headed on home. Dinner is served!