After a mechanical issue delayed their Day-1 launch, Florida redfish guide Krista Miller and Bassmaster Elite Scott Canterbury have resolved the problem and have returned to action.
While checking Miller’s boat prior to launching at the East Bay Public Ramp for the opening round of the Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter Boats at Winyah Bay, the anglers discovered that the steering on Miller’s Skeeter SX240 bay boat was not working.
Onsite service crew analysis concluded that a trip to the local Skeeter dealership was necessary. Fortunately, the dealership identified an air lock in the steering cable and promptly resolved the issue.
“We know this stuff happens,” Canterbury said. “I think I’m more used to it than Krista; she was a little freaked out, but she’s ready now. We’re going to make the most of our day.”
Miller and Canterbury left the ramp at 7:39 a.m. Eastern Time and were on their way back approximately 45 minutes later. With the other nine teams taking off at 7:15, Miller and Canterbury lost approximately 1 1/2 hours of fishing time.
With an early morning high tide, the mid to latter part of the day will see the more favorable hours of outgoing water. That means Miller and Canterbury will be fishing during what is generally considered optimal redfish tides.
Noting the tournament format, which allows each team member to keep two redfish between 17 and 23 inches, Canterbury said: “All we gotta do is catch four.”
