We had a great half-day trip on Sunday with some of the crew from Plastic Ocean Project (POP). POP is an organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways, as well as education and research about this issue. It's a cause we fully support in whatever small ways we can, including the donation of a charter trip to use as a fundraising opportunity. They auction or raffle the trip during their annual Gala, with the proceeds going to the organization. This year, Jenna, one of the POP staff won the trip and wanted to just get out and experience some time on the water with a few of her teammates. New to fishing, she asked if we could give that a try and of course I was happy to oblige. It's a great time of year for it, and I was pretty sure we could make something happen. We started out with some nearshore fishing, hoping to capitalize on the fall run of Spanish mackerel and false albacore (bonita or little tunny, depending on where you're from). The water was still a little murky from all of the storms and local flooding, but the birds were active and we could see fish feeding. We set out some Clark spoons and waited for the action. It took longer than I'd expected, but one of the planer lines went off and something started ripping line off the reel. There was no question in my mind that a bonita was on the other end, so I handed the rod to Jenna. Most people are surprised by the strength of these fish the first time they pull on one, and this was not going to be an exception. Nevertheless, with a little bit of assistance and lots of cheering from the rest of the crew, the fish came to the boat. It was a little reluctant to pose for photos, but we got it done and sent it back over the side to carry on with its day. It was a beauty of a day with a gentle, rolling swell, but sometimes even that is a little too much for some folks. One of the crew was definitely feeling the effects, and after a little conversation we decided to head inland and turn the fishing trip into a sightseeing tour. We ran down the beach to Wrightsville, and then went inland to the Intracoastal Waterway. Boat traffic wasn't all that bad, so I decided to run us south, cut across to the Cape Fear River, and then tour up toward Wilmington. It's always a pretty ride through Snow's Cut, and the Wilmington riverfront remains one of my favorite sights. Along the way, when we spotted floating trash, we stopped to see if one of the crew could catch it in the net. There wasn't as much as I expected, considering all the flood water still coming down the Cape Fear, but I think almost everyone got a chance with the net. Overall, it was one more great day aboard the Canyon Wren. The POP crew were a lot of fun, everyone had great attitudes and flexibility to switch from fishing to touring, and they brought along some of the best cinnamon rolls (with bacon!) I think I've ever eaten! Now is the time for prime, late season fishing! The cooler weather means no sweltering in the sun, and the fish are feeding their way south. We'll be running trips until the water temps drop into the mid-60s, which usually means late November, so check your calendar and drop us a line! We'd love to get you out there. Also, check out the Plastic Ocean Project at **hidden content**, and learn more about what they're about.