It was caught on a Penn 50TW and ate a red squid with green strobe @ 125'. The fish hit just around 3:30am Sunday morning. The fish took just over 2 hours to land (tire out from dragging the boat) and another 20 min. trying and figuring out where and how it would be put into the 14' aluminum skiff. They also released a smaller put earlier that night that ate the same bait, same depth.
WOW!!!!!!!
Try that off the Texas coast and see what happens..
It's called death. Better have your will and finances in order because there are only about five days a year that a skiff like that can leave the jetty's. I've seen fools anchored at the end of the jetty's in aluminum Jon boats like that. They toss out an anchor made of re-bar to hook up to the rocks below. It's very dangerous. About 5 to 10 a year sink at the end of the jetty's.
Here's a few problems with a boat that size. If it is calm, the wakes from bigger boats can flip you over in a second. The other problem is the tide at the end of the jetty's. Either incoming or outgoing, it can cause 4 to 6 foot swells. It's also very hard to stand up and walk around in a little boat without almost turning it over.
The only reason I would get on a boat that size would be to help a guy float it at the ramp. But, he would have to drop me off at a bar before he left the harbor. Then, I'd order a Grey Goose martini and watch him drown as he departed the harbor into the jungle of big wakes and currents.
The guys fishing tackle looks like it is worth more than the boat. I guess if that's the boat you have to fish in, then all power to him for going after swords in it. Make do with what you have and go for it. Just don't ask me to tag along in that little skiff.
"I am gald that you all liked my fish/story. I was a graet catch and incredible fight from such a small boat. Most of my swordfishing is done from larger boats, but I fish offshore (mainly livebaiting) from that boat every weekend from it and catch sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, tuna, wahoo, etc all of the time usually off Key Biscayne. I custom rigged it myself specifically for catching large fish out of a small boat. The front of the cooler turns into a fighting chair, complete with swiveling gimbal and foot rests. It has all kinds of electronics, large livewell, storage for 20 rods, etc...
Alot of you could not believe I was out that far, but the boat is extremely sea worthy even though it is not very big. I fish for sailfish during the winter in 3-5' seas (I'll take you for an experience you will never forget if you do not believe me) every weekend and will be 20 miles offshore for dolphin in the summer. I have fished offshore in small boats all my life, know my capabilities and know what I can put that boat through. Most people do not believe what I fish for or in what kind of seas I do it in untill the see my kites flying before my boat when I am out in 20mph winds."
I think the boat has a very appropriate name. Mr. Bill we all obviously know money is no object to you but to some it is. Yes he is risking his life every trip he goes out in that boat, but in reality aren't you doing the same thing everytime you step foot on a sportfisher? He obviously has learned to make do with what he has, and maybe if you were in his shoes you would be able to see the other side...
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could
be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
360 Tuna Fishers Forum
A forum community dedicated to tuna fishers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about fishing guides, bait, safety, gear, tackle, tips, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!