Man, what a job they did and the fish cooperated. Many people are unaware of all that went on "behind the Scenes". Here are a few things that were done to make the Sept 15 special. The YFT and grouper cooperating didn't hurt.
1. Captain Frank: What more can you say about this guy? Man, does he get you on fish and fast. He is straight up with you and will listen to any suggestion, yet he takes charge and does things right. Here are a few of the special things I asked him or Captain Elliots and they pulled through for us
a. Fish Handling: I didn't want burlap bags and sure enough, none were used. They chilled/iced all fish immediately and tagged them the way we wanted. The handling of the fish on this trip rivals the famed San Diego boats (I have been on a 5 day out of SD). The fish were immediately bled with a large cut while still alive, tagged with both stapled numbers and our own platic tie, put in an ice bath, and then layered in ice. There was PLENTY of ice on this trip. We came back early because we met our limit. I then asked Captain Frank if we could unload our stuff first when we got back while the fish were in the icebox. I said I would get the fishermen out fast and sure enough, we were unloaded in 30 minutes while ALL the fish stayed in the icebox. The crew then brought ALL the fish out themself. Some of the tuna were hung and pics were quickly taken. Captain Elliots deserved to have a picture of the trip they provided us and I thought that was plenty fair. They even iced the fish while they were on the pick up. I thank the Captain for considering his customers first in this scenario. It was a job well done and let me telll you, alll the fish in my group of 8 was in great shape.
b. Capt Frank put us on fish. He told me the float plan. He did not hesitate to take us to the farthest and most productive places. He did not cruise at a slow speed to save fuel. We left the last rig early and we were in port early when we came in.
c. The crew did as Captain Frank requested. They did an excellent job icing the fish, bleeding the fish, and keeping the boat clean. It is not easy to gaff these fish, so it is understandable (IMO) to lose a few, especially off the bow which is high off the water.
2. TOO: Willie sent out a lot of e-mails, found a last minute cook replacement, and had the food and t-shirts ready. He had Captn Elliot's paid in time. He returned all calls. He is truelly trying to improve the experience. The bugs will work their way out as more trips are done. It was a very good first run and will only get better. Willie returns all messages quickly as well. Thanks to Newman for being the cook.
3. Captain Elliots Hey, they allowed us to bring food on board and accomodated the special requests. This was at their expense in some ways and of their devoted service to us. Just like all good businesses should do.
4. Galvaston 1602 (or whatever number follows his name) and Islanders: We had a great baggie of goodies and three great rod and reel combos to borrow. Let me tell you, those donated custom rods were awesome looking and they were put to use. I saw them jigging and casting poppers. Thanks again!
5. Rue for one heck of a shirt. Man that is a great shirt!
6. For all those I surely missed, thank you and I apologize for not listing.
7. The Corpus guys! What can I say? The Corpus guys have only caught the biggest fish on the last 2 Big E trips, nearly broke the black grouper record, should of established a new bigeye Texas record, and even provided first aid during the biggest YFT bite. Maybe I am a little bias. That Dr. Shark was lucky I was distracted preparing for a move to Tyler, helping my Ohio buddies land 8 yellowfin, and providing first aid. That's ok as the Corpus Possey was out setting or threatening Texas records in my abscence. Way to go guys.
Now the negative--who the heck drank my rum and stole the bottle? That was uncool. I also suspect a raid of our other drinks. Everyone knows I won that at the start of the trip. I am happy to share if anyone asks. No need to secretly take as you please and you are publicly being laid out here. Popper hooks are a big concern too. Be careful. The odds are there that someone is going to get hooked--lets just hope not too bad.
1. Captain Frank: What more can you say about this guy? Man, does he get you on fish and fast. He is straight up with you and will listen to any suggestion, yet he takes charge and does things right. Here are a few of the special things I asked him or Captain Elliots and they pulled through for us
a. Fish Handling: I didn't want burlap bags and sure enough, none were used. They chilled/iced all fish immediately and tagged them the way we wanted. The handling of the fish on this trip rivals the famed San Diego boats (I have been on a 5 day out of SD). The fish were immediately bled with a large cut while still alive, tagged with both stapled numbers and our own platic tie, put in an ice bath, and then layered in ice. There was PLENTY of ice on this trip. We came back early because we met our limit. I then asked Captain Frank if we could unload our stuff first when we got back while the fish were in the icebox. I said I would get the fishermen out fast and sure enough, we were unloaded in 30 minutes while ALL the fish stayed in the icebox. The crew then brought ALL the fish out themself. Some of the tuna were hung and pics were quickly taken. Captain Elliots deserved to have a picture of the trip they provided us and I thought that was plenty fair. They even iced the fish while they were on the pick up. I thank the Captain for considering his customers first in this scenario. It was a job well done and let me telll you, alll the fish in my group of 8 was in great shape.
b. Capt Frank put us on fish. He told me the float plan. He did not hesitate to take us to the farthest and most productive places. He did not cruise at a slow speed to save fuel. We left the last rig early and we were in port early when we came in.
c. The crew did as Captain Frank requested. They did an excellent job icing the fish, bleeding the fish, and keeping the boat clean. It is not easy to gaff these fish, so it is understandable (IMO) to lose a few, especially off the bow which is high off the water.
2. TOO: Willie sent out a lot of e-mails, found a last minute cook replacement, and had the food and t-shirts ready. He had Captn Elliot's paid in time. He returned all calls. He is truelly trying to improve the experience. The bugs will work their way out as more trips are done. It was a very good first run and will only get better. Willie returns all messages quickly as well. Thanks to Newman for being the cook.
3. Captain Elliots Hey, they allowed us to bring food on board and accomodated the special requests. This was at their expense in some ways and of their devoted service to us. Just like all good businesses should do.
4. Galvaston 1602 (or whatever number follows his name) and Islanders: We had a great baggie of goodies and three great rod and reel combos to borrow. Let me tell you, those donated custom rods were awesome looking and they were put to use. I saw them jigging and casting poppers. Thanks again!
5. Rue for one heck of a shirt. Man that is a great shirt!
6. For all those I surely missed, thank you and I apologize for not listing.
7. The Corpus guys! What can I say? The Corpus guys have only caught the biggest fish on the last 2 Big E trips, nearly broke the black grouper record, should of established a new bigeye Texas record, and even provided first aid during the biggest YFT bite. Maybe I am a little bias. That Dr. Shark was lucky I was distracted preparing for a move to Tyler, helping my Ohio buddies land 8 yellowfin, and providing first aid. That's ok as the Corpus Possey was out setting or threatening Texas records in my abscence. Way to go guys.
Now the negative--who the heck drank my rum and stole the bottle? That was uncool. I also suspect a raid of our other drinks. Everyone knows I won that at the start of the trip. I am happy to share if anyone asks. No need to secretly take as you please and you are publicly being laid out here. Popper hooks are a big concern too. Be careful. The odds are there that someone is going to get hooked--lets just hope not too bad.
If there are too many guys throwing poppers in a small area on the upcoming Big E trip, I might stay away from them and play with my jigs in quiet area. 
