Don, Don Sr., and Marcia Atwell came to Key West (again!) and this year put in three full days of fishing aboard the Mr. Z.  There was no better example of some days are better than others and “Ya just never know what you’re gonna catch!”  The Atwells are patient anglers, but the very first day they didn’t need to be.  No sooner had Capt. Steve gotten the lines out than we had two full sized Sailfish on.  Of course they decided to run in completely opposite directions and some lesser boats would have had to make the decision which fish to have to cut off in order to land just one of the trophies…

However, we like a challenge…   or we’re just greedy…  “Let’s get ‘em both!” I yelled from the bridge.  Capt. Steve had the deck cleared of all other lines, my electric reel was whining away retrieving the dual teasers and we were in reverse with both engines at 7 knots within seconds.

Both fish were officially caught, photograped, and released unharmed, although a bit tired after a 30-minute fight.

The next two days had a couple of heart breakers with lost fish, but large Mahi, Kingfish, and Peto were caught making for a lot of great memories; at least enough to hold the Atwells over until next year when we hope to have them back.  Thanks again, Don!

Soon enough!

Scott La Ganga and family returned for some great reef fishing again this May and came back with one heck of a Mutton Snapper!  We were running with the deep trolls on the reef in about 12 feet of water when the 50 wide began to sing.  Capt. Steve and I assumed it was another Barracuda, since we had caught so many that morning, but when I could start to see a little bit of pink color I got very excited.  “It’s either a very ‘Key West’ style Barracuda, or we’ve got dinner for 12!” I shouted.

Along with a double header Yellowtail Snapper and a huge Mangrove Snapper (Yes, all were caught trolling!) made for a Snapper Grand Slam!

Key West fishing is like a box of chocolates…  you just never know what you’re gonna catch!

A biggest “Thank You” goes out to Shawn Rhodus and Kathie, Tut, and Randy for a wonderful Birthday charter and present.  We had a great day of fishing with some big Dolphin and they gave me a gang of balloons and a gift certificate for Pepe’s, one of the most wonderful local restaurants.

No, I didn’t have the fish, I had the filet…  12 oz.

What a long strange trip it’s been…

Thanks again.

Capt. Eli brought the boss, Mr. Pinkert, from Chicago for a half day of fishing aboard the Mr. Z and ended up with the glass half full.  We hooked a nice pair of Dolphin, a bull around 35 lbs. and a Cow around 27 lbs.  Well, the Bull will be looking for a new girlfriend…  his old one heard about the free ice!

Good job Chicago!

Blake Glass and friends booked a charter aboard the Mr. Z for a bachelor party just to get out and catch a few fish.  They weren’t new at this game and did some research online before hand.  One of the big deciders was whether we wasted a big chunk of their trip catching live bait.  I assured them that it would only take a  moment to reach into the freezer and come up with all the bait we would need to make their trip.  And we did!

From the beginning of the trip, Mahi Mahi were thick feeding right out of our tailpipes and then we caught and released a 7 foot Sailfish.  If you have a good mate that can rig a proper bait, you don’t need to fool with live bait.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a 16 foot wide boat, 43 foot outriggers, and smooth running motors to put out a bait spread that will bring ‘em in from 100 yards away…

 Some of the group are re-deploying back to Iraq.  Stay safe guys!