Edition Nº 19 by Paul Watson

& EXTREME KAYAK FISHING Issue Number 19 (Established. 2007)

May 15th 2012 - July 15th 2012

SPORTFISHING NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

GET A GRIP! Kathryn Maroun TV SHOW CELEBRITY OF

WHAT A CATCH! SHARES HER THOUGHTS WITH MARLIN WORLD

www.marlinworld.tv

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Contents Supporting CYSTIC FIBROSIS RESEARCH through fishing tournaments PAGE 4 KATHRYN MAROUN, Host, Executive Producer, and Director of the award winning travel documentary fishing series, “What A Catch” shares some thoughts with MARLIN WORLD about modern day ‘fish grips’ PAGE 8

ENSURING SURVIVAL Captain Peter Bristow explains the process involved when catching and releasing BLUE MARLIN of 1,000lbs or more! PAGE 16

THE TRAVELING CAPTAIN, we catch up with our very own pro staff captain Tim Richardson on his latest leg of ﬁshing around the world PAGE 30

Don’t forget to visit www.marlinworld.tv as we are constantly updating the website daily with new videos and articles. You can also advertise on the site for just US$50.00 per year! Send an email to Paul at ofcﬁlmcrew@gmail.com for more information.

CF Gene Huge breakthrough

Research

SLAMORADA, Fla. USA -- Hopefully there’s a lot to celebrate at the 25th anniversary of the Redbone Celebrity Fishing Tournament this November after a breakthrough announcement by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that the FDA had approved a pill that controls a CF gene mutation affecting a small population of patients with the lifethreatening illness.

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Redbone Celebrity Tournaments perseveres with fundraising efforts in 25th year Has grown to nearly 30 tournaments in U.S. and internationally for CF cure research

The approval came earlier than we expected,” said an elated Capt. Gary Ellis upon hearing the statement from CFF researchers. “We may be just a couple of years away from the drug that cures a broader number of the CF victims, but it’s a huge step in the right direction and will be life-changing for so many patients and their families.” Since 1984 when doctors discovered their newborn daughter Nicole had the genetic disease that slowly cripples the lungs and other organ functions, Ellis, a flats guide in the Florida Keys, with his wife Susan began volunteering for a wide range of CF fundraisers in South Fla. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., shown here with young CF patient Nicole Ellis, is one of hundreds of notables who have been a part of the Redbone Celebrity Fishing Tournaments across the U.S. helping raise awareness and money for cystic ﬁbrosis research. Now in its 25th year the Redbone has raised over $15 million for the CF Foundation which recently announced a major breakthrough towards a cure.

Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs with a catch and release of a sailﬁsh in one of the 30 Redbone Celebrity Tournament held across the U.S. and internationally for cystic ﬁbrosis.

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At the urging of the late baseball hall of famer Ted Williams then a Keys resident, the Ellis’s began the Redbone Celebrity Tournament to raise money for research with celebrity friends, anglers and guides that Williams attracted. Their first effort in 1988 netted $16,000 and over the years has spring boarded a variety of some 30 yearly Redbone saltwater and freshwater fishing events across the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica and the Bahamas.

That life expectancy is now in the late 30’s,” added veteran Red Sox knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, another popular and longtime Redbone celebrity angler. “It’s amazing through research down this path we soon may see a cure for most all CF patients.” Ellis said Kalydeco, the new twice-a-day pill developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals will help correct a gene mutation in some1200 patients just 4% of the CF population in the U.S.

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Researchers are on the right track giving hope to correct the gene defect affecting a broader (80%) portion of 30,000 CF patients in the U.S., like our daughter Nicole Go to http://redbone.org/ for a complete has as well as the other related gene mutations. schedule of the tournaments. Plus research like this has expanded to many other diseases. Through the Ellis’s perseverance along with volunteers, anglers, guides, and celebrities It’s obvious none of this science happens the Redbone tournaments have raised over overnight but this news shines hope that $15 million; a real impact for this medical these mutations can be dealt with through research. these new drugs,” said Ellis. “Many times through these 25 years we’ve had just a Some $75 million of outside funding like glimmer of hope. It’s been a long hard struggle that raised by the Redbone events helped and we’ll continue the fight. Hopefully at the fund this newest breakthrough drug and end of this decade CF will stand for ‘Cure parallel research,” said Baseball Hall of Famer Found,’” he smiled. Wade Boggs who has been involved with the Redbone since its beginning. “Back when this The Redbone offices and The Redbone Gallery are at 200 Morada Way located on the Atlantic side of U.S. 1, between tournament started a child like Nicole with CF mile markers 81 and 82. For more information on the Redbone didn’t survive making it to junior high school. events please call Gary or Susan Ellis at 305-664-2002 or via

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e-mail at susan@redbone.org.

Pete Johnson PR counsel for The Redbone Johnson Communications, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Ph: 480-951-3654 e-mail: JohnsonCom@aol.com

Hands Off! Keep Mexico’s Dorado Off the Table

he Mexican Congress has been conducting forums throughout Mexico and Baja for the past two years, seeking input from the sportfishing and commercial industry on the feasibility of removing dorado from the list of species “reserved exclusively for sportfishing” which is outlined in the Mexican Fisheries law. The passing of this initiative would allow the commercialization of dorado. The sixth Forum was convened unexpectedly last week in Tapachula, Chiapas. Minerva Saenz, IGFA Representative in Los Cabos, along with many others, responded to the last minute call for testimony. They traveled more than two thousand miles at great personal expense to once again voice the Sportfishing Industries’ opposition to any action that would allow the taking of more dorado for commercial purposes.

IGFA NEWS

officials were impressed and seemed to be very receptive to our objections and recommendations.” Presidents of various commercial fishing associations attended to encourage the passing of this initiative which would result in dorado being commercialized. Many Mexican Sportfishing organizations were represented including the local Asociacion de Pesca Deportiva of Chiapas and were joined by International Game Fish Representatives Minerva Sáenz, Representante IGFA, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.; David Jones, Representante IGFA, La Paz, B.C.S.; Ing. Ricardo Hernández Carrasco, Representante IGFA, Oaxaca,Oaxaca; Gary Graham, Representante IGFA, Baja California Sur; and Nassim Joaquin Delbouis, Representante IGFA, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, in voicing their opposition.

The ever effusive Minerva observed on her return Monday, “The meeting was the most powerful of the six that The following items summarize the I have attended. The government opposition to the submitted initiative:

PHOTO courtesy of Carl Blackledge from a previous article ...

Lack of biological studies confirming Union of Owners of Sportfishing whether or not the dorado population Boats for Los Cabos and many, many could sustain commercialization. others who have given their support with time, money and energy. • The illegal exportation of dorado is a flagrant violation of our Mexican At the conclusion, the Congressional laws. Representatives expressed their unawareness of the importance of • Commercialization of dorado is not dorado to sportfishing and tourism a sustainable economic solution for throughout Mexico and Baja. They local fishermen. gave assurances that the information provided would be considered The ‘Dorado Defenders’ who have carefully. made the effort to attend all of the six public forums are to be commended While the political process seems for their ongoing passion and far removed from sportfishing, if it commitment to Sportfishing in weren’t for the continued coordinated Mexico. dedication and effort of interested individuals representing the The dedicated group includes Sportfishing Industry, sportfishing’s Minerva Saenz, Enrique Fernandez contribution to Mexico’s economy del Castillo, the President of the through tourism would be overlooked Fundacion para la Conservacion entirely. de Los Picudos, A.C., Sandra Pinos, Gllen Bercovich, Dr. Carlos Article courtesy of IGFA Representative Villavicencio, and the Sportfishing Gary Graham http://www.garycgraham.com/

Get a Grip! Kathryn Maroun, Host, Executive Producer, and Director of the award winning travel documentary fishing series, “What A Catch” shares some thoughts with MARLIN WORLD about modern day ‘fish grips’.

igging in old boxes, dug up some controversy. I came across some pictures and artifacts from a trip I took a long time ago. Initially, it was wonderful to revisit the memories, but that was soon followed by a knee jerk reaction “to throw the baby out with the bath water”, as the expression goes. I made the mistake of posting one of the shots on line. The fallout was immediate. It only took 30 seconds for the tongue lashing to ensue. I took the picture down in a panic. It was a picture of me fishing and filming in a remote Brazilian nature preserve. The first thing I noticed about this particular picture, was that the colorful fish from the family, cichlidae, was even bigger than I had remembered, (I still find its blood red eyes off-putting). I had thought about posting this photo on line a number of times, but never did. We all like to show off our conquests. The bucket head peacock even looked big without the modern day trickery of holding the fish out as far away from your body as possible, and as close to the camera as possible, giving it the illusion of grandeur.

The guide and I were very proud of our catch as you could tell by our smiles. We worked hard to catch this trophy, frequently referred to as the fresh water bully. Day after day, we hacked our way into remote lagoons with machetes in one hand and the line from the bow of our tin punt in the other. We inched our way along through the thick under canopy, all the while mindful of snakes. As far as adventure fishing goes, this was as remote and exotic as it gets. ctd over

I decided to post this shot for bragging rights. Who wouldn’t? The picture, of my indigenous Indian guide and me with an exotic fish was just cool. I was doing the “ classic Fonzy”, thumbs up, as he held the fish up. I didn’t care for the composition of this shot nor my momentary lapse of style sense, (I looked as though I had been cast as an extra for David Frankel’s recent film on bird watching called “The Big Year”). This alone, was not reason enough for not posting the shot. The elephant in the room was that it depicted poor catch and release practices by today’s standards. Catch and release is a great conservation tool if done correctly. We know today, that this is achieved by playing the fish quickly, keeping the fish in the water, refraining from sport fishing during extremes in water temperature and by using barbless hooks.

It’s also best to leave the hours or days after this fish alone when they are picture was taken, that trying to reproduce. the fish may have died as a result of the stress The fishing community I’d caused it. I wish I often debates hot topics had known then, what like catch and release, I know today. It does whether fish feel pain and change how I approach the use of barbed versus the sport. Not enough science has been done on a species by species basis to truly know the outcome of our momentary interruption into a fish’s life. I found an insightful study by Dr. Andy Danylchuck and Dr. Aaron Adams that spoke to this issue. They studied the short term and long-term outcomes for fish caught and released using a grip tool. barbless hooks. As The study confirmed “sports”, we want to do that even with bestthe “right thing”. Catch intentioned practices; and release gives us harm is done. Obvious, that opportunity. I feel I know, but worth proud to watch the fish pursuing further so we swim away. I like the can do better by the notion that perhaps it will fish. We need to define be caught again another clearer parameters day...even larger. It through scientific study didn’t occur to me at to optimize a better the time, that perhaps likelihood for survival.

Bonefish were chosen as a control group because of their nearly 100 percent catch and release record. But choosing this variety of fish over thousands of other possible study groups created more questions then answers for me. How would a Tarpon fair? What about a catfish or a barracuda? Back when my picture was taken, I didn’t know that by using a gripping tool on a fish with this mouth configuration, that it could result in separating the fishes tongue from the floor of its mouth, creating rips and in some cases holes in the soft tissue. Even spinal column damage can occur. Fish paralyses? Who knew? “C” shaped grips that hold the lower jaw of the fish, while freeing up the other hand to remove the hook, are a modern day invention born out of necessity in an age of conservation angling. ctd over

Errrrr, I think she switched the ﬁsh!

The mechanical lipgripping devices are so often seen in photos that we don’t give them a second thought. I’m sure I’m not the only angler to own several. This insures that one will be close at hand at all times or at least that I can find one when I’m packing for my next trip. In theory, by using such a tool to manage a fish, it will minimize slime loss, keep our hands away from the business end of the fish and its chompers

and provide a firm grip on the fish to prevent it from being dropped. Best of all, a number of these tools contain a scale that has logged over 2100 IGFA world record catches. The scale also functions as a shock absorber and a swivel to eliminate torque when the fish thrashes. The Boga Grip was the first of these tools on the market and it boasts that it is “the original time tested- saltwater tough

fish landing, handling, and weighing tool. It is designed for the sport fisherman who practices catch and release.” Great in theory, but as we recently learned from the Bonefish study, not always great in practice. The Boga-Grip came to be when Charles Camp and Gary Alldredge were striper fishing and felt they needed something to protect their hands from the fish’s sharp gill plates and rakers.

I thought initially that it was named after the Boga, a fish from the intermiidae family also known as a Bonnetmouth. This fish is able to protrude its mouth out much further than many fishes. The Boga is also a noisemaker from the Philippines. Perhaps the guys were Star Wars fans and named their well-crafted tool after a

varactyl from the movie nearest town and that the universe. popular tool is sold around the world from Dubai I decided to contact to Papua New Guinea the company and get and manufactured by He some answers. When Eastboga tackle. Gary Alldredge was on went on to say that it’s the other end of the made in the USA out of phone, I thought better all domestic materials of putting forward my and 300 series stainless. Star Wars theory. He Made in the good ol’ told me that they named USA…we try to support their invention after the companies like this. ctd over

As one of only a handful of women in the world to be credited with FFF certification, Kathryn is a world record holder and someone who has competed on the world stage, she is more than just a pretty girl in waders. Each week she takes viewers on a breathtaking journey to the most remote places on the planet in her quest to land the top game fish. Kathryn is the “reel “deal as she discovers along with the viewers; friendships, foods and cultures from far off lands. The show is taken from the pages of Kathryn’s life. What A Catch is the first show in this genre to be distributed internationally. The first fishing show to be shot in HD with multiple cameras.

time and a place for them as Dr. Aaron explained to me over the phone a few weeks back.

He was as proud of his invention as I was of my trophy fish. He believes that his tool is designed in the best interests of the fish, just as I believe that I am engaging in best practices. The reason I created my TV show, What A Catch, was to promote good cold-water conservation and good fish handling practices. With this at the heart of our businesses, being called out for potentially harming the very animals that we are trying to protect is the last thing we want to hear. Not wanting him to feel as I had when I was called out, I thought it best not to ask Gary how his company is mobilizing to work within the new parameters of

catch and release. I’m sure they are working on manufacturing a landing girdle to go hand in hand with the Boga’s. This way, the fish will be better supported. In keeping with his entrepreneurial spirit, my guess is he will mobilize to give us the next “need to have it model”. I am looking to this company to produce a new updated model, which will have features that support what we now know to be best catch and release practices. Before my toaster sized mailbox fills with more than the usual rain water here in Bermuda, I want to make it clear that I’m not saying not to use a “C” grip tool. There is a

I wish I would learn life’s lessons the first time they are taught. You see I learned the hard way not to pull a big Salmon dry fly across my body when the wind is blowing against my casting arm. Regardless, I still give it a go from time to time and suffer the consequences. Then I stop and reflect, asking myself, “Why’d I do that?” Similarly, I know better then to post a picture that is not in keeping with who I am as an angler today. It is apparent that I need to work on my presentation. Tight lines. Kathryn J Maroun kathryn@whatacatch.net www.whatacatch.net

IN RESPONSE from the Editor, Paul Watson Another point of view of course is that the ‘C Grips’ are not necessarily just designed for those with ‘catch and release’ in mind. This year I plan to harvest some fish from my kayak (strictly for eating of course) and the C grip tool is going to be instrumental in controlling the fish at my side whilst I try not to fall in! I can’t think of a better tool to help keep things under control whilst attempting to remove elusive flying treble hooks before they do me some damage!

Like all tools of the trade, there is surely a right way and wrong way to use them. At the end of the day it all comes down to common sense. If you plan to release the ﬁsh by controlling it with a ‘C grip’ then REDUCE THE STRESS and physical damage by supporting the body at all times where possible. Ideally leave it in the water, if not possible lay it on a ﬂat surface. One thing not to do of course is hold it horizontal from the

jaw with the grip whilst you take a photo, imagine the pressure on the ﬂoor of the mouth! I have one of these tools which is manufactured by another supplier who is one of my sponsors. I can tell you that this tool was at the top of my list of ‘needs’ and even though until now I have not used it, I am happy to know that it is there when I need it! Paul

Ensuring SURVIVAL by Captain Peter Bristow

ost of the billfish we encounter during the course of big game fishing have a very good chance of survival regardless of what anyone says to the contrary.

releasing the fish alive becomes difficult for the inexperienced angler and Captain. I came to realize very quickly that there was a deep void in the understanding of revival and survival.

In fact I would give them almost 100% chance with everything going right. Living and working in a place like Madeira where the normal blue marlin is huge on world standards, the task of

Let me take each aspect, one at a time. These principals will individually effect the outcome of releasing a healthy fish. fish then why not pay For goodness sake if we attention to the basic are marlin fishing without rules of the sport. the intention of killing the ctd ...

Based in Madeira, Peter is used to reviving big blue marlin up to and over 1,000lbs!

DRIVING THE BOAT: Most likely the most important item on the agenda. Shortly after hook-up and the first run it is important to drive the boat and try to think what the fish is doing. If you are running out of line then turn the boat around and get after the fish before it is too late. The Captain must make quick decisions at this point in time. Backing up works well but the boat goes much better in forward motion than reverse. DO NOT just stop the boat and sit there. This does not work. It’s called the Old Maderian Dead Boat Trick. It ends up with a dead fish every time. When the fish has finally settled down and is down there in the deeps digging away is the time to keep a good angle on the line. About 45% to the water is perfect. This means taking the boat forward slowly and keeping the fish swimming. When the fish arrives at the boat it will still be alive and be in good condition to release. Don’t worry about driving away from the fish; it works. Not only with marlin but for tuna as well. Try it some time. Stopping the boat results with the line straight up and down. The fish will keep trying to dig down going no where at all

and eventually die because you have stopped it going forward. I must admit that Blues and Blacks are very different in their fighting patterns. Knowing what to do comes from experience. But whatever you do, don’t stop the boat. THE ANGLER: Please consider that marlin fishing is a team effort. The angler is of course the most important person on board. There must be a close relationship between the Angler and the Captain. If this falls down then we are all in trouble, including the fish. With heavy tackle using angling skills to the best of your ability and pushing the tackle to the limit is the key to releasing healthy fish. Get yourself set up in the chair well before time. Adjustment of the chair is by far the most important. The tackle should be comfortable to the reach of the arms. The rod tip should be at right angles to the line. You cannot lift a fish with your rod tip up in the air and the line straight down. It is all simple mechanics. The basic principal is using the weight of your body to fight the fish. No arms and no back effort. The seat

harness will take care of that. Lift the fish with the motion of the boat and take line when it is easy on the way down. One to one at this point is the best. TAIL WRAPPED FISH: Oh dear, this is the worst thing to happen. Fortunately it is not very often. If the fish cannot be raised to the boat in time then there is little hope of revival. The fish must be pulled to the surface on the plane. Take the boat ahead slowly with maximum drag on the reel and slowly tow the fish. When there is sufficient angle on the line then back down fast and pick up as much as you can. Repeat this procedure as many times as it takes to get the fish up. If the fish comes up and looks dead then try to tow it by the bill for at least 25 minutes and just see if it will not come around. With light tackle and a big fish it is virtually impossible to hurt the fish or get its attention. In this case I would let the boat drift until there is serious angle on the line. The fish will almost certainly come to the surface if given the distance and time to swim..

At that point run down the line and hope it will stay on top and maybe jump. Then the opportunity might arise for a tag or a gaff. I had this experience off Cape Moreton once on a huge sail. We fought the fish for six hours using this method. Every time I ran down the line the fish went down. Finally after six hours and in the dark the fish decided to jump at the back of the boat. In the spotlight it was well over 200 pound but we used a tag. We never saw the fish again and another 3 Â˝ hours later broke line. It makes me think that with a giant tail wrapped fish, light drag could be applied. I never tried it but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think it would work. It is all too theoretical. ctd.

RESUSCITATION: The end result of the tail wrap is quite often a dead looking fish. They come to the boat tail first. Not a pretty sight. The fish could begin to float belly up at this point. This is usually the case. This is because the air sacks which extend almost the full length of the body have become inflated due to the drop in pressure at the surface. The fish has now lost negative buoyancy and is unable to swim upright. Without being able to swim forward and use the pectoral fins for stability there is every chance that the fish will now surely die. It might look dead but it’s not. The leader cuts into the lobe of the caudal keel and becomes locked on. You may have to lift the tail up and pass the leader underneath in order to clear it. Now you can roll the fish out of the leader. It will most likely be around the body only once. By this time the fish should be floating completely on top and with a stick gaff fetch it on the bill and bring it along side. Now the snotter can be applied.

It is a good idea to carry a piece of line especially for this purpose. 3/8” or 1/2” will do. Soft nylon being the best for blues and polypropylene for blacks. This is because of the big difference in the surface of the bill. The Black being very rough and the Blue comparatively smooth. Stripers are also smooth. About 50 feet long is more than plenty. For convenience, splice an eye on each end . Now just push the line thru the loop to form a snotter. Open the loop out and pass this over the bill and pull it tight. It will not slip off. Now take the boat slow ahead with one engine. You may have to just nudge the gears in some situations. Hopefully you were able to remove the hook if that was at all possible but do not waste any time. Slowly let out about 30 feet of line and take a turn on the cleat. Hold tight on the cleat with one hand and with the other lift up on the line so as to hold the fish tight. Like this you can feel what is going on. The idea is to get the fish underwater. If the fish is really out of puff then there will be no feeling of swimming at all. Instead

the line will just jerk and tug as the fish rolls over and over. This is the waiting period and patience must prevail. It all sounds so horrible. How did we get into this situation when all we were doing was just having fun. Well it just goes wrong sometimes and the fish must not be left to a matter of chance and a ‘maybe’ survive scenario. The great moment comes when you can feel the fish coming to life. That massive tail starts to pump. This is not the time to let go. Suddenly the fish will become oriented and start to swim upright. It is possible to see the bright colors coming back. At that moment the pressure comes off the line because the fish is swimming straight towards you. Stop the boat and the fish will swim alongside. This will be the best feeling you ever had since the thrill of the strike and hook-up. In fact for my part it is the most rewarding. I use a small stick gaff to get hold of the snotter and take it off the bill. Now you can release the fish and feel sure it has a 100% chance of survival. ctd

USE OF THE SNOTTER

It is a beautiful sight to see the ﬁsh swimming away full of color and life. Just don’t be in a hurry, that’s all. At this point I must strongly advocate the use of a line to get the fish away from the boat. Some Captains have the practice of holding the fish along side even using a stick gaff in the dorsal area. The area of the gills is

very sensitive and banging on the boat side could cause excessive damage and hemorrhaging. The eyeball is also vulnerable at this point. The only exception would be small sails or small marlin which could be held by the bill. The boat would have to be low freeboard so as to allow your hand in the water. But really its easier with the snotter . This way he’s not going to rip your arms when he wakes up.

The snooter could also be used very effectively in this situation. SNOOTER or SNOTTER: Almost a play on words. But “snooter” is a new word coined here in Madeira, and ‘snotter’ is an old sailing term. De-hooking a lure caught fish is generally so much easier than those caught on bait. The lure rigged hook is usually superficial.

Use of a line to tow a fish behind the boat for recussitation

I never fail to be impressed by some of the gadgets that turn up. The most effective piece of equipment to aid the release of Blues is the snooter. This is an ingenious contraption and resembles a modified salmon tailer. It works on the same principal. Peter Wright was tied up next to me in Madeira and I was admiring this thing. Next morning his crew, Scott Levine presented me with one he had manufactured

my knowledge was put together by Roddy Hayes. It can be most useful in the release routine. The advantage of this is to be able to hold the fish down and the bill under water while you try to remove the lure hook, usually stainless. Holding the fish down is important, it reduces the tendency or impulse for the fish to jump or head shake. It can all get very messy if this should happen at this point. The PVC handle is held tight but the rope can be let go if trouble arises. The wire loop will automatically extend itself and releases the fish. The rope is able to completely run out of the handle if need be. Then it can be reloaded and ready for the In contrast Blues tend to next opportunity. It does be pussycats at the boat work very well. and a lot easier to handle. But watch out for that wild Capt. Peter Bristow one. The snooter is an www.fishmadeira.com ingenious device and to in very q u i c k time. It is the finest present I have e v e r received. I still get a kick out of showing folks how it works. However I would draw the line on trying to use it on a Giant Black. These fish have a very sensitive nose and do not like being touched at the best of times. If the black was fully exhausted, well then, and only then, might it be possible to use.

Seakeeper Gyro

SEAKEEPER GYRO GIVES TITAN THE Press Information WINNING EDGE The Seakeeper M21000 gyro reduces boat roll at anchor, low speed and zero speed, as well as underway, by up to 80%. It enables sportfishing enthusiasts to race to promising hot spots even in rough seas, then drift and troll on a stable platform. For all aboard, this alleviates bothersome seasickness, “By minimizing resonant roll, reduces fatigue and increases we are not as tired at the end of safety when walking the the day, plus we enjoy a quiet deck. night on anchor regardless of sea conditions,” said Titan The Titan Tournament DLX Marine USA owner William is an innovative offshore McWethy. “While we’re sportfisher with a sleek, fully underway, fishing lures track enclosed pilothouse and better, which means more stylish flybridge. Powered by bites and more fish caught. twin 1,700 hp Caterpillar C32 And it’s easier to see fish in Ascert diesel engines, it holds the prop wash.” Seakeeper up to 2,400 US gallons of fuel is now the standard option in four tanks for offshore runs. on the 23m Titan Tournament Accommodations include two DLX. McWethy previously large staterooms, a guest/ used a fin system for crew quarters and a bunk in the stabilization, which produced pilothouse for the Captain. A drag and was vulnerable to galley with full-size appliances damage from underwater makes entertaining easy. debris. It also increased the Plentiful storage racks and chances of snagging fishing closets hold extra rods, tackle lines and having fish break and gear. Its fishability begins free. In contrast, the compact with the immense 25 sq. m Seakeeper gyro is installed cockpit. Atop the bait tank completely within the hull. is the cockpit centerpiece: a Mounted in the engine room unique, custom, automated between the craft’s two 33 fighting chair that travels sidekW Westerbeke generators, it to-side across the deck with requires only a simple wire run. a teak footrest and bright Though the Titan Tournament chromework. Approved by DLX has plenty of auxiliary IGFA, it’s mounted on an power, the gyro consumes unusual gooseneck that allows less than 2 kW at full speed. the chair to be repositioned Tournament fishermen are always on the lookout for equipment that gives them the competitive edge. For comfort, safety and the ability to go where the fish are biting, Titan Marine USA’s high-end, 23m sportfisher is stabilized by the Seakeeper M21000 gyro.

closer to the transom. Extrawide exterior walkways along the cockpit allow easy access to the uncluttered bow, which can be fitted with a teak rocket launcher that doubles as a mini fighting seat. Two live baitwells mounted below deck provide the desired low profile and keep bait healthy. There are nine flush-mounted gunnel rod holders. When it’s necessary to clear the trolling rods quickly, 18 holders stand ready along the side of the bait tanks and the stainless railing surrounding the veranda deck. More information about the 23m Titan Tournament DLX is available at www. titanmarineusa.com. Seakeeper is the world leader in active gyro stabilization technology for recreational and commercial marine applications. Its global network of dealers, distributors and installers provides service and support. Contact Seakeeper, 44425 Pecan Ct., Ste. 151, California, MD 20689 USA. +1-410-326-1590. sales@ seakeeper.com, www.seakeeper. com If you have questions about this press release or client, please contact us: Martin Flory Group: PO Box 360, Gurnee IL 60031 USA Phone: +1-847-662-9070; Fax: +1-847-336-7126 news@martinflory.com www.martinflory.com

FIND YOUR COSTAS HERE: Seapower UK Ltd. | Tel: 01628 623100 | info@seapower.uk.com

THE

Traveling Captain EDITORIAL

Republic for the next couple of months. After last season exploring the Caribbean on a private 61 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Garlington and mothership operation, and finding some exceptional fishing, he is fishing out of one of the most consistent marlin bites for this time of the Chasing some of the best year. bites around the world , Capt Tim Richardson is The great thing about fishing out of the Cap Cana the Dominican Republic Marina in the Caribbean is the close proximity of country of the Domincan the fishing grounds, and

Capt Tim is one of the Marlin World Pro Staff and keeps us in touch with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening wherever he is in the world. Here is his latest update ...

the numbers of white and blue marlin encountered on a daily basis. With boats catching 3-5 white marlin per day, and blue marlin bites thrown in as well on an average day, exceptional days see double digit marlin releases quite common over the months of April, May , June and into July, when the blue marlin become more prevalent.

Capt Tim is running a classic 47 Davis with new tackle selected by him for the purpose Cap Cana is primarily a bait fishery, which suits squid chains and dredges for teasers, and naked ballyhoo (garfish) rigged on circle hooks and fished on 20 and 30lb tackle, makes for great fun and great releases. The numbers of fish also makes this one of the most popular places to target marlin on flyfishing tackle, something that Capt Tim loves to do.

Cap Cana is right next to the resort destination of Punta Cana and the Punta Cana international Airport, providing easy access from around the world.

whole family. Punta Cana sees more blue marlin than whites, and again a great light tackle or fly fishing destination.

http://www.marinacapcana.com/

For more information on chartering Capt Tim in the Domincan Republic, please visit http://www.traditioncharters. com/dominican-republic-fishing. html

For 2013 He is again chartering in the Doninican Republic, but this time with the boat behind a condominium out of the resort and golf marina at Punta Cana, where we can provide, fishing and accommodation packages, and can include exceptional golf, clay pidgeon shooting and beach activities for the

After the Domincan Republic, Capt Tim is then heading home to Australia for the Cairns black marlin season on his boat â&#x20AC;&#x153;TRADITIONâ&#x20AC;?, which is well known as being one of the top boats each year on the Great Barrier Reef.

Especially exciting is the return last season of good south current, which has enabled the black marlin spawn from last season to push south into the inner reef. This has already shown results in little black marlin being encountered already. This is one of the most fun fisheries in the world, with the grounds south of Townsville at Cape Bowling Green, thru to north of Cairns being the feeding and growing grounds for these little blacks for the next 6 months. Previous years with these types of good conditions have seen tag and releases of up to 10 marlin a day on 12 and 20 lb tackle, with the record of 36 little black marlin in one

day out of these grounds ! August and September are the best months for this fishing, with groups of fish moving through, one day you find fish in the 2030 lb size range, the next week a body of 40-50 lb fish come through. It is truly one of the most rewarding places to fish, and the light tackle really lets these fish show off their capabilities.

And it shows in his numb roy repeat clients that fish with him season after season. As we all know Cairns is THE place to go to catch big fish, and the place to go for a shot at a truly giant marlin. Last season saw dozens of true 1000 + lb marlin tagged and released, and several more massive fish encountered !!!!

Mid September sees the â&#x20AC;&#x153;TRADITIONâ&#x20AC;? heading back north to Cairns for the start of the giant black marlin season. Capt Tim has earned a reputation for his beautiful boat, great hospitality and ability to share the whole Great Barrier Reef experience with his guests each year.

Capt Tim has a few openings available for this years marlin season, from September thru to December, with most trips being 5-14 days, and available as live aboard or mothership trips. for more information check out his website at www.TraditionCharters.com

KIR

KeepinIt Reel

2012

full of exciting prizes, including a large cash grand prize, several cash side pots, and a big prize pool of fishing products for the winner of the fish and poker tournament. Additional prizes to be awarded for the biggest Tuna and Dorado catches, as well as for the players making it to the final table of the poker tournament.

Registration Deadline for all entries in the U.S. is June 1st (June 22nd in the East Cape). Please make checks payable to: Keep’n It Reel (please write KIR Fish and Chips on the memo line of your check).

Marlin World

is pleased to sponsor for the second year running one of the best fun tournaments in Mexico. This Tuna and Dorado tournament for the biggest fish has become a great success in the past few years and this for sure is because of tournament

director Jason Wood and his team of willing helpers including of course his now ‘trademark’ KIR girls who brighten up everyones lives no matter where they go! So if you can make it, why not come and join us from June 21-25, 2012 for this years tournament which is

Entry fee is $350 (maximum of 5 anglers plus 2 crew for cruisers / 3 anglers plus 1 crew for super pangas). The $350 buys the whole team into the poker and fishing tournament. Entry fee will be $350 per team until June 1st. After June 1st, the entry fee will be $425 per team.

Tournament Dates: June 21-25, 2012 Step-by-Step Instructions for Booking Your Trip Sample Expenses Airfare to Cabo (SJD) ... $350-$500 Transportation from airport to resort ... $42 round-trip 3 Nights at Hotel Palmas de Cortez - Garden Room (3 beds) $150/night ... $150 per person Fishing & Poker Tournament registration fee $350 for 5-man team ... $70 per person

Boat Rental $425 plus taxes for 4 ... $105 per person

TOTAL ... ~$800

(food, drinks, taxes and fees not included)

Step by Step instructions continued ...

Dates Recommended arrival: June 20, 2012 (Wednesday) Kick-off Party: June 21, 2012 (Thursday) Fishing Tournament: June 22, 2012 (Friday) Poker Tournament: June 23, 2012 (Saturday) Recommended departure: June 24, 2012 (Sunday)

Book Hotel Call Palmas de Cortez Hotel at (877) 777-8862 (www. vanwormerresorts.com) * Book a room - Garden, Cabana, Ocean View, Poolside rooms and Condos from $120-$200 up to 4-5 people per room. Use offer code: KIRBLK2012. * There are all-inclusive optional meal plans (there are also restaurants in town to eat at) or you can buy individual meals at the resort. * There is a full-service grocery store within walking

distance from the resort where you can load up on food and alcohol. * Transportation to hotel – When you book, the hotel will give you a transfer van form to fill out and send back. This is the roundtrip transportation from the SJD airport to the resort (approximately 1 hour). **This is the only way to get to the hotel as taxis are very expensive. * Book a boat if you are planning to participate in the fishing tournament. There are 4-5 team members per boat. Food and fishing gear included on the boat (for an extra fee). * Bring a cooler(s) and duct tape if you would like to bring fish back. The hotel will freeze pack your fish. Don’t duct tape the cooler until after your cooler is weighed at the airport. For detailed information, visit the Palmas de Cortez website (www. vanwormerresorts.com) to view rooms, boats and other amenities.

Book Airline Fly into SJD (Los Cabos Mexico International Airport). You will need to bring your passport!

The sooner you book the better the rates will be.

Build Your Team Your fishing tournament team will consist of 1-5 people and you will need to rent a boat. Generally each boat can fit 3-5 team members (but 1 is OK too). Boats come with a captain and a deck hand who will help you and show you how to fish if you’re a novice. Standard Cruiser $425/day + 11% tax (up to 4 people) Deluxe Cruiser (more spacious) $500/day + 11% tax (up to 4-5 people) There are extra charges for fishing gear and lunch on the boat (but highly recommended).

International Fishing License

Registration fee is $350 (up to a 5 person team) plus optional jackpots before June 1, 2012. After June 1 the fee goes to $425.

Once you arrive to the resort, the hotel will handle your International Fishing License and any information you need about your fishing trip.

Fill out registration form Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to pack (download the entry form from our website) and send * Passport with check or money order * Cooler - The fish is to: flash frozen and will stay frozen until you reach your destination (within 10 Keepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n It Reel hours). There is no need 20101 Lawson Lane to pack dry ice or anything Huntington Beach, else. CA 92646 * Sunglasses

* Beach wear (average temperature is in the 90s) * Flip Flops * Sun tan lotion/Sun block * Dramamine (for motion sickness) * Immodium AD

LASTLY ... If you forget to bring anything, there are stores within walking distance. Any other questions you may have please call Jason Wood at (714) 962-0242.

Tournament Rules 1. 5 anglers maximum per boat, plus 2 crew 7. No tournament boat may interact with members. another boat handing or receiving fish. It may be seen as unfair sportsmanship if anybody 2. $350 per boat entry fee buys in for poker needs something from another boat. Please tournament for prizes. contact tournament control for permission. 3. Friday June 22nd 7am show gun start, no fishing boundaries, scales open at 10am and close 4pm. All fish will be logged for the teams. No late weigh-in. Must weigh fish to qualify for prizes. For a qualifying fish, it must weigh 10 lbs. or more in any category.

8. Channel #22 USA will be the tournament channel. 9. In the event of the tie, we will have a coin toss.

10. If Friday fishing is cancelled due to 4. Only team members may reel in the fish, weather, Saturday will be the fishing & poker crew can assist at any time to board fish but tournament. If Saturday is canceled due to team must maintain control of rod & reel. weather, pot rolls over to 2013. 5. There will be a weigh-in official at the dock until 4pm. If there is no weigh-in official the game is over (4:01pm). If there is a jam at the dock and you are unable to get off the boat the weigh-in official will then wait for the boat to get in and then the fish will be weighed. That is the only exception. You must be in contact with person on dock through visual and verbal contact.

11. This is a friendly event. All teams must maintain good ethics between teammates, other teams, staff, and boat crews or you will be dismissed from the tournament events. 12. If the tournament is canceled because of weather or a natural disaster everything rolls over to the 2013 tournament.

13. By signing the waiver you agree to all 6. If there is no Tuna or Dorado caught, a tournament rules. If you do not follow the Wahoo will qualify as the back up fish category rules, you will not be able to participate in the to win. If no fish are caught the pot will roll event and will lose your entry fees. over to the 2013 Tournament.

Prizes 1st place grand prize for the heaviest tuna is $4,000 cash and a free week stay at the Palmas de Cortez (2 days fishing included) and 4 Avet Reels. Side Pot Action there will be 86% pay out on 2 categories of fish (43% Tuna and 43% Dorado). There will be a 10 lb. weigh-in minimum for each category of fish. If one category is skunked it carries to the second largest fish in the proper category. If both categories go skunked pot carries over to 2013.

Side pot options: $200 $300 $700 $1000 Across the board will be $2200. Everybody who buys in for regular tournament fee is also automatically entered into the poker tournament with total prizes worth up to $5,000.

See You There!

a minimum of ten boats and up to $50,000 for participation of 50 boats.

ABACO, BAHAMAS, 5/2012- - Fishing teams are invited to experience world-class competition at the 29th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament (TCBT) June 10-15, 2012,

at beautiful Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort, Abaco, Bahamas. The event is known for its great fishing, excellent value and fun social events. The TCBT modified release tournament offers four days of fishing, a lay day, social parties, dinners and fun competitions. The guaranteed cash payout ranges from $10,000 for

TCBT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; World Class Fishing, Family Fun One of the best fishing destinations in the Bahamas, Treasure Cay is known for record-breaking

marlin, large dolphin and wahoo. The Bahamas blue marlin record was shattered on June 24, 2011 with an enormous 1,119 pound fish boated by Team Double

Dog, Ft. Lauderdale, FL during the Treasure Cay leg of the Bahamas Billfish Championship.

Teams Invited to Compete in the 29th Annual Treasure Cay BillďŹ sh Tournament, June 10-15, 2012, Abaco, Bahamas

A $300 Fuel Credit Offer is available to any registered boat participating in the tournament. The credit is applied to the folio of the registered boat at the end of the tournament and is limited to one $300 fuel credit per registered boat.

ABACO

Bahamas

Team Galati, Holmes Beach, FL receives the First Place Team award for the 28th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament, June 12-17, 2011, Abaco, Bahamas. (L. to R.) Left to right: Drew Hill, Mike Kasten, Christian Hightower, Capt. Chris Galati, Joseph Galati Jr. Daniel Menard, Darren Plymale, Mike Stein, Joe Galati. Photo Credit: Paula Fishman I www.sunphoto.biz

While targeting billfish is the focus of the TCBT, the tournament includes Fun Fish Division awards for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. The Fun Fish Division offers an optional payout rivaling top prizes of U.S. based tournaments. In addition to the cash prizes, winners receive beautiful trophies and the top team is honored on a statuesque Perpetual

Trophy showcased in the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spinnaker Restaurant, one of the largest air conditioned outisland restaurant facilities available for events. Awards are also presented to Top Lady and Junior Anglers.

can verify the time and date the photo was taken. The TCBT is open to the public and center console boats over 30 feet are welcome.

The top 2012 TCBT team will qualify for the IGFA Offshore World Championship, with Release point standings are information available at www. verified by the participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s igfaoffshorechampionship. own digital and/or video com. camera with an image that

At the 2011 IGFA Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Second Place Angler was captured by Eddie Flack, representing the 2010 TCBT victor, Team Kilowett, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In addition to its great food and family social events, the TCBT also raises funds for the children of the Treasure Cay Primary School. Details, photos and the tournament magazine are available on www.tresaurecayfishing.

champion, Team Galati, Holmes Beach, FL, took top honors for the second time in three years in June, 2011. Their prior victory in 2009 was clinched by thirteenyear-old junior angler Chris Galati, Jr. with two blue marlin releases. His father, Chris Galati commented, “The TCBT offers best tournament value in the Bahamas. Our family enjoys the great fishing, fabulous food and camaraderie with Current Champion – Team the other anglers – we’ll be Galati - The 2011 TCBT back!”

com. Information can also be found at www.facebook. com/treasurecayresort. Live scoring is provided by www.catchstat.com. Registration for up to six team members, including boat entry, cash prize eligibility, dinners, cocktail parties, team goody bag and room discounts is only $2,950 per team and can be made online at www. treasurecayfishing.com.

Photo Credits: Endlessimagery.com

Advanced Rooﬁng Bites Nails All The Way To Sailﬁsh Pro Series Title! MIAMI, FL (April 30, 2012) – Following through on the theme from the entire season, the Sailfish Pro Series came to a fastpaced and action-packed ending that, once again, featured one team biting its fingernails as another fought multiple fish.

do was breathe a huge sigh of relief as they watched Team Get Lit release the last of a quadruple header about 10 minutes before lines out. When the fourth fish was released and Get Lit couldn’t hook up again, the Sailfish Pro Series title was Advanced Roofing’s to keep.

By the time the final gun sounded all Team Both teams finished the Advanced Roofing could day with six releases, but

Advanced Roofing took home the title based on the fact it released its last fish first. “That’s the hardest I’ve seen this crew work in years,” said Advanced Roofing Capt., Jeff Scott. “There were a lot of people rooting for us. It was a great way to end the season.”

The series finale took place out of Miami Beach; featuring the top six boats from the season standings, plus one wildcard winner, team Lights Out. The two-day, headto-head, elimination-style tournament pitted six teams against each other, with Advanced Roofing receiving the bye and automatic entry into the Final Four. However, even with the bye Advanced Roofing hit the water. “We got the bye, which was much needed, but we decided to go out anyway and fish along with the rest of the teams,” Scott said. “We were doing some research and learning some things, but it was raining and pretty bad weather.” Despite entering the first day trailing by half a fish to the higher seeded team, underdogs Get Lit and Blue Time both managed to advance to the final showdown. Sandman won its head-to-head battle 10.5 to 6, beating Lights Out. When dawn broke on the final day, the weather had deteriorated and getting out of Government Cut (inlet) was a challenge in itself. For Advanced Roofing, a 39-foot SeaVee and by far the smallest boat fishing

in the finale, it took some Sandman, which beat tactical planning just to clear Advanced Roofing the inlet. in the World Sailfish Championship on time of “We got all ready, put on our release, jumped out to a new rain gear, went out that 5-4 lead on their rival and morning and I just followed led Get Lit 5-1 by 10:15. the biggest, heaviest boat But that turned out to be I could find. And that was Sandman’s last fish as they Blue Time,” Scott said of the finished third. 68-foot Viking that offered protection from the waves. Advanced Roofing scored “I figured, at that point, fish No. 6 at 11:30 and felt we were probably fishing safe with their score – until wherever they went the Get Lit got the quad right at rest of the day. It was pretty the end of the day. rough.” “I was sitting next to them Scott estimated the waves and I wanted to make a run to be 12 feet as they were back and do another drift, setting up for fishing. In fact, but there was only about it was so bad that, about 20 minutes left and it was 10 minutes before lines in, taking that long to, literally, tournament president Chris go a quarter mile, so we King polled the four teams stayed where we were,” as to whether they wanted Scott said. to continue with the day. The consensus was they All they could do was watch would fish until 1 p.m. and as Get Lit carefully released all four fish and then failed declare a winner. to hook another as time Advanced Roofing wasted expired. no time, releasing the first fish of the day from a “Luckily enough, it was just flat line. Scott considered enough to tie us, not beat putting the kite baits out but us,” Scott said. there was an approaching For more information about the storm, so the team fished Sailfish Pro Series visit: flat lines for the first couple http://sailfishproseries.com hours. They released three Media Contact: more fish between 9:30 and Doug Cox: 704-896-2323 9:45 to take the lead. Katy Newton: 727-631-0072

OFFSHORE MADNESS I

have it. It happens when you have a monumental fishing trip and try to come back from the way out. But along the way you agree with the Capt. that every floating log, boil, tuna chic, oily smell should be grounds to stop and inspect. Even when the roll out time is about 3-3:30 am …. you just can’t stop. We headed out into the pitch black dark, darker than I ever remember night. The boat is a 23’ Regulator w/twins. It was a 70 mile journey out to the Wilmington Canyon. It’s a place where dreams are made just as quickly as hearts get crushed. It was a perfect ride out. Capt. prepared most of the bally hoo only hours before. As soon as we hit troll he was deploying with the precision of strategic planner. As I took the wheel: spreader bars, and islanders went over the back and side.

It always has to be just perfect. And it is. When the Capt. is putting everything out I stay focused on the course and try to stay out-of-theway. It is with complete amazement I watch as the depth descends. I lose myself thinking about all the life at 1000, 2000, 2500. Watching countless hours and reading gives you a lot of ideas of what is down there. Then reality snaps back with a quick bam on the blue and white Islander jr with the small bally hoo. The Capt says… reel it in. IMAGINATION going into overtime. What is it, because it peels off real quick, then goes the place I hate the most: Straight down. I am familiar with this tactic as my one and only other tuna was a Blue Fin who showed me what the straight down dive is all about. But, that was a few years ago. I was holding

the rod slightly wrong at first then thinking, this is going to hurt. But after a quick re adjustment by the Capt. I brought in my first Yellow Fin Tuna. Was not huge by any means, it was a keeper and I was proud. We spent more time trolling as the heat was on and water temps wavered between 81-84. Beautiful blue turquoise, sometimes purple looking water. After a few hours Capt said, let’s look for some Mahi. First high hat, nothing, next one a big boat rushed ahead of us. It was fine, we were enjoying life out there. So we pulled up to the next. Capt threw out a couple chunks and the water lit up with color. Like nothing I had ever seen. It was the beginning of Mahi madness. We dropped down gami 7/0 circle hooks from our flounder rods with just a chunk. Before we could get a foot in the water we hooked-up each time. And it went on and on. High jumpers, crazy action, bloody decks. It was addicting just watching them in the water chase each other. ctd

by FRESHWATER GIRL

Everyone different and more beautiful than the last. We finally stopped as it was time to start heading back. Quick clean-up and off we went. But then there was this log…how great are these two birds just hangin there, squawking away: looked to be a tight bunch little tuna chic that all day and once again we dropped of skip jacks. But we had long circled the deployed down some hooks. WHAM! to leave… really now. bird time and time again. a few more Mahi. Plus, one of the most beautiful of the Life for the day was nothing We got back to the dock day. short of spectacular. about 6pm…. took some The ocean blessed us time to get every thing We pried ourselves and with a great big bunch cleaned up. Packed the took off for the barn. Then of porpoises racing out cooler with the fish….and WT… what’s that boil over – airborne showing off, I could not lift my side. I’ll there??? whales, flying fish, the skip even admit my arm was jack frenzy, the color of the just a little bit sore that Capt. put out the bird. It water… and the coolest night. But it felt good.

Thanks ‘Freshwater Girl’ You get our prize this issue for your submission, a copy of BIG ‘The 50 Greatest World Record Catches’. A great coffee table book that you’ll enjoy for a long time! Art by Flick Ford and text by Mike Rivkin with an introduction by George Reiger.

Buying A Boat

by Grid Michal

orum after forum, the same question: what kind of boat should I buy? The same answers: 25’, 28’, diesel, gas, V8, in-line, Cummins, Volvo, Merc, aft-cabin, shorepower, center console… even one or two replies saying “buy MY boat!” I can imagine the frustration buyers have, and appreciate the generosity of responders who want to see someone enjoy his time on the water. More than a few years ago when I was flying up the corporate ladder at Hertz, one of my jobs in one of my larger cities was to order new cars in the summer. We got to see new cars and colors before even many dealers did. This was pretty heady stuff for a kid whose first car was a ’56 Plymouth Savoy 2-door, flathead six, three-on-the-tree. The order from the top was to order vehicles that would sell immediately if the rental market went to hell,

so no weird options. This was before computers, so the purchase orders had to be hand-written, then given to a secretary to type. One night I had to order five hundred Fords. I started off ordering two black LTDs with power everything, dressup accessories, sound systems. If my boss and I were going to be working 23 hour days, I wanted us to have that hour-commute to be comfy. 498 to go. The next PO was for 30 four-door pillared sedans, AC, whitewalls, body side moldings, etc. 468 more to go, and it’s 100AM. 50 LTD four-door pillared, 25 LTD two-door hardtops, 25 Galaxie two-door sport hardtops….what color? I flipped through the cart. “ROSE.” Absolutely gorgeous. ROSE it is. About 3 am I finished the orders, laid them out for the secretary, showered, shaved, fresh clothes and I was ready for a new day. A couple of months later I drove into work about

500AM and found ten tractor-trailer loads of new Fords being drop-shipped to us. Even at 5 am, ROSE was PINK. Oh my God. I could see my job being history. My boss gave me pure hell for that decision until he saw the color chip I’d used, which really would have looked nice. He got BOTH black LTDs, I got to drive nothing but pink Fords for six months. One of my next jobs in the city was to wholesale cars as the seasons changed. I finally got to see the pink Fords go out the gate to belong to somebody else, but this time, some had vinyl tops, some had portholes. I had turned sows’ ears into semi-silk purses, and made money, but it was luck, and a hard lesson! ctd

My point here is to buy a boat based not only on what you think is the greatest, but what will actually sell if the market tanks — which it has. If suddenly you’re unemployed, you don’t need a 25’ aft-cabin, twindiesel boat that sleeps 11, with a 300 gallon water tank and a 50-gallon fuel tank, which was perfect for you because you never went anywhere and had weekend guests stay overnight. This is known as a sow’s ear. You’ll probably have to pay somebody to take it because of its

uniqueness. The only way it’ll make it to a silk purse standing is if a newsworthy family who do not have the resources but DO have a publicity hungry magazine benefactor willing to pay for it, sees your ad and buys it for them. Buy a boat suited for the waters in your area. Be prepared to make concessions on what you want to do with the boat in order to keep it from becoming too unique. Buy a boat that’s reasonable to service, both in accessibility

and cost. Buy a boat that has a good reputation, from a dealer with i n t e g r i t y. Look at the boat you want to purchase, and think: is this one of Grid’s pink Fords?

gridmichal@yahoo.com

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F o l l o w i n g extensive testing earlier in the year we now have the kayak ready for its big game fishing record attempts for 2012 and 2013. We have just recently received the VHF radio and fishfinder/GPS from sponsors FishXL and SMG, and these

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have been fitted accordingly. The electric motor is enroute and should be fitted this week. After that the kayak needs to be registered and then I can start fishing in earnest and the news reports and video clips will begin to filter through along with photographic reports!

Greenfish: GreenFish is a for-profit company with a social mission to promote a sustainable fishing lifestyle nurturing the sport of fishing and fisheries conservation.

SMG EUROPE: Established in 1973 we are a leading distributor of specialist electronic equipment for the Marine, Automotive and Outdoor Pursuit markets. We operate from a purpose built warehouse on the Northern outskirts of Plymouth with sales staff supported by a team of qualified engineers.

Bending Branches A

dding to my choice of power for the kayak I can now pick up my new Angler Pro paddles from Bending Branches. They are yet to get wet so no immediate review here in this edition but what I can tell you is that they are incredibly well made and perfectly balanced. They should be an absolute pleasure to use. The folks at BB were even kind enough to send me a spare set of Angler Ace paddles as well!

whole trip seem easier and more fun. As serious gear for big-time fishing, the Angler Ace makes paddling lighter, fishing longer. Our T-700 carbon shaft and carbon-reinforced nylon blades make for an easy trip to your hot spots. Bending Branches quality makes this paddle an ally for the long haul. So put an Ace in your hands. And put a serious asset in your day. ANGLER CLASSIC

Their range of new paddles Formerly the Slice Angler. for the kayak fishing Kayak fishing can be community include:an addictive pastime. It sneaks up on you quietly, ANGLER ACE then completely hooks you. But getting there The gap between you should be at least half the and the very top of the fun, and the Angler Classic kayak fishing world gets is a first-class way to get smaller with each stroke there. A face-lift for the of the Angler Ace. A dream previous Slice Angler and paddle for serious anglers, a step-up from our entry the Angler Ace makes the level paddles, the Angler

NEW SPONSOR FOR THE BLUEWATER KAYAK FISHING PROJECT IN MADEIRA Classic is slightly lighter, but with classic Branches strength and style. With features like a tape measure on the shaft and a hook retrieval built right into the blade, the benefits are more than efficiency and convenience. Bringing together classic Bending Branches quality and a new look, the Angler Classic looks good in all waters. It will help you bring your A-game to your new obsession. Enjoy having the right blade color for your trip. The Sage Green blade helps you sneak up on the fish, while the Autumn Orange blade is a bright option for any waters. ANGLER PRO Kayak fishing pros donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just focus on lures and lines. They focus on their paddle. They want light weight, so paddling

doesn’t sap their energy. They demand strength from tip to tip. And they expect performance that matches their rigs. The Angler Pro is that kind of paddle. The Anger Pro was designed by kayak anglers, for kayak fishing. Serious gear for a serious fishing experience. This 30oz jem from Bending Branches, with its T-700 Carbon shaft and MultiLaminate Fiberglass blades, makes us all look like pros. Get one, and you’ll give even the pros a case of paddle envy.

ANGLER SCOUT

along with qualities you expect from Bending Branches: functional design, light weight and durable construction. Any way you look at it, it’s quite a catch. Enjoy having the right blade color for your trip. The Sage Green blade helps you sneak up on the fish, while the Autumn Orange blade is a bright option for any waters.

You’ve discovered the adrenaline rush known as kayak fishing, and now you want a paddle that will take you to the action. The Angler Scout is what you want. There are going to be some mistakes along the way, but luckily there is a paddle to help get you through it. A paddle built to take tough knocks, the Scout provides beat-it- by Paul Watson up durability at a walletSee them at friendly price. An entrywww.bendingbranches. level paddle, the Scout com provides great value,

are some pictures of the release of a bluefin and of tuna following a tuna hooked while trolling close to the boat. Sometimes, as it was the case that day the whole Hello MARLIN WORLD, school of tuna is following the boat Here are a few pictures and it is possible to conservation and that of the 2011 bluefin tuna catch and release a lot of makes anglers dream all fishing season off the them. over the world, and good French Mediterranean luck for your kayak game coast, I hope they will Thanks a lot for your fishing adventures. be published in your fantastic magazine great magazine. There that does a lot for fish Bill Franรงois

TUNA

Release

INCLUDE YOUR DELIVERY ADDRESS AND YOU WILL RECEIVE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS BY RETURN EMAIL

STANLEY MELTZOFF –

OCEANS AND OTHER WORLDS TO OPEN IN NEW YORK IN EARLY JUNE La Jolla, California … A comprehensive oneman show featuring the work of premier sporting artist Stanley Meltzoff (1917-2006) will open on June 6th at the Museum of American Illustration in New York. With some 90 paintings scheduled for exhibition, this show will be the largest Meltzoff retrospective ever mounted and focus on his breathtaking renderings of the world’s apex game fish. While many of his images have been widely reproduced over the year, these are the original pictures from the artist’s estate. Most have never before been on public display. Fans of fine sporting art will have no trouble recalling Stanley Meltzoff. Born in Brooklyn in 1917, his career included four years as a Stars and Stripes newspaper correspondent during WWII, postwar teaching at the prestigious Pratt

Institute of Art in New York, and many decades as a highly successful commercial artist and illustrator. An early and enthusiastic SCUBA diver, Meltzoff’s career took an abrupt turn after securing a commission from Sports Illustrated in 1960 to do a series of game fish paintings unlike anything ever done before. His dramatic and incredibly detailed pictures of striped bass, bluefish, sailfish, and other species proved to be breathtaking and set a high bar for other artists. Widely published and repeatedly honored throughout his career, Meltzoff’s death in 2006 stilled a brush that will never be equaled.

major illustrator of the past century. Stanley Meltzoff joined such luminaries as Frederick Remington, Norman Rockwell, and N.C. Wyeth when he was elected to its Hall of Fame in 1999. An opening reception for STANLEY MELTZOFF – OCEANS AND OTHER WORLDS will be held the evening of Friday, June 8th with a media breakfast to take place earlier that day. A private reception benefitting The Billfish Foundation is planned or June 7th.

For information on attending any or all of these special events, please contact anelle@ societyillustrators.org or visit www.silverfishpress. The Museum ofAmerican com Illustration is located at The exhibition will remain 128th East 63rd Street to the public until July in Manhattan. It is also 28th. home to the Society of Illustrators, a venerable 111-year old institution PRESS RELEASE whose membership has contact: Mike Rivkin included virtually every info@silverfishpress.com

Less than 60 seconds is all that’s needed to rig up a live or dead bait!

www.southﬂoridabassﬁshing.com

The Ultimate Bait Bridling System Anyone that bridles bait knows, “ The more you mess with the bait, the less you catch”. Our new Two Second Bait Bridling Kit is second to none. With your rod and reel ready at your bait tank. ( step 2 ) our bait kit is ready. As fast as you can net up bait, one squeeze ( step 3 ) and your into the fight. The bait is as fresh as bait can be, out of the tank and out of your hands. That fast. For those who rig dead Ballyhoo here’s a Quick Rig Tip cut off the beak leave a ”, pass the point of your circle hook through a barrel swivel, put the large bait clip through the other eye of the swivel. Push the lower jaw into the bait clip against the swivel eye, and squeeze the bait clip to enter the top & bottom of the head. One shot attaches your hook and clamps the mouth shut. Just go fish, you’re rigged. Targeting Kingfish with a stinger hook? Okay, now you have a new weapon. Place the Small Bait Clip through the wire leader loop that holds the stinger. Put the front hook in the bait. Position the stinger hook under the belly and squeeze. Now you have a stinger, free swinging below the belly. No frightened bait can shake it loose, and your catch ratio just shot up to the head of the class. BAIT CLIPS ARE MADE IN SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE AND THE NEW MARLIN EXTRA LARGE. AVAILABLE IN HANDY, CLEAR VINYL WITH RECLOSEABLE PACKS OF 25 BAIT CLIPS AND BULK PACKAGES OF 100. RIGGING DREDGES WITH LOADS OF DEAD BAITS? ATTACH A BAIT CLIP AND BAM!! YOUR DONE.

CHIN WEIGHTS ARE HERE!

For live baiting all you need is a hook, a bait clip and our tool

STEP 3 Decide where on the bait you want your hook. Get your bait and squeeze the clip into the bait. Practice a few times to get the feel of how much pressure it will take to attach the clip. The clip can be placed in any position, head, back, tail, and belly.

STEP 1 Place the bait clip in the grooves of the tool. Put your hook into the bait clip keyhole (arrow), and lightly squeeze the handles until the keyhole just closes around the hook. Make sure the hook is free to move in the keyhole.

Here’s our Charlie Brown Octopus Circle hook all ready to go. In a matter of seconds you’re ready to fish.

STEP 2 This is what it should look like, ready to attach to your bait.

Check our website for video’s @ www.quickrig.com Rigs & Tips U.S.PATENT

MADEIRA

An enchanting island just a few hours flight from the European Continent where game fish swim and visitors roam.

Quinta do Lorde Marina, Madeira

www.visitingmadeira.com

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