We started the morning catching bait as soon as we got out of the inlet. There were several boats a little farther north, but we found the fish right away and didn't have to go very far. With the live well loaded with fat feisty greenies, we headed to a little deeper water (50 feet).
We got things ready and put a few of the baits out. We didn't have to wait very long before Frank had to get to work reeling. After a few minutes (probably seemed longer), Frank got the fish to the boat and we could see it was long and silvery. We thought it was a kingfish, but after some consideration, determined it was a barracuda! So, we got things cleaned up, more baits out and started to drift again. It wasn't too much longer when the rod started singing and Frank had to get to work again reeling in a fish. This time it was a bonita. Fun fight, but not good for more than strip bait.
The 'magic time' today was around 12:30. And by then we were in about 100 feet of water, drifting north. Shortly after 'calling' the fish, Frank yells for me to look at the back and our baits. Sure enough a big sailfish showed up and was very interested in our bait. Things started happening so fast that I wasn't able to get a picture or movie of the sailfish batting at the bait and tossing it in the air with its bill! It was a BIG fish and Frank was ready for whatever it wanted to bring. He jumped a few times, would come close to the boat, then zip away, but Frank reeled him back closer to the boat and tried to get him to jump a few more times. The sailfish was absolutely beautiful and very cooperative. We aren't ones to pull a sailfish out of the water, but he posed for numerous pictures. We think it was at least 6 feet long (not including the bill)! After 25-30 minutes, lots of back and forth, turning the boat and reeling, reeling, reeling, Frank got him to the boat in preparation to release him. As all of this was happening, another sailfish appeared to check out what was happening. We tossed out another bait, but no luck. After hanging around there a little while longer, we did catch another bonita.
We still had a few baits left and Frank saw a big splash. So out we went. We found a nice slick area with lots of weeds. This time, the baits were named: Nate (for the little fish that went off exploring) and Chris (for the little fish that stuck close to the boat). After 30-40 minutes of drifting around, we decided to call it a day and pack it in.
No dolphin (mahi mahi), but we had a terrific day! Glad we decided not to head in around noon-ish today. :)
Congratulations on your big sailfish, Frank! Here are a few movies to enjoy!
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