South Miami Sword Report

[Captain Joe McGivern]

Well it's been a while since i have been out on the water.The last time i was out was during the Darkside of the Moon Tourney.Before that it was about 2 months of not being on the water.We headed out too see if we couldnt put a few newbee's on some fish.We leaft the dock at 7pm ran out to the can caught a few runners and headed off shore.We were set up just before dark on a flat calm sea with a light east wind.

The drift was almost perfect taking us nne at 3.5 kts.We had out our usual spread of 7 rods from 425-75ft.About an hour into the drift the short rod takes a little drag.We try and get tight but nothing there.We pull up the bait to check it out,but on the way up we had a pair of swordies about 75-100 lbs follow up the squid.One of the fish hit it,but didnt get hooked,the other nailed the tip rod with a live blue runner,but we were unable to hook up with her also.

We quickly set the baits back out and wait again.About 45 minutes later we decide to check the baits.I start to clear the close jug,and as i am taking off the lead it gets nailed! Fish pulls some drag,but drops the bait.Mark quickly reels in the #2 and as he is taking off the lead the fish shows up again.He gets a bite and sets the hook.The fight is on.After about 2 hours i am starting to think that this fish wasnt the 150lber that i saw strike my bait just a few minutes before.

I left the 4 deep rods out and sure enough the 425 rods twitches.I quickly reel down and get tight.The fish comes right to the surface,so we think she is a pup.After about 5 minutes into the fight we have her about 50yrds away when she decides to jump and take a long run.We estimate her to be at 150 or so.So we are now fighting 2 decent fish.What a night for 3 newbees to experience.

Well after about 20 min we get the first fish in sight.She pops up and much to my suprise she was light up still,and well over 300lbs.I grabbed the leader,but she wasnt having any of that and decided to make a run for the shafts.Sure enough the 500lb wind-on gets caught on the trim tab and she breaks us off.Very disappointing,but at least we got the legal catch.That was a great accomplishment for John the Newbee.We concentrate now on the other fish.We quickly get her up to the boat and sink the gaff in her.Much to my suprise she was over 150 closer too 175 or so.Really fat fish.Seems like the big fish have been around this summer! Got to love that!

This has definetly been one of the best summers i have seen for big fish since i have been swording for the past 8 yrs.With the Swordlords and the Islamorada swordfish tourney coming up we can definetly expect too see some nice fish come to the scales! Weather is looking a little iffy for this week,hopefully it clears up and you guys can all get out there and give it a shot.WE have some dates available in aug and sept still,so if u want to give it a shot,give us a shout!


Tight Lines,


Joe McGivern

[FinalPoint]

Nice job guys. Too bad about the big girl, but at least you put a good one in the boat and had a great night.

[Lobstababe]

Glad to see you got out there and at least got a nice one!