1-2-2007

[Fishalways]

First of I have to say we had an interesting night on the Punkanoodle.
DF2 and Catching were along for the fun to the 50(actually 47.5 but whos counting). We managed to brave the traffic and stupid people who forget how to drive when the roads get wet and got to the 15th street ramp around 6:30 or so and dropped in and headed for the 50.

The water was a little sloppy but not bad, mangaed to not beat the hell out of everyone and everything with some judicious use of throttle, engine trim and tabs.

We set our first drift right about the 48 and settled in with two flats on the noodles with a virgin squid and a dyed squid. We had an additional two straight drops with a virgin squid on one and a big speedo on the other.

After a bit the speedo was quietly picked up and the first fight was on. I got strapped into the belt and harness and did my best to bring the fight to the fish. After about 20 minutes and as I was just beginning to gain some line it popped and went slack. Brought it up with a nice clean cut in the 400 mono. It would have been nice to see the shark, oh well.

We continued this drift until about 10:45 or so and pulled up and moved out to the 47.5 for a second drift. On our way out we passed through some phosporescence, and in hindsight should have stopped and dropped there.

We diddn't like much out there so moved back in to the 49 and tried our second drop.

It was very uneventful and we decided to call it a night. we started the engine and began bringing in the lines when DF2 hooked into a swordie. After a short tussle we brought a tired pup to the boat. Catching estimated it at about 36 LJ/FL so we stuck a tag in it (first tag, many more to come) and took the time to revive the fish and after about 5 to 10 minutes, he started kicking and took off to fight another day.

On the way back in, out of the corner of my eye, a flare goes off. I wasn't sure if it was for real so we turned toward it and made our way toward the vessed. Turned out it was for real, with a boat on fire.

To make a long story short, we were in contact with the CG and took the 4 people off the striken boat onto mine until the CG showed up to take control of the situation. DF2 can go into his heroics later in the thread. I'm to damn tired.

We were back at the ramp about 2:30 and home by 3:00, cleaned up and went to bed and up again at 7:15 to head to work.

All told a very eventful and fun night.

We will do it again sometime Butch and Dan, but only when the wind dies down.

[quack quack]

Ok now we really need the rest of the story Butch wake up and fill us in.Glad every one was all right.The fish gods will bless you with good Karma for your kindness.

[Verado06]

nice work on the tag. great pics.

[catching]

It was not boring that was for sure Dan those pictures came out assume. Had a great time with you guys but for sure make sure it is a calmer night

[LIGHTS OUT]

Great story all the way around. Things don't always work out like that. Good work guys. I'm sure you guys will be blessed in return.

[DIRTYFOOT2]

I'm up . When we arrived @ the vessel it was obvious that it was on fire. Huddled group of elderly folk standing as far out on the dive platform as they could get. They seemed inexperienced, and impervious to the magnitude of danger they were in. Don't know why???? Guess I was thinking about my grandparents that are no longer w/ me; I grabbed Dans fire extenguisher and swam over to the stranded vessel. Have done many maritime fire drills, but this was my first real fire at sea experience. Ran up and into the cockpit and started down into the engine compartment when I got completly obliterated by choking thick can't see ch!t smoke. Nothing I could do w/ a small fire ext, except risk my life. Retreated choking. Told the " capt " what the situation was, and advised they get off the boat immediately in favor of the non burning situation on Punkanoodle. Seems like an obvious choice no ? The one older gentelman starts arguing that he wants to stay on the vessel . I lost my mind . Started screaming @ the occupants to get in the life raft, looked back @ the fire and jumped back in the nice safe ocean. Catching throws me a line and hauls my ass on board. The lady and one gentelman immediately get into the raft and we pull them aboard. After further discussion the other gentelmen decide they'd like to come aboard also. ( Catching was instrumental in thier final decision. He yells " Look I got 4 !@#$%^& kids and don't want to die here! Either come on board or were backing away to a safe distance in case this mother blows. ) It worked and the coasties arrived about 15 mins later. They asked about the fire, and decided they were not going to board the vessel. They took our passengers and we rode home, all the while I was catching flack for not salvaging the 80W they had on thier gunnel. Its one for the books now and I'm still pooped. Taggin that little pup last night was killer. It was the 201 tag stick in action!WTG Quack. ( the thread was gonna be Two 0 One Tagstickin before the drama scene. Side note:
The bite last night was DEEP, real deep the pup came on a 380' tip, and the 200+lber we saw @ the dock Ate a 500' bait. Full moon responsible? I don't have the experience to say, but thats the theory I'm workin off.
DF2---OUT

[FishMan007]

Damm it Butch you should have saved the 80w whats wrong with you ?????
good job guys its all about Karma

well see where these guys are eating this week im planning 1-2 trips hunting the mighty broad bill

[quack quack]

I think they owner asnd his passengers should go out and by you guys an 80w each.Great job on the rescue guys

[DIRTYFOOT2]

Originally Posted by FishMan007

Damm it Butch you should have saved the 80w whats wrong with you ?????
good job guys its all about Karma

well see where these guys are eating this week im planning 1-2 trips hunting the mighty broad bill

I'm a kook what can I tell ya Stuff was happening so fast I really wasn't thinking ( obviously who the hell swims to a burning boat? ) It was a klunky old Penn anyways I still haven't got to sit down and have a stiffff drink and reflect on the whole thing. Only thing I'm thinkin is I wish we could of fished longer. Think we were just startin to figure out the pattern. But I'm usually the last one to reel up. Dan the title to this eventful thread sucks . On the other hand , you did a killer job handlin the boat the radio and spottin that flare. Those not so thankful people owe you. Think I hurt thier feelings by telling them to get the f!@# off the boat? Who knows.
It was the right thing to do anyhow. I want a shot at a 200lber dammit!!!! Adventures on the 50 the saga continues......

[ContenderWays]

i think the owner should be you a set of 4 80's. Sounds like he almost didnt appreciate your help.

We're they out there swordfishing?

Good work buddy

[DIRTYFOOT2]

Yeah they were attempting to fish. Was weird. First the guy said it wasn't his boat, then five mins later he was cryin about the $ he'd just put into her. Couldn't figure him out. Very inexperienced crew. Just glad they made it. I could care less if they appreciate it. We helped cuz thats just what you do.

[catching]

Originally Posted by ContenderWays

We're they out there swordfishing?

They said they were out Swording and hit something on the way in.

[Capt'n Shane]

WTG Butch and Dan and Fish always. Did the boat sink?

[catching]

She was a floating when we last saw her drifting north

[Fishalways]

All I know is Karma better start paying me back, I'm due.

But for now boat is in dry dock for the winter cleanup and tuneup.

So needless to say, I'll be looking for rides.

As for the burning boat, no info as to its final resting place. I think it is unlikely it went deep. The way it smelled and the description they gave of striking an object to me means busted transmission and fluid all over the engine compartment. The smartest thing they did actually was closing the boat and cutting off the air supply. It probably burned itself out.

At this point only the owner, CG and towing service know.

[DIRTYFOOT2]

Originally Posted by catching

She was a floating when we last saw her drifting north

With a fitting Jack O Lantern glow about her

[DIRTYFOOT2]

Originally Posted by Fishalways

All I know is Karma better start paying me back, I'm due.

But for now boat is in dry dock for the winter cleanup and tuneup.

So needless to say, I'll be looking for rides.

As for the burning boat, no info as to its final resting place. I think it is unlikely it went deep. The way it smelled and the description they gave of striking an object to me means busted transmission and fluid all over the engine compartment. The smartest thing they did actually was closing the boat and cutting off the air supply. It probably burned itself out.

At this point only the owner, CG and towing service know.

Sissy You know you got to mow the grass, and go to church, paint your wifes toenails, and shine the driveway w/ your tongue. Seriously I just talked to Lights out and he's wantin to go dis weekend and one night next week. We'll be ridin high again soon brother

[Fishalways]

Originally Posted by DIRTYFOOT2

Sissy You know you got to mow the grass, and go to church, paint your wifes toenails, and shine the driveway w/ your tongue. Seriously I just talked to Lights out and he's wantin to go dis weekend and one night next week. We'll be ridin high again soon brother

Yes Dear.

[DIRTYFOOT2]

Hugs and kisses. Guess everybody's gonna sleep good tonight. Sick part is I want to go w/ LO TONIGHT. I Know that fish was there last night. I'm too slow at reading the conditions still

[Uncle Buck]

Wow. Good work guys. The most excitement we had last night was this German drive-by... no more than 200ft between us.



They were spot-lighting our balloons when I snapped this shot...