February 9th 5:30, just got done

[CaptainEd]

As the sun faded and it grew dark the water lit up with lights of all the boats. We counted 40 boats easy. It was crowded out there. It was an incredible night to be out on the water though.

What a difference a day can make... The night before was non stop action. Tonight an early bite and then nothing. Not even a slashed bait. Lucky for us we slayed a nice 59", fat, pumpkin. I heard on the radio the bite was hot up north, Hillsborough & up. Heard people on the 52 were in the fish. Ours was on the 48. It seemed like some had great nights and a lot got skunked. I also heard of a lot of missed fish on the radio.

The crowd really thinned out by midnight. We saw only a handful of boats still out and packed it in at 12:30. Smoothe ride all the way in. Time to get 3 hours of sleep...

[bullfighter]

Captain Ed, Thanks for the good overall report. It's great to keep up with the "goings on" for those of us that can't get out. Glad you got yours. I'm sure you would take a night with last nights results any time.

40 boats in your sight on a Wednesday night. Sounds like this Swordfishing thing is getting very popular.

[Litetackleredneck]

We made it out again last night. Went out with Farley from Mrs. G's diving (bottom clean, prop pulling/ repairs, etc)
Missed on fish about 30 minutes after setting up. Ten minutes later hook up on a double. Get Farley's fish to the boat, his first (he's addicted), short... take some pictures and release. Get the second fish up to the boat in about 15 minutes. Sink the gaffs and in the box. 58". Had one more bite. So far 6 for 11 on the year, in two trips.

[RiskTaker]

RiskTaker reporting for last night's adventure:

We were late getting out there last night due to a break-down with generator needing a water impeller and pulley cover. Once out on the grounds down south by the 55, it was amaxing to see the little "waterworld" city setup 15 miles diagonal from Port Everglades. Our VHF was on the fritz so we were deaf to hearing the activity, but it seemed like so many were setup way outside, like the L 48. Besides the crowd, there were also a few Googans in the mix: noted multiple boats without any lights turned-on, no nav. lights, no anchor light, no hydro-glow, with some did not even see any illuminated ballons. Black-out hulls in the water. I thought swordfish respond well to lights in the water?

Anyway, we setup ASAP. About thirty minutes later and about 8:30 the far ballloon line has a slight bend in the rod. I pick up the rod and feel some pressure so I reel in a little bit and anounce that we have a fish-on. The newbie guys say how did you know that there was a fish-on. "Well, the rod bending a little bit, so I checked it", was my answer. I pass the rod from up on the bridge to Kevin K and he maintained the rod until we pass it to "the other Capt. Ed." who has never had the experience before.
For some reason he did not want to be on the fish. Alrighty then? So we get Pirate Ron to tie into the fish. Less than an hour into the fight, he fatigues fast, (I think over-excitablility). I see his rod going down and rolling sideways, so I tell him to keep his rod up and hold it straight upright. Asking if he is tired, he says yes. So I ask him to set the rod in the holder first so I can continue with the fish. I relaxed the drag a little bit, so there is less pressure since the rod was bending pretty good. Moments after the rod is in the holder, "snap" goes the 80 lb. Power Pro about an inch or two beyond the rod-tip. Big time BUMMER, fish-off. Up to that time the fish was uneventful and did not provide any indication of size. We got the fish to within 75 ft. of the boat, but no lead yet. At that point the fish goes into gear an there is power being demonstrated which quickly translated into Ron's fatigue.

I am not exactly sure why the Specctra snapped, but the rod was laid over on its side, [-X , and I suspect a piece of waxline must have jammed at the rod tip because the rod seems to be bending more that the drag that was applied on the lever, since the Speectra was broken only an inch and a half from the mark. But the line actually snapped when the rod was in proper alignment to the fish. Ce' est la vie.

Bad night for the fish and equipment too: lost the 100 yard top shot and wind-on leader, a nice tri-color LP electrolume, and permanetly attached weight. Sorry, for this fish, since it may have a huge line trailer from its mouth. (Note the color of the EL for the successful hook-up: Nothing elso got hit last night.) The Electrical storm light also leaked: so it is likely toast. Kevin K's smaller light had water in it too: toast. My head-lamp stopped working. The generator acted up prior to departure. Fish lost, likely due to angler error. (But it was the coach's fault for not acting decisively and swiftly). So overall a very challenging evening for our Motley crew. (But it builds character, and makes some newbies realize that the fish do not just jump into the boat, and say take-me, I'm yours.)

But it was great fishing with Kevin K: overall, it seemed like we had our fishing acts together in spite of the challenges presented to us.

FinalPoint, now I have directly experienced the sadness when a line goes "Pop". Give me a week to lick my "mental" wounds and make the necessary repairs to get it back to the "A" game, once again.

We stayed out well past 1:00 a.m. with the hopes of another chance at a fish. But nothing after that. The sea was nearly flat with a trickle of drift and we certainly got to enjoy those moments otherwise. RT

[FinalPoint]

I feel your pain just reading that, as do many other who are reading along. It is a TERRIBLE feeling. Just be thankful that we get the chances to experience this. It is the best sport period. (I know that doesn't make that sick feeling go away - I'm still sad about losing that fish on Kenny's boat after over three hours.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ](*,) ](*,)

[hannaman]

Look at it this way RT, at least you we not on my boat when ... (But it was the coach's fault for not acting decisively and swiftly) that happened.

[Mike]

Sounds like another broad earned her freedom.. We can't catch them all

But we'll keep trying hb

[RiskTaker]

Hannaman:

If I was on your boat, that would not have happened, period. The line may have still snapped but no rods rolled over sideways, which I suspect is the root cause.

I didn't get in until late last night, so I will look carefully at my rod tip to see if it was possible to jam a line in between roller guide.

But I suppose if you wish to share these experiences with others you must have the patience to let them give it a try. But it was my rod, and it was my stuff that took departed ways. Arrrgh. irat: But it was not my boat that I was on, and I very much appreciated the opportunity to go. So I will just shut up, be happy, and go get some more supplies. At least is was the line that snapped and not the rod & reel & angler that took a ride over the side.

P.S. - This was the first trip where I made sure everyone on board had a Cyalume stick and a mono loop to wear as a necklece, in case of MOB. With the exception of Kevin K: he was already prepped with one, even including a whistle. Way to be prepared Kevin! :thumright:

P.S. - Lost fishing stuff. LP tri-color electrolume, last seen with runaway swordfish heading down along with 100 yds. of top shot and some Specctra ta-boot. If you should find this suff, enjoy your keepers bootie but you may have to replace the batteries. And you know where it came from. Or perhaps one from Capt. Ken./Pat's fish, I think he lost a couple a few weeks back too.

[CaptainEd]

Yep, that's going to happen... I lost a 275-300lber a few days ago trying to bring it to the boat while it was way too green (that wont happen twice). After an hour long fight with a lot of drag, It shot off to the side of the boat and ran down. I didn't turn fast enough and the 80lb JinKai snapped like twine when it hit the side of the roller with that much pressure on it. They don't get big from being weak or making mistakes. Sh*t happens! Isn't it amazing the more you learn the luckier you get? That's fishing...

If you're a guy who fishes regularly, professionally or is wealthy I can see using the electralumes. Otherwise why not use the LP dual sticks? :idea: That way if you lose one it's only 1 buck and they're great sticks. Mike said it a while back and it was my wake up call. "A" game only. That's how I feel. I'm going out with my best or I'll stay at home. It's paid off. Let the boated fish / catch ratio do the talking... I recomend you fish with the same guys as much as possible if you want a good team. In time you'll become like a Nascar Pit crew. That makes a big difference. If you have a boat full of "greenies" expect things to happen. It's still a thrill like you said. I've never had a "bad" swordfish trip. It's always epic to be off shore with lines it the water! hb Tight Lines

[kai akua]

bummer RT.

damn that sucks....

few questions regarding failure.

1. tiagra 80w?
2. was the drag tested and set recently (days not weeks here).
3. was thier a floss tag on the spectra?
4. how much line was out ( iam thinkming drag was not adjusted or calibrated, and as the spool get smaller the lever decreses from the center of teh spool and drag goes up.... :???: )

you should be pusing about 16lbs t0 20lbs at the button, with a max drag of about 30-34lbs at full on a 80w with 80lb spectra. if you havent played with the real to much i would check the drag and see whats going on.

the more bizzare solution is that some of the spectra fibers got chaffed up once that rod roled over on the side. from all the deep droping and rock fishing i do with spectra, i find it gets quite week very fast when chafed just a little. i consider it more sensative than mono when it gets some abrasion action going.

since spectra is a modafied Polyethylen polymer, it has very week properties when exposed to a sharp edge in tension. this is one of the drawbacks that spectra has, and that is why you still see many big-game crews using dacron as a backing.

let me know what you find.

better luck next time!

Hanapa'a (hawaiian for hooked-up, to hold, to stay connected, LOL)

Robbie

[RiskTaker]

Thanks Capt. Ed:
And also, "the other Capt. Ed" :salut: for enabling that trip last night on the flying Pheonix 35. Man, I just love that sound of two power plants with that whining ring of those turbo chargers: maybe just a macho man thing. Or maybe it is the whole awareness of man with machine in joint company with earth & sea!

Or maybe it is just a diesel thing, because I am still happy when I hear the put-put-put (muy rapido, rolled "R", on the tongue) of my 25 hp diesel in the PorgeeRock. Just don't forget the regular maintenance and remember to rebuild them every 1,000,0x0 miles or so!

Capt. Ed: your consolation was greatly appreciated: Thank you sir, at least it is comforting to know that other people make mistakes too. I wish you great luck on the next time you get tight; no mistakes, or you just may get pig for Christmas! 95.7 reference ... A long time ago, I had thought that I made a mistake once, but I was mistaken. Ultimately, I knew that sooner or later it would happen again: and this time, I was right!

Your post and Robbie's got my curiosity up, now that I've slept off the fatigue from yesterday's trip, (cat nap after work), and now in night owl mode, hopefully for only a little while longer. ....... Jump, one paragraph please,

Robbie, before I answer any of your list of inquires, I will cut to the chase. I looked at the line just now under scrutiny of lights, since my headlamp burned out last night. (Hey, I want to get an LED one like you have, where did you say? Please advise.)

Root cause to ''popped'' line - It jammed tight from a legacy waxline loop that stopped hard at the rod tip, (not on the roller but on the axle), as Mr.(s) Swordfish was in ambitious retreat. The drag setting was not the issue at all, (just as a precaution, I even backed-off a little) . I just now verified that the Spectra 80# solid core can slip off of the roller guide and onto the guide axle when subjected to some tension, and of course could happen if you let your rod roll over side-ways. (Lesson learned - bing! Now you and everyone else in the world know that Spectra has its pros and its cons. I, for one, just learned something here on the "con side".)

But I am not going to change back to 100% monofilament. No way Jose!
Instead, I will recognize the opportunity for failure mode and do as I have always done, "hold that rod up right Laddy, arrg. irat: , and so it will be for me, and every other greenie within 10 feet of me, or else the consequences will be severe. (Perhaps, a good old fashion Keel-haulin, with the added twist of a bleeding swordfish (small mouth wound) attracting monstrous Makos to the boat, that might just eye this poor ole keel-hauled soul before he can be hoisted back on-board. ) Well, I think that should just about do it. I think we'll be running a tight ship from thereon: I don't care how many greenies we have aboard. The vengence of a pirate is great. The vengence of a hungry pirate, with the taste for swordfish on his plate is even greater. Hey, but on the more gentle side. I think we may have all learned something here.

"Spectra can slip through the crack on a tip-roller guide, whereas with Mono., we may have never experienced a difference. Credit goes to Capt. Dean Panos for sticking to mono only on those HEAVY 80TWs.
Yeah, body building while you fish! I'll bet a VERY SMALL tank of fuel that this has never happened to him before.

But my style is still firmly in the Spectra camp, although Spectra hollow core has a certain apeal. I just love the fact that I pack the most formidable, practical and versatile piece of tackle on our ocean-planet, that being a 50 wide stand-up all roller guide style, weapon of mass destruction, sorry no laser dot thingy. You see, maybe it is a macho $h!t thing after all, but maybe everybody wants to rule the world, including the ladies. Too bad they were not on the boat last night! Could have had a Pirate looting party. Will trade our pirate wenches for your fresh sword fish, on the boat. With VHF capabilities, I'm sure we could have come up with some kind-of arrangement. Aaarrg. irat:

Darn, Maybe I need to be just a little bit more sensitive with the feelings of those that might be a little bit more SENSEtive. No, not right now, go away, go visit some other website. Any questions, just post later on,time for this Pirata, to go nite nite, Arrgh irat: did I say that, OK just more time, arrgh, irat:

[J.P Freeman]

you'll get em next time risktaker. good to hear the fish are still biting. i won't be down for a bit. probably june. are the dates posted for this years dsom yet?

[kai akua]

well that sounds like a good culprit of breakage.

leassoned learned. some of us light tackle fools, have moved away from roller tips for that matter, and back to the old school circular guides, for that same reason. sounds like your guids have a little bit of play in them or wide gapping on the outsides of the rollers, as i didnt thinck that 80lb spectra would fit, but if it is hollow core, it proably laid flat and and siezed in the gap.

next time RT.

go get em!

R

[Kevin K]

I was on that boat....I heard some guy last night caught a 1000 lb mako that had a strand of line going to tri color elactralume. hmmmm. He said there was a carcass of a sword about 150 lb in it..I wonder if that was our fish. The guy was thinking about returning the elactralume to its owner but instead is saving it for next christmas to put on the tree....

[RiskTaker]

Hey Kevin:

Are you pulling my fin? For some reason I think you may be kidding but I suppose that 200 lb. monofilament may not break even if a shark were to eat a swordfish. But a 1000 lb. Mako sounds suspicious too. Pass the mental floss please.

You have my curiosity up. Who caught that Mako?

I want to find if that strand had 100 ft. of green power pro with it too. If so that's from this source. If true let's consider it a temporary tag and compare notes on fish movement.

Or it could be 1 of 2 of Capt. Ken's electrolumes that could be strolling around the neighborhood if they haven't come undone by now.

The last time I caught a fish on a string was at the Bimini Barge. Saw this nice Red Snapper looking a little lonely. Upon closer inspection he had a few feet of trailer leader. It was just enough for me to get close enough and snatch the leader. Wham, into the ditty bag he goes. People on-board were looking at me oddly, wondering how I could catch a Snapper while snorkelling without a spear. Same thing happened in Big Pine Key. It was a little embarassing for the other guy because he had the speargun and no fish. I had fish but no spear. Now for a 1000 lb. Mako with a string hanging, I would definitely like to pass on that idea.

Robby: there is very little gap on the tip roller guide. It was quite tight but solid core spectra is almost like sewing thread but I was able to pull it into the space under tension. This fish was even taking line out under that condition but it did stop hard when the wax line advanced to the tip. I do not think that could ever happen with Mono. over 40 lb. test.

[Kevin K]

Riskt taker I'm pulling your leg...

[RiskTaker]

:^o

Next time you're reeling the fish in, so long as you promise not to perform any "Roll over Beethoven" maneuvers.

Not to be confused with the Chumley Maneuver, or the "Cover the Rod-tip with your arm trick. Those are reserved for only INTERMEDIATE to PROFESSIONAL GRADE swordfish anglers.