Report 4/5 Miami

[sleepwalker]

Nice night but very shifty winds at around 15 mph. seas 2-3 feet, but choppy. lines in the water 30 min. after sun down. started the first drift just south of 3 lumps and ended up drifting to the NNE at 18-28 degrees due to the wind. small cloud came by changing the wind to the North. Original drift was at 3.3 knots, but the North wind slowed us to 2.8 quickly. As soon as the drift slowed, the middle rod at 280 ft. took off. came tight for 5 min. and hook pulled. yanked out the other 2 lines and found that the bait at 325 was mangled. Went up for another quick set just a bit out side of the first. got the first line in the water at about 290, just before adding ballon and the line stopped dropping. Cranked quick to catch up to the fish and he took off. 10 minutes later we had him at the boat and gaffed him. Only 54 inches, but the first time two newbees to see a sword. Actually didn't even have a hook in him, just wrapped around the gills and looped over the bill.

have been fishing swords for about 2 years and only fish 3 rods. have been on other boats with more, but I feel that being willing to reset at a moments notice is more important that soaking tons of baits. one bait over a fish is worth more than 5 over a bad bottom. sent my green light back for repair (second time). so far, i can't say that I see a differece with or with out the hydroglow as far as cathing fish. the biggest differece to me is just the excitement of looking for fish around the boat. the light also makes a big difference when the fight is nearing an end. It sure helps you to make the decision on grabbing the gaff early or not. my 2 cents.

PS. bight last night came on squid and seemed to start around 9:45. didn't see our hear any other boats on the water.

PSS. yep i reported the fish this morning. super easy and takes only a few minutes.

MKM

[CARBEN COPY]

good job on the fish and thanks for the report