Sword Bill - Which side?

Uncle Buck · 08-29-2006, 10:13 PM

I apologize if this is a commonly know fact... but, looking at some of the sword bills that I have collected, it's hard to tell which side is the "show" side.

Common sense would say that the top of the bill is the money shot. I remove most of my bills at the soft spot just behind the lower jaw impression. But, after flesh removal and dry time, it seems that the underside is the longer, and cleaner side. Is this normal? Are most sword bills displayed as the underside? :-k

BirdDog0219 · 08-30-2006, 08:48 AM

Most are done top side out, and most are cut further back to look bigger.
I say do what you like try it diffrent ways to see what you like better, thats all that counts in the end.

FinalPoint · 08-30-2006, 10:00 AM

I use the top side. Just make sure you sand it all really well.

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 10:13 AM

I'm cutting 'em pretty far back. It's got a serious underbite when I chop the bill. :lol: The reason I ask, is that there's a lot more flesh on the top towards the base than there is underneath. Once that flesh is removed there's a hollow gap on the top, and the underside is actually longer. I'll post a photo in a little while.

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 12:56 PM

This was from my first fish. The sword sat in the ICW for a month and dried in the sun for another 2 months, which bleached it. I removed the spongey meat from the top towards the base, and it left this hollow area.

Here is the underside, which shows about 2 inches of the lower jaw indent. A much cleaner-looking side.

hannaman · 08-30-2006, 01:14 PM

I'm pretty sure you have it reversed. The first picture is actually the underside.

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 01:26 PM

Maybe, but I'm not certain. I compared this one to several of my new ones, which still have meat on 'em. The internal structure matches this scenario. :???: Hell, I don't know. I'll probably just prep and paint the "nicer" looking side.

Nick C · 08-30-2006, 01:28 PM

UB... my bill still has the black on top and i'm looking at it now(stinks a little too lol)... I think you got it backwards in the pic. Have another cold one

Darkside · 08-30-2006, 01:28 PM

I was going to say the same thing about it looks like you have them reversed, but who am i to say i still haven't caught one yet. :lol: this week :lol:

Nick C · 08-30-2006, 01:34 PM

:lol:

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 01:34 PM

I'm not doubting y'all... just going by my comparative observations. Maybe I should have left more of the meat on, and just sealed the stink in. :lol: Oh well... I've got 7 more chances in the freezer to get it right.

Planning to add a few more after Ernie.

Shark Tagger · 08-30-2006, 02:35 PM

either way... we like you illustrations

Tuna Devil · 08-30-2006, 02:37 PM

:smoker :smoker :smoker :high :lol:

Disco Lady · 08-30-2006, 02:59 PM

cono!!!!!!!!!

Nick C · 08-30-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuna Devil

:smoker :smoker :smoker :high :lol:

You stoned mook

catching · 08-30-2006, 03:49 PM

When you soaked the bills did you let the bill down to the bottom? I usually only soak mine for about three to five days, and there is no meat left in or on the bill, scrub it down with soap and water to get rid of the slim, then throw in the bed of my truck for two months or until the smell goes away, exposed to the weather, then put in the garage for a couple days, then painted.

I prefer the underside as show side unless you are going to fill in cracks with car bondo then it does not matter.

Do not use bleach since that will soak into the bone then it will smell like bleach and rotten Swordfish

uker: , just soap and water when cleaning.

Relentless33 · 08-30-2006, 04:17 PM

We put a little clorox on one of them only to watch it turn green and red spotted camoflauge :shock:

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 04:28 PM

It was weighted and on the bottom in the ICW, then sat out in the backyard. Didn't use any chemicals.

I like that style on the RJ Boyle site... with the V notch at the back end. But that would require removing the bill from way back in the upper jaw. Probably not something I'd be willing to spend time on at 4am at the dock.

catching · 08-30-2006, 04:34 PM

UB,

It will sink without the wieght, maybe that is the difference just take like kite rope tie it off and drop it in.

Just have never had a problem with the flesh like you did.

Relentless33 · 08-30-2006, 04:42 PM

Weighted? :shock: :???:

We attach it to a small line so that the open end is up and the point is towards the sand and let it sit for a week and shake the meat out, then you are probably better off to let it sit a little longer so the skin comes off but we take it home and let it dry out. :twisted:

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 04:44 PM

It had dried for a couple days before it soaked. That may have discouraged the critters.

Anyways... back to the original question. Once prep'd the underside seems to look cleaner, with less to do to make it smooth. I want a natural look anyway, so I'll probably stain 'em black then clear-coat 'em.

catching · 08-30-2006, 04:53 PM

Hey Jr,

Forgot how to post the pic's to this thread, can you add the bill picture I just put into the Swordfish 2006 photo's?

UB,

I used Crylon Epoxy spray paint to get this look, base coat black, then a deep blue, then light coat of black and silver over the blue, sealed with a clear coat to get them this color.

Uncle Buck · 08-30-2006, 05:36 PM

Catching... no need. I saw 'em in the gallery. I think I'll make 'em darker.

CaptKen · 08-30-2006, 11:05 PM

I dont know what canal you are throwing them in, But when I pull um out they look like this:

Relentless33 · 08-30-2006, 11:49 PM

Sweet !!! :shock: :lol:

How much artistic talent is necessary for that kind of painting? :???:

Uncle Buck · 08-31-2006, 09:07 AM

Ken. Funny. Is your canal located next to the fountain of youth too? :lol: What does the other side of that painted bill look like?

So... I'm not as dumb as I look! :rabbit: (I have proof.) Here's a side-by-side comparison. It's obvious by the untouched bill which side is top and bottom.
That's how I determined which side was which on the white bill.

CaptKen · 08-31-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relentless33

Sweet !!! :shock: :lol:

How much artistic talent is necessary for that kind of painting? :???:

Not much, The hardest part is the void in the center where the meat was, I use car bondo to fill this void to bring it back to a flat surface. Next time you get one dried out and have a day to kill, come by and I will show you my method.

Relentless33 · 08-31-2006, 11:14 AM

I meant with the painting. lol

GENERALturtle. · 08-31-2006, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relentless33

Sweet !!! :shock: :lol:

How much artistic talent is necessary for that kind of painting? :???:

I think the hardest part is him getting his decals printed on time from that loser turtle!

Uncle Buck · 08-31-2006, 02:05 PM

Just stopped by RJ B's... gotz me a quik edumacashun on sword bill prep. I've got a lot of work to do.

08-29-2006, 10:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	Sword Bill - Which side? I apologize if this is a commonly know fact... but, looking at some of the sword bills that I have collected, it's hard to tell which side is the "show" side. Common sense would say that the top of the bill is the money shot. I remove most of my bills at the soft spot just behind the lower jaw impression. But, after flesh removal and dry time, it seems that the underside is the longer, and cleaner side. Is this normal? Are most sword bills displayed as the underside? :-k __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 10:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	I'm cutting 'em pretty far back. It's got a serious underbite when I chop the bill. :lol: The reason I ask, is that there's a lot more flesh on the top towards the base than there is underneath. Once that flesh is removed there's a hollow gap on the top, and the underside is actually longer. I'll post a photo in a little while. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 12:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	This was from my first fish. The sword sat in the ICW for a month and dried in the sun for another 2 months, which bleached it. I removed the spongey meat from the top towards the base, and it left this hollow area. Here is the underside, which shows about 2 inches of the lower jaw indent. A much cleaner-looking side. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 01:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	Maybe, but I'm not certain. I compared this one to several of my new ones, which still have meat on 'em. The internal structure matches this scenario. :???: Hell, I don't know. I'll probably just prep and paint the "nicer" looking side. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 01:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
Nick C Grander Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Delray Beach Best Catch: .5lb Brim on 17lb test Occupation: Charter Boat Captain. Posts: 2,389	UB... my bill still has the black on top and i'm looking at it now(stinks a little too lol)... I think you got it backwards in the pic. Have another cold one __________________ "Put your buoys out... we're comin' in HOT!"

08-30-2006, 08:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
BirdDog0219 Hooked Up Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: ft.laud Boat: fishing Occupation: Marine electronics tech Posts: 103	Most are done top side out, and most are cut further back to look bigger. I say do what you like try it diffrent ways to see what you like better, thats all that counts in the end.

08-30-2006, 10:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
FinalPoint Grander Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lighthouse Pt., FL; Greenwich, CT Boat: Contender 36 Fisharound Best Catch: 1183 lb. Swordfish Occupation: Real Estate Investment Posts: 1,037	I use the top side. Just make sure you sand it all really well.

08-30-2006, 01:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
hannaman Charter Captain Join Date: May 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Boat: 32 Donzi w/ twins Best Catch: 300+ pound Swordfish club, still. Occupation: Landscape contractor Posts: 675	I'm pretty sure you have it reversed. The first picture is actually the underside.

08-30-2006, 01:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Darkside Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Deerfield Beach Posts: 453	I was going to say the same thing about it looks like you have them reversed, but who am i to say i still haven't caught one yet. :lol: this week :lol:

08-30-2006, 01:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
Nick C Grander Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Delray Beach Best Catch: .5lb Brim on 17lb test Occupation: Charter Boat Captain. Posts: 2,389	:lol: __________________ "Put your buoys out... we're comin' in HOT!"

08-30-2006, 01:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	I'm not doubting y'all... just going by my comparative observations. Maybe I should have left more of the meat on, and just sealed the stink in. :lol: Oh well... I've got 7 more chances in the freezer to get it right. Planning to add a few more after Ernie. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 02:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
Shark Tagger Hooked Up Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sunny Isles Best Catch: 475lb Mako Occupation: Engineering Posts: 932	either way... we like you illustrations

08-30-2006, 02:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
Tuna Devil Grander Join Date: Nov 2005 Occupation: Pirate Posts: 2,191	:smoker :smoker :smoker :high :lol:

08-30-2006, 02:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
Disco Lady Grander Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Miami, FL Boat: 37 Merritt Best Catch: (Blue Marlin)550 Lbs ST. Thomas (North Drop) Occupation: Charter Captain and Pimp! at night. Posts: 5,715	cono!!!!!!!!!

08-30-2006, 03:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
catching Grander Join Date: Feb 2006 Best Catch: Swordfish 362 pounds Posts: 1,662	When you soaked the bills did you let the bill down to the bottom? I usually only soak mine for about three to five days, and there is no meat left in or on the bill, scrub it down with soap and water to get rid of the slim, then throw in the bed of my truck for two months or until the smell goes away, exposed to the weather, then put in the garage for a couple days, then painted. I prefer the underside as show side unless you are going to fill in cracks with car bondo then it does not matter. Do not use bleach since that will soak into the bone then it will smell like bleach and rotten Swordfish uker: , just soap and water when cleaning.

08-30-2006, 04:17 PM	#17 (permalink)
Relentless33 Grander Join Date: Apr 2006 Best Catch: 81" sword 165Bigeye 110Bluefin Posts: 3,169	We put a little clorox on one of them only to watch it turn green and red spotted camoflauge :shock:

08-30-2006, 04:28 PM	#18 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	It was weighted and on the bottom in the ICW, then sat out in the backyard. Didn't use any chemicals. I like that style on the RJ Boyle site... with the V notch at the back end. But that would require removing the bill from way back in the upper jaw. Probably not something I'd be willing to spend time on at 4am at the dock. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 04:34 PM	#19 (permalink)
catching Grander Join Date: Feb 2006 Best Catch: Swordfish 362 pounds Posts: 1,662	UB, It will sink without the wieght, maybe that is the difference just take like kite rope tie it off and drop it in. Just have never had a problem with the flesh like you did.

08-30-2006, 04:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
Relentless33 Grander Join Date: Apr 2006 Best Catch: 81" sword 165Bigeye 110Bluefin Posts: 3,169	Weighted? :shock: :???: We attach it to a small line so that the open end is up and the point is towards the sand and let it sit for a week and shake the meat out, then you are probably better off to let it sit a little longer so the skin comes off but we take it home and let it dry out. :twisted:

08-30-2006, 04:44 PM	#21 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	It had dried for a couple days before it soaked. That may have discouraged the critters. Anyways... back to the original question. Once prep'd the underside seems to look cleaner, with less to do to make it smooth. I want a natural look anyway, so I'll probably stain 'em black then clear-coat 'em. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 04:53 PM	#22 (permalink)
catching Grander Join Date: Feb 2006 Best Catch: Swordfish 362 pounds Posts: 1,662	Hey Jr, Forgot how to post the pic's to this thread, can you add the bill picture I just put into the Swordfish 2006 photo's? UB, I used Crylon Epoxy spray paint to get this look, base coat black, then a deep blue, then light coat of black and silver over the blue, sealed with a clear coat to get them this color.

08-30-2006, 05:36 PM	#23 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	Catching... no need. I saw 'em in the gallery. I think I'll make 'em darker. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-30-2006, 11:05 PM	#24 (permalink)
CaptKen Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Sunrise Fla. Posts: 923	I dont know what canal you are throwing them in, But when I pull um out they look like this: __________________

08-30-2006, 11:49 PM	#25 (permalink)
Relentless33 Grander Join Date: Apr 2006 Best Catch: 81" sword 165Bigeye 110Bluefin Posts: 3,169	Sweet !!! :shock: :lol: How much artistic talent is necessary for that kind of painting? :???:

08-31-2006, 09:07 AM	#26 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	Ken. Funny. Is your canal located next to the fountain of youth too? :lol: What does the other side of that painted bill look like? So... I'm not as dumb as I look! :rabbit: (I have proof.) Here's a side-by-side comparison. It's obvious by the untouched bill which side is top and bottom. That's how I determined which side was which on the white bill. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

08-31-2006, 11:14 AM	#28 (permalink)
Relentless33 Grander Join Date: Apr 2006 Best Catch: 81" sword 165Bigeye 110Bluefin Posts: 3,169	I meant with the painting. lol

08-31-2006, 02:05 PM	#30 (permalink)
Uncle Buck Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boat in Boynton / Home In Boca Boat: Sailfish 218CC Best Catch: First fish ever = 3ft sand tiger on kite string Occupation: Graphic Designer Posts: 3,061	Just stopped by RJ B's... gotz me a quik edumacashun on sword bill prep. I've got a lot of work to do. __________________ www.FishClings.com by Uncle Buck Graphic Arts, LLC

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