swordfish spotting in New England, 1960's thru 1980's

[davemace]

I'm an old Swordfish spotter from Cape Cod & I'm gathering information on the Halcyon days of swordfishing & the advent of airplanes for spotting with the intent of writing a book. If any one has names or stories of the harpooning days off the New England coast in those days, I'd sure like to hear from you. I was one of the original spotters working for Hi-liners like the Avilla's of New Bedford, the Larson's & Mannings of Menemsha & a dozen other boats who's names I've forgotten. THX: I remain, Dave Mac Eachern

[santinitube]

I knew a guy named Bob Comeau he used to fly spotter planes off nantucket in the 70s and 80s I dont have any info on him other than his name he lives in cape cod somewhere. Last time i saw him was 2 years ago at the new england outdoor writers association banquet www.neowa.org they might be able to find him He told me stories of lots of big swords sunning them selves on top . They get them everyday for years until the longlines wiped them out

[davemace]

Many thanks for the comeback...I'll follow up on the name.. THX: DaveMac

[TunaT]

Have you checked with brothers Greg & Jonathan Mayhew (Chilmark) of Unicorn & Quitsa Strider. Jon was a spotter pilot as well. Also Jack Mayhew was a spotter( although possibly more for bluefin,not sure . ) Jack's dad John W. Mayhew III (Johnny) used to swordfish on a couple of the Blount boats,Aphrodite. Both in W. Tisbury.

[davemace]

Thanks tuna T... Yes I have Jonathans number but can never catch him at home.. My old "Mr. Swordfish" partner, George Breen is a good friend of the Mayhews so I hope to be in touch sooner or later. Again, many thanks. D :lol: ave Mac Eachern

[MVTaildragger]

Dave -

Greetings! Jack Mayhew from the Vineyard here. A friend of my folks told me about this link. I was a fishspotter for several different swordfish boats during the early 80's, including Jonathan's and Greg's. Johathan helped me get my first job. My dad (John) was probably one of the first - in a Waco biplane on floats which belonged to Nelson Blount - in the '50s. Its a good story (he had never flown a float plane before - took his wife with him...). Well, great memories - would be glad to contribute a few stories if you are interrested - I'm sure my dad would as well. Also, check out this site:
http://personal.vineyard.net/jmayhew/fish_pict.html

[davemace]

Hey Jack: I flew for Luther on occassion but never new about your dad using a Waco, on floats no less. I'd like to know more about this and any stories from the rest of the Mayhew clan as well. If you have have some good photos like the ones on the website that I can use, I'd appreciate it. I want this to be a comprehensive book about spotting from begining to end, laced with spotters stories (& pix) in their own words. What I'm asking the guys to do is tell their best spotting stories to a tape recorder and select and label some photos then we'll get together and formate stuff. I'm meeting Gary Simmons sometime in the next month or so at MVY so maybe we can get together then... Really appreciate your getting back to me on this and look forward to meeting you.. Dave Mac Eachern :razz:

[MVTaildragger]

Dave-
Sounds like fun. Don't get much chance to talk flying these days (without my wife kicking me in the shins under the table – she’s heard them all too many times ), and it would be fun to reminisce a bit. I’ll see if I can dig up some pictures, and find the negatives for the ones on the site. I think my dad might enjoy sitting is as well (by the way, I lied – I talked to him today, and it was actually a Stinson on floats, not a Waco, though Nelson had a Waco as well at some point – I guess once Nelson actually tried to harpoon a swordfish from one of the pontoons with my dad at the controls…). Anyway, please let me know if you end up coming to the Vineyard, and hopefully we can all get together. Regards, Jack Mayhew.

[TunaT]

Dave & Jack- Glad to see you two have connected already. It sounds like you are going to have a lot of notes to compare for good book fodder- Sign me up to purchase one of the 1st copies. Heck , now I want to see the ,movie! Jack - do you think there is any chance you might be able to get your dad to loosen up & reluctantly reveal a few tales from his sporting past? (p.s. , tell him I just put a couple hundred more litllenecks,etc, in the dock bucket this evening for you guys to help yourselves from.) Dave-Gary Simmons has my old tuna-fishing SeaCraft. He's a very nice character . Did he do some spotting before flying the big girls for Delta? Tell him I said hello. Sandy L.