Somehow during all this we actually got to go fishing. The first day started with a flag raising ceremony. Then it was time for me to bless the fleet; something I had never done before. I had spent days writing the blessing, and practiced again and again. Nevertheless, I stumbled over words and lost my place. The thoughts were a hit, but my presentation was weak. Everyone was eager to fish, so off we ran to our boats. 

For four days the fleet raced to the dropoff and set their lines out at 8 a.m. The weather was outstanding and the fishing was the best the event has ever known. Each day the fleet of 37 boats set a new record for the most fish caught in this tournament. For the observers, every day was spent learning how different fishing teams caught their fish. The Puerto Rican team on my first boat, the Bandolera, fished all lures and teasers. Every line was in the water all day. Every angler was in the cockpit all day. Delicious treats appeared from the galley from time to time, and jokes were plentiful. Anglers popped to their rods in a flash on each bite. These guys were good fishermen! By the end of the day they were two for three on the marlin. The top boats for the day caught five fish each.

On day two the guys on King’s Ransom were out for fun. The captain was a wellrespected local and knew his game. The mate was flown in from the Florida Keys and was very good. The anglers were a mix of great guys from around the northeastern United States. They were seasoned anglers, but new to marlin fishing. I love seeing people have first-time fishing experiences. When their first marlin was hooked, I watched a bunch of grown men get giddy. They were like kids in a candy store.

On day three I was with the Trouble Maker. Captain Doug Coven and I both hail from Miami Beach Marina and are good friends. We fish for tarpon and snook in Government Cut together all the time. I had a lot of fun with this seasoned crew. We saw two blue marlin, but only one was hungry enough to get himself caught. The top boats that day caught 5 again. 

Day four was the lay day. I had three options: get some rest, take care of business or go fun fishing. I’m all for fun, so let’s go fishing! I was lucky enough to ride on the “grand dame” of the fleet, the 82-foot Merritt Reel Tight with Capt. Eddie Herbert. Owner Jim Lambert and his guests were geared up to show me all about pitch baiting for blue marlin. I was amazed as I watched from the bridge. The action was breathtaking. The marlin had no fear of the boat. They flashed and lit up four feet from the hull. They would shoot under the boat in search of the teaser and come out the other side. It was fascinating to watch a 300-pound fish hide under the prop wash as if stalking the bait, then rush out and attack the target floundering at the outskirts of the wash. In the end we raised six blue marlin to the teasers, hooked all six, and landed and released four.

The final day of the tournament had me on the H T Hook, another super sportfishing machine. We trolled three lines: lures on the outside and a mackerel in the middle. Two blue marlin came to the mackerel and both were caught. With a few minutes left in the tournament a special prize was announced for the boat catching the tournament’s 200th fish. We hooked up on our third blue marlin of the day. Four other boats were also hooked up. While our fish toughed it out down deep, another boat landed the 200th fish. As the tournament ended our fish rose to the surface, the captain backed down hard and our third fish of the day was released.

By the end of day five, a new tournament record for total fish caught had been set. The previous record had been 148 fish released on 50-pound line by 27 boats. The new record was set at 207 fish caught on 50-pound line by 37 boats. I’ve seen a lot of fish caught over the last 50 years, but nothing compares to this week of fishing. Not only was the fishing outstanding, but I met some great captains, mates, anglers and observers, and got to kick back and let other people do all the work! What a vacation!