NOAA Southeast Fisheries, Jan. 14, 2022—Anyone involved in a tagging program is excited when they get a report of a recapture since these are the lynchpin of a volunteer, constituent based program. So when scientists with NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center were notified just after Thanksgiving that a few tagged sailfish had been recaptured, they were thrilled.
The moment we live for
By Nick Smith
It occurred to me that this billfishing-with-lures thing we do is a lot like what I’ve done most of my life in the automobile business. It’s about attracting customers and eventually closing the deal. The oldest marketing adage in the book is AIDA. It was coined by some marketing genius way back in the late 1800s. It stands for: Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.
Isn’t that exactly what we’re trying to do with our spread of teasers or lures? These hunks of plastic and rubber have to accomplish AIDA and do it consistently for us to have success with the billfish that we pursue so fervently.
ITB Staff
Regardless of the target species or conditions influencing the choice of angling tactics for the day, easy access to appropriately positioned rod holders enhances our efficiency in attracting and catching fish. While most center consoles are delivered with just a few 30-degree rod holders near the stern, one can never have enough when attempting to present a large spread and prevent tangled lines.
By Capt. Adam Peeples
My entire fishing career has revolved around fishing center consoles. One of my earliest memories of saltwater fishing was on the back of an old Mako 258 catching spanish and king mackerel with my granddad and uncle out of Mexico Beach, Florida.
Technological developments in the past 20 or so years, such as the realization of reliable 4-stroke motor technology and significant advances in marine electronics, have turned today’s center console fishing boats into efficient, fast, and reliable fishing platforms that far surpass the abilities of their predecessors.
08.19.21, day 1 of the CNSJ 68thIBT – 68th International Billfish Tournament , which runs from August 17 – 21, 2021. Fleet arrival back to the dock.
International Billfish Tournament Club Náutico de San Juan, August 24, 2021—The International Billfish Tournament (IBT) ended with 66 releases and a triumph of First Class-Rocio boat from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, with four releases in this 54-foot Hatteras with captain Manuel “Puchi” Sanabria at the helm.
Photo courtesy MidAtlantic Tournament
MidAtlantic Tournament, August 23, 2021—It was indeed a tournament for the ages! The 30th MidAtlantic wrapped up last night and saying it was one for the record books would be an understatement! Records were set in several categories including two before the first day of fishing when a tournament record field of 203 were entered breaking the previous record of 183 set last year.
The MidAtlantic, August 20, 2021—With all but 20 boats tied to the dock on Day Four of the 30th Annual MidAtlantic tournament there was little change in the leaderboard. Lay Days give crews an opportunity to catch up on maintenance items, rig baits, plan strategy and get some much-needed rest. Tomorrow is the final day of the tournament and well over 150 boats still having another day to give it a go on what is typically a busy day at the MidAtlantic. In what’s become known as “Moving Day” at the MidAtlantic over the years, the leaderboard often takes a beating as changes to many, if not all, of the categories often occur. Will that be the case again tomorrow? Stayed tuned! It could be another photo finish! In the meantime, lets recap the leaders after Day Four at sportfishing’s “Main Event.”
The Bali Hai headed offshore. Photo courtesy Jim Callas
By Jim Callas
As a young deckhand, I had the opportunity to fish with some really awesome guys—one of whom was a fellow by the name of Capt. David Russell. Russell was fishing on a boat called the Bali Hai and was a pretty cool guy. We got to talking one day and he basically hired me on the spot for some reason and soon we were fishing every day. The Bali Hai was what was referred to as a Navy Crash boat or
AVR boat. AVR was an acronym for “air, sea rescue.” These old wooden boats were built for the navy and resembled a PT boat from WWII. Built out of double diagonal mahogany planking, powered by twin Ford Lehman diesels and had a reverse sheer line. The old AVR boats came in two sizes: 44 feet and 63 feet—we had the 44 foot version.
