Gulf Coast Bluewater

We left Saturday afternoon around 2pm with the hopes of getting on some swordfish. The crew consisted of Tony Cellamare, Justin Mastry, Jason Gell, Glen Carr and myself. We loaded up on Jason's 27 Contender, "G-Force", and headed out for blue water. With beautiful seas and weather, we made great time and had a very nice ride. We stopped in about 450ft of water and put 4 lines out and did a little trolling. Lines aren't out for 15 minutes and I see something skyrocket almost 20 feet out on the long line. The fish misses so I quickly drop another line back for him…BAM! Long hot run!!! I recognize this mayhem! It can be only one thing.! WAHOO!! After about 20 minutes on 30# test, a nice 30 pounder joins the crew of the G-Force. With no more looks over the next hour or so, we pick ‘em up and head for an area we call "The Box". We spent all night loing sword fishing. We were to be disappointed by the broad bills with only one bait getting beat up and not buttoned on. So at daybreak we head for the barn. On the way in, we see a nice rip and decide to drag some baits and see what happens. Just as we're about to deploy the first bait, called a "Tuna Crunch", we see a sail crashing a half mile away. While its not meat, we head in the direction of the activity. As we're headed there, we see another sail tail out. Get to the area of the fish and make the turn to troll parallel to the rip and the long goes off and then stops. Dang! As Justin grabs the rod and I tell him to drop it back…wait…wait…wait…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! A hot sail goes tail walking away with the Tuna Crunch swinging out in front of him. The crew gets the other lines clear, Jason gets the Contender turned and we go after the now sounding fish. After 15 minutes, we still haven't seen the fish since it's initial strike. Then as we get closer, the line angle changes and right in front of us the sail puts on an amazing display. After another 15 minutes or so, we had the fish leadered. Justin's first billfish in the boat! A beautiful, healthy fish and actually, pretty big for an atlantic sail and especially one caught on the west coast of Florida. After a couple of quick photos, the fish was released and swam away no worse for wear with the exception of maybe a sore upper lip. We headed home stopping one more time to try for some AJs. We only caught a few fish and soon eryone was worn out. We decided to call it a day and head home. While a little disappointed with the sword bite, we also learned some things that should prove valuable on the next trip. Thanks to Jason and crew for the invite!!