Here is a picture of a book in my bookcase . . . I am awed at the awesome power that picture holds . . . That's a 500 lb Black Marlin . . . I bet pablo has a story about Black Marlins . . .

I sure would like to have a hold of this living rod . . .

Awesome picture.

... somehow, a 120# sailfish doesn't compare . . .

Hemingway thought that all Marlin species were the same, and had some pretty good field studies to back it up. He felt that the blacks were old and lazy, the stripes were juvenile males, and the blues were big females.....I think that is how it went....it is in your "new book" jet.

I've caught sailfish up to about 80lbs, and fell that whiule they are quite acrobatic and exciting, they really do not have a lot of strength........perhaps they wear themselves out jumping. The only trouble I have ever had when was when they sounded and just stuck there deep.

I've never hooked a Black Marlin.......I would LOVE to, but when you only get to fish a few times a year, you lean towards higher percentage fish.

If I ever live (and I plan to) near the water again, I will DEFINITELY find time to chase marlin.

If any of you want to go with me, please send letters to my wife and convince her that she wants to move to Florida.

andy,

when do you plan on moving back to florida?

What's Your Snailer?

I bought that book when I lived in the Keys . . . The Power of that Photo Never Escapes Me . . . That book breaks down all the different species - I would love to go Swordfishing some time . . . When I was working the boats, a mate on another boat showed me some photos he had when he was a long liner (a profession that I have a love/hate relationship with) . . . the pictures showed a Swordfish tangled in the long-line and he dove in to untangle the fish. The following photos showed one pissed off 250 lb swordfish and him wrestling with the lines . . . Now There's a Man . . .

Threadjack on;

My wife had deep roots (read "all roots") in this area. This is her home, and it is where her family lives.

I think I can convince her that she would be happy in Florida (my home), but there are some issues that need resolved first.

Namely, her Grandmother........who is very old and very mean and in a nursing home. My wife;s mother died over ten years ago, so she nis really the only one who has taken care of her mother'm mom.

Her Dad is somewhat incapable of taking care of himself also, but I think I can work around that somehow (he would probably have to move down too).

so in a nutshell, once granny kicks it, I will begin to apply more pressure.....hopefully I will have moved within 5-6 years.

before I get criticized for being selfish (which I am), I will say that I alos have several unselfish reasons for moving........quality education, better job opportunities, closer to MY mom....who ADORES the little one., etc. Western PA is just so stagnant and backwards to me anymore.

threadjack off.

I have heard stories of mate's putting a bad wrap on a green marlin, only to be pulled overboard to their deaths . . .

The Adoration of a Loving Grandmother is Hard to Argue Against . . .

A Grandmother's Love is VERY Important to a Child . . .

ie; in the case of your mom and child . . .

off to my local to swap some sticks . . . threadjack outta here . . .

I miss my homestate.

where from art thou Paul?

born in Tampa and lived in Temple Terrace for 14 yrs. Then Sarasota/Siesta Key for a year. Man I want to move back home. Was just there over Halloween.

ok short story... it was a striper and when we get it to the boat for gaf as Im pulling the lines outa the way my friend with his inpatients trys & gaffs the fish as I in the middleas Im pulling away in a upword motion the gaff gos through the head and the tip gets my wrist...what a kook, hes a rookie but it was his boat. havent fished with him since

and yes I cought a black at just over 350lbs

that was a work out 1hr 45min thank you very much

I hear the Paul......despite all the yankees, Florida can still be very nice.

Pablo........(bowing)........WTG on that black marlin. Do you have a scar from the gaff..........that would be an awesome scar.

I though I was tough **** when a big cow dolphin slammed my forearms so hard and so many times that I had bruises for weeks.

"I hear you Paul"..............WTF is wrong with me today?