Amanda J MHC BFT 12-14

[Capt. Jon Tennant]

Day three-

My wife & I got another one today near the nw places.... to bad it was a touch short. just a couple inches more and it would have been on the plane ride, but Its just like a kid at a roller coaster.... if you not big enough you don't get to ride. At least I know all the baits are swimming & Capt. Joe's lures are doing there thing. Back at it as soon as the wind allows. Congrates to the few that got one today... sure was tough fishing.

[SeaBiscuit]

Pretty work captain John and wife! Sorry it turned out just short. Looks good & healthy on the photos.
Please explain the lip gaff (?) and rope set up seen in one of the pictures if you don't mind.
SeaBiscuit

[dunn6253]

I was just wondering the same thing as Seabiscuit. If I had to guess, it is for swimming the fish back to good health when you come to the conclusion it is short?

[WAHOONBOX]

LOOKS LIKE AMANDA REVIVED HER FISH WELL PRETTY WORK....I HOPE YOU GET ON YOUR KNEES EVERYDAY AND THANK THE MAN FOR SUCH A BRIDE YOU HAVE DUDE....


CONGRATS TO BOTH OF YA ON THE RELEASE AND AT THE SAME TIME, I FEEL THE PAIN WITH YA BRO

[clt_capt]

Short is better than nothing - You are at least in the hunt!

Nice job on reviving the fish. Go get 'em tomorrow

[swell rider]

Congrats John,

I choose not to play today, budgets getting alittle skinny so I need to pick my days glad to see you hooked one even though it was small, Ken

[Fishfinder]

Congratulations to John and crew. Next time it will be a keeper.

Capt. Joe Shute

[Capt. Jon Tennant]

Thanks everyone. I was just glad to get a bite today, pure luck, but it was a good tug.

Please explain the lip gaff (?) and rope set up seen in one of the pictures if you don't mind.
SeaBiscuit

It is a swimming/lifting/fish handling locking barb-less hook. In short, it's one bad mamma jamma. I'm sure it is a lot like the hooks used by Shane on The Fighting Lady as well as others. This one however is a prototype designed by Capt. David Hooks. just got it last night to try and was lucky to have it today with the shorty. (btw, thanks again capt. hook and I don't think you'll be getting this one back) As soon as the fish was on leader I slide the hook up through the gill plates, over the lower jaw, where with a auto locking gate, snapped itself shut once the hook came back out of the mouth. this secured the fish really well and fast, where it can then be swam, measured and handled safely boat side. I think this stresses the fish a lot less than rope chaffing and raking along the gills or flying gaff hooks that have tearing barbs and can still fall out easily. Its like a one stop shop.... whither by leader or harpoon... as soon as you can reach the fish... snap.... done deal. you can then immediately put the fish swimming to cool him down and release the acid buildup. From my experience, fish swam have always resulted in more $/lbs. return on the fish. the other added bonus is you stand a lot better chance of reviving a short fish if it is to be released by using the hook over other methods.

here's the link to more info on the hook...

http://www.captainhookoutdoors.com/fishing_report.cfm

[Sea Draggin]

Great job on your bite!

I was just wondering if guys were tagging their shorts with standard NMFS tags? That one looks like a prime candidate for one.

[Capt. Jon Tennant]

i have in the past, but with just my wife & myself on board we try to keep things as simple as possible. lot going on and that old single screw keel drive shamrock can be a hand full at the end game.