picture of WORLD RECORD Mediterranean snapper - Page 3

Jer · 01-30-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaBiscuit

Thank you for reading. Please let me know if you'd like me to continue

Continue, please!

Billy A. · 01-30-2006, 07:09 PM

My uncle was a commercial fisherman back in Greece, until he passed away a few years ago at the young age of 45

flatbottom · 01-30-2006, 09:20 PM

thank for the pics and story. Great reading about other places in the world

SeaBiscuit · 01-30-2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS-ILM

if you looked up the definition of an "old salt" in the websters dictionary, that picture of Yannis would be right there.

I doubt Webster's would touch my uncle with a ten foot pole. In addition to being one of the best fishermen of Astakos captain John has a lot of "less desirable" qualities. The expression "cuss like a sailor" was coined with him in mind. I am not talking the garden variety cursing either. Unique and creative (Custom you might say) it involved saints, their body parts and various domesticated beasts all together.
Biscuit

JMS-ILM · 01-31-2006, 09:50 AM

thats cool.....its the colorful characters that make it all worth it for me!

SeaBiscuit · 01-31-2006, 10:47 PM

See the fella on the right?

His name was Moutsalos. Died of lung cancer. See the little notebook? As I mentioned earlier fresh fish is very expensive in Greece. A fish like the larger of these groupers could only be purchased whole by the very rich, of whom there are none in Astakos. The fish house will not pay top dollar (should I say drachma) for the big pigs for that reason. Leave it to the Greeks to come up with a compromise. LOTTO!
The fish goes out on raffle! Moutsalos and the fisherman strike a deal involving the number of "tickets" to be sold and the salesman's cut. Then Moutsalos parades through town showing off this beautiful fish until he gets all the raffle lots sold. Not only is this a smart financial move for the fisherman, it is also the ultimate strut! Within minutes the whole town knows that Nick & my brother, "the studs", caught this beast. Hell, it's the first word out of every one's mouth when they see me at the restaurant. Some of them even ask me weather I like to fish and do I ever?
The summer goes on and this scenario repeats it's self over & over & over. The old man doesn't even seem to notice. He'll drink his beer and talk fishing with his son and my brother, while I'm getting the cow's head soup going. There's no room on THAT table for me, I thought.
August is a good time for longlining live bait. The purse netters fish at night with the lights on. We can get a scoop of sardines and other whitebait "off the top" and bait our hook with "bleeding" bait. So fresh, some are still kicking while we slowly set out 200 or so medium hooks. It takes extra work, synchronization and money. Even sardines are expensive in Greece. The studs have confidence, strong backs and plenty of money to invest in their fishing operation. They are rewarded for their efforts

Peter is holding a small grouper, a snapper and a gorgeous 15 kilo king red porgy. This is a one in a lifetime fish! They are stars!

I'm listening to the old man snore, while I fool myself trying to make bait with the gig under the lights. If I'm lucky, we may bait 10 handlines. Some of those will be with bait from the market, which is an insult to the profession. I remember my cousin Denis. He was the best fisherman by the age of 15. If only I were fishing with him, there would be no place at OUR table for the studs.
Good night,
SeaBiscuit

John Rogers · 02-01-2006, 01:36 PM

Excellent storys. Enjoyed reading them if you have any more keep them coming.

Bog Monster · 02-01-2006, 02:55 PM

I've been wanting to visit Greece ever since I saw an acquaintance's pictures from her trip to the olympics. The scenry is phenomenal. Having both the ocean, where I currently live, and the mountains only a stones throw away, where I grew up. Seems like a dream. Throw that togther with a warmer climate... and world class fishing...

I'm ready to book my trip!

TriAngler · 02-03-2006, 07:05 PM

These Biscuit Tales are just the thing. Born and raised on surf fishing the Carolina Coast - at least that part of the coast we could afford to get to - now landlocked and two hours from my "home port" (25-30kt inshore, anyway...) - Captain Nick's reminiscences are the perfect medicine. The fishing part reminds us why we work so hard both at it, and in order to have the chance. The prosaic discourse on family reminds us to thank God for all that we have. Great stories, indeed - but let me tell you, somewhat dulled by the electronic 2-dimensional overtone of this medium. Biscuit Tales in the finest Greek tradition are best savored in the humble corner of a backyard full of love, engineered for peace and hospitality. Their warmth rivaled only by the glow of a real wood charcoal fire while we patiently wait for the last hint of gel to disappear from the center of an expertly prepared gift of grouper the sea has allowed us this day.

Nick once introduced me to his Aunt Ruby and told her, "He's okay - he's part Greek". Without missing a beat she replied, "Well if only part of you can be Greek, let it be your heart."

Kind of explains it all, huh Marty?

Thanks, Biscuit for sharing. Who knows, maybe you hoped I'd reciprocate with a CornCake Adventure...feeling inspired.

SeaBiscuit · 02-04-2006, 07:43 PM

That cool September night seemed no different. Navigating by the light of the moon and the shadows of the islands is fun. Captain Yannis would let me steer the boat sometimes. Tonight was one of those times. He bundled himself inside a big jacket, bit down on his cigarette and knelled in the boat's floor, elbows on the bow. The sparks flying out of the little motor's exhaust always captivated me in the dark. So much so, that I was not always on "straight" course. The old man would lift a hand. The movement interrupted my trance. Left hand meant correct to the left! Right to the right. Both, hold steady.
When we reached the mouth of Astakos bay, the left hand went up and stayed up. We were headed south along the coast, rather than ahead to the islands. Hadn't been south all summer.
Five minutes later, my captain turned, looked at me and nodded to stop. We'd light up and start fishing here, right before the cove by the name of "wide" bay. The familiar sound of escaping compressed gas was followed by the bright white light of the fishing lamp. Night turns to day in front of the little boat. The world shrinks to a circle with a radius of 30 feet. The old man reached for the "fine" gig. Light prongs mean soft bottom. He is looking to gig fish tonight.
My job is to get the oars in the water and read the old man's mind and body. As he surveys the depths in front of him, I need to keep the boat steady and barely moving forward. When he sees something, I am to "hold" the boat. Need to keep the oars in the water and be careful not to make noise. I know the drill and keep reminding myself of it. Occasionally, he utters a command, always followed by a kind word or little compliment. His gig glides in and out of the water. I can't tell if he's aiming at a fish or simply pushes to slightly alter the boat's course. I want to see! I lean forward all I can. I can see the edges of the light ring. Sea urchins here & there. Squids, needle fish and mullets dart into the light hypnotized. The gig is doing it's killing work. One after the other, a few small fish are gently deposited in the wooden basket. I have a little flashlight in my pocket and I closely inspect every one of them! Mullets, nice bait sized ones. A couple of inky cuttlefish. They too make good bait. One after the other, several golden-red goatfishes fill the basket. A delicacy! We are fishing sandy patches in the grassy bay. I wish I could get a turn at the front of the boat.
As we approach the center of the bay, the old man motions toward the beach. He wants me to beach the boat gently. This is strange, I'm thinking. Number 2? Most sailors I know, will not leave the "safety" of the boat to go on dark unknown dry land, not even for number 2. He tells me to fish about, he'll be a little while. Oh boy! Here's my chance. Let the legend of the goatfish killing boy be born! I push off and eagerly go about my business of fishing. I'm on the bow now. I can see everything. The wooden shaft of the gig is worn smooth from the years of use. It slides through my grip with ease. I move the boat by gently pushing off with the gig. I make sure to keep the gig head in the water, so that I don't get fooled by the water's angle of inflection. I see fish and manage to put some in the boat. I am truly happy.
I don't know how long it's been since I let the old man off the boat. A familiar scent in the air gets my attention. Burning incense. I look toward the beach. My eyes take a few seconds to adjust. I can see the light of a candle. Captain Yannis is kneeling next to a tiny church like monument. I now know why we came south. This is the spot where Denis got killed 5 years ago. The old man is tending his son's memorial and offering a prayer.

01-31-2006, 10:47 PM	#26
SeaBiscuit I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 4,020 Credits: 13,304.0	Ass Whooping continued! How much can a guy take? See the fella on the right? His name was Moutsalos. Died of lung cancer. See the little notebook? As I mentioned earlier fresh fish is very expensive in Greece. A fish like the larger of these groupers could only be purchased whole by the very rich, of whom there are none in Astakos. The fish house will not pay top dollar (should I say drachma) for the big pigs for that reason. Leave it to the Greeks to come up with a compromise. LOTTO! The fish goes out on raffle! Moutsalos and the fisherman strike a deal involving the number of "tickets" to be sold and the salesman's cut. Then Moutsalos parades through town showing off this beautiful fish until he gets all the raffle lots sold. Not only is this a smart financial move for the fisherman, it is also the ultimate strut! Within minutes the whole town knows that Nick & my brother, "the studs", caught this beast. Hell, it's the first word out of every one's mouth when they see me at the restaurant. Some of them even ask me weather I like to fish and do I ever? The summer goes on and this scenario repeats it's self over & over & over. The old man doesn't even seem to notice. He'll drink his beer and talk fishing with his son and my brother, while I'm getting the cow's head soup going. There's no room on THAT table for me, I thought. August is a good time for longlining live bait. The purse netters fish at night with the lights on. We can get a scoop of sardines and other whitebait "off the top" and bait our hook with "bleeding" bait. So fresh, some are still kicking while we slowly set out 200 or so medium hooks. It takes extra work, synchronization and money. Even sardines are expensive in Greece. The studs have confidence, strong backs and plenty of money to invest in their fishing operation. They are rewarded for their efforts Peter is holding a small grouper, a snapper and a gorgeous 15 kilo king red porgy. This is a one in a lifetime fish! They are stars! I'm listening to the old man snore, while I fool myself trying to make bait with the gig under the lights. If I'm lucky, we may bait 10 handlines. Some of those will be with bait from the market, which is an insult to the profession. I remember my cousin Denis. He was the best fisherman by the age of 15. If only I were fishing with him, there would be no place at OUR table for the studs. Good night, SeaBiscuit Last edited by SeaBiscuit; 12-03-2007 at 02:38 PM.

02-03-2006, 07:05 PM	#29
TriAngler Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Raised at the coast - now landlocked in the Research Triangle, NC Posts: 258 Credits: 1,592.1 Boat: 26 SouthPort - Twin Verados Home Port: Carolina Beach	Let your heart be Greek... These Biscuit Tales are just the thing. Born and raised on surf fishing the Carolina Coast - at least that part of the coast we could afford to get to - now landlocked and two hours from my "home port" (25-30kt inshore, anyway...) - Captain Nick's reminiscences are the perfect medicine. The fishing part reminds us why we work so hard both at it, and in order to have the chance. The prosaic discourse on family reminds us to thank God for all that we have. Great stories, indeed - but let me tell you, somewhat dulled by the electronic 2-dimensional overtone of this medium. Biscuit Tales in the finest Greek tradition are best savored in the humble corner of a backyard full of love, engineered for peace and hospitality. Their warmth rivaled only by the glow of a real wood charcoal fire while we patiently wait for the last hint of gel to disappear from the center of an expertly prepared gift of grouper the sea has allowed us this day. Nick once introduced me to his Aunt Ruby and told her, "He's okay - he's part Greek". Without missing a beat she replied, "Well if only part of you can be Greek, let it be your heart." Kind of explains it all, huh Marty? Thanks, Biscuit for sharing. Who knows, maybe you hoped I'd reciprocate with a CornCake Adventure...feeling inspired.

02-04-2006, 07:43 PM	#30
SeaBiscuit I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 4,020 Credits: 13,304.0	Goatfish night That cool September night seemed no different. Navigating by the light of the moon and the shadows of the islands is fun. Captain Yannis would let me steer the boat sometimes. Tonight was one of those times. He bundled himself inside a big jacket, bit down on his cigarette and knelled in the boat's floor, elbows on the bow. The sparks flying out of the little motor's exhaust always captivated me in the dark. So much so, that I was not always on "straight" course. The old man would lift a hand. The movement interrupted my trance. Left hand meant correct to the left! Right to the right. Both, hold steady. When we reached the mouth of Astakos bay, the left hand went up and stayed up. We were headed south along the coast, rather than ahead to the islands. Hadn't been south all summer. Five minutes later, my captain turned, looked at me and nodded to stop. We'd light up and start fishing here, right before the cove by the name of "wide" bay. The familiar sound of escaping compressed gas was followed by the bright white light of the fishing lamp. Night turns to day in front of the little boat. The world shrinks to a circle with a radius of 30 feet. The old man reached for the "fine" gig. Light prongs mean soft bottom. He is looking to gig fish tonight. My job is to get the oars in the water and read the old man's mind and body. As he surveys the depths in front of him, I need to keep the boat steady and barely moving forward. When he sees something, I am to "hold" the boat. Need to keep the oars in the water and be careful not to make noise. I know the drill and keep reminding myself of it. Occasionally, he utters a command, always followed by a kind word or little compliment. His gig glides in and out of the water. I can't tell if he's aiming at a fish or simply pushes to slightly alter the boat's course. I want to see! I lean forward all I can. I can see the edges of the light ring. Sea urchins here & there. Squids, needle fish and mullets dart into the light hypnotized. The gig is doing it's killing work. One after the other, a few small fish are gently deposited in the wooden basket. I have a little flashlight in my pocket and I closely inspect every one of them! Mullets, nice bait sized ones. A couple of inky cuttlefish. They too make good bait. One after the other, several golden-red goatfishes fill the basket. A delicacy! We are fishing sandy patches in the grassy bay. I wish I could get a turn at the front of the boat. As we approach the center of the bay, the old man motions toward the beach. He wants me to beach the boat gently. This is strange, I'm thinking. Number 2? Most sailors I know, will not leave the "safety" of the boat to go on dark unknown dry land, not even for number 2. He tells me to fish about, he'll be a little while. Oh boy! Here's my chance. Let the legend of the goatfish killing boy be born! I push off and eagerly go about my business of fishing. I'm on the bow now. I can see everything. The wooden shaft of the gig is worn smooth from the years of use. It slides through my grip with ease. I move the boat by gently pushing off with the gig. I make sure to keep the gig head in the water, so that I don't get fooled by the water's angle of inflection. I see fish and manage to put some in the boat. I am truly happy. I don't know how long it's been since I let the old man off the boat. A familiar scent in the air gets my attention. Burning incense. I look toward the beach. My eyes take a few seconds to adjust. I can see the light of a candle. Captain Yannis is kneeling next to a tiny church like monument. I now know why we came south. This is the spot where Denis got killed 5 years ago. The old man is tending his son's memorial and offering a prayer. Last edited by SeaBiscuit; 12-03-2007 at 04:48 PM.

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01-30-2006, 07:09 PM	#22
Billy A. Guppy Breeder Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 33 Credits: 1,418.3	My uncle was a commercial fisherman back in Greece, until he passed away a few years ago at the young age of 45

01-30-2006, 09:20 PM	#23
flatbottom Fish the Edge Team Sportfishermen.com Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bear, DE Posts: 8,260 Credits: 24,180.5 Boat: 232 center console Home Port: Indian River, De Best Catch: off the shot gun Occupation: jackleg	thank for the pics and story. Great reading about other places in the world

01-31-2006, 09:50 AM	#25
JMS-ILM I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 1,938 Credits: 1,899.9 Home Port: Masonboro Inlet	thats cool.....its the colorful characters that make it all worth it for me!

02-01-2006, 01:36 PM	#27
John Rogers I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 2,603 Credits: 2,277.3 Boat: 08 25' Contender Best Catch: Micaela	Excellent storys. Enjoyed reading them if you have any more keep them coming.

02-01-2006, 02:55 PM	#28
Bog Monster Salon puppy Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: OCMD Posts: 118 Credits: 1,417.4	I've been wanting to visit Greece ever since I saw an acquaintance's pictures from her trip to the olympics. The scenry is phenomenal. Having both the ocean, where I currently live, and the mountains only a stones throw away, where I grew up. Seems like a dream. Throw that togther with a warmer climate... and world class fishing... I'm ready to book my trip!