picture of WORLD RECORD Mediterranean snapper

[Jer]

Thanks for posting a new story
I liked it a lot.

[Baywolf]

WOW, awsome story Nick. My wife and I have been saving for our dream vacation to Greece for a while. She was stationed there when she was in the Navy and loved it. I can't wait to go. Keep em coming.

[BTH284]

Best story yet Biscuit. I have heard nothing but good things from JMS about you and I see now where it all started.

[WAHOONBOX]

NEXT INSTALLMENT PLEASE..... THESE CHRONICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO MARLIN OR SPORT FISHING MAG....

[Bite Me]

THESE CHRONICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO MARLIN OR SPORT FISHING MAG....


Ditto Nick.

Thanks for taking the time to put it in print and sharing with the family.

[JMS-ILM]

alright, next time the gags are there but are not chewing......down goes a couple 1/4 sticks on the chicken rig .

[Honey Hole]

I'm in desperate need of another SEABISCUIT FIX!

[SeaBiscuit]

I'm in desperate need of another SEABISCUIT FIX!

haven't been "in the mood" these last few days, but really appreciate all the encouragement and will be posting a new installment soon.
SeaBiscuit

[SeaBiscuit]

Soon after the great catches of grouper and sea breams, I noticed the disposition of the studs toward me change ever so slightly. My brother was no longer embarrassed to be seen in public with me and cousin Nick would occasionally offer me a smoke! Their attitude toward me was not the only thing that changed with those two. They were regrouping. They leave earlier to go fishing and come back later. In addition to gigging and the occasional bombing, the boys are running longlines now too. No one sees their catch anymore.

Old captain Yannis, meanwhile, was settling into his midsummer routine. Morning cognacs merged with noon beers. By the time the last customer at the little restaurant headed slowly out of the door and toward his afternoon nap, the captain was feeling fine. We'd close up and walk to his modest little house. Sometimes he'd ask me in to talk for a bit.
"What's my son and your brother been up to lately?" he asked.
"No idea. I never see them come or go anymore"
He bites down on his cigarette and smiles that knowing smile. "They're catching nothing" he states.
How does he know that, I wonder but dare not ask.
"Don't you worry about what they may be up to?" I ask.
"No, Nick" he says. "You worry plenty for the both of us"
I can see that he needs to rest up, so I stand up to leave.
"Are we going to work tonight?" I ask
He looks at me but right through me. Directly behind me on the wall, next to the fridge, is one of those old "colorized" black & whites of Denis at 17 years of age. He has young Elvis good looks, is wearing a vest and drinking a beer. I have my answer. There will be no fishing again tonight.

It has been two weeks since captain Yannis and I last fished. I want to head out bad. When captain Nick half hearted offers to take me along, I jump at the opportunity. Now, being the second mate on a 17 foot long commercial fishing vessel, is not exactly desirable. I am under the command of both a mischievous captain and a down right mean first mate. And "command" me they do! I am at the oars for 5 hours straight that night, while Peter is playing "second gig" behind captain Nick. We are fishing the island of Atokos. Atokos mean barren in Greek. I can't help but wonder what ever possessed my ancestors to call THIS island barren when they are all nothing more than dry rocks. Barren as the land may be the sea bottom is alive and vibrant. Atokos is a far North destination. Open waters and less "tired" than some of the nearer islands.

We will be fishing bottom longlines this morning. 220 medium J hooks per line baited with scolded octopus.
Pictured below is Peter working on a fire to par boil the bait.



baiting almost done.



A total of 660 hooks were set that morning. We were not headed back any time soon. I hoped the old man knew I was fishing and not cutting work. I also hoped I had enough cigarettes with me.
We try to set these longlines in areas that are historically productive, typically live bottom in 200 - 400 feet. One or two "good" market fish per line (220 hooks) is a decent catch. Nothing can compare to the "kick" on the line after 200 empty hooks.

Pictured below is captain Nick with the results of 24 hours of hard fishing. Groupers of 15 & 10 kilos and a gorgeous 8 kilo snapper.



I can't wait to get back to town and tell the old man. These boys are catching fish after all!

SeaBiscuit

[Bite Me]

Lighting fires on the shore line, scolding octopus, 660 hooks? Tough way to make a living!
That must be a helluva shoe box to hold all these photos, priceless!

I am liking the morning cognac thing though