picture of WORLD RECORD Mediterranean snapper - Page 9

SeaBiscuit · 03-22-2006, 11:28 PM

Peter and Captain Yannis with a hefty Greek grouper

My brother Peter called me earlier today with the unfortunate news that old captain Yannis is terminal. His cancer has spread and is ravaging his tired body. He may not make it through Easter.
He is back in Astakos in his little home and everybody is trying to make him comfortable. Peter and my aunt prepared a feast of grilled cod and wild asparagus for him tonight. He can't really eat, of course, but I'm sure he enjoyed the fuss.
He does not really know what is wrong with him and in typical "old world" fashion neither does his wife.
He will be loved plenty in his final days.
He will never fish again, except when you and I take his memory with us on the water.
SeaBiscuit

Honey Hole · 03-23-2006, 04:05 PM

One of my favorite prayers for fishermen, in this case for Capt. Yannis (it was repeated at my Grandfather's funeral):
"When in God's landing net, may he be judged good enough to keep."

Sea Biscuit - I'm sorry for the news you've received. Your stories are a fantastic tribute to the Captain. It's obvious by your stories that your appreciation of his character and abilities are immense.

Finesse · 03-24-2006, 02:22 AM

Nick
So sorry to hear this news ... and pray for his peaceful passing.

What is nice is that you have shared the captain with all of us who read this.... You have Immortalized him forever ....

SeaBiscuit · 03-26-2006, 11:21 AM

Peter and Nick with early morning handline groupers

No sooner had cousin Nick gotten paid for the large bull shark, he had Peter and me ready the boat for another overnighter. He just knew those Rose bay fish were there and he wanted to face them under the fishing lights bad!
We got a late start that afternoon and had to make the last half of our trip in the dark. To get to Rose bay we have to go though a shifting narrow channel, we call "the river". It's tough during the day, but the clear blue deeper water points the snaking way. At night it's scary. The fishing lamp is on, the little boat moves at a few knots per hour, Peter is at the helm (stern) and captain Nick on the bow, anticipating and looking for the turns of the narrow channel. I am low in the hold, trying to not interfere with the elegant dance between navigator and helmsman. Peter is reading Nick's body language and turning the boat blind. There are no sandbars to mark this cut. Like most of my home waters, "the river" banks are rock & stone. I held my breath for what seemed like one hour that evening. When captain Nick's body relaxed and he reached for his smokes, I knew we'd made it through. As he turned to face me, the faint smile on his face told me a couple of things. That was not his first rodeo, number one. I must of been a little shaken and pale, number two. Mission of scaring the crap out of the "greenie" accomplished, number three.

Rose bay was still this evening. No sounds other than the occasional jumpin' mullet. I assumed my designated position (at the oars, of course), while Peter and Nick started surveying the waters. Clarity was better this night. Maybe 5 feet or so. Definitely worth a go. Captain Nick let Peter have a turn at the front, sat down facing me and decided to be nice to me to settle me down, after my near death experience. Peter, on the other hand, fancying himself the great fish killer, had no sympathy for me whatsoever. Fish were everywhere! Peter struck a few times without making a kill. Surely someone was to blame for that. "Who the hell is running this boat?" his booming voice interrupted my little therapy session. Captain Nick rolled his eyes and winked at me. At this moment he reminds me of the late Dennis so much. Dennis always smiled and winked.
Soon Nick took over the bow and the carnage that ensued was horrifying! (thank you Marty for the vocabulary contribution). Large mullet and sea bass were coming in over the side, just as fast as Nick could strike. He did not have time to "drop" the fish in the box, as there were many other "volunteers" just waiting to be stabbed. Fish were flopping everywhere! I started humming a little tune in my head. Life was good and it only got better! After Nick secured a great payday for the boat, he directed Peter to the oars and invited me to the bow to be a second gig. I was ecstatic. I can't kill much, but the sights of the seafloor under the lights have always fascinated me. Nick continues to work, and I'm enjoying watching him and his prey so much, I just stay a couple of inches behind him motionless, taking it all in.
Suddenly, Nick's body tenses up! I have a split second to try to figure out what got him going. I survey the shallow water. We are in a tiny, silty cove. It's a little stirred up and I can't see anything. With a greatly exaggerated motion, Nick brings down the gig hard. All hell breaks loose. The silty bottom is fighting back, jerking Nick's heft. He is yelling for another gig, so I pass him mine. He strikes again. The violent thrashing just under the light sends water everywhere, breaking the fragile light element and leaving us in the dark. Nick continues to hold on, but the strain is very evident. He tells Peter to crank the motor, while I am handing him the third a final gig on the boat that evening. He strikes yet again, wraps both arms around the three gig shafts and looks back. Peter has managed to overcome his powerful sense of curiosity and spring into action. The motor fires up. "Forward" comes the command from captain Nick. We are headed for shore, no more than 20 feet away. As we near the pebble beach and just before the boat hits ground, Nick surges forward and leaps onto the beach, swinging the 3 gigs and their victim sideways and onto dry land.

The dance that followed was straight out of a classical Greek comedy! Nick is NEVER comfortable on dark dry land. He once told me he was afraid of foxes! This beast of a man who can wrestle groupers, sharks and swordfish on handlines, is afraid of foxes!
He has hit a humongous ray. The fish is very upset. The flapping wings are sending stones and pebbles flying everywhere. A six foot long tail, armed with a barb the size of a butcher's knife is whipping around wildly. Big Nick is on his tip toes! He will not let go, but neither will he get near the critter. Peter swings into action, armed with a hatchet we carry for building shore fires. Now they are both tip toeing around the fish. I wish I had some popcorn!
One of Peter's wild swings finally found it's aim, severing the fish's tail, just above the barb. With their adversary finally disarmed, both heroes take turns dispatching the fish with the heavy side of the hatchet. Once done, they both light up.

Boxes full of fish, great stingray laid out on the bow, we decided to rest up a couple of hours prior to fishing some handlines at first light. All three of us slept on that little boat, anchored a "safe" distance from that dark land. I was first to wake. Being the second mate I had to sleep at the stern, where there is very little room to get comfortable & warm, while captain and first mate put all the fish on the bow, covered them with wet burlap and made themselves a cozy little bed in the hold. They looked angelic laying there two full grown, fuzzy and smelly bastards side by side. I lit a smoke and in the light of the match, I see a nightmare come alive! My brother is laying on his back, mouth open and face covered in dark blood! I start whaling and mourning even before I investigate. They guy has been mean to me for the past 18 years, but I do love him. My hysterics wake Nick, whose eyes take a couple of seconds to focus on the spectacle. At 5 foot 6, 220+ pounds, he looks like a beach ball bouncing out of the boat's hold. There are now, two screaming fools looking at Peter. Peter suddenly wakes. The white of his eyes is the only white on his face. He is looking at Nick and I as if we are both crazy. "Are you OK?" speaks the captain. "Yeah I'm OK, WTF you lookin' at, junior?" asks my older by 15 months brother.
We have no mirror on the boat, but there is enough morning light to reflect one's image on the water. Peter takes a look and does not seem to mind what he sees. He likes the look! We bail water for him to wash up and look for the cut that made him bleed like that. Nothing!
Nick slowly lifts the burlap only to discover that Peter has just spent the last two hours face up, mouth open under the stingrays bleeding severed tail! There is a GOD!

Fish weighed in at 42 kilos (92.4 lbs). We also had 50 kilos of bass and mullet. Plus, 65 kilos of pissed off Peter. He knew this story would eventually get out!

SeaBiscuit

SeaBiscuit · 03-26-2006, 02:47 PM

I called captain Yannis on the phone. His condition is deteriorating rapidly. Two daughters, his wife and one granddaughter were around his bed keeping an eye on him. His youngest daughter woke him up and I was able to chat with him for a few minutes. Once he recognized who I was (his mate of 25 years ago) he told me: "We're in big trouble son. Got to get a jug (float) on this fish. He's rocked up and if we don't hustle, we'll never land him"
I hope he keeps on fishing on...

SeaBiscuit

JMS-ILM · 03-28-2006, 02:24 PM

i would pay money to see you big greek dudes getting your rear ends whipped by a little ol' fish

.

BTH284 · 03-28-2006, 02:42 PM

Sounds like y'all ran the same route as old Odyseuss when had to go between Cylla and Charibdis (spelling).

I cannot believe that the big guy is scared of foxes! That was great.

Looks to me like the boys are finally giving you some well desreved off time from the oars. Good story Nick keep it up.

flatbottom · 03-28-2006, 07:58 PM

the tipy-toe had to be priceless for you nick it was for me. Big guys like that jumping around. great story thanks nick......I am still laughing here in Delaware

WAHOONBOX · 04-26-2006, 09:03 AM

I'M NOT TRYING TO BE OLD HAT HERE.....NO WAY! BUT....I CONTINUALLY FIND MYSELF SURVEYING THE CARNAGE OF THIS POST ....RE-READING IT SEVERAL TIMES........TRYING......TRYING TO PICTURE MYSELF HERE WITH CAPT YANNIS AND THE BOYS.....SORT OF A MEDIEVAL SURREAL SETTINGS......TERMINALS SO OUT OF TIME....NO VISIBLE GOLD MECHANICS TO BE SEEN!!! THE LACK OF ANTENAE.......NOTHING BUT A GLANCE THAT SHOOTS THE STARS FOR DIRECTION.

THE GREEK LEGENDS......THESE MARINERS WHICH ....EVEN NOW.... SEEM OUT OF TIME.....A LIFESTYLE SO NON-XEROXED BY OTHERS ....A PASSION OF LIFE & TABLE FARE LIKE NO OTHER HAS.....PHILOSOPHIES ONLY A TRUE SPARTAN LIKE "SLIP-SLIDIN" MAY ONLY KNOW......

THIS PARADY OF ZEALOUS FUN & FILLETS HAS MADE SUMMIT.....IT IS AN ARCHIVE OF HISTORY THAT WILL NOT MEET IT'S EQUAL IN CYBER.....NO WAY JOSE!

OUR DAILY PRAYERS GO TO GREECE FOR A MAN OF THE FLEET......

NICK .......I PERSONALLY WISH TO SAY THANKS FROM ALL OF US ON SFC.....YOU SIR RAISED A BAR....A BAR SO HIGH THAT SHOULD INSPIRE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US

I HOPE THIS IS ONLY THE PREFACE OR MAYBE JUST CHAPTER ONE

ROCK ON 'BISCUIT....ROCK ON!

SeaBiscuit · 04-26-2006, 10:25 PM

thanks for the kind words Marty. I've been busy with work, family and fishing lately and, most importantly, not really in the mood to write. My uncle (captain Yannis) is showing remarkable resilience. He is coherent again and able to sit up in his bed. Of course he will not reverse the path of fate, but may be able to cheat her a bit longer.
Thanks for the motivation. This story needs to be told. I will be writing this weekend

03-22-2006, 11:28 PM	#81
SeaBiscuit I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 4,047 Credits: 13,507.7	Peter and Captain Yannis with a hefty Greek grouper My brother Peter called me earlier today with the unfortunate news that old captain Yannis is terminal. His cancer has spread and is ravaging his tired body. He may not make it through Easter. He is back in Astakos in his little home and everybody is trying to make him comfortable. Peter and my aunt prepared a feast of grilled cod and wild asparagus for him tonight. He can't really eat, of course, but I'm sure he enjoyed the fuss. He does not really know what is wrong with him and in typical "old world" fashion neither does his wife. He will be loved plenty in his final days. He will never fish again, except when you and I take his memory with us on the water. SeaBiscuit Last edited by SeaBiscuit; 12-03-2007 at 05:33 PM.

03-26-2006, 11:21 AM	#84
SeaBiscuit I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 4,047 Credits: 13,507.7	Is Peter dead? Peter and Nick with early morning handline groupers No sooner had cousin Nick gotten paid for the large bull shark, he had Peter and me ready the boat for another overnighter. He just knew those Rose bay fish were there and he wanted to face them under the fishing lights bad! We got a late start that afternoon and had to make the last half of our trip in the dark. To get to Rose bay we have to go though a shifting narrow channel, we call "the river". It's tough during the day, but the clear blue deeper water points the snaking way. At night it's scary. The fishing lamp is on, the little boat moves at a few knots per hour, Peter is at the helm (stern) and captain Nick on the bow, anticipating and looking for the turns of the narrow channel. I am low in the hold, trying to not interfere with the elegant dance between navigator and helmsman. Peter is reading Nick's body language and turning the boat blind. There are no sandbars to mark this cut. Like most of my home waters, "the river" banks are rock & stone. I held my breath for what seemed like one hour that evening. When captain Nick's body relaxed and he reached for his smokes, I knew we'd made it through. As he turned to face me, the faint smile on his face told me a couple of things. That was not his first rodeo, number one. I must of been a little shaken and pale, number two. Mission of scaring the crap out of the "greenie" accomplished, number three. Rose bay was still this evening. No sounds other than the occasional jumpin' mullet. I assumed my designated position (at the oars, of course), while Peter and Nick started surveying the waters. Clarity was better this night. Maybe 5 feet or so. Definitely worth a go. Captain Nick let Peter have a turn at the front, sat down facing me and decided to be nice to me to settle me down, after my near death experience. Peter, on the other hand, fancying himself the great fish killer, had no sympathy for me whatsoever. Fish were everywhere! Peter struck a few times without making a kill. Surely someone was to blame for that. "Who the hell is running this boat?" his booming voice interrupted my little therapy session. Captain Nick rolled his eyes and winked at me. At this moment he reminds me of the late Dennis so much. Dennis always smiled and winked. Soon Nick took over the bow and the carnage that ensued was horrifying! (thank you Marty for the vocabulary contribution). Large mullet and sea bass were coming in over the side, just as fast as Nick could strike. He did not have time to "drop" the fish in the box, as there were many other "volunteers" just waiting to be stabbed. Fish were flopping everywhere! I started humming a little tune in my head. Life was good and it only got better! After Nick secured a great payday for the boat, he directed Peter to the oars and invited me to the bow to be a second gig. I was ecstatic. I can't kill much, but the sights of the seafloor under the lights have always fascinated me. Nick continues to work, and I'm enjoying watching him and his prey so much, I just stay a couple of inches behind him motionless, taking it all in. Suddenly, Nick's body tenses up! I have a split second to try to figure out what got him going. I survey the shallow water. We are in a tiny, silty cove. It's a little stirred up and I can't see anything. With a greatly exaggerated motion, Nick brings down the gig hard. All hell breaks loose. The silty bottom is fighting back, jerking Nick's heft. He is yelling for another gig, so I pass him mine. He strikes again. The violent thrashing just under the light sends water everywhere, breaking the fragile light element and leaving us in the dark. Nick continues to hold on, but the strain is very evident. He tells Peter to crank the motor, while I am handing him the third a final gig on the boat that evening. He strikes yet again, wraps both arms around the three gig shafts and looks back. Peter has managed to overcome his powerful sense of curiosity and spring into action. The motor fires up. "Forward" comes the command from captain Nick. We are headed for shore, no more than 20 feet away. As we near the pebble beach and just before the boat hits ground, Nick surges forward and leaps onto the beach, swinging the 3 gigs and their victim sideways and onto dry land. The dance that followed was straight out of a classical Greek comedy! Nick is NEVER comfortable on dark dry land. He once told me he was afraid of foxes! This beast of a man who can wrestle groupers, sharks and swordfish on handlines, is afraid of foxes! He has hit a humongous ray. The fish is very upset. The flapping wings are sending stones and pebbles flying everywhere. A six foot long tail, armed with a barb the size of a butcher's knife is whipping around wildly. Big Nick is on his tip toes! He will not let go, but neither will he get near the critter. Peter swings into action, armed with a hatchet we carry for building shore fires. Now they are both tip toeing around the fish. I wish I had some popcorn! One of Peter's wild swings finally found it's aim, severing the fish's tail, just above the barb. With their adversary finally disarmed, both heroes take turns dispatching the fish with the heavy side of the hatchet. Once done, they both light up. Boxes full of fish, great stingray laid out on the bow, we decided to rest up a couple of hours prior to fishing some handlines at first light. All three of us slept on that little boat, anchored a "safe" distance from that dark land. I was first to wake. Being the second mate I had to sleep at the stern, where there is very little room to get comfortable & warm, while captain and first mate put all the fish on the bow, covered them with wet burlap and made themselves a cozy little bed in the hold. They looked angelic laying there two full grown, fuzzy and smelly bastards side by side. I lit a smoke and in the light of the match, I see a nightmare come alive! My brother is laying on his back, mouth open and face covered in dark blood! I start whaling and mourning even before I investigate. They guy has been mean to me for the past 18 years, but I do love him. My hysterics wake Nick, whose eyes take a couple of seconds to focus on the spectacle. At 5 foot 6, 220+ pounds, he looks like a beach ball bouncing out of the boat's hold. There are now, two screaming fools looking at Peter. Peter suddenly wakes. The white of his eyes is the only white on his face. He is looking at Nick and I as if we are both crazy. "Are you OK?" speaks the captain. "Yeah I'm OK, WTF you lookin' at, junior?" asks my older by 15 months brother. We have no mirror on the boat, but there is enough morning light to reflect one's image on the water. Peter takes a look and does not seem to mind what he sees. He likes the look! We bail water for him to wash up and look for the cut that made him bleed like that. Nothing! Nick slowly lifts the burlap only to discover that Peter has just spent the last two hours face up, mouth open under the stingrays bleeding severed tail! There is a GOD! Fish weighed in at 42 kilos (92.4 lbs). We also had 50 kilos of bass and mullet. Plus, 65 kilos of pissed off Peter. He knew this story would eventually get out! SeaBiscuit Last edited by SeaBiscuit; 12-03-2007 at 05:36 PM.

03-26-2006, 02:47 PM	#85
SeaBiscuit I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 4,047 Credits: 13,507.7	I called captain Yannis on the phone. His condition is deteriorating rapidly. Two daughters, his wife and one granddaughter were around his bed keeping an eye on him. His youngest daughter woke him up and I was able to chat with him for a few minutes. Once he recognized who I was (his mate of 25 years ago) he told me: "We're in big trouble son. Got to get a jug (float) on this fish. He's rocked up and if we don't hustle, we'll never land him" I hope he keeps on fishing on... SeaBiscuit Last edited by SeaBiscuit; 12-03-2007 at 05:35 PM.

04-26-2006, 09:03 AM	#89
WAHOONBOX I'M SPEECHLESS Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MOREHEAD CITY NC 28557 Posts: 17,747 Credits: 99,086.6 Boat: "RUN-OFF"-"WILD GOOSE"-"SEA SPLENDOUR CM"-"FOOLISH PLEASURE" IR Home Port: MOREHEAD CITY, NC Best Catch: PONEYTAIL Occupation: OFFSHORE MATE VIDEOGRAPHER	DON'T LET HIM "ROCK UP" ! I'M NOT TRYING TO BE OLD HAT HERE.....NO WAY! BUT....I CONTINUALLY FIND MYSELF SURVEYING THE CARNAGE OF THIS POST ....RE-READING IT SEVERAL TIMES........TRYING......TRYING TO PICTURE MYSELF HERE WITH CAPT YANNIS AND THE BOYS.....SORT OF A MEDIEVAL SURREAL SETTINGS......TERMINALS SO OUT OF TIME....NO VISIBLE GOLD MECHANICS TO BE SEEN!!! THE LACK OF ANTENAE.......NOTHING BUT A GLANCE THAT SHOOTS THE STARS FOR DIRECTION. THE GREEK LEGENDS......THESE MARINERS WHICH ....EVEN NOW.... SEEM OUT OF TIME.....A LIFESTYLE SO NON-XEROXED BY OTHERS ....A PASSION OF LIFE & TABLE FARE LIKE NO OTHER HAS.....PHILOSOPHIES ONLY A TRUE SPARTAN LIKE "SLIP-SLIDIN" MAY ONLY KNOW...... THIS PARADY OF ZEALOUS FUN & FILLETS HAS MADE SUMMIT.....IT IS AN ARCHIVE OF HISTORY THAT WILL NOT MEET IT'S EQUAL IN CYBER.....NO WAY JOSE! OUR DAILY PRAYERS GO TO GREECE FOR A MAN OF THE FLEET...... NICK .......I PERSONALLY WISH TO SAY THANKS FROM ALL OF US ON SFC.....YOU SIR RAISED A BAR....A BAR SO HIGH THAT SHOULD INSPIRE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US I HOPE THIS IS ONLY THE PREFACE OR MAYBE JUST CHAPTER ONE ROCK ON 'BISCUIT....ROCK ON! __________________ Advertise NOW on SportFishermen.com - Text Ads

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-23-2006, 04:05 PM	#82
Honey Hole Sit down Shut up And fish Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 493 Credits: 1,765.6	One of my favorite prayers for fishermen, in this case for Capt. Yannis (it was repeated at my Grandfather's funeral): "When in God's landing net, may he be judged good enough to keep." Sea Biscuit - I'm sorry for the news you've received. Your stories are a fantastic tribute to the Captain. It's obvious by your stories that your appreciation of his character and abilities are immense.

03-24-2006, 02:22 AM	#83
Finesse I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 1,232 Credits: 2,301.8	Nick So sorry to hear this news ... and pray for his peaceful passing. What is nice is that you have shared the captain with all of us who read this.... You have Immortalized him forever ....

03-28-2006, 02:24 PM	#86
JMS-ILM I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 1,938 Credits: 1,914.5 Home Port: Masonboro Inlet	i would pay money to see you big greek dudes getting your rear ends whipped by a little ol' fish .

03-28-2006, 02:42 PM	#87
BTH284 I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Inshore Posts: 3,041 Credits: 3,429.5 Boat: 23 shortbus Home Port: Morehead City Occupation: Your guess is as good as mine	Sounds like y'all ran the same route as old Odyseuss when had to go between Cylla and Charibdis (spelling). I cannot believe that the big guy is scared of foxes! That was great. Looks to me like the boys are finally giving you some well desreved off time from the oars. Good story Nick keep it up.

03-28-2006, 07:58 PM	#88
flatbottom Fish the Edge Team Sportfishermen.com Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bear, DE Posts: 8,260 Credits: 24,352.3 Boat: 232 center console Home Port: Indian River, De Best Catch: off the shot gun Occupation: jackleg	the tipy-toe had to be priceless for you nick it was for me. Big guys like that jumping around. great story thanks nick......I am still laughing here in Delaware

04-26-2006, 10:25 PM	#90
SeaBiscuit I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 4,047 Credits: 13,507.7	thanks for the kind words Marty. I've been busy with work, family and fishing lately and, most importantly, not really in the mood to write. My uncle (captain Yannis) is showing remarkable resilience. He is coherent again and able to sit up in his bed. Of course he will not reverse the path of fate, but may be able to cheat her a bit longer. Thanks for the motivation. This story needs to be told. I will be writing this weekend