Swansboro - My Perspective

[Tuna Taxi]

All,

I don't post much, mainly because I'm a 2 ears - 1 mouth kind of guy. This weekend moved me a bit, let me tell my story....

My son, Garrett, and I got in on the tourny trip on the Run-Off because I was so frustrated with winter projects and my boat giving me grief the likes of which would have made any wife proud. My track record in NC is not good, having spent 3 days in HI last year with the Run-Off wathing the seas build to 1-2 (in the coffee pot) while the Run-Off took a hit from a tornado. I figured it was only uphill from there. Man was I right!

Saturday was looking like a "Sporty" day (thanks Glenn). Blowing like hell for 2 days, letting up at first light so we could clear the inlet in time for The Beast to work his magic. We set in late, and Brian set us down in just the right spot so we hit a nice Blue on the head as we were putting the baits out. Pop, Zing....we are in first place.

In the heat of releasing the money fish, holding on for dear life during a few good rollers, and trying like hell to get a hook-up on a missed blue and white, Marty made sure the crew knew that putting Garrett on a white and winning the Jr Angler division was as important as putting the steel to a slob Blue that day. It's not manly to tear up in the pit...so I went to the cooler to get a drink.

I'm not a marlin fisherman by any stretch of the word, so this story is light on raw fishing detail.

During Dave's battle with the blue, where he lost feeling in his hand and tried the often attempted knee/hand combined crank, I was amazed as I stood and listened to Brian coaching from the bridge with encouragement and excitement as if this was his first fishing trip this month and this was maybe the only fish he would catch (we all know that's not true). Brian, who works that boat day in and day out, was as excited as we were that the fish was on and I think he would have taken it the worst if the fish broke off. I've chartered a few times, I can't put Brian in that class. Brian, I knew you were the man when we sat at the dock in HI, not sure I can describe it now.

Brian, Marty and the guys too my son in and made sure he had a great time. Marty, in a feeble attempt at entertainment tried to go mana a mano with Garrett in a potato chip eating contest. Garrett quickly showed THE BOX that if he was going to swim in the big potato chip eating pool, he had better bring a life preserver! I think it was a 10-stack mouthful that got Marty crying UNCLE and the contest was over.

As we were watching baits for the slightest shadow behind them, shagging grass, praying to whomever would listen....Marty took time to explain to Garrett what a dink rod was, how to rig it, and what it is used for. Class act.

We finished the fight with Rob throwing the gauntlet down to Brian saying if The Beast puts us on a fish, we will hook it. Brian kindly warned Rob to be careful with his tongue. Ten minutes later, and ten minutes before lines out, a slob is at the right long. Coincidence......I think not. Brian, you are the man. I wish we were good enough to hook more than 1 of the 4 (min) bills you brough up for us. You made a believer out of me. If we had more time, that slob would have been on a hook at the docks.

When it was all over, and we were all decompressing in the salon as we headed in, Garrett headed out to the pit to get a drink from the ice box. Marty told all the guys that when garrett came in he wanted to see high fives, back slaps and some cheering for his efforts. Again, no tears onboard. Garrett came in, the guys were all over him, and he hasn't stopped talking about how good a time he had on the trip.

We had a great time telling stories and realizing what we acomplished while sitting at the awards banquet watching the Velvet Fog (wanna be) DJ the pre-award show, and as the checks were coming out (can you believe 15th place SKA kingfish got more than $900? WTF). The guys roared when they announced Garrett as 9th place Jr Angler for his 15.75# mahi, and Rob tried like hell to buy the rod/reel combo he won at 1/4 price. Good thing Garrett has a brain.

Glenn, Rob, Myron, Dave and especially Marty & Brian....This was the best. Thank you for a memorable time and for demonstrating the most incredible balance of friendship and professionalism. Words fail me.

To all the SFC clan, experience Brian and Marty....you will not regret it. Especially if you have kids you want to bring along. Winning some cash was only icing on an already incredible cake. You guys are the shit.

[Murph]

What a great story. I am glad you guys were able to get out there and make a strong showing. I know it wasnt the easiest of weather situations.

Tell your son congrats, you should be real proud of him.

Brian and Marty - top notch once again.

[Tuna Taxi]

Proud doesn't come close, Murph. But the total experience was amazing....that's Brian and Marty for ya.

[Foul Hooked]

Well said Bill. You and your son were a blast to fish with. The seas were down right sporty Saturday morning and Garrett hung in here with the best of them. What a fantastic time.

I too sat in the salon of the Run-Off last year in Hatteras. I was really excited when I realized that I would be fishing with you and Glenn as we didn't get a chance to fish last years HVO.

I still remember not being able to sleep Friday night as the thunder, rain and wind had the place rocking. Get a call from Glenn at 4:49 am Saturday morning saying to go back to bed and that we would get a call when it was time to go. Myron and Dave would have none of that and we headed off to find breakfast. After breakfast, we decided to head down to the waterfront and see if there was any activity. Sure enough, Brian was placing the 80's into the chair and told us that he couldn't get a hold of Marty. I quickly called Glenn and it was on. It didn't take long before everyone started showing up at the boat and were ready to go. Brian looked down at me from the bridge and said " We only need five minutes". I quietly thought to myself "damn right" as we pulled away from the slip. I love his confidence.

It was a rough ride out and we were still a half hour from the fishing grounds when they called "lines in". We continued to steam offshore of the big rock when Brian finally pulled back on the pins. Moments later lines are in and the other boats had already been fishing for a half hour. I tell you what, it might have been about 5 minutes after we had our entire spread out when we came tight on a blue one. Brian, Marty and Dave put on a clinic on that fish. We were fishing in tough conditions as we had the fish close to the boat while dealing with an angry swell, you didn't have to tell Dave more than one to drop that rod tip as the swell hit the boat, this guy was on the ball. It was pretty seeing that swivel in Marty's hand at 10:34am. (on a side note, if anyone sees Dave Sikorski around the docks - please toss him in for us as we never got around to it).

We had a few other shots on day one, but it just wasn't in the cards. Garrett did make quick work of an 18lb mahi. What a great little fisherman that I would fish with any day of the week. We finished out day one in first place, and we headed to Marty and Jane's for some grillin and chillin.

Day two, we were presented with some pretty seas. This day, baits were swimming pretty, but we just weren't getting a shot. We broke up some tension afternoon as some inconsiderate ******* hit Glenn W in the back from point blank range with a number 64 rubber band right on his bare back. Barely a flinch, from the guy as he kept his eyes on the spread. Meanwhile a welt starts forming on his back that had me in tears. The damn welt looked like a question mark and was the exact thickness of the rubber band. The day rolls on and I look up at Brian and tell him that if he shows me a fish, I'll catch it. It's about 2:30 and we have 30 minutes fishing time left. Brian tells me to be careful of what I ask for and he accepts the challenge. 2:50pm, I've got both hands on the 80 that's attached to the long right rigger. Dave Sikorski jumps up and calls Blue Marlin on the long right, I dump the reel into freespool. Dave and Bill clear the flats, Marty takes control of the right long, I move over to the left long. Brian orchestrates everything beautifully and this girl just won't eat, we only have a few moments left as the committee boat calls lines out.

What a fantastic time! I truly feel like I have family in Morehead city. Bill's kids and wife Steph are great, Myron is a guy I would also fish with any day of the week. Pulling through with a great house on Atlantic Beach was absolute icing on the cake. Jane and Marty really know how to make a guy feel at home. Brian, you know I think the world of you. Dave, there are not many people I can spend 14 hours in a car with. Your company was great and you were the first to spot ALL the billfish this weekend. AWESOME.

The awards ceremony dragged on, but seeing Garrett's expression on his face when he when up to get his award was awesome. Also, happy to see Thermz sponsored Team IBIS get called to the podium in the kingfish division collect some cash as well.

A couple of last things, I absolutely can't wait to see most of the folks from this weekend back down in Morehead for the Barta. We'll be competing against each other, but I'll feel the same way I did last night to see any of you up there on the podium at the Barta. The other thing..... Let's get the team together for the Swansboro again next year! Tell Garrett, my offer is up to $64.99

[Crazy Eyes]

Ya'll make it sound almost as good as my weekend!!!! I guess I need to go ahead and book the RUN OFF for a tournament in about 6-7 years when my little man is ready to rock and roll, they might be booked that far in advance with the recent performances and reputation.

I've recommended them to several people lately just by reputation and common(a couple truly are common!!) friends.

[Dave Sikorski]

Well I have to say that this weekend will be etched in my memory forever. I completey echo what Rob and Bill have said above.

Last week when I said I'd take the 5th spot I had no clue what the weekend would hold. Should I spend the money? Do I really feel like driving down there? Will the trip be worth it?

well the answer too all of those questions is YES!!!

The weekend went over perfectly. Fishing with a GREAT group of guys for two days was awesome. Watching Garrett crank in those Mahi's reminded me of my early days with my dad. Bill, you are blessed with a great family and it was great fishing with you two.

Rob was as good of a Co-pilot I could ask for and the 14 hours went by in no time. Not to mention an animal in the pit. On his toes at all times ready for anything.

Glenn is was great to finally meet you and it was great to fish with you. Anyone who can take a rubberband in the back like that and keep watching the spread is one hell of a billfisherman in my book. Not to mention the fancy footwork with the camera in hand.

Myron it was great meeting and fishing with you too. The place to stay was great and I'll share a boat with you anytime.

Of course that brings me to Marty and Brian.

From the second I met the BOX and shook his hand I knew it was gonna be a great experience. I don't think any of us here have any question as to Marty's abilities and love for the sport but seeing is believing. From the War room full of tapes and other goodies, to the countless pictures on the wall you can tell there is some serious passion there. Then you get him in the pit and not only is he a cockpit monkey extraordinaire but one hell of a teacher too. The vids here can give you an idea of the BOX, but you really have to see him on that black hulled boat to get the full effect.

The you have Brian..."The Beast". Well folks all the rumors are true. This man knows his shit and proves it. When the man tells you he'll find the fish he means it. With the first blue on and peeling drag the orders from the bridge were flying and the crew was responding. Nothing happens on that boat that Brian doesn't see. From mahi's and porpoise sneaking in on the teasers to a swivel not being closed...the man is on it. Nothing that black boat does is by chance. The Beast will put you on them and I have the aches to prove it. You'd be hard pressed to find a better captain and fisherman.

Nothing I write here could really explain how great this weekend was. I am honored to have been part of the team and don't think this high will end soon.

Thanks to Glenn, Bill, Garrett, Myron, and Rob for letting me be the first in the chair.

Thanks to Brian and Marty for having us onboard the Run-Off for a great weekend.

Thanks to Jane and Marty for being gracious hosts.

Thanks Admin John for having the place that makes sure weekends like this one will be happening for many years to come.

What bill said

Thank you for a memorable time and for demonstrating the most incredible balance of friendship and professionalism. Words fail me.

Sums it up.

PRETTY WORK ALL AROUND!!!!



-D

Crazy Eyes.....CONGRATS on the birth of your son!!!!! He'll be a Jr. Angler in no time

[O-SEA-D]

Great reports from all of you guys. Seems like many life time friends were made this weekend. Great work guys.

[Glenn W]

Third is better than fourth, but it just wasn't meant to be for Swansboro this year. We had the opportunity, Brian found the fish, and no major screw ups-- It just wasn't meant to be on this one. 15 minutes after releasing the Blue, another 300 lb class piled on the left short, never came tight and she was gone. Half hour after that a looker came up the middle, veered to the left long but said no thanks. Late in the day a likely White plinked the right flat but that was all she wrote. Day 2, a slob kill fish came in looking, but just wouldn't eat.
I wonder if the spread looked right?--- hum, lets see?--- Two porposes were in the spread for at least 10 minutes--- no, not wave surfing--- I mean on their ass--- right short, then left long, up to left short, over to right short--- back and forth. I'd say our shit was looking good.

Who's got the nads for:
The Cape Fear Tournament???????
Early July

[JD5652]

Hey Guys-

Great reports from all the perspectives....I love it!

Bill- It's not manly to get your keyboard wet either, but as I read your story, it really touched me. Sounds like Garrett is certianly off to a great start.

I too sat with these fine gentlemen at HI last year...waiting....watching...hoping to at least get a chance. I got my secoind chance with the Run Off in the Big Rock last year and we'll be getting it again at Pirates Cove in August.

Can't wait!

[John Rogers]

Awesome reports guys. Sounds like you guys had a great time