Guys - I pulled this post off another site. We started fishing the 60' Ritchie Howell in Miami last weekend and Capt. Mark DeBlasio did the first trip with Freddie Gamboa from Andreas Toy. Freddie put up this post so I thought it would be best coming from him. We will be fishing down in Miami until April so please shoot me an email or call me at 732-272-4445 if interested.

The swordfishing really bounced back this year with boats fishing all night getting 2-4 a trip. This was great news to hear after two years of bad fishing so we look forward to a great winter!!

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Posted by Freddie Gamboa

Had a business trip to Miami planned for the week, so decided to spoil my self and Charter the 60' Richie Howell Canyon Runner. Had buddy Jack Gleason with son Joe, son in Law Brian, and Grandson Patrick with my client Dr Barry Ray. Started out saturday and filled up the livewell with 5 dozen threadies in no time. Made our way to the grounds but got greeted with stiff 25 knot winds in a tight 4-5 slop. The 60 Ritchie ate it up, set up on the drift for the evening, not much happening so decided to push offshore to try for a sword bite. Capt Mark put us on the drift and fired up the SeaKeeper Gyro Stabalizer!!

You have got to be Kidding- we were in the gulf stream beam sea into true 5 ftr's with barely a snap roll,hard to believe. First drift connected with our first sword that Pat, his Dad Brian, and Grandad Jack all shared. After some pictures decided to release her safe. Jack's first billfish which was the goal of the trip. Mal De Mar reared her ugly head with half the crew crying uncle. Instead of an overnighter headed back to the dock, tied up and decided to try for sails in the morning. Got up in the morning got some bait and headed back to the grounds, this time we were greeted with a stiff 30 knot wind and 5-6ftr's with some 7-8's to keep it interesting. The crew of Bert and Hennry put out the kite and numerous baits on top and deep to get the action going. Started landing nice kings hooking half a dozen to 8lbs, when the Sail hit. Put the belt on Patrick and started the chase, nice sail greyhounding in the rough seas made for wild roller coaster ride but, Patrck was in for the fight, after a 5 minutes of the fight the sail chafed the leader. Went looking for more sails but conditions made it tough. Overall not a lot of bites from the bills in tough conditions, but a great crew that never gave up. For me the creature comforts made for a great trip, comfy leather couch to retire to during the day or night time to have a nice cold beverage, 50 inch flat screen tv to watch latest news and sports, a stateroom to sleep and shower after a day of fishing. Thanks CR team.
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Capt Fred Gamboa
Andreas Toy Charters
(732) 672-1561
www.andreastoycharters.com