Deep-Drop Florida Grand Slam
As we board our home away from home for the next sixty three hours, Florida Fisherman ll, we can only wonder what will fishing be like well over 100 miles off Madeira Beach, Florida? With depths approaching 1,000 feet, will the 'Grand Slam,' snowy, yellowfin grouper, and barrelfish, become a reality or just a distant dream? Only one way to find out; sit back, relax, and join us as we find out together:
On the long way out let's troll for bonito. This fighting fish has proven to be a favorite meal for both grouper & snapper:
From the great state of New Jersey we are honored to have with us today the team of Allen, (L) Fred Junior, Andy, and Fred Senior:
Fred Junior know the value of bonito for bait. As a professional sword & cod fisherman, he takes his fishing very serious.
Our own 'Jersey Girl' chef Tammy welcomes Fred & Andy. There is part one of our 'Grand Slam,' an elusive, hard fighting, very tasty, barrelfish:
Looks like these 'Jersey boys' came to fish. Fishing out of Bellmawr, New Jersey, the father son team of Fred Pohlig Senior & junior:
Wow! Another barrelfish:
Andy, fishing out of Connie Hill N. J., is well on the way to his 'Grand Slam!'
When fishing 1,000 feet of water electric reels are essential.
Captain Bryon & Tammy are so proud of us:
Those very powerful electric reels & squid are really doing well:
Ever see a deep water long tail bass?
Mr. Ken Vickers, fishing out of Port Orange, Florida:
Mr. Joe May, a regular on the Florida:
Mr. Craig Hammock, another regular:
Mr. Richard Sipple, regular #3: These fish in 1,000 feet are big; I mean really big:
Captain Mark Hubbard takes his fishing as seriously as anyone, and he is very good at it:
Nice grouper:
Mr Shafat Ahmad representing the Federal Aviation Administration, ATO Service Center, Atlanta, Georgia:
Allen, Sir, thanks to you we are assured of our 'Deep-Drop Florida Grand Slam.' It's an honor to have you on our team:
Last week we caught true black grouper and African pompano. This week it's a 'Grand Slam.' That's our Florida!
There is absolutely no stopping team New Jersey. These 'Jersey Boys' came to fish!
First mate Will (L) congratulates Rich. Look at the yellow on that fin.
Fellow Florida native, also fishing out of Tampa, Florida, Mr. Greg Hall:
Mr. Ahmad, Atlanta can be proud, very proud:
Tammy is so proud of us. These grouper are big; they are filling our boxes:
Even Captain Bryon is amazed:
Mr Craig Hammock.
The fish of 1,000 feet are a little on the large size:
The Garden state will never be the same:
Ever see a blueline tile fish?
Mr. Bo Janecka, fishing out of Osteen, Florida, one of the best:
Late Saturday evening. Wow! Our 'Deep-Drop Florida Grand Slam' is almost over; that is for now. Come August 6, 20, 31, and three more times this year, we do it all over again. Join us; we need all the help we can get out there.
Mr. Joe May, another best of the best, insist on one more giant king before tackling that very cheesy, meaty, lasagna dinner with all the trimmings.
We are stuffed, tired, and ready to hit our bunks. Next stop, Madeira Beach, Florida.
Now that was one quick night. 'Deep-Drop Florida fishing!' Is there really any wonder why avid sportsmen/women are more than willing to travel from such far away places as Atlanta, and New Jersey, to fish the, 'Fishing Capital of the World?'
Dave, it's a shame we do not have a tuna jack pot:
Many of the biggest fish were not entered in the jack pot. This 40.2 grouper, and 26.7 barrelfish were:
Ever see a spiny dogfish, or a conger eel?
Can't help but wonder what other strange creatures are roaming Florida's Deep-Drop?
Any ideas?
Was 'Deep-Drop Florida Grand Slam' worth the long ride? Only if you like to catch big fish and plenty of them:
Check out the short action packed video of our trip. It covers catching bonito, unloading the two huge fish boxes, and all points in between:
About out of Wild boar for the grill. Have heard a lot of good things about Perry, Florida's 'Two Guys & a Hog.' Will be hunting there this Tuesday & Wednesday. Watch for my full report:
Bob Harbison Florida Outdoor Writers Association
