June Flash (Updated 6/30/99)Well...The Courtesan only fished until about 2:00 yesterday and ended up with 6 dorado. They raised a couple of whites that didn't bite. They're planning on going again on Saturday, so I'll let ya know how they make out.
June Flash (Updated 6/29/99)No boats from our marina went yesterday but a few local boats reported bites from ALL species!! The Courtesan's out there today trying their luck!! I'll let ya know what happens. Thanks for checking in...Tami.
June Flash (Updated 6/28/99)Dale Clavo ended up seeing a few sails & whites yesterday but couldn't get any of them to bite. They DID, however end up catching a bunch of BIG dorado!!
June Flash (Updated 6/27/99)They're starting to SNAP!! The Dale Clavo's the only boat that's gone fishing the past couple of days. They "sancochoed" a slam on Friday, but ended up w/a nice blue marlin & a bunch of big dorado!! Saturday, they raised a few whites, a couple of blues & a couple of sails. They ended up w/a blue & MORE DORADO!!! So...we're still eating real good!!! They're out again today, so stay tuned! And...oh by the way...HOW 'BOUT THEM SPURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June Flash (Updated 6/22/99)Not much to report today other than the weather is nicer today, so I have a (fishy) feeling that they'll start SNAPPIN' soon!!!!!!
June Flash (Up dated 6/21/99)Whew!! Sorry for the fish report delay! I've been dealing with some funky Chinese food for a couple of days!! But...the poisons have left the building!!!Jeff West fished on his boat yesterday & caught a couple of dorado. It was pretty windy & rough, so they came in at about 4:00. He's pretty excited about his new Cape Cod deal! Be sure you check that out real soon!
JUNE FLASH (UPDATED 6/19/99)Not much to report today, other than the weather cleared up and there were PROBABLY a bunch of marlin biting yesterday!! We'll just never know.....but one thing we DO know is...THE SPURS BEAT THE KNICKS!!!! AGAIN!!!!! GO SPURS GO!!!!
June Flash (Updated 6/18/99)Well...I finally got to go fishing yesterday!!! It was pretty windy, cloudy & rough (my favorite!). We caught 6 giant dorado & raised 1 white that didn't bite. But most importantly...WE HAD A GREAT TIME (and a great dinner)!!!
June Flash (Updated 6/17/99)Well...this will be short...and guess why...'CAUSE WE'RE GOIN' FISHIN' TODAY!!!!! YEEEEEHAAAAA!! So, I've gotta hurry & go jump on the Courtesan! I haven't been in a while, so I'm more than excited!! And I'm also fired up about the GAME last night!!! HOW 'BOUT THEM SPURS!!I didn't get reports from anybody from yesterday, I'm not even sure if anybody went. But I'll definitely have a report for you tomorrow & hopefully it's a lengthy one!!!!! Thanks for checkin' in & stay tuned.....Tami.
June Flash (Updated 6/16/99)"Just a couple more things" is what Capt. Dave said to me this morning as I BEGGED him to take me fishing. They want to get the Courtesan juuuuust right. I stopped my whining, hung my head low, tried not to trip over my bottom lip, crawled back into my office & turned my computer on to let you guys know that we HOPE to get to go tomorrow. Maybe the patience will pay off. Anyway... tonight's the first game of the NBA Finals so...GO SPURS GO!!!!!!I wasn't able to get any other reports from boats that fished yesterday. But I think those that did had pretty good fishing. Hopefully I'll be able to tell you about all the fish I caught soon!! Stay tuned...Tami.
June Flash (Updated 6/15/99)Well...we didn't get to go fishing today, on the Courtesan. The boys have a few more "touch-ups" they want to do. Boy! I just THOUGHT that was a beautiful boat. You ought to see her NOW!! Just be sure you have your sunglasses on when you do!! Whew, she looks pretty!! Capt. Dave & crew really do an outstanding job with that boat, as many of you already know! Hopefully, we can go tomorrow.I got a report from the Guarimba and they ended up 3 FOR 7 ON BLUES yesterday!!! Now I REALLY hope we get to go tomorrow!!! Stay tuned...Tami.
June Flash (Updated 6/14/99)Today's report is pretty much the same as yesterday's (still lots of swordies!!). I think the boys are about finished with their "gearing up" chores on the Courtesan, so I think we might get to go fishing tomorrow!!! Wish you were here! Wouldn't you rather me be reporting how many fish YOU'RE catching, instead of how many fish WE got to catch??!! Hmmmm??? I heard there were some really good airline specials going on right now. Why don't you give your travel agent a call & make plans to get down here? Sounds like a "no brainer" to me!!! Hope to see you soon...Tami.
June Flash (Updated 6/13/99)Well...nobody from our marina's been out in several days. I got reports from some other local boats that are catching swordfish, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and lots of dorado. The swordfish bite has been really good. If you've never had the chance to catch a swordfish...YOU'RE MISSING OUT ON A REALLY COOL EXPERIENCE!!! So....COME ON DOWN!!!
June Flash (Updated 6/12/99)HOLY SCNIKEY!!!!!!! I sure am sorry for depriving you guys from your fishing reports for so long...BUT I SURE HAD A NICE VACATION IN TEXAS!!!! And...HOW 'BOUT THEM SPURS?????!!!!! YEEEHAAAAA!!! I got to see them beat the Trail Blazers & I stood in line for HOURS to try & get tickets to the Finals!! There were 9 people in front of me when the Alamodome SOLD OUT!!! They sold out the first 2 games in just 3 1/2 hours!!!! I guess I should've camped out all night like most of the lucky people did! Oh well...hopefully I can find a place to watch the game down here. Wish me luck!!! And...GO SPURS GO!!!Well...now on to other great sporting events...like...FISHING!!! I don't have the regular "daily" stuff but I can give you a general idea of what everybody's been catching. And everybody's been doing just that!!!Courtesan's been doing a lot of maintenance work so they haven't been out in a while. But look out...they're gearing up!!! I think we're gonna take the ol' girl out sometime next week & try our luck!!!Edwin Pearlstine was here for a few days fishing on his boat, the Bud Man. They fished 6 days, caught 7 blues, a couple of sails & had 4 nice swordfish on & pulled 'em off!!! RIGHT AT THE BOAT!!! Better luck next time, Mr. P.!!!I spoke w/Capt. Cuz, from the Winning Ticket. He went 4 for 8 on BLUES last weekend!!! Not too shabby there, Cuz!!There have been lots of tuna, dorado & SWORDIES caught by several local boats so we're still eatin' pretty good!! Actually...to sum it all up...THEY'RE STILL SNAPPIN DOWN HERE!!! Allrighty then...I'm back at my daily "thang". Thanks for your patience, your support and most importantly...YOUR LOVE FOR THIS CRAZY SPORT!!! And...if you would...please send me your e-mail address so I can add you to our mailing list & let you know about some great fishing specials I plan to do this summer!!! Thanks...Tami.
May Flash (Updated 5/27/99)Soooooooooo sorry for the delay!!!! Experiencing technical difficulties!! Only because I'm in Texas to hopefully see the San Antonio Spurs SPANK during the NBA Playoffs!! Anyway...it took me a while to figure out how to do the Flash from another location...but I think I finally got it!!Flip Pallot & Hal Chittum caught #199 for the Courtesan, May 21!!! Way to go guys!! They ended up catching 6 BLUES in 6 DAYS...ON THE FLY!!! And yes...they WILL BE BACK!!!I talked to Capt. Dave on the phone last night & got the report from the last couple of days. He & the boys had a few days off & just fished the 25th & 26th w/Dom Sciano & friends. And...guess what??? THEY CAUGHT #200 BLUE MARLIN for the Spring!!!! I remember how excited Dave & I were several years ago when we caught 100 in one year! Now he does it in just a few months!! That's Venezuela for ya!! Ya just can't do that anywhere else in the world. Congratulations, boys!! Let's see how ya end up THIS year!!Dom Sciano & friends also caught a couple of nice swordfish w/Dave & the boys on the Courtesan. One swordie weighed 178 lbs. & the other was 184!!I didn't get any other reports. Courtesan seems to be the only boat fishing from our marina. I plan to return to the marina the first week of June & I promise to be back on my "daily update" schedule. Thanks again for your patience!!! Stay tuned...Tami
May Flash (Updated 5/21/99)ANOTHER BLUE ON THE FLY for the Courtesan!!! That makes 5 BLUES in 5 DAYS on the FLY for Flip Pallot & Hal Chittum, pretty impressive!! Today's their last day...Courtesan's lacking 2 blues to make 200 for the Spring...soooo...STAY TUNED!!! This is pretty exciting stuff!!The Gotcha had an incredible day too!! Owner, Buddy Scholtz ended up w/5 BLUES!!! Atta boy, Buddy!!Bailadora del Sol: These guys saw a DOZEN BLUES (I think everybody did)!! They ended up w/2 of 'em & a sail. MUCHO SANCOCHOS...but...MUCHO FUN TOO!!
May Flash (Updated 5/20/99)Did any of you actually doubt that Flip would catch HIS VERY FIRST BLUE MARLIN ON THE FLY W/DAVE & CREW ON THE COURTESAN??!! Quite a day for the "Flipster" yesterday!! HE DID IT!!! The film crew told me that this will definitely be one of their best shows EVER!! Hal & Flip are at it again today & tomorrow to hopefully help Courtesan catch 200 blues for the Spring!! They lack just 3!!!! Keep your fingers crossed!! They wrapped up the show yesterday at about 1:30, after Flip's HUGE accomplishment. In just the 4 hours they fished, they raised 5 blues (including a double header!!) & a white!The Francesca III had a record day as well, yesterday!! They ended up 5 for 10 on BLUES & 2 for 6 on sails!!! They also had a couple of big tunas on for a while! Stay tuned...Tami.
May Flash (Updated 5/19/99)Record "Fly" day for the Courtesan (I think!)!! Flip's buddy, Hal Chittum released 2 BLUES ON THE FLY YESTERDAY!!! As far as we know, this has never been done. We've not heard of anyone catching more than one "blue" on the fly in a single day!! If any of you know different, please give me a shout, I'm just getting in to this "fly stuff". Hal actually told me that it was the best time he'd ever had!! They raised 11 sails, 3 whites & 3 blues!!! They're having so much fun, they've decided to stay a couple extra days!! I'm pretty sure we're in for one heck of a TV show!! I can't wait to see it! YAHOO!!! Flip's been letting Hal catch all the fish, but today's HIS turn...& he's never caught a blue marlin on the fly!! Could it happen today? LET'S HOPE SO!!! Stay tuned!
May Flash (Updated 5/18/99)Very windy & very rough yesterday!! Courtesan was the only one out there, doing that fly fishing "thang" & didn't have any luck. They saw a couple of blues & a sailfish but couldn't get them teased up. They had seen 5 blues & 3 sails at 10:00 this morning, so maybe they'll have better luck "burning images" today! It's still pretty windy & rough, but "fishy-er" than yesterday. Allllllrighty then...Tami.
May Flash (Updated 5/17/99)GOOD GRIEF!!!!! MARLIN MANIA!!!!!Winning Ticket: CAUGHT 7 BLUE MARLIN!!! AGAIN!! They pulled #8 off...right at the boat!! I told ya this guy was catchin' on......Flip Pallot and friend, Hal Chittum flew in to do some fly fishing w/Dave & the boys on the Courtesan. They caught a nice little blue on the fly yesterday! They pulled a second one off at the boat & a sailfish too! That fly fishing stuff's kinda tricky! Hopefully they'll get to "burn some images into film" (as Flip says) so you can watch it on his TV show one of these days. Walkers Cay Chronicles airs on ESPN every Saturday, so start watching for your buddies on the Courtesan! Stay tuned..Tami.
May Flash (Updated 5/16/99)Well...just when you thought it couldn't get any better...IT DID!!!!! Now...you're really gonna think I'm blowin' smoke...BUT IT'S THE GOSPEL!!!Courtesan: It's a good thing your sitting down, 'cause you ain't gonna believe this one!! They caught 9 BLUE MARLIN!!!!! Anglers, Clint Casey, Gerry Quinn & Chuck Russell had 2 of the most incredible days anyone could ever have!! They'll definitely be bragging about the 13 BLUES they caught in just 2 DAYS for years to come!! Pretty work, guys & we'll see ya next time!Winning Ticket: Watch out boys, Capt. Cuz is starting to figure this place out & he's catchin' on QUICK!!! He & his crew caught 7 BLUE MARLIN!! YOWZZA!!Gotcha: They were definitely in the "gotcha" mode yesterday...they ended up with 5 BLUE MARLIN!!!OK...have you made your plane reservations yet??? Believe it or not... Courtesan's got some open days next week & a bunch more this Summer! Give me a shout! It's time for you to get in the game!!!
May Flash (Updated 5/15/99)GEEEEEEEEEZ!! Some of you might think I'm fibbin'...you might think.."no way"...well...WAY!!!! Get a load of what went on yesterday:Courtesan: SAW 11 BLUE MARLIN!!!! Caught 4!!! Capt. Dave & the boys lack just 16 blues to make 200 for the Spring!! Did you get that? JUST FOR THE SPRING!!! Can you imagine what these guys are gonna end up with for the year??! Like I've said many times before...let me know when to pick you up at the airport!!!!!!!Winning Ticket: SAW 13 BLUE MARLIN!!!! Caught 5!!!And the winner is....Gotcha: Saw 12 BLUES & CAUGHT 6!!! They caught a sailfish too!!So...in case you don't believe me...COME SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!!!
May Flash (Updated 5/14/99)Hello again!! Since the Courtesan didn't fish yesterday, I can't tell you what they caught! But I got reports from a couple of others:Gotcha: Capt. Mike Canino had a good day! 2 BLUES & 3 SAILS!!!Winning Ticket: Capt. Cuz Prothman didn't get to fish but a few hours & ended up with a sail. But he's CRUSHING 'EM this morning!! He had 3 BLUES at 10:00 AM!!!!! Stay tuned..Tami
May Flash (Updated 5/13/99)HOLY SCHNIKEY!!!! The Courtesan caught 5 BLUE MARLIN & 2 SAILFISH yesterday!!!! They ended up 5 for 7 on blues & 2 for 4 on sails They've got a day off today, but they start up again tomorrow, so I'll let you know what happens. Thanks for checkin' in & stay tuned...Tami.
May Flash (Updated 5/12/99)Courtesan didn't fish yesterday, but several local boats reported seeing A BUNCH OF BLUE MARLIN!!!! They weren't just whiltlin' Dixie either, because the Courtesan's out there today & had 3 BLUES & A SAIL @ 10:30 THIS MORNING!!!! Details tomorrow, so stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!
May Flash (Updated 5/11/99)I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!!!! Sorry to keep yu guys waiting!! Thanks for your patience!!! There haven't been too many boats fishing, but "Old Faithful" (the Courtesan, that is) has still been out there chasing fish around!!!Sara (Tabby) & Grady Thurman were here for a few days to fish w/Capt. Dave & the boys. And they didn't just fish...THEY CAUGHT!! They fished 5 days and caught 12 BLUE MARLIN & 5 sailfish!!!!! A lot of you probably remember Tabby and her boat, the "Southern Dalliance". Several of us have been fortunate enough to fish w/Tabby over the years and we all have very fond memories of many good times had while doing it!! It was great to have her & Grady back to Venezuela again and we look forward to their next visit.
May Flash (Updated 5/3/99)Well, I hate to disappoint all of you for a few days, but I'm headed to Texas for a while & won't be able to do the Flash Reports. I'm going to try & figure out a way to do them from there, but it might take some time for me to figure out how to do it! So, please give me a week or so & hopefully, I'll be back "on line" shortly!! I'll still continue to check my e-mail on a daily basis, so please keep 'em coming!! Thanks for all your support & appreciation of my daily updates. Seeeeeeeeeeeeee ya...Tami.
May Flash (Updated 5/2/99)We've got marlin, we've got sailfish, we've got tunas, we've got swordies, we've got wahoo, we've got dorados, basically.......WE'VE GOT IT ALL!!!!!!! And the sooner you get down here, the sooner you can GET IN THE GAME!!!! Here's what went on yesterday:Courtesan: Saw 3 blues (no eaters), caught 3 sails & a cute little swordfish!! They let him go, of course!! Dr. Jose Bird flew in (get it? Bird? Flew in?? Just kiddin' Doc!) from Puerto Rico to try his luck w/Capt. Dave & the boys and luck he had!! The little swordie even jumped! They guessed he weighed about 40 lbs!! See ya, little buddy!!Bailadora del Sol: Saw a couple of blues, caught a sail & a swordfish!I had another report from one of the local boats catching a triple header of BLUE MARLIN!! I heard they were all pretty big too! Like in the 400 lb. range!!Not many boats bother to tell me how many dorado & tuna were caught, but I sure saw a bunch laying around last night!! So...for all you moms out there wondering if your boys down here are eating good...THEY ARE!!! Later...Tami.
April Flash (Updated 5/1/99)Well...believe it or not...the Courtesan didn't fish yesterday!!! But they're back at it today, so you can read allllll about it tomorrow!! Here are the reports from those who DID fish yesterday:Heldter Skeldter: SAW 6 BLUES!!! Caught 3 & a sail.Papo: SAW 5 BLUES!! Caught 2. Stay tuned for more marlin news....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/30/99)Remember when I said it was STILL PRETTY FISHY??? Remember when I said they were STILL SNAPPIN'?? Well...that's BABY "POOP" compared to what went on yesterday!!! It's a good thing you're sitting down!!! Check this out:Courtesan: Anglers, Vic & Christian Falk had their BEST DAY EVER!! They caught 5 BLUE MARLIN (SAW 11!!), a sailfish & 6 big dorado!!! And Christian caught 'em ALL!! Well...I think he let Dad reel in a dorado or 2!! That was awful nice of you...FISH HOG!!! Their 4 day total was 16 BLUES, 4 sails, a GIANT 200 POUND YELLOWFIN TUNA, & a PILE of dorado!! They're supposed to be getting on a plane to fly home today, but last I heard...they were trying to figure out a way to postpone their flight!!!Heldter Skeldter: Jimmy & Karen Heldt invited their friend, David Coker (also a fellow Texan!) along for his first marlin fishing adventure. Well...they've created a monster!! He caught 2 blues, a sail & a white!! That would be...oh yes...A PERSONAL SLAM!!! Boy! Talk about beginner's luck!! CONGRATULATIONS, DAVID!! They ended up with...get this..6 BLUES, 2 sails, a white & a big dorado!!! WOW!!!! Or, as we say in Texas....YEEEEEHAAA!!!!Gotcha: Well...Owner, Buddy Sholtz wasn't able to fly in as planned. Capt. Mike Canino & crew just couldn't stand it, so...guess what? THEY WENT FISHING ANYWAY!!! And it's a good thing they did! They caught 6 BLUE MARLIN!!! They SAW 11!! WHEW!! WAY TO GO, BOYS!! No guts...no glory!!!
April Flash (Updated 4/29/99)STILL SNAPPIN'!!! Not many boats out yesterday, but here are the 2 reports I got:Courtesan: Anglers, Victor & Christian Falk are on QUITE a roll!! They ended up 4 for 6 on BLUE MARLIN (saw 2 more) and 3 for 6 on sails!!! Today's their 4th & final day w/Capt. Dave & the boys...so....LOOK OUT!!!!!Heldter Skeldter: Jimmy & Karen Heldt are on a roll, themselves! They ended up 2 for 3 on BLUES (saw 2 more) and 3 for 7 on sails (saw a few more of them too!)!!!! Thanks for checking in & stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/28/99)STILL PRETTY FISHY!!!! Here are the reports from yesterday:Courtesan: Christian & Victor Falk had another FABULOUS day w/Capt Dave Noling & crew!! They ended up 3 FOR 4 ON BLUE MARLIN, 1 for 2 on sails and caught a 200 POUND YELLOWFIN TUNA!!! They had another giant tuna explosion, but didn't get him. And...thanks to Ed Pearlstine (owner of the Bud Man)...we had plenty of wasabi for the sushi last night!! Thanks, Mr. P!!!Heldter Skeldter: 1 for 2 on BLUES (saw 2 more), 0 for 1 on whites & 0 for 2 on sails.Topless: 2 for 4 on BLUES & 0 for 5 on sails!! Stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/27/99)Well...let me just tell you what the Courtesan did, because they're the only ones who had anything to report!! Anglers Victor & son, Christian Falk caught 4 BLUE MARLIN!!!! They had a lot of action early in the day. They had 3 blues by 11:00 AM!! And then...absolutely nothing else happened until they were reeling lines in at 5:30, to come home. Capt. Dave reached up to reel in his teaser & heard 2 clicks...noticed juuuuust a bit of tension...and all of the sudden...THERE HE IS!!!! A 300 POUNDER ALL OVER THE RIGHT TEASER!!! The ollll' late afternoon bite!! Allllllrighty then...that would change the blue marlin count to FOUR!!! Pretty work, guys!!! And they've got 3 more days to go!!!
April Flash (Updated 4/26/99)They're baaaaaaaack!!!! And BOY ARE THEY!!! Here's what went on yesterday:Courtesan: Anglers, Wayne Huizenga, Al Scarborough & Rick Stacey had one hell of a grand finale!!! They were 4 for 8 on BLUE MARLIN (SAW 10!!), 0 for 1 on sails & lost a GIANT yellowfin right at the boat!!! Anglers, Bob Evans & Greg Spatz were on board the fist day, when they caught 4 blues, but didn't go the last 2 days. What's up with that? Oh well...a great time was had by all!! Way to go, guys & we'll see you next time.Winning Ticket: Capt. Cuz took the "boss man" out for quite an adventurous day! They ended up 2 for 6 on BLUES and 1 for 1 on sails!!! They started swordfishing at about 2:00 PM but didn't get a bite. Maybe today!!!Dale Clavo: 2 for 4 on BLUES!! YEEEEEHA!!Topless: Capt. Billy Borer (formerly of the El Zorro, for MANY years) has returned to Venezuela to try his luck running Scott Steele's "Topless". His first day out of the shoot was a GREAT one!! They saw 5 BLUE MARLIN & caught 2!!! Allllrighty then, Billy!!! Go get 'em!!! It's great to have you back!!!Ya know...yesterday I mentioned that when the spearfish show up, the fish start biting real good? Well...THERE YA HAVE IT!!! Stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/25/99)Courtesan: BIG GOOSE EGG!!! Oh well...every dog has his day...Bud Man: They ended up w/a goose egg too!! But Anglers, Burt & Burt Pooser & owner, Ed Pearlstine had a LARGE time anyway!!! That's the spirit!!Winning Ticket: Capt. Cuz was flying a blue marlin flag!! Atta boy, Cuz!!Dale Clavo: The ollllll' SPEARFISH!!! We usually start seeing lots of billfish when those little rascals show up!!!Gotcha: 1 BLUE
April Flash (Updated 4/24/99)Courtesan: 4 BLUE MARLIN!!! They ended up 4 for 5 on blues & 0 for 1 on sails!! Way to go, guys!!!Bud Man: Burt Pooser's son, also Burt, CAUGHT HIS FIRST BLUE MARLIN!!! ON 30# TEST!!! Atta boy, young Burt!! I guess that lucky game helmet, I told you to wear, worked!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!Winning Ticket: 1 BLUE MARLINHeldter Skeldter: 1 BLUE MARLINGotcha: 1 BLUE
April Flash (Updated 4/23/99)It's getting better (for some!!). Here's what went on yesterday:Courtesan: 3 BLUE MARLIN!!! Steve Cole & friends (& fellow Texans!!) flew in to try their luck...and lucky they were!! YEEEEHAAAAAA!!Bud Man: Well...not so lucky. Big Goose Egg! But Pooser's son (also Burt) was aboard & was convinced that he was bad luck, after yesterday! Young Burt...all I have to say to you is...OH BROTHER!!! Pick your lip up, put your smile back on, put your helmet on & GET BACK IN THE GAME!!! Today could be your day!!! Hang in there, buddy!!! Capt. Lee WILL find you a marlin!! He's done it...A BUNCH OF TIMES!!!Heldter Skeldter: SAW 6 BLUE MARLIN!!! Jimmy & Karen Heldt ended up w/2!! Capt. Kurt also told me that it was "Tequila Day" on their boat yesterday. This means that every time you miss a fish, chug-a-lug! Said they've only got one swig left in the bottle!! YIKES!!
April Flash (Updated 4/22/99) Sorry for the delay!!!!! I promise it won't happen again, well...not very often anyway!!! Here's my "delayed" report:The past couple of days have been a little slow...for here anyway. But there ARE fish being seen AND caught!!!Courtesan: Tuesday/Raised 2 blues, 1 white & 4 sails. But anglers Burt Moss & John Clark DID manage to catch 5 dorado! Wednesday/Burt Moss & John Clark finally had a better day yesterday! They were 2 for 3 on blues & 1 for 1 on sails!!! Hope you had a nice trip back to Pompano, guys!!Bud Man: Tuesday/Edwin Pearlstine FINALLY got back!! And he brought his friend, Burt Pooser! Burt had never battled a blue marlin on light, stand up tackle before. Well...he can't make THAT statement anymore!! He went to war with a big one too! He caught & released a nice 350 pounder...on 30# test!! Atta boy, Burt!!! They saw a total of 4 blues. Wednesday/Burt was at it again! He caught another blue on 30#!! He said that this one was a little smaller so it was easier to reel in!! Oh come on Burt, it's easier now 'cause you're an ol' pro...not 'cause the fish was smaller!! Don't be so modest!!! Good luck again today, guys!!! Go get 'em!!
April Flash (Updated 4/20/99)Well...everybody saw a bunch yesterday, but they weren't all hungry!!Heldter Skeldter SAW 10 BLUES!!! Owner/Angler (and fellow Texan!) Jimmy Heldt ended up w/2 blues. That's still more than you'll catch in Austin, Jimmy!!Exile: CAUGHT 5 BLUE MARLIN!!! Yahooooooooo!!!Courtesan: Raised 3 sails (1 double header), a white & a blue. But... anglers, Burt Moss & John Clark just had luck w/the blue!!Bailadora del Sol: 2 BLUES & A SAIL!!!! Way to go, guys!!
April Flash (Updated 4/19/99)STILL SINGIN' THE BLUES DOWN HERE!!! Here are some "songs" from yesterday:Courtesan: Anglers, John Carter, Jack Grassman & Brian Golburg ended up w/3 BLUE MARLIN!!! Way to go, guys!!!!! See ya next time!!Dale Clavo: 2 BLUES & 2 SAILS!!!Exile: 2 BLUES & A WHITE!!Francesca III: 2 BLUE MARLIN!!
April Flash (Updated 4/18/99)In the mood to catch a blue marlin??? THEN COME ON DOWN!!! This is THE PLACE to do it!!!! Here's "who did what" yesterday:Courtesan: John Carter, Jack Grassman & Brian Golburg are like butter...they're on a roll!! I got that from ESPN's Sports Center! They ended up...get this...6 FOR 7 ON BLUES & 1 for 2 on sails!!! Today's their 3rd & final day w/Capt. Dave & crew, so stay tuned for the Grand Finale!!Dale Clavo: Now these guys gave Capt. Dave & the boys a run for their money! Capt. Jesus "Chuito" Salazar & crew (including owner, Mike Wilder) found the "honey hole" too!! They ended up 4 FOR 9 on BLUES & 2 for 3 on sails!!Exile: Capt. Luis Suarez & crew got in the game too!! 3 FOR 5 on BLUES and a sail!!Bud Man: Fellow Texans, David Palmer & Jim Schrank, from beautiful downtown Lufkin, Texas had a hell of a day w/Capt. Lee Alonzo & crew!! 2 BLUES, 4 sails and a GIANT yellowfin tuna that weighed in at...get this...225 whopping pounds!! Yummmmmmmie!! Thanks for the sushi, Capt. Lee!! Save some for Mr. P!!Francesca III: Capt. Dean Adler & crew were NOT to be denied! 3 FOR 7 ON BLUES!!! 0 for 5 on sails, those tricky...rascals!Bailadora del Sol: Owner/Angler, Yandell Rogers FINALLY got here to see what all the commotion was about! And what a day HE had!! Capt. Tommy Tilotta & crew ended up w/2 BLUES, a sail and...a GIANT yellowfin tuna too!! It wasn't quite as big as the Bud Man's, but it was a WHOPPING 164 POUNDS!!! Yea!!! More sushi!!! If this keeps up...we're gonna run out of wasabi!!! For those of you headed this way...BRING MORE WASABI!!!The fishing wasn't the only excitement we had around here yesterday. We had one of the BEST dock parties we've ever had!! The word's out too. I had more people call me to say they'd heard we were having another Samba party & if it was OK for them to come too. Needless to say...we had quite a crowd gathered for the show! A GREAT TIME was had by all!!!! Stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/17/99)ANOTHER GREAT DAY YESTERDAY!!!Courtesan: Anglers, John Carter, Jack Grassman & Brian Golburg were beginning to think they'd come down at the wrong time. It was 3:30 and all they had was a 140 lb. yellowfin tuna (well, why don't you cry about it?!). All of the sudden...THE BITE WAS ON!!! Double header of blues...another double header blue & sail...another blue!!! WHAM WHAM WHAM!!! Within an hour & a half, they were 3 for 4 on blues and 2 for 4 on sails!!! I don't know if it was the whining or the patience that paid off, but something did!!! Let's just see how their next 2 days of fishing go!! I think they'll be GREAT!!The Dale Clavo saw 4 blues and 2 sails! They ended up with 2 blues!!We've got more boats going today and a big dock party planned for tonight. For those of you who have experienced our Samba dance parties...we're having one of THOSE again!! For those of you who haven't, all I can say is...THEY'RE A BLAST!! And they're GREAT video material!! So...one way or another...I'll definitely have more to report (and watch!) tomorrow! Seeeee ya, Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/16/99)Dave Stafford & Dave Wimberly didn't get the Slam...but...they DID catch 2 BLUES & 2 SAILS yesterday!!! But...most importantly...they had a great time w/Capt. Dave & the boys aboard the Courtesan for 3 days! That's what it's all about, anyway. The fish you get to catch are just a bonus (yeah, right!). Dave & Dave can't wait to show their AWESOME video to their buddies back in Lauderdale!! Get the popcorn ready, boys, this one's a DOOZIE!!!!!!Benny Rubinet & friends had a good "day 2" aboard the Exile. They ended up w/2 nice BLUE MARLIN!!! Good going, guys!! Seeeeeee ya next time!And now...for the winner of the 2 day tournament between Exile & Courtesan...may I have the envelope please...the winner is...COURTESAN!!! AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!
April Flash (Updated 4/15/99)THE BLUES ARE BACK!!!!! Dave Stafford & Dave Wimberly had an AWESOME DAY on the Courtesan, yesterday!!!!! 4 for 5 on BLUES, 1 for 4 on sails & 0 for 2 on whites. Yep, another SLAM SANCOCHO!! But what a great day!!! Come on, boys, let's get the SLAM today!!! It's your last chance!!!The Exile caught a blue & a sail!! Benny Rubinet & friends flew over from Margarita Island to see just "what in the wide wide world of sports was a goin' on around here"!!! (For those of you not familiar w/this quote, it's from the movie, Blazing Saddles. One of my personal favorites!) Let's just see what goes on today! The Exile's got a tournament goin' w/the boys on the Courtesan!! Stay tuned to see who wins!! Thanks for checking in.....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/14/99)The Courtesan was the only boat, from our marina, that fished yesterday, so my report's a bit short. Well...they didn't just "fish"...they "caught" too!! Anglers, Dave Wimberly & Dave Stafford, joined Capt. Dave Noling (at least it's easy to remember names!) and ended up 1 for 2 on blues, 1 for 3 on sails & whiffed a couple of whites! Darn! Sancochoed the slam!!! Oh well, maybe today!!! Thanks for checking in, Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/13/99)Well, it started raining last night, so I didn't get to run up & down the dock to get the FULL reports from yesterday, but here's what I know was caught:Courtesan: 3 for 7 on sails & missed a couple of whites.Bailadora del Sol: 2 BLUE MARLIN!!!I just talked to Capt. Dave on the radio, as he was heading out to the "hunting grounds" and he said it was slick calm. A mine field, as he described it. I told him that I hope he stepped on some blue marlin explosions!! The weather has definitely turned around, so let's see if the fishing does. Stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/12/99)Yesterday was a bit of a slow day, for here anyway. There was a lot of whining, moaning, groaning & crying. And then all of the sudden...here comes the Courtesan, flying 2 blue marlin flags, a white marlin flag, a sailfish flag and "knee deep" in dorado!!! So...that would be a GRAND SLAM (w/a bonus blue & 12 dorado)!! Needless to say, Rob & Bob Johnson weren't whining, they were winding!! Congratulations, guys & good luck today!!!The Bud Man bunch weren't whining, either! Anglers Chris Price, Eric Cox, Frank Harris & Ron Morrow had a very fun day w/Capt. Lee Alonzo. Chris caught his FIRST BLUE MARLIN!! CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS!The Kraaz brothers, Gerald & Hans, ended up 1 for 1 on blues on the Dale Clavo! They tried to do a little whining, but I stopped them (before it got too bad) and informed them that thy still had another day to CRUSH!! I have a feeling that today's going to be THE day!! I hope so, I can't take another day of whining!! Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often down here!
April Flash (Updated 4/11/99)Well...the weather stayed weird yesterday, but the fish still bit a little ......for some!The Courtesan ended up with the ollllll' GOOSE EGG!! Anglers, Rob & Bob Johnson, got to experience a nice day of just "fishing". They were 0 for 3 on sails & that was it! But...redemption has already begun...they caught a nice blue marlin, first thing this morning, right when they put the baits in the water & raised another one that didn't bite! That was at 9:00 AM! Soooooooo...let'e just see what a difference a day can really make!! After all...this IS Venezuela!!!!Gerald & Hans Kraaz grabbed a last minute flight out of Florida, after reading about how great the fishing's been down here, & jumped on the Dale Clavo yesterday morning. They ended up catching 5 sails, missed a few others, including a nice blue marlin!! They're fired up & ready to try their luck again today! Good luck, boys!! GO GET 'EM!! Stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/10/99)Yesterday was a very weird day, for this time of year, in our "neck of the woods". It was rainy, windy, rough, cold and, all in all, a pretty crappy day, "weather wise"!! But...the fishing was pretty good!! Most boats turned around & came back to the dock, but not the Courtesan!! Anglers Rob, & son Bob, Johnson elected to "break on through to the other side" and were well rewarded!! They ended up 8 for 12 on sails!! We've been having an unusual showing of sails, for this time of year, but what the heck? Catching fish is just plain ol' fun, no matter what species they are!!The weather seems to be back to normal, today, but it's still early!! Hopefully, it'll stay nice & be VERY FISHY!!!! Stay tuned.....Tami
April Flash (Updated 4/9/99)HA!!! They're still biting!!!Courtesan had a day off, yesterday, and the Dale Clavo was the only boat, from our marina, that went fishing. They raised a few blues, that didn't bite, and caught 3 sails (just fished 1/2 day). But I saw some other local boats go by that had a bunch of flags flying! The Maripuchy caught 6 blues & a sail!! Today, we had 3 boats leave the dock for a big day of marlin hunting, including the Courtesan. Good luck, everybody!! Stay tuned....Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/8/99)Well, Miss Laura Roden took revenge on the sailfish yesterday!!! She, & the Courtesan crew, ended up 6 for 12 on sails & 1 for 2 on blues!! Now...here's a very impressive (six day) total for Laura Roden: 23 BLUES, 15 SAILS, 2 WHITES & 2 GRAND SLAMS!!! All on 30# test!! This woman's a MACHINE!!! Congratulations, Laura & we'll see you in September, if not sooner!!!The Dale Clavo ended up 1 for 12 on sails & 1 for 1 on blues.
April Flash (Updated 4/7/99)I know you're thinking that one of these days, Tami's not going to have much to report about and I'm sure that one day, that will be the case. But...guess what...IT AIN'T TODAY!!!!! I think that as long as there are boats out there fishing, SOMEBODY'S gonna be CATCHING!!! That's just how it is...in Venezuela!! Here's the report from yesterday:Courtesan: GRAND SLAM!!! 5 for 6 on BLUES, 2 for 12 on sails (those little rascals!) and 1 for 1 on whitie!!! Laura Roden's look of determination, yesterday morning, paid off!! Atta girl!!! Let's see what her grand finale will be today!! Bud Man: 2 for 2 on BLUES and 4 for 11 on sails!!! YAHOO!!I saw several other local boats cruise by with lots of "laundry" flying yesterday, so I know they caught a bunch too, I just wasn't able to get reports from them. So..ya see? Ya just gotta get out there!!! I'm still waiting to see what time you want me to pick you up at the airport!! Stay tuned...Tami.
April Flash (Updated 4/6/99)WHEW!! We're still catching a bunch of fish down here!!! Here's the CRUSH report from yesterday:Courtesan: 3 for 8 on blues & 2 for 13 on sails!!! Those crazy sailfish were eating Miss Laura up!! She had quite the look of determination on her face, this morning, as the Courtesan departed Marina Portofino!! GO GET 'EM, LAURA!!!Dale Clavo: 7 BLUE MARLIN & A SAILFISH!!! Our long time friend, Javier Escalante, just HAPPEN to fly in from AFRICA to see if I'd been "fibbing" in my flash reports. HA HA Jav...I told you they were snappin'!! What took you so long?! It's not like you live very far away or anything! Stay tuned....Tami
April Flash (Updated 4/5/99)Sorry for not getting a report in yesterday. I was up at 5:00 AM playing the roll of the Easter Bunny. I hope all of you had a Happy Easter!! We did!! We had 350 eggs hidden, 30 kids (and their moms!) I didn't do very well in the Sack Race, but I smoked 'em in the Egg & Spoon (in the mouth!) Race!! I think my big mouth gave me the advantage on that one! Anyway...here's what went on Saturday, the 3rd:Courtesan: 2 blues & a sail!! Gotcha: 2 blues & 2 sails!! Exile: GRAND SLAM!! A blue, a white & 3 sails!!! YAHOO!!!!! NOW...listen to what went on yesterday, the 4th.... Courtesan: GRAND SLAM!!!! 7 blues, a white & a sail!!! Miss Laura Roden is still here and STILL CRUSHIN' (as usual)!!!! And she's catching all these fish on 30# test!!! They saw 20 blues, raised 16 & had 13 eaters!!! WOWEEE!! Capt. Dave did (a lot) of calculating this morning and figured out that the Courtesan has 103 BLUE MARLIN SO FAR THIS YEAR!!!!! And we're just getting' started!!! Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!
April Flash (Updated 4/3/99)Today's report starts out on a sad note. I'd like to dedicate it to one of my best friends, William Van Buren, Jr. He passed away yesterday afternoon. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him, lost a dear friend and fellow fisherman. Our sadness turned to smiles this morning, at his favorite "eating place", Club Sancocho, as we shared stories of a great man and remembered all the good times we got to have with him. My last memories of "VB" are of him standing in the cockpit of the Anna Lee III, with a giant grin on his face, as Capt. Tommy backs in, several flags flying and the entire marina cheering VB on for one of his best days ever! We sat & had a beer together (as usual!) and talked about his great day. He had a "dark thirty" airport departure the next morning, so I hugged & kissed him goodbye. We're all going to miss him, very much. So, VB....this AWESOME fishing report's for you!!I'm running out of words to describe how incredible the fishing is down here!!! Check out what went on yesterday:Courtesan: 5 BLUES & 3 SAILS!!!! Miss Laura Roden had one hell of a first day (5 more to go!). She caught 4 blues & 3 sails, herself!! Our friend, (& now "pro" video guy!) Shane Spravzoff got some great stuff! Laura invited Shane's mom, Ann, along for the day. She got to catch a nice blue marlin, while Laura took a (well needed & deserved) breather! Ann's first blue!! Congratulations, ladies! Laura's got Karen Heldt with her, today! This oughtta be good!!! YOU GO, GIRLS!!!Gotcha: Capt. Mike Canino and angler, Kevin Brown, both had their BEST DAY EVER!!! 7 BLUE MARLIN!!! Kevin will have plenty of "fish tales" to tell the folks back in his home town of San Antonio, Texas! Like maybe starting with the ol' cowpoke shouting of YEEEEEEHAAAA!!!!!! Congratulations, boys!!Exile: These guys came in at about lunch time...I still haven't figured out this "coming in early" thing, yet! What's up with that?? But they DID catch a blue! Stay tuned.....TamiA funeral service for William Van Buren, Jr. will be held on Tues, 4/9/99 at St. Johns Church located in downtown Hampton,Va. at 11:00 a.m. Lawrence B. Wood funeral home is in charge and they are located at 4304 Victoria Blvd. Hampton,Va. 23666 {ph.757-722-7251}. In leiu of flowers we request donations be made to the Billfish Foundation in the name of William R. (Bill) Van Buren, Jr. Thank you for all of the support you have given us during these difficult times. Mailing address at our office is 101 Eaton St. Suite 202, Hampton,Va. 23666-4079. Phone 757-722-1454,fax 757-722-155, my cell 757-880-1742. Tommy Powell
April Flash (Updated 4/2/99)This is the BIGGEST HOOOLLEEE COW YET!!! And I got to be a part of it!!! It was "Crew's Day Out", yesterday, on the Courtesan! And fortunately, they still consider me part of the crew!! We caught 8 BLUE MARLIN AND 3 SAILFISH!!! The angler/crew team consisted of Tami Wise (your truly!), Shane Sprazvoff, Luis "Speedy" Mata, William Morrison & of course, the "world famous" Capt. Dave Noling!!! I got to catch 5 blues, myself!!! Shane caught a blue & 3 sails, Speedy caught a blue & William caught a blue (you oughtta see this guy reel in a fish!!). Capt. Dave called us the "Dream Team", which, coming from him, made us all feel great! We'd all like to thank our boss, Capt. Jeff West, for letting us use his "plush" boat for one of the most memorable days of our lives!! Muchas Gracias, Jefe!! Wish you could've been there, too!!The Exile caught 3 blues. They had to come in early, for some reason, but I'm not sure why. No telling how many THEY would've ended up with! Stay tuned...believe it or not...I still think the best is yet to come!!
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