Teamwork makes offshore fishing enjoyable

Offshore fishing is a team sport, especially when targeting billfish.

 

It takes a lot of coordination to deploy and manage the trolling spread. It takes even more when you hook up and have to quickly clear the lines to chase the fish. This is a very exciting and high-stress situation. Everyone has to know what to do and when to do it. A regular crew and constant repetition are the only ways to develop the required level of coordination.

 

So, when I am targeting billfish offshore, my regular crew is my son Elliott and Trent, a good friend from the Daniel Island Fishing Club. Of course, the crew also includes Brody, the amazing fish-finding and stock-trading dog.

 

On a recent offshore fishing trip, Elliott, Trent, and I pulled away from the dock at 5:30 in the morning. Brody thought it was too hot and decided to stay home in the air conditioning.

 

On the ride out, we selected our fishing location and planned our trolling spread. Upon arrival, I maneuvered the boat to troll down sea while Elliott and Trent quickly deployed our spread.

 

A dredge and squid teaser were on the flat lines. Marlin lures on the short rigger just behind the dredge and teaser. Small ballyhoo were deployed on the long rigger positions. Watching Elliott and Trent work, I felt fortunate to fish with them so regularly.

 

A few minutes later, a small blue marlin came into the spread and began to track the squid teaser. Elliott and I saw the fish at the same time. Without speaking, Elliott quickly dropped a small ballyhoo back to the blue. The marlin switched from the teaser and ate the ballyhoo. While Elliott gave the marlin a few seconds to drop back,

 

Trent began clearing lines. It was like clockwork.

 

Unfortunately, the marlin came unbuttoned on the first series of jumps. Elliott and Trent were disappointed, but I was happy. I had just witnessed amazing teamwork. Everything went according to plan (with the small exception of actually catching the fish).

 

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, but we did accidentally catch a bunch of mahi. 

 

Back at the dock, our teamwork continued. Elliott cleaned the boat. Trent and I filleted and bagged the mahi.

 

Offshore fishing is a lot of work, but a good team makes it enjoyable.