Swordplay in the Keys- Better Late Than Never..

CaptBillB · 01-21-2008, 07:41 PM

Sword Play in the Keys
With the holidays gone by and the boat and outdoor show season in full swing, nearly all of southern New England salt water aficionados are lying low as the cold grip of early winter begins to extend its icy grasp over the region. However, it’s still possible to find a respite from what the upcoming cold and snowy weather forecasts.
In early November, I was once again fortunate enough to visit the nearest thing to a fishing Valhalla that can be found anywhere in the wide world of salt water angling, Bud N’ Mary’s Marina located in Islamorada in middle of the Florida Keys. John Brunelle, good friend and fishing buddy (president and owner of Prosystems in Plainfield, CT- http://www.prosystemsllc.com) and I had been discussing a trip to this world famous fishing destination for some time. Then, a late afternoon call from good friend, Capt. Richard Stanczyk, who is the owner and operator of Bud N’ Mary’s came in. He informed me that, “The sails and swords are really biting hard!” Richard related that, during the later part of the previous week, Capt. Vic Gaspeny had caught his 99th and 100th daytime swordfish on the same daytrip! He now holds the world's record for the most swords caught in one day (during the daytime- which makes this feat all the more incredible), a total of 7 fish up to 310 lb.
It took all of 30 seconds to call John with that report, and it was instantly decided that a quick, four day, late fall road trip to Islamorada, the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World,’ was needed to ensure a state of continued, mental well-being. Islamorada is a world class fishing destination and the place where you can fulfill all of your fishing fantasies when there’s nothing else happening up in the Northeast in regards to angling action.
While we had to had to spend a little time aboard a non-stop Delta flight heading toward Fort Lauderdale International Airport to get to south Florida, that really wasn’t such a bad trade off. The temperature upon departure from Bradley International was a chilly 28 degrees was contrasted by a balmy 78 degrees upon our arrival in Fort Lauderdale.
After picking up a rental chariot, from the conveniently located facilities within the FLL terminal, the first stop in our pilgrimage to this Mecca of Fishing was a quick visit to the International Game Fish Association’s Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. This ultra-modern structure is devoted to worldwide gamefishing achievements, Hall of Fame Inductees’ biographies, angling memorabilia, and an unbelievable display of mounts that depict nearly all of the gamefish that can be found swimming in the world’s waters.
The two hour drive down to Islamorada, which is located 90 miles south of Miami, via the Florida Turnpike and scenic Route 1, was more-or-less uneventful, with the exception of the ‘dodge-um’ style of driving behaviors that are typically found on the Sunshine State’s highways. Richard had set us up with lodging on the ‘Lucky Lady,’ a houseboat that features modern amenities and a view that offers front row seats for some of the most scenic sunrises and sunsets to be found in the Keys.
After a great meal at the Lori-Lei we headed back to the houseboat where John was given a few pointers on how to catch a tarpon. Heading over to a nearby bridge, he was coached on where to toss his offerings and, before one could count to 30, a mercurial hued torpedo came blasting out of the water engaging in a myriad of aerial acrobatics before breaking off. That didn't matter much as he was awed by the sheer power and fighting abilities that this species possess. He later landed a second ‘Silver King’ completing his matriculation in this art form of Key’s fishing.
With the wind having blown nearly continuously for four days with no letup in sight, it initially appeared that all our time down in this paradise might be spent ashore. However, early on Tuesday morning, it finally abated and, during the late afternoon, we headed out towards Alligator Light with Capt. Nick Stanczyk and Jimmy (the mate) to ‘bait up’ for the following day’s trip. Trolling small feathered jigs, we managed to put over two dozen bonito and blue runners in the bait cooler.
Wednesday morning, Richard and Nick, Jimmy, John, and I headed off to do a little daytime sword fishing on the B N' M, a 35 ft Crusader express. After running for two hours, we began drifting along the 'Heart of the Stream a good distance from the marina, we managed one hookup out of five 'bites' but, what a bite it was! I ended up on the short end of the 80-lb class stick for 3 1/2 hours before we brought a 324 lb. broadbill up to the boat, 4 1/2 miles from where it jumped all over the day's entree. We’d hooked up at 10:15 AM and landed it at 1:45 PM which, believe me, is a long time to do battle with any fish! While I've landed a few big fish every now and then, this swordfish came as close to kicking my butt as anything that has ever nibbled on my offerings. Broadbill battles are highlighted by the tremendous power and stamina of these glorious fish possess as they never give an inch. Several times, this fish was brought up to within 200 ft. of the surface before it screamed off down into the abyss in the depths of the 1,200- to 1,500 feet of water (actually, too many times to count) that we were fishing in. Endgame brought about little excitement, but all's well that ends well as the fish was stuck, gaffed and then dragged into the cockpit. We reset the baits, had a couple of quick 'taps,' but nothing came tight before we headed back to the dock at 3:30 PM for a photo session.
If you ever want to catch a swordfish, either during the day or night, there’s no doubt that is the place to do it. Richard has an unmatched streak going in regards to catching the swords during the daylight hours. While I’ve caught swords before drifting at night, the capture of this magnificent fish during the day was just an unreal experience and truly one of the highlights of my angling career.
Side trips on this visit included spending time and some stick handling in his new plane with ESPN personality Capt. Jose Wejebe (Spanish Fly), spinning tales with Key Largo rod shop owner Rick Berry, along with visits to the Redbone Art Gallery, perusing the well stocked aisles of the Worldwide Sportsman, and stops for some tropical libations at well-known establishments such as the Islamorada Fish Company, the Whistle Stop, and the Zane Grey Lounge.
The Florida Keys (especially Islamorada) are truly a special place as the sun is almost always shining, the near-tropical breezes are blowing, and the people are always friendly. While the fishing is about as good as it gets anywhere in the wide world of salt water angling, it’s the memories and friendships made there that are things that will be remembered over one’s lifetime. It also must be noted that, without John’s generosity, good natured ways, and camaraderie, this trip wouldn’t have been half as much fun for me.
If a perfect description of just how an enjoyable fishing trip were to be written up in a column for a specific species of fish that you hoped to catch while in the Keys, then there can be no better than what I’ve related above. You can reach Richard or Nick at
Bud N’ Mary’s Marina to set up your own fabulous ‘Smilin’ Islands- Florida Keys’ fishing trip by calling 1-800-742-7945 or by checking out their website at http://www.budnmarys.com .

Possum · 01-21-2008, 07:52 PM

That's a real nice Swordfish there Bill. Congratulations. I can only imagine when my day comes on a fish of that caliber. Must've been one hell of a trip. Thanks for sharing it with us.

gman · 01-21-2008, 08:08 PM

Congrats on a great trip Bill thats one hell of a sword. Anthony and I are going down to Miami in April to do the daytime sword trip with Dean Panos, he has had several fish over 500 this year during the day including 2 over 600. Anthony is excited as its one of our favorite trips ... love swords

Thanks for sharing

seaclops · 01-21-2008, 08:20 PM

Islamorada The real fishermans paradise Nice sword

fightingcouch · 01-21-2008, 10:50 PM

nice Sword Capt. Bill Congrats

i have to get down and get in on the sword bite i will most likely be down in Florida in April to get in on the bite.

Blake Conlin
tightlinzzzzzzzzzz

ARCTEKJim · 01-22-2008, 02:14 AM

nice goin bill...........jim

Relentless · 01-22-2008, 05:36 AM

Congratulations Bill,

That is one awesome fish and it even looks warm in the Keys compared to this place.

74Formula233 · 01-22-2008, 11:42 AM

Great pic and story, Bill

Delph Fishing Rob · 01-22-2008, 08:37 PM

Great job on the Sword Bill. Good to see sportsman ship. Fighting them with out electric power reels on standup is what it's all about.

Bryan A. · 01-23-2008, 07:09 AM

Nice fish!!!!

01-21-2008, 07:41 PM	#1
CaptBillB User Gallery Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Watch Hill, RI Posts: 56	Swordplay in the Keys- Better Late Than Never.. Sword Play in the Keys With the holidays gone by and the boat and outdoor show season in full swing, nearly all of southern New England salt water aficionados are lying low as the cold grip of early winter begins to extend its icy grasp over the region. However, it’s still possible to find a respite from what the upcoming cold and snowy weather forecasts. In early November, I was once again fortunate enough to visit the nearest thing to a fishing Valhalla that can be found anywhere in the wide world of salt water angling, Bud N’ Mary’s Marina located in Islamorada in middle of the Florida Keys. John Brunelle, good friend and fishing buddy (president and owner of Prosystems in Plainfield, CT- http://www.prosystemsllc.com) and I had been discussing a trip to this world famous fishing destination for some time. Then, a late afternoon call from good friend, Capt. Richard Stanczyk, who is the owner and operator of Bud N’ Mary’s came in. He informed me that, “The sails and swords are really biting hard!” Richard related that, during the later part of the previous week, Capt. Vic Gaspeny had caught his 99th and 100th daytime swordfish on the same daytrip! He now holds the world's record for the most swords caught in one day (during the daytime- which makes this feat all the more incredible), a total of 7 fish up to 310 lb. It took all of 30 seconds to call John with that report, and it was instantly decided that a quick, four day, late fall road trip to Islamorada, the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World,’ was needed to ensure a state of continued, mental well-being. Islamorada is a world class fishing destination and the place where you can fulfill all of your fishing fantasies when there’s nothing else happening up in the Northeast in regards to angling action. While we had to had to spend a little time aboard a non-stop Delta flight heading toward Fort Lauderdale International Airport to get to south Florida, that really wasn’t such a bad trade off. The temperature upon departure from Bradley International was a chilly 28 degrees was contrasted by a balmy 78 degrees upon our arrival in Fort Lauderdale. After picking up a rental chariot, from the conveniently located facilities within the FLL terminal, the first stop in our pilgrimage to this Mecca of Fishing was a quick visit to the International Game Fish Association’s Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. This ultra-modern structure is devoted to worldwide gamefishing achievements, Hall of Fame Inductees’ biographies, angling memorabilia, and an unbelievable display of mounts that depict nearly all of the gamefish that can be found swimming in the world’s waters. The two hour drive down to Islamorada, which is located 90 miles south of Miami, via the Florida Turnpike and scenic Route 1, was more-or-less uneventful, with the exception of the ‘dodge-um’ style of driving behaviors that are typically found on the Sunshine State’s highways. Richard had set us up with lodging on the ‘Lucky Lady,’ a houseboat that features modern amenities and a view that offers front row seats for some of the most scenic sunrises and sunsets to be found in the Keys. After a great meal at the Lori-Lei we headed back to the houseboat where John was given a few pointers on how to catch a tarpon. Heading over to a nearby bridge, he was coached on where to toss his offerings and, before one could count to 30, a mercurial hued torpedo came blasting out of the water engaging in a myriad of aerial acrobatics before breaking off. That didn't matter much as he was awed by the sheer power and fighting abilities that this species possess. He later landed a second ‘Silver King’ completing his matriculation in this art form of Key’s fishing. With the wind having blown nearly continuously for four days with no letup in sight, it initially appeared that all our time down in this paradise might be spent ashore. However, early on Tuesday morning, it finally abated and, during the late afternoon, we headed out towards Alligator Light with Capt. Nick Stanczyk and Jimmy (the mate) to ‘bait up’ for the following day’s trip. Trolling small feathered jigs, we managed to put over two dozen bonito and blue runners in the bait cooler. Wednesday morning, Richard and Nick, Jimmy, John, and I headed off to do a little daytime sword fishing on the B N' M, a 35 ft Crusader express. After running for two hours, we began drifting along the 'Heart of the Stream a good distance from the marina, we managed one hookup out of five 'bites' but, what a bite it was! I ended up on the short end of the 80-lb class stick for 3 1/2 hours before we brought a 324 lb. broadbill up to the boat, 4 1/2 miles from where it jumped all over the day's entree. We’d hooked up at 10:15 AM and landed it at 1:45 PM which, believe me, is a long time to do battle with any fish! While I've landed a few big fish every now and then, this swordfish came as close to kicking my butt as anything that has ever nibbled on my offerings. Broadbill battles are highlighted by the tremendous power and stamina of these glorious fish possess as they never give an inch. Several times, this fish was brought up to within 200 ft. of the surface before it screamed off down into the abyss in the depths of the 1,200- to 1,500 feet of water (actually, too many times to count) that we were fishing in. Endgame brought about little excitement, but all's well that ends well as the fish was stuck, gaffed and then dragged into the cockpit. We reset the baits, had a couple of quick 'taps,' but nothing came tight before we headed back to the dock at 3:30 PM for a photo session. If you ever want to catch a swordfish, either during the day or night, there’s no doubt that is the place to do it. Richard has an unmatched streak going in regards to catching the swords during the daylight hours. While I’ve caught swords before drifting at night, the capture of this magnificent fish during the day was just an unreal experience and truly one of the highlights of my angling career. Side trips on this visit included spending time and some stick handling in his new plane with ESPN personality Capt. Jose Wejebe (Spanish Fly), spinning tales with Key Largo rod shop owner Rick Berry, along with visits to the Redbone Art Gallery, perusing the well stocked aisles of the Worldwide Sportsman, and stops for some tropical libations at well-known establishments such as the Islamorada Fish Company, the Whistle Stop, and the Zane Grey Lounge. The Florida Keys (especially Islamorada) are truly a special place as the sun is almost always shining, the near-tropical breezes are blowing, and the people are always friendly. While the fishing is about as good as it gets anywhere in the wide world of salt water angling, it’s the memories and friendships made there that are things that will be remembered over one’s lifetime. It also must be noted that, without John’s generosity, good natured ways, and camaraderie, this trip wouldn’t have been half as much fun for me. If a perfect description of just how an enjoyable fishing trip were to be written up in a column for a specific species of fish that you hoped to catch while in the Keys, then there can be no better than what I’ve related above. You can reach Richard or Nick at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina to set up your own fabulous ‘Smilin’ Islands- Florida Keys’ fishing trip by calling 1-800-742-7945 or by checking out their website at http://www.budnmarys.com . __________________ Bill www.billfishcharter.com

01-21-2008, 07:52 PM	#2
Possum User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: CT / Summer in RI Posts: 2,697	That's a real nice Swordfish there Bill. Congratulations. I can only imagine when my day comes on a fish of that caliber. Must've been one hell of a trip. Thanks for sharing it with us. __________________ ________________________ NBS Sportfishing Affiliates

01-21-2008, 10:50 PM	#5
fightingcouch NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Branford,CT Posts: 406	nice Sword Capt. Bill Congrats i have to get down and get in on the sword bite i will most likely be down in Florida in April to get in on the bite. Blake Conlin tightlinzzzzzzzzzz __________________ Blake Conlin tight linzzzzzzzzzzzz F-troop Ch.68/19 http://www.lennysnow.com/history.htm

01-22-2008, 02:14 AM	#6
ARCTEKJim User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: VOODOO GRILLE MYSTIC Posts: 2,780	nice goin bill...........jim __________________ custom built t tops/towers/hardtops etc www.arctekmarine.com CLINTON, CT

01-22-2008, 05:36 AM	#7
Relentless User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Marshfield, MA Posts: 468	Congratulations Bill, That is one awesome fish and it even looks warm in the Keys compared to this place. __________________ Capt Dave Waldrip www.relentlesscharters.com

01-21-2008, 08:08 PM	#3
gman NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,185	Congrats on a great trip Bill thats one hell of a sword. Anthony and I are going down to Miami in April to do the daytime sword trip with Dean Panos, he has had several fish over 500 this year during the day including 2 over 600. Anthony is excited as its one of our favorite trips ... love swords Thanks for sharing

01-21-2008, 08:20 PM	#4
seaclops NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: branford Posts: 179	Islamorada The real fishermans paradise Nice sword

01-22-2008, 11:42 AM	#8
74Formula233 User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Exeter, Rhode Island Posts: 3,283	Great pic and story, Bill __________________

01-22-2008, 08:37 PM	#9
Delph Fishing Rob User Gallery Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Key West Posts: 20	Great job on the Sword Bill. Good to see sportsman ship. Fighting them with out electric power reels on standup is what it's all about. __________________ Capt. Rob Delph, Delph Fishing Charters 305-745-3125 H 305-522-1904 C secondgen@earthlink.net

01-23-2008, 07:09 AM	#10
Bryan A. NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Westbrook CT Posts: 1,269	Nice fish!!!! __________________ And the sea will grant each man new hope..............Christopher Columbus 2003 Parker 2530 "DORYMATE".......click the pic 1973 Seacraft 20SF 1970 Glastron V153 70hp EvinrudeFOR SALE

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