May 13, 2013

Image Hosted by ImageShack.usTom Shipley and his family’s trip to Nosara is a classic fishing tale of patient triumph.

Tom, his son Tom Jr., and daughters Alyssa and Sara scheduled long days on the super panga and showed off their unbreakable South Florida fishing meddle.

On the first two trips they had some light action but nothing to get excited about: a few Bonitas and Jack Crevelles along with some mystery nibbles.

These South Florida anglers aren’t new to the game and understand that billfishing is as much an exercise in time investment than anything else.
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There was a nice Sailfish release and a tasty Rainbow runner on the second trip, but these folks had their sights set on our most powerful species: BIG Marlin!

Their patience paid off on the third day when the dam broke loose and rained billfish on Team Shipley.

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This bad Blue Marlin tore off a few baits before Mate Kevin found the sweet spot on the strike lever, and Tom Sr. was all set to bring in the fish of a lifetime.

The Explorer outmaneuvered this beast and they grabbed the leader five times…clearly a release no matter where you are fishing.

The action was just beginning as Tom Jr. stepped into the fray versus a high-flying sailfish.

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These South Florida anglers really showed some grit on their three-day pursuit…still a small amount of time to invest for the fish of a lifetime!

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April 28, 2013

Samantha Rady braved the blue water onboard Garza’s ulimate prize fighter the Explorer. Captain David was on his game and hooked this NYC angler with not one but TWO elusive Rooster Fish!

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They warmed up earlier in the trip on some Jack Crevalles before pursing the trophy fish.

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Of course both Roosters were released and we look forward to them pecking at our baits again really soon.

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April 25, 2013

After their banner day on the Wanderer on April 23, Robert and Joy returned to the Explorer for an inshore battle that was just as fruitful as their offshore excursions.

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First off Mr. McCafferty waylaid this 30lbs. Amberjack. Remember that here on the Pacific side our Amberjack are edible and delicious, unlike the Atlantic variety.

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Joy Best followed up with a fish that is delicious no matter what ocean you’re in. This tasty Yellowfin Tuna weighs about 35lbs. and is every ounce as good as it looks.

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What a wonderful way to cap off a great week of fishing!

April 21, 2013

Robert McCafferty and Joy Best have a trio of trips planned this week with our team, and on their first trip Captain David of the Explorer took them offshore for a tour of Sailfish City.

The Sails were aggressive biting, but even more aggressive in hook-spitting. Still Mr. McCafferty managed to best one of these behemoths, estimated to weigh over 125 lbs.

Look out for more great fishing from this Pennsylvania-based duo this week.

April 10, 2013

The Explorer caught the biggest Amberjack we have ever seen on April 10 with client Bradford Kuhns and young Mr. Thomas Donnelly. This monster is estimated to weigh 90+ lbs. and is an incredible fishing accomplishment.

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It is hard to know which was more difficult: catching this behemoth or hoisting it up for the picture!

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Amazing work by Captain David and the 26-foot Super Panga!

March 26, 2013

John Rozas struck again on the Explorer after his great Sailfish release earlier in the week. Check out this gigantic Broomtail Grouper that Mr. Rozas hauled off the bottom:

That is a whopper. Here’s an excerpt from John’s email:

David fileted it, and I took one half home. Gave the other half to David for his family and friends.The head went to Marcus, for fish head soup.

I froze filets overnight in freezer in room, then wrapped them in a bubble wrap type freezer bag I had from fishing in Alaska. Came home and filets were still rock solid. Will be eating tonight.

February 25, 2013

David Lukof locked into a battle with a super 300+lbs. Marlin on the unbeatable Explorer. Take a look at this monster:

According to our buddy Jeff (who was filming): “Dude had heat stroke after this. He’s been chasing a marlin for 30 years. He said ‘I’d fight it till I died’ he might have actually been close!”
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Amazing catch and release by the superstar Captain David and Mate Carlos!