StoryTeller, Poems & FishTales . . .
USCG Lic. Capt. Michael L. Phillips
Most Photos are in the photo section however
there is a special story to this photo.
We were trolling offshore out of sight of land in
any direction.
It was 2:00 PM or so. A hot still summer day searching
for weed lines or debris, Dolphin hang-outs.
Miami's " Biscayne Bay " was charted as "Bay Biscay"
This little bird came flying in from the east
and kind of crash landed on the bridge.
He or she was panting hard, Capt Mike cut the
bottom off a paper cup and offered the little one
some water. The little dude drank almost the entire thing.
Capt. put his hand down and the bird hopped into
his hand it was like . . .
I'm really glad to see something or someone.
Capt. placed it on the bridge dash under the
shade of the Her Grace's bridge top,
where Li'l One sat for about an hour or so.
Finally she hop/flew to the bridge rail and took off again.
We watched her circle us once and landed again on the
gunwhale, drank a little more water and flew off to the West.
We caught no fish at all that day. But the memory
lingers still of a day shared with Mother Nature.
Capt Seaweed '1997 . . . end
A Client Comment
added 8-14-99
This is an un-solicited report by one of our sportfishing clients
posted on WMI, Inc. Saltwater Fishing Reports, couldn't pass up showing it off here . . .
Subject: Off Palm Beach-Singer Island, Florida
Submitted by John D.
Fished on 8/3/1999
Report received: 8/13/99
Water Temperature: 85
Water Clarity: good
Seas: 1-2ft
Weather: Hot and Hazy
Fishing_for: mahi
Boat: Her Grace
Report:
Had a charter with Capt Mike out of Palm Beach, Fl for mahi on 8/3. Unfortunately, winds were strong out of the west,
which caused any weed lines to break up and scatter during our search for mahi. After searching for awhile, the Capt, in an
effort to put me on some fish (we did have a sailfish and a wahoo bite), offered to switch tactics to some bottom fishing for
large grouper and amberjack. I stubbornly decided to stick with the mahi, even though we hadn't seen any floating weedlines or
flotsam all day. Eventually, due to the efforts of the Capt calling up contacts on the radio, we were able to locate a small
weedline that boat had worked over already, and we were still able to pick some nice sized fish out of.
Even though it was a slow day, the crew aboard Her Grace worked very hard, constantly adjusting and trolling 6 lines for just
my girlfriend and I, and also constantly kept me updated of what was going on and my options. If you ever plan to fish in
Florida, I would highly recommend a trip with these guys. Their web site is listed below:
http://american-angler.com/
I'm not sure what the protocol on this board is for advertising, but I didn't receive anything for posting this--I just believe great
service should get a great review.
Regards, John D.
A FishTale About:
"You never know when"
SAILFISHING Added - 12-11-99
One Saturday afternoon
Half day charter - live baited with and without a kite entire trip
no bites.
Towards the end of the day at 3:20 PM. we were surrounded by rain,
and were just turning to avoid a down poor. Bingo, we're on.
Stand-up Sailfish action at it's best, on a 20lb rig. In 89 feet
of water off Palm Beach.
A forty-one minute contest followed, and the rain was forgotten.
The big Sail dragged us out to 136 feet and back in to 109 foot.
Where we boated and released the 961/2" - 95 lb
Atlantic Sailfish.
The fish made three half breach jumps 30
feet from the transom during the battle, followed by long runs
each time. To the dismay of the angler.
This Sail chomped down on the Mates hand as if showing her
contempt for the man handling required to pose her for these
pictures, as we towed her along side just before release, done
to revive her after one long battle with this big strong Sail from Palm Beach.
Dave Tindall wrote:
Hi Capt.
Just dropping you a line to thank you for the excellent fishing trip. The trophy sailfish was the icing on the cake but the effort that
you put in made the trip a memory of a lifetime.
I have never seen my brother speechless but the big sail got his tongue.
All he could muster was "I CANT BELEIVE IT" followed by an ear to ear grin and a chuckle to rival santa claus.
The kingfish put on quite a show they looked like roman candles
coming out of the water as they exploded on the bait.
And we must mention the shark and what ever that was that tried to pull my buddy out of the boat.
Well I just want to thank you again and tell you, I will be back
to fish with you soon. I will follow up on the mount money next week.
thanks again,
Dave
Poem
THE ISLE OF ELLIOTT'S KEY
Oh! Would I like to sail upon a silent Moonlit Sea,
so far away from city lights t’would be pure Ecstasy.
In cool and quiet solitude my thoughts in harmony,
I’d grab the helm and set my coarse for the Isle of Elliott Key.
As I approach the northern shore I hear the Seagull’s cry,
I think I understand their ways but still I wonder why.
What lures them to this briny place of coral sand and sea,
could it be a master plan unknown to you and me?
A seventh sense of duty that directs their destiny
Tis’ natures eyes that guide me to the Isle of Elliott Key.
No matter where life leads you know listen my friend to me
Tis’ natures eyes that guide you to the Isle of Elliott Key.
Yes! Mother Nature becons come spend some time with me.
From Sands to Soldiers southward on to Boca Cheeta Key,
the Gulls they beg me onward, onward to Elliott Key.
Now I spot the channel tis’ Featherbed I see.
The Gulls are crying louder,
“ We’re almost there you see.“
The waters getting clearer, my mind is soaring free,
my heart is drawing nearer to where I long to be.
The birds no longer call me they wave their wings to say “
you now no longer need me, we’ll leave you here today. “
And as they turn to soar away I thought I heard one say . . .
“ Another crew of Boaters now safe at Bay Biscay “
Poem © 1995 author: Thomas D. Phillips
Dedicated: To Mom & Dad
~~~END~~~
