Posted by Monty
We left Lake Sylvia rather early this morning (for us) because we had to stop and get fuel before the trip to Lake Worth.
After spending Saturday watching "the show" ("sometimes you watch the show and sometimes you are the show"), and even participating in it when another boat's anchor fouled (got caught in) our anchor rode, we decided we'd had enough. So we made our way to the fuel dock. Did I mention this is Ft. Lauderdale? It's where the big boys play.
After spending Saturday watching "the show" ("sometimes you watch the show and sometimes you are the show"), and even participating in it when another boat's anchor fouled (got caught in) our anchor rode, we decided we'd had enough. So we made our way to the fuel dock. Did I mention this is Ft. Lauderdale? It's where the big boys play.
This is the Lady Sara. She is a private boat, and she was docked behind us at the fuel dock. They have pumps capable of delivering over 200 gallons a minute. We needed about 15 gallons, the extent of the fuel we have burned since Boot Key.
I said to the dock hand, "Wow. I'm a pretty little fish in this pond, right?" He grinned at me and said "It's OK, Captain. At least you are a fish in the pond." And he's right. I hope the guy who owns this boat is as happy as I am.
It was a busy morning in the Port Everglades Inlet. There were several cruise ships, lots of fishing traffic, and this guy. He followed us out. (OK, we ran out of his way.)
It was a busy morning in the Port Everglades Inlet. There were several cruise ships, lots of fishing traffic, and this guy. He followed us out. (OK, we ran out of his way.)
He's a pretty little guy as container ships go. I thought I understood the reason when I saw the name, but when he cleared the inlet he turned north and steamed away. Hummm...
So we turned north as well. I got us about three miles offshore so we could pick up a boost from the Gulf Stream. Looking at the knot meter, it was obvious when we started to motor along at over 8 knots speed over ground. Sea Bird usually runs 5-1/2 to 6 knots through the water at the speed I like to run the engine. The difference is all current.
Then I noticed the difference in water color. A brilliant blue.
Then it happened. FISH ON!
Carol has been trolling a lure every chance she gets. All it has done so far is slow Sea Bird down (albeit imperceptibly). This time, line was spooling off her reel in the rod holder.
"STOP THE BOAT!"
Thinking something was wrong, I leapt to the controls. "WHAT?"
"I'VE GOT A FISH!"
And sure enough, she did. Landed him, too.
So we turned north as well. I got us about three miles offshore so we could pick up a boost from the Gulf Stream. Looking at the knot meter, it was obvious when we started to motor along at over 8 knots speed over ground. Sea Bird usually runs 5-1/2 to 6 knots through the water at the speed I like to run the engine. The difference is all current.
Then I noticed the difference in water color. A brilliant blue.
Then it happened. FISH ON!
Carol has been trolling a lure every chance she gets. All it has done so far is slow Sea Bird down (albeit imperceptibly). This time, line was spooling off her reel in the rod holder.
"STOP THE BOAT!"
Thinking something was wrong, I leapt to the controls. "WHAT?"
"I'VE GOT A FISH!"
And sure enough, she did. Landed him, too.
A small tuna. Plenty big enough for dinner for two. And as soon as he was dispatched and placed in the fridge...
...his big brother happened along. Good day for Carol. Bad day to be a fish.
So dinner was delicious. Freshest fish on the east coast, right here on Sea Bird, anchored in Lake Worth.
Tomorrow(?) we will continue north towards Stuart, FL, there to meet up with an old high school chum and her husband for dinner at her favorite restaurant. I'm sure it will be good, but I don't think it could top my meal today.
So dinner was delicious. Freshest fish on the east coast, right here on Sea Bird, anchored in Lake Worth.
Tomorrow(?) we will continue north towards Stuart, FL, there to meet up with an old high school chum and her husband for dinner at her favorite restaurant. I'm sure it will be good, but I don't think it could top my meal today.
