Fishing Fort Lauderdale on Happy Day Today with Capt. Zsak
Jim Peterson from Maine along with lifelong friends, Bob Vanderloop, John McCormick from Florida and Tom Lamoly from Maine chartered the Happy Day Today along with the Topshotfishing team to do some deep sea sport fishing in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Jim has been battling terminal cancer and one of his bucket list items was to catch a Swordfish so all his buddies came along with Jim to share in his experience.
The weather conditions were absolutely perfect for Swordfishing – winds and moon position were perfect – winds were out of the east southeast at 5 mph, seas were running 2-3 ft. with blue skies. We had 1 ½ hours traveling time to get to the Swordfish grounds, located 20 miles off of Fort Lauderdale, where the depth of water will drop off from 1200 ft. to 2400 ft.
We first set up one kite with two live Goggle Eyes for any predators that might be lurking out in the deep. On our Swordfish rod, we went down to the bottom, which was 1800 ft. deep, and it took 15 minutes to hit the bottom. We started fishing at 9:30 am as the boys sat around telling stories of their adventures, sipping their ice cold beers while they roasted Jim. After 5 hours, our wait ended – hooked up!! - as the rod tip and line slowly started to rise to the surface. Within 10 minutes the Swordfish rose from 1800 ft. to break the surface – the fun started – as the tug of war began – line going in, ling going out. We could see the Swordfish in the superb crystal clear water 50 feet down – a good size fish. Mark, our mate, prepared the flying gaff as the Swordfish came closer to the boat. Jim was doing a fantastic job in reeling in the fish while all of his friends cheered him on. Jim was rewarded with a Swordfish weighing approximately 175 lbs, 103 inch overall length, and 64 inch short length. Mark and I were extremely happy knowing that we helped fulfill one of Jim's last wishes, and Jim hugged us in appreciation of this accomplishment.
Jim and his friends retired into the a/c salon aboard the Happy Day Today for the trip back to the dock at Bahia Mar 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 33316. At the dock we filet the "pumpkin" Swordfish for the guests to take home.
For a successful and adventurous deep sea fishing charter Fort Lauderdale FL for Sailfish, Shark, Bonito, Mackerel, Swordfish, Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi and Grouper contact Captain Zsak. - 954-309-7457 or email us at tzsak@bellshouth.net Website: www.topshotfishing.com.
