The Helm

Photographer unknown 1936 Sara Houston Chisholm, officially Mrs. S. Kip Farrington Jr. but called Chissie, caught two giant tuna in September 1936 in Nova Scotia. Her husband, a "gentleman sportsman," had been an editor at Field and Stream magazine but retired to East Hampton at a young age to pursue sports and write. Mrs. Farrington, who kept up with her husband on the seas, was the first woman known to land a broadbill swordfish (it weighed 584 pounds), and she received written congratulations from none other than Ernest Hemingway. At her right above is the 493-pound fish she battled for 10 hours and 35 minutes; at her left a 720-pounder she took in 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Not everyone is ready for the big pond. This guy didn’t feel well. Since it was a private charter we were able to stay close and do our best to accommodate him. We caught lots of dolphin we released and a nice pile for them to eat.

What do you do in KW on a rainy soggy day? Go fishing! Fish are already wet.

More fun in the sun today out of Key West. Call Capt Mike to get in on the fun.

Was a little nautical today. But plenty of fish and home early.

Another 4 days of fishing completed. Fishing was tough off key west this week. But when you focus on billfish and big dolphin it’s even more difficult. However Allen Thompson and his Sister showed patients and persistence and we persevered. We had some great shots that didn’t go our way and a few that did. We managed to find a Swordfish and missed another. Caught all the schoolie dolphin we wanted and released the rest. Never saw a Blue Marlin but we sure covered some ground looking. Had a big Wahoo skyrocket the short rigger and take the bridge rod but pulled the hook. Heartbreaking but not as much as the Bull Dolphin that swam up and refused everything. Fish was 40-50lbs. Hour later a big Yellowfin Tuna explodes on the bridge rod and completely misses the bait. Another Hr and once again on the bridge rod we hook and land a large Sailfish. THANK GOD FOR THE BRIDGE ROD !!!! Thanks again for Playing Allen.

A giant sailfish for Allen today.