Quest For A 40 Inch Rock

[mlag]

Of course we are talking about Old No. 7 (Phil) who has been on this quest for the past three seasons. It hasn't been that Phil hasn't had the opportunity to fish, he just always finds a way to.........how do I say...........um.....he always seems to find a way to NOT land a big fish. Case in point........this past Spring Phil joined my Dad and I for a trolling trip. My dad and I agreed that any reel giving drag would be Phil's. Well a deep rod started screaming about an hour later. I told Phil to grab it as it was definately the over 40 he had been looking for. Phil begins to battle the big fish but somehow manages to give enough slack that the "over 40" swims away as it nears the boat. That's just one example that comes to mind.

Well, fast forward to yesterday,........the day before the blizzard. Phil, Don (Drichitt) and I arrived at the marina at the mouth of the South River around 8:30 am. Luckily we opted for a later than normal start as my boat was still up 40 feet on the rack when we arrived No problem. Within five minutes the boat was launched and we began a little de-icing. Houston we have a little problem.........my new Yami 4 stroke was having a problem peeing. A quick call to Ed Miller (410-375-1638) confirmed that the lower unit was receiving water and that we just needed to let the big girl idle for a while. For those of you looking for a good mechanic that is only a phone call away, I highly recommend Ed. We were under way within about 15 minutes.

It was a "brisk" ride from the South River to the 50 foot line just west of Bloody Point. The meter showed a surface water temperature at the mouth of the South at 39 degrees. The deep water off Bloody Point showed a very cool water temp of 44 degrees. Dang, I told the guys that I hoped a few fish were still around as we had 49 degrees just a couple of days earlier.

It was a pleasure to just sit and navigate as Phil and Don deployed the boards and the complete spread. Other than being a little "chilly", it was a beautiful day on the water. We did see one other center console as well a one charter (no names to be mentioned) doing a little C&R trolling as well. This big guy came rolling up the bay at some point..................




This was definately the "calm before the storm". After trolling for about an hour, a board rod gets hammered. The reel gives up some drag to a definate "over 40". Don and I had both agreed that this was Phil's day. Come on youngin grab the rod......and don't muff this up Phil battles the big girl within 15 feet of the boat when all of a sudden......."de ja vue"!!! Are you kidding me. What did you do Phil? Focus man...you have to focus!!! I think I heard Don mumble something under his breath. I'm not sure, but it sounded like......."dang rookie"

I pondered as to what else I could do to help this kid. I was running out of ideas. Finally it hit me. I told Don that I had an idea. Phil needs some encouragement from some other guys that have been known to let some big fish go close to the boat. I made a couple of calls and soon had Phil on a conference call with Paul (Reeltor) and Marty (5th Tuition) Sorry guys, just couldn't help myself After getting some words of wisdom from Paul and Marty, Phil's attitude seemed to change. I could see it in his eyes. He was now ready to complete his quest.

Another board rod goes down and Phil is all over it. Phil says that this "over 40" is all his. Phil battles the big fish with new found determination..............




Soon Phil had the big "over 40" nearing the side of the boat. I don't know what words of wisdom Paul and Marty shared with Phil, but it seemed to be working. Phil remarked that this "over 40" was not getting the better of him this time. Focus Phil, don't lose focus. I took a big sigh of relief as Don lipped the big "over 40" and gently lifted her aboard for a quick measurement.

This is it Phil. Will you be giving up your prestigious title of "El Presidente of the 39 and something club"?





You guys make the call....................................






Maybe next year "El Presidente"..................................... ..Mark