World Record Spadefish and a Big Black and Ben swimming with the fishes...

[fshrgrl]

Pending IGFA 4lb Line Class World Record-Atlantic Spadefish
17, 19 July 2008
And a Personal Report: Black drum, flounder, and Ben

I had a few days off and the weather was just gorgeous along the Virginia coast. I just wanted to get out on the water. Although most of my buddies had to work, my buddy Ben Shepherd also had Thursday off. So, we hopped in his 21-footer at about 8am, and ran to the Bay Bridge tunnel in search of flounder, or whatever. We dropped live bait in several choice areas along the bridge, but managed to mostly feed the seabass and rubble. We had caught a few throwbacks, and one that stretched to about 23-inches.

As we worked our way near the third island, we swung in to search for some blacks. I perched up on the bow and noticed a boat with two men and a little boy anchored with spade floats out. They were also pointing and casting at something in the water. Ben and I looked at each other, and we made our way over to see the boat completely surrounded by several big schools. I asked the folks about the drum, and they replied they had been there all day but wouldn’t bite anything. I asked if they minded if a made a few casts. Ben handed me his little spinner with one of my 5-inch Storms tied on, and I tossed it at one of the schools. Hooked up! The rod doubled over, and the little boy in the boat squealed and the Dad applauded. I battled the fish for about 10 minutes, and we drew a crowd of boats looking on.

Ben expertly guided me after the black, which took both of us to pull into the boat. Hooked in the mouth, cool. We took a few pics, revived the fish, and realized that we were completely slimed…that was one exceptionally slimy fish! So, we proceeded to hose off the slime. No big deal, but Ben decided to get creative with the camera and photographed the “shower scene.” Hmmm, interesting.

Just then, Ben noticed our drum floating belly up. Let’s go! Ben donned his snorkeling gear, and jumped in. I followed Ben around the third island as he guided the black until he was good to go. A very cool experience to watch.











Saturday, my buddy Capt Steve Wray gave me some gouge that he caught his limit of nice 7 to 8lb spades at the Tower area the day before. I smelled a record, and with the sporadic spade action this year, I wasted no time.

We pulled out of Rudee by 6:30 am, and headed east onto glassy seas. When we arrived, spadefish were everywhere on the surface. As I took a closer look, they were the class I was looking for. I broke out two light tackle rods, and began rotating them. Now, catching a 16-pound tog on 8lb line seemed like a cake walk compared to overcoming a runaway spade on 4lb test. That’s some tough stuff, and requires tons of patience.

Several boats ventured over to see what we were up to. I’m sure they thought I was nuts. It took all day, and I threw back over a dozen small fish, broke off at least two dozen, but managed to get six fish to the boat that pushed over 7 pounds.

Before we left, I couldn't resist dropping a live bait down to see if anyone was home, and up came a nice flounder. Back at the local IGFA weigh station, Long Bay Pointe, only one of the six fish made the mark, whew! I am submitting the paper work to the IGFA as a pending 4lb Line Class World Record.

The next day I hoped for a repeat of the day before. Nope. Although everything was the same, someone forgot to tell the spadefish. The schools were very deep and the fish were small, ranging to about four pounds. What a difference a day can make!

[cobiafan]

great job on the flounder, spades, and BLack drum. Man thats a bunch of great fish. Congrats on the pending record spade.

[FishPrintGuy]

now that's one I should print for ya when everyone's done with it!! Great job.

[Capt. Pete Bregant]

WTG!

[jamisjockey]

Nice work!! Nice pictures, too....especially that second one....

[hookinfinger]

Congrats on the record Spade !

Nice pictures !



Dennis

[Al B]

Congrats on the IGFA Line Class Record Julie! Swimming w/the Drum is WAY COOL.... and the shower scene... well.... um......

[mike cozzens]

Congratulations Julie! Great pictures and a great report.

Mike

[Persistence2]

I'm no Brain Surgeon, but I think your shower scene will be a big hit with the masses...

Congrats on your catches!!

Glenn

[STX]

GO GIRL!!!