“Hooked Up on Spring Break in
Ft. Lauderdale”

By Rob Howie

     Bristling with rods and outriggers, the 50’ Hatteras—aptly named Hooked Up--sped offshore from Ft. Lauderdale harbor in late April with three friends aboard angling for game fish.  Club members Buzz Schneider and I were determined to perfect our technique before the Marblehead striped bass and blue fish season began.  Along for the ride was friend Kevin O’ Reilly, who’d never been fishing before in his life.  Naturally, as luck would have it, Kevin landed the first fish—a monster 9’ Hammerhead shark! 

     This prehistoric creature was followed in quick succession by Buzz’s landing of a 7’ Bull shark, and my 53” Bullhead dolphin (Mahi Mahi, or Dorado)—one of the most beautiful fish in the sea—and assorted barracudas.  The prize, however, was a magnificent 7’ Atlantic Sailfish, caught on live bait suspended on a line held aloft by a kite.  For strength and spectacle, few angling experiences are as exciting as watching such a beautiful creature leap from a coruscating sea, to whence he returned after the obligatory photo.  The Dorado ended up on someone’s plate at Café del Mar that evening. 

     We rested our sore muscles as the sun went down along the beachfront boulevard to the soothing sounds of Spanish guitar, good food, good wine, and good friends, including new found lady friends who invited us to party at Lulu’s, a Spring Break tradition.  The youngsters there had trouble keeping up with us middle-aged men—after all, we’re from Marblehead—and we appropriately closed the place down.  The rest…well, what happens in Ft. Lauderdale stays in Ft. Lauderdale.  Marblehead angling was never so good.