Allen and Deb Berner had never seen the ocean before. They released an 80 lb. Roosterfish, and landed another at 74 lbs. Dr. Roy Durbin was determined to try his luck at fly–fishing, and caught a Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin and a Sailfish in one day, all on fly. ANOTHER TSL RECORD BROKEN!!! The Anheuser Busch Guys (you know who you are!) released 70 Sails on 3 boats on their first day, and their stories of triple and quad headers were fabulous!

Jimmy Buffet dropped in...

JUNE:

The biggest decision this month was deciding what to fish for: Blacks on the reef, Blues and Stripers off shore, pods of Sails, or fish the coast for the “catch of the day.”

Tropic Star Lodge appealed to a mix group of anglers. Margot Vincent seeking more world records on fly rod had shots at a couple of Striped Marlin, one over 200 lbs., after two hours! Margot also put a fly in front of a nice Blue Marlin. John Waldrop, Sr. and Jr. had three triple Sails, releasing all three on two triples and both Sails on two doubles. Dan Stallings released his first Blue Marlin. Both Dykes Blackmon and Frank Prince caught their first Sailfish on fly. Joe Pillucere, released his first Black on 20 lb. with a Panama belly bait.

Grand Slams Were Completed with the Help of Eager Sailfish
(photo: Andy Hahn)

Nelson Perez held his annual Tampa International Billfish Tournament. Day one kicked off with 86 Sailfish released. The action was on and the fishing hot! On day three, Joe McGowan landed a Grand Slam: a Black and Striped Marlin and a Sailfish. Gary Frashier also had a Grand Slam: a Blue Marlin, Striper and Sailfish, and another Sail on fly.

Best Fish Story goes to Joey Fisher: Both Joey and his mate had no choice but to jump into the water when his dad, Joe’s Sail jumped in the boat! The Sail slapped Joey a few times, and he found the water a safer place to be. He jumped in with his fishing pole and continued fighting his Sail. Once his dad’s Sail was safely released, Joey and his mate got back into the boat and successfully released the other half of their double! One tournament day produced 8 Marlin and 42 Sails. The week: 1 Black Marlin, 5 Blue Marlin, 7 Striped Marlin, and 335 Sailfish!!!

JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER:

New! Tropic Star Lodge on DVD!

As Larry Dahlberg says in Scene 47 of our new DVD, “I don’t care if it’s the off season, it’s the ON season... eat your Wheaties!” The continuing abundance and availability of our most sought after gamefish make this a great time of year to visit the Lodge.

Joe Porcelli Lands His First Black Marlin

James Tricou and friends, George Sherer and Walter Antin had a great time, releasing a Blue Marlin. Margot Vincent kept her word and returned in July. She released 23 Sails: all on IGFA fly class tippets.

Geano Pancotto with his Big Cubera

Tom Hamilton and Bob Meyer had the day of their lives. Both released a Marlin, 1 Blue, and 1 Black. They almost had a Grand Slam that day, but while reaching for the leader, the Striped Marlin was lost.

Good friends, Sam and Rosemary Pancotto visited and brought their son Geano, and grandson Vincent Allegra. Vincent started off his week by catching his first Black Marlin ever, over 500 lbs! A few days later, he caught his second Black.

Sam Pancotto introduces his grandson
Vincent Allegra to trophy size Marlin.
(photo: Geano Pancatto)