REPORTS FROM THE RIP: Out with the old and in with the new

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As the new year begins to unfold, Our eyes turn towards the coming billfish season. Boat crews everywhere are preparing there tackle and readying the systems on their rides for the coming season. Over the past few weeks, face book has seen a bunch of postings from boats that have already departed for warmer climates south. Some are headed for the sailfish bite off Isla Mujeres that is beginning to happen and some are headed for the wahoo bite at their favorite spot in the Bahamas. There are even a few boats that have begun the trek to the Dominican Republic for the coming Blue Marlin season in Casa De Campo. Each time I see one of these posts, it gets me excited for the coming season. The sense of urgency goes up a touch with each day as well.
We have a few projects left to be completed and a lot of tackle to move from the warehouse to the boat. But with only about 6 weeks left, there never seems to be enough time. Clint and Art with Great Ideas canvas have done a great job putting new carpet in the boat and recovering the couches. 727-244-6157. But don't call them for one more week. They still have one couch left to finish.
Our plan at this time is to spend the next few weeks readying the boat, then we will be doing the Gasparilla Pirate invasion the last week of January. Feb 1st we will Go to Galati and do the boat yard thing. After that… Dominican Republic and Casa De Campo… Here we come.
The holiday weeks are now behind us. Now hopefully we can set our minds solely on the boat and not on partys and hunting. ( not that that stuff is a bad thing)
I did get to spend part of the holidays up and the boss's hunting place during the break. It was great. Steve. Stephen, Joe and Andy made the days up at the camp a hoot. being around those guys when they all get in the same room is non stop entertainment. Its like being around a bunch of redneck comedians. I only look forward to getting them all on the boat together this season. The next year promises to be a good one. I look forward to seeing all the old places we visit thru the eyes of my new deck hand Matt. Its always fun to revisit these places and show them to someone that has never been there before.
I have to give a big thanks to Canyon Gear International. They make our boat shirts and hats. I know how busy they are this time of year, but they came thru for me and everything always looks perfect. Y'all are the best. if anyone needs boat shirts and stuff, They are the ones to use. Debby is awesome and easy to work with. http://www.canyongearinternational.com (561) 844-8700

I do hope that everyone gets everything they work towards this coming year