Bert and Debi: Fishing Trip

My friend David Gary invited me on a trip aboard his 50 foot sport fisher the "My Girls". We departed Biloxi Mississippi late Thursday afternoon for three days of Marlin Fishing in the deep waters of the Gulf .

Out first destination is the oil platform the Petronius. This monster sits in 1700 foot of water 90 miles southeast of Biloxi. It is considered one of the worlds largest freestanding structures at 2, 001 foot tall. We arrived there around 3am after traveling through some terrible weather. At first light we were able to get out and fish around the rig a bit before starting our troll for the ever illusive Blue Marlin.

We were in and out of bad weather all day Friday. By frequently changing our course we were able to avoid some of the worst of it. Our troll was generally to the north and west through the Green Canyon and The Steps. Friday evening we were 40 miles south of Orange Beach Alabama with lots of bad weather around us and much more headed our way. We made the call to run north to Orange Beach and Dock inshore for the night. The fuel dock was closing just as we arrived so after purchasing another $1,000.00 of fuel they allowed us to overnight in fuel slip.

We departed early Saturday morning for a 50 mile run back out the the deep water of the Gulf. Our destination was to the blue water to be found at The Elbow. The weather could not have been better. Calm seas, blue water and lots of sunshine had our hopes up for a big day. It was not to be.... After a full day of trolling we had no strikes at our many offerings. The weather once again turned for the worst. At 5:45 we pulled our lines and pointed north. Rather than run to Biloxi we stopped short and went back into Orange Beach Harbor.

Sunday morning the crew of My Girls walked over to Takey Jacks for coffee and a hot breakfast. Once all were back aboard we left Alabama and set out east for a four hour ride to Biloxi. Bad weather forced us south and added some time to our trip but we arrived safely at the Palace Casino where the My Girls docks.

Only one Blue Marlin dared to taste our tempting lures. Our 300 pound test line was not enough. He did clear the surface in our prop wash several times as if to laugh at our attempt to capture him. Oh Mr Marlin .... we will be back!!!

Photos were difficult but did take a few. Some are below and other are here.