A little break from politics

Back when I was younger, We used to go fishing at the Port Isabel turning basin. In a post-911 world, I don't know if they'll let you fish there; but it used to be the place to go for real tacklebusters.

In the summertime, a type of plankton grows in the water in the area; and any movement causes a phosphorescent effect. It's really something to see, especially if you can get up on a dock or (as we used to do) an old beached barge. After dark, the water seems to come alive.

I've had 35 pound-test braided nylon line snapped like sewing thread. I've had 5/0 Eagle Claw hooks straightened out. I have seen heavy rods broken; and I've never yet seen what did it. There have been stories of big jewfish and big sharks; but nobody has ever even come up with a picture.

Personally, I tend to discount the jewfish idea; because they are a rather slow-moving fish, and the tacklebusters don't move slowly. Shark? Maybe, I don't know.

Whatever they are, they aren't restricted to the turning basin, just more concentrated there. I have also had tackle torn up in the Brownsville ship channel more than once.

It's really quite an experience to hang something that moves that fast and turns out to be unstoppable. When it happens, you become addicted instantly.

I no longer live near there; but someday, who knows?...

Posted: Wednesday 15th June 2005, 10:39 AM

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