* Loreto, Baja, Mexico - Setting the Record Straight
Dougald Scott and I were fishing for dorado. I had just landed a fish and was sitting down to rest and drink some water and watch Dougald cast and then hook a fish. The fish immediately began jumping and cartwheeling much to the pleasure of both of us and the other anglers who were also watching. A run or two and several more leaps then big bull dorado sounded deep and the tug of war was on. Dougald put all the pressure the equipment would allow gaining line inch by inch only to lose it each time the fish made another run. Sweat beads accumulating on Dougald's brow turning to rivulets that found their way into his eyes, wrist stinging and forearms aching after 55 minutes, Dougald handed me the rod. It didn't take long for me to have all of the same sensations Dougald was having. Eyes burning, arms aching, it was only after an additional 25 minutes that I was able to get the fish close enough for the captain to get a gaff into it. No catch and release here, this one found its way to the table in part because gaffing it was the best way to end the fight.
There was a picture of me, not Dougald, holding the fish at the January meeting slide show because I screwed up the picture of Dougald holding the fish. It was an honor to be pictured with that fish, the one that Dougald cast to, hooked and fought so well. - Harry Petrakis