Variable 10 knots or less, 80 degrees outside....summer is finally here!

Fall fishing is in full swing and to a mate in Morehead City, that means you better be twisting wire.

Well you can tell fall is comming because the wahoos are biting and the sailfish jumping!!

Well the middle of August is here and that means time for the kids to go back to school!! There is only one problem...that means I come back to school as well. Going from fishing for Marlin 3 days a week back to Raleigh is a change that takes some getting used too. But the good news is I have my classes scheduled so I am able to fish Friday-Monday so life isn't too bad.

This weekend is the first annual Tred Barta/Boys and Girls Club Billfish Tournament and the Diamond Girl is getting ready.

Where has the summer gone. It seems like yesterday was June 1st and we were getting rigged up for the Big Rock. Well I guess the old saying is true; time flys when your having fun.

Hello from Atlantic Beach NC and welcome to the First Mates Corner.

Well The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament starts next week so Captain Donnie and I have been rigging, rigging, and rigging some more, trying to get everything just right so when the big ole' Blue Marlin piles on our short rigger we will be ready for anything she brings. So far we have replaced all of our old line with brand new 100 lb. Diamond line and tied new wind-on leaders with dacron and 400 lb. test mono. We have also gone through all of our Marlin lures and tied new leaders and sharpened the hooks. All that is left to do now is rig the bait and catch the fish. Well so long from The Mates Corner until next time. Keep your eyes on the Big Rock Leader board for the Diamond Girl on the tournament website (in the links section).

Slight Seas and Tight Lines,
Alan