We have a New 1st Mate on the Deck of the Southbound
Today was the 1st day for my new 1st mate. Welcome Edward Gartenmayer. Edward is only 24 yrs old, but he is a born and raise Key Wester, (locally known as a “Conch”, Pronounced “KonK”). He has been fishing all his life in these waters and has been a working mate since he was 15 yrs old. So despite his youth, he is very experienced. To be honest, there is very little I can teach him that he doesn’t already know. Hell, he’ll probably teach me a thing or two, which is Ok with me.
When Ben gave me his notice, I talked to a number of other Captains up and down the dock as to who did they thought was the best mate on the other charter boats. Edwards’s name came up most of the time. I’m glad I could get him to come over to work for me. My apologies to his old boss. It was nothing personal.
Edward brings a lot of youth and energy to the deck of the Southbound. He is lightning fast to the rod and has great eyesight. Edward sees the fish coming and is to the rod before the strike. He runs a fantastic bait and is great at getting a second and even a third shot at a fish. Watching him race around does make me feel a little bit old….mainly because I am! It turns out, his grandfather and his uncles all fished with me when I ran the Party Fishing boat The M/V Can’t Miss for Johnnie Blackwell. YUP, that does make me feel old too. But I guess that beats the alternative to feeling old.
I’m looking forward to combining my experience and Edwards’s enthusiasm on the Southbound for the coming season. I think the Dolphin, (Mahi-Mahi) are going to catch hell when we find them.
I’m looking forward to it. This is going to be fun!