I cant believe I am doing this, dragging myself out of bed at like 4:00 AM on a Sunday morning to go fishing. All my buddies tell me its the thing to do, a great time, gotta try it, youre missing out, etc. etc. etc. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah I keep saying, but here I am, standing nude in the kitchen before the world is even awake, waiting on the damn coffee.

It was a flat calm Tuesday night as we headed offshore in search of the almighty swordfish. Recent reports indicated a solid bite of quality size fish in the 100 to 300 lb range with most hits occurring in 1200-1500 of water. We had all been planning this trip for quite some time and after numerous cancellations due to poor weather or having to work late, we finally hit it off.

Last year, I took on an angling adventure unlike any other. Why I even considered it is still somewhat of a mystery to me. Maybe it was because we had a spell of rainy weather earlier that season and consequently, I lost a number of trips. Either way, I did it. And trust me when I tell you; I’ve kind of regretted it ever since.

It all started longer ago than most folks my age care to remember. We were a dating couple on our first long weekend away together, and it was Mary’s plan to take her 20 foot inboard boat after the “big ones” some 30 miles offshore in The Keys.

I used to think boat shows were the most exciting events on earth. I mean, where else can you see hundreds of brand new boats of all shapes, sizes and colors in one place? Where else can you touch and feel all of the latest gear, gadgets, marine electronics and accessories under the same roof? Add in all of the eye candy, and I used to think spending a day at a boat show was like spending a day in heaven. I don't think that any more.

First off, let me say that I cherish every one of my clients dearly. Some I cherish when they step aboard, and some I cherish when they step off to go home. However, you probably have no idea what charter captains go through during some of these all-inclusive fishing trips. And I dare say that not all charter captains know exactly what I go through to make sure every one of my trips is a success.