Gray Taxidermy April 2013 Newsletter

Region of the Month - Cancun/Cozumel

This month’s winner of Regional Captain is Captain Bernardo Martinez with Aquaworld in Cancun. Each month we will feature a specific region that is “Hot” in fishing. One order is randomly pulled from the previous month’s orders from the area and the Captain will be awarded a prize specific to that region.

This month’s sponsor is Hopkins Carter. Hopkins Carter is awarding this month’s winner 2 Battle BTL8000, PENN reels!!

Thank-you Hopkins Carter!!
Congratulations Captain Martinez!
Get ready, Texas and the Panhandle…
You’re up. Get in your order now!!

By: Alberto Guedea & Carlos Vega

To most people around the world, Cancun is synonymous of vacations, leisure and time off. It wasn’t always like this; 65 million years ago an asteroid impacted the earth causing mass extinction for example. In the early 70’s, this area was virtually empty. Cancun started developing and very soon became a top sport fishing destination for offshore and flats fishing. Spring and summer months are especially good for most of the billfish species like Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish and Dolphin Fish among others. If fly fishing or spin casting the flats are more your speed, there is a variety of Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Tarpon and many other lagoon fish.

Anytime is a good time to travel here, but now is the hottest fishing season, amigos! Cancun’s warm fishing waters along the stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast benefit from the currents that stimulate coral reefs resulting in an abundance of nutrients found at the bottom of the food chain thus attracting a variety of fish to the area. This effect is enhanced between the coast and the island of Cozumel where an underwater trench
bring deep water very close to shore, allowing sport fishing to begin within minutes of departing the marina.
In addition to sport fishing, the area offers endless attractions for the tourist, angler, and vacationer, including beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, an embracing tropical climate and traditional Mexican hospitality among many more. This part of Mexico has definitely something for every angler.

A Gray Taxidermy Captain’s Story…
Meet Jody Whitworth, CAPTAIN, MV OCEARCH

As a young boy, Jody was obsessed with sharks. His first catch was in the Florida Keys at the age of 13. Captain Whitworth has been mounting with Gray Taxidermy for many years, starting out as captain of a 42’ Bertram, “Heavy Hitter” out of Bahia Mar in south Florida. Captain Whitworth has turned in an impressive list of world record catches from across the globe.

We are proud to call him a Gray Taxidermy Captain, and wanted to share a small part of his story: It’s been a long journey from Captain Whitworth’s boyhood days fishing off bridges in the Florida Keys to navigating some of the most hazardous seas in the world including trips to and from Japan, Australia, Brazil and Africa. The Countries traveled to by boat are endless, covering the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.



Since joining Chris Fischer and the OCEARCH team 5 years ago, Whitworth has risen through the ranks to Captain of the OCEARCH. Jody runs a tight ship, his skills and reputation as a world-class mariner and angler keep the crew loyal despite his very high expectations.

In 2012, Whitworth oversaw the ship’s operations for the largest Great White research Project in South African history. He oversaw a complete repowering at the Tampa shipyard in near impossible time frame, working with Caterpillar to prepare the ship for an Atlantic crossing. Overcoming rough weather and extremely challenging schedule demands for near round-the-clock operations, Jody’s leadership had the crew and equipment prepared to efficiently execute 2 successful science expeditions with a sample size of over 40 Great White Sharks.

Whitworth and the OCEARCH team have been chronicled on the National Geographic Channel, HISTORY and in over 3,000 news stories including national pieces on CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, in The New York Times and regional pieces on/in many other media outlets. Dozens of Great White Sharks tagged by Whitworth and the OCEARCH team can be seen on the Global Shark Tracker, which hosts 1M visitors a month, accessible at http://www.ocearch.org. Photos of the sharks, including those with Jody, can be seen on the Tracker.

Captain of the Month - Captain Tris Colket

Captain Tris was born in Pennsylvania and has a bachelor’s degree in history and public affairs from Rollins College. He now happily lives in Fort Pierce, Florida. His boat, “Last Mango” resides on “Center dock” at the fort Pierce City Marina.



“Most of my life was devoted to commercial fishing. In fact about 35 years of it! A friend of mine had a silly little kingfish boat, it was an outboard boat that just had some old wooden poles out there for outriggers and he was playing around with it ‘cause it was kind of fun. That pretty much led to the beginning of my commercial fishing career.

I got the bug! Salt-water in my veins for sure. My boat “Last Mango” was a lobster boat design. After I decided to get into Charter fishing, along with my son, we tore it down to the hull and rebuilt it over an extended period of time – actually several years – into what it is now, a premier charter boat in South Florida.”

“In Charter fishing, you spend more time with people, less time fighting Mother Nature and dealing with a couple of guys who, you know, you’re around way too much by the time that fishing trip is over. I love that aspect of charter fishing, where I meet new people every day. You try to get a feel for what it is they want, and that’s a really cool challenge. Every day has a little something different to offer.”

Congratulations Captain Tris for all your hard work and dedication to your craft. For being the lucky winner this month, Captain Tris is awarded a GRAVITON II, REACTOR watch (Gray Taxidermy’s official watch company,) along with a plaque from Gray Taxidermy him Captain of the Month! All winners are randomly selected for the previous months turned-in orders. The more orders turned in, the better the chances of winning!

The determination of Captain of the month comes from a random drawing. Each month, every order placed with Gray Taxidermy is entered in a drawing. At the end of the month, one name is randomly pulled from all entries. Along with the new watch, the captain will also be awarded a Trophy plaque with an engraved plate from Gray Taxidermy. The more orders turned in, the better your chances.

Mate of the Month - Michael Dumas

The Spellbound in South Florida turned in a Hammerhead Shark order that was pulled for the determination of Mate of the Month. According to the boat, it was a great catch that was measured, pictured for the lucky angler and safely released by the crew. A great day on the ocean followed by a signed contract on a released Shark and a new pair of Costa 580 Blue Mirror Fathom sunglasses – not a bad day. Congratulation goes to mate,

Mike Dumas from everyone at Gray Taxidermy and our friends from Costa. Michael Dumas started fishing with his father as soon as he was capable of holding a fishing rod himself. Michael’s father worked as a charter boat mate on the famous "Castaways Dock" for several years. Following in his father footsteps, Michael has spent the last few years working a few different boats until finding a perfect position on the Spellbound out of the Haulover Park Marina.

Michael spent his younger years fishing with his father on their center consul boat fishing the bays and off shore any chance they could. Bass fishing the local lakes or Grouper fishing on a wreck, it did not matter as long as he had a rod in his hands. Now, 17 years later as a full time mate on the Spellbound, Michael has perfected his ability to get his customers onto great fishing every day. He has learned that versatility and honing his fishing skills through lots of hard work and practice is how great fishermen are made. Many thanks to Capt. Manny & Capt. Jay for building our great fishing team! Congratulation Michael!

The determination of Mate of the Month comes from a random drawing of all orders turned in during the previous month’s time.

Featured Fish of the Month – Redfish

From a random pull on all the orders turned in last month for a Redfish, the “Mate” being awarded a pair of Costa, Tuna Alley, Blue Mirror sunglasses is Paula Housman, from Port Aransas, Texas! Not only was Paula excited when she heard the news, but so were we! The redfish that was ordered wasn’t even caught on the charter boat, but because she showed them the picture book and got to know the customer, a Redfish order was made from a previous catch by the customer! Way to go Paula!!!

Info from, TheOnlineFisherman.com:

Redfish – for the most part – have a red-copper colored back that fades into white on its belly – hence the name "redfish" or red drum. But, just like all fish they change color depending on where they are or their mood. When redfish are feeding heavily they are known to have a beautiful blue colored tail. If they are in very clear, clean water, they might be a silver color, but if you catch them in their usual habitats they will be a red-copper color.

Almost all redfish have a black spot on their tail that scientists believe is to fool predators into thinking that it is their eye so that they will attack their tail instead of their head, which will allow the fish a better chance to escape. Although most redfish have a single spot on their tail, some have several on their tail, back, and sides.

The redfish is a popular game fish in coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico. The Texas record for a redfish catch was 59.5 pounds (23 kg); however, a redfish weighing 94 pounds (42.69 kg) was caught along the North Carolina coast. Redfish prefer shallow waters (1-4 feet deep) along the edges of bays with submerged vegetation such as sea grasses. They are found over all bottom types but they seem to prefer areas with submerged vegetation and soft mud. Saltwater fly-fishing for red drum is increasing in popularity. Once hooked, a redfish on fly-fishing tackle is a worthy, exciting adversary.

A good place to start looking for reds year round is directly in and around mullet schools. Whenever you see mullet jumping erratically in and out of the water, they're kicking up food that redfish would normally have to root around for. Luckily for redfish, mullet are vegetarians; they don't eat the forage that gets kicked up so redfish are more than glad to clean up after them. This makes finding forage much easier for the redfish, so they always tend to hang out with mullet. Just like Paula, don’t forget to talk to your customer about past fishing experiences. Not only was the order made, but New Costa’s came with it!

Do you know who to contact to get direct results?

Testimonials from Gray Taxidermy Clients, what they are saying?

My trophy arrived this weekend and I couldn't be happier! The entire transaction from the captain of the boat in Jamaica to my house in Manitoba was seamless and flawless. The quality of the mount showcases the high quality workmanship that Gray Taxidermy has become known for. Please pass on my compliments to the entire staff. I will definitely recommend your team to my friends and I look forward to working with you again.

Thanks again,
Alan

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