By Christine Patton
Rod & Gun Club Fish of the Month
Congratulations to the winner of the Rod and Gun Club’s January Fish of the Month – Fred Flippen, with
an impressive 37-pound Wahoo.
Fred, an inveterate fisherman, was out on Mike Battista’s boat, the “Tracy Ann”, a 37-foot Intrepid with
Capt Shawn Albury in charge and fishing pals Richard Ryon and Mike on board. They were actually after
sailfish, and after loading up on yellowtail had caught a few ballyhoo and speedos for bait. He says they
were in their Secret Spot, somewhere south of Ocean Reef in about 125 feet of water, when they
hooked up the wahoo on a speedo. The fish gave a good run, as Wahoo are reputed to do, but the 20-
pound test intended for a sail was up to the challenge.
The Rod and Gun’s new February contest is for Tuna and/or Snook, and all ORC Members and their
guests are qualified to win. Just bring in your catch to the MarineMax Tackle Shop for weighing — for
after hours (after 4:45) weighing for large Tuna, a photo and weight can be acceptable — and the
winner gets a gift certificate to MarineMax as well as bragging rights for at least 30 days. Fred gave his
certificate to his host, Mike Battista, in gratitude for taking him out — and as for the bragging rights,
well, Fred is as a modest guy, so I’ll brag for him. Well done!
