Damn! Awesome video, and an awesome fish! I didn't even know you could catch a blue marlin in Jersey.

JOe, Love the video. It was truly an awesome catch. I still can't believe I was there when it happened. Congrats again, Chad.

Having known most of these guys from previos frolics.
This is awesome; this is huge; great job to Field and Stream; Great job to the C-Jam crew and Capt' Mike Sarg and Scott Cohen and Great job to The New Jersey Angler Salt Water Editor Darren Dorris. Way to win!

Martin Fiedler
videographer
New Jersey Angler Video Magazine

Joe, I know I'm a bit biased here, but I think this is your best episode yet, especially considering the material (me) you were forced to work with...

However, there are a couple things I'd like to point out, things the video - as good as it is - doesn't quite convey.

One, those incredible sequences of Darren, Lenny, Ned and the other guys jumping around the deck in that chaotic ballet when the fish was on were truly awesome, but the thing is, those guys were doing that the entire time we were trolling. They literally never stopped.

They rigged baits, they untangled lines, they adjusted riggers, they moved rods, changed baits, fixed baits, answered stupid questions and pretty much stayed in perpetual motion the entire time. And the few times I saw them sit down they usually had a rig in their hands working on it.

Before the trip ever began Darren told me this kind of fishing is not an individual accomplishment; it's a team sport, and that is absolutely true. I sat on deck virtually the entire time we were out just watching those guys work, and it was an honor and a treat to do so (and I finally got to see someone skillfully tie a Bimini twist!).

The truth is, there's no way someone like me could have landed that fish without guys like you. My hat's off to you.

Second, the video also doesn't show that by all rights, that marlin should have been Joe's. Although tuna was my personal goal for the trip, the primary and most important goal of the trip was filming Joe's Hook Shots episode.

As such, the agreed-upon plan was for Joe to get on the rod first to get some intro footage for the show and then film the rest of us.

But about three hours into it, Joe walked up to me and said "Plans have changed. I want you on the rod for the first fish, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

He gave me some song-and-dance about how it would work out better for the show to have me catch the first fish, etc, etc, but the truth is he gave up his rightful shot to catch that marlin because he's an absolute class guy and a gracious host.

For four days he busted his tail: picking me up at the airport, showing me the local dives, he and Darren taking me out on Joe's own boat on their own dime just so I could catch my first saltwater fish (which I did)putting me up at his soon-to-be in-laws' beach house, cooking me romantic dinners and showing this provincial Okie a little slice of Jersey shore life.

It was truly the best fishing trip I've ever been on and I'd like to thank Joe for making it all possible (and you damn sure better not delete this).

Chad, congrats and great job on landing that beauty!
Being an Okie myself, I feel that I accurately speak for all of the Oklahoma F&S faithful in saying... you shoulda brought that one home. We could've had one heck of a fish fry!

Although now that I think about it, TSA probably would have had a litter of kittens if you'd tried to bring that marlin's beak as carry on. Good choice on going with the horseshoe crab....

Sorry, man. I had to...

Great story. Represents the things I love about hunting and fishing with others: the unpredictable nature of things, everyone working together, one person sacrificing their opportunity to allow someone else the experience of a lifetime. Congratulations, not only to Chad but all of the guys that made the trip a success.

awesome video guy's. TUNA anyone? The boat leaves 3:00 am Thursday. Also we will be in NC Oct. 15 and FL Nov. 15. Get in touch with me if you can get away.

GREAT catch!