Story and pics - SOuthern Open

[Spearchucker]

Well, another Southern Open has come and gone, and Team Relentless has kicked ASS again. :lol: While I was not able to defend my title from last year, I was very happy with a third place finish, and also the fact that my boat crew finished 2nd (Ritchie Zacker), 6th (Jerry Lancaster), and 8th (Rich Hermes), so Team Relentless took 4 out of the top 8 spots. Also, a big congratulations to Paul Renner for winning this thing. Paul consistently gets it done, and he kicked ass on Saturday.

The day started really, really early when we met at my house at 2:00 AM. The boat was already loaded, so all we had to do was drive to the ramp. We pushed off the dock at 3:15AM heading for our first spot at about 96 miles out. Their was a NE breeze, along with thunderstorms in the area, so the water was not completely flat early on, more like 2's with an occasional 3. As the day wore on, the seas really flattened out which made the cruise back a cakewalk.

We got to our spot a little after 6:00 AM, and were in the water by 7:10, which was about the earliest we had decent light. Working north to south, we consistently found fish all day. I think we all dropped 8 or 9 times, for a boat total of somewhere around 35 drops. Of that 35, I think maybe 2 drops resulted in no fish, all day. It was a very fishy day.

Here are some pics:

These first two are of my 31# (28 gutted) Yellowfin grouper (Fireback). This is the first one I have ever seen under water, and I have been diving for 24 years. He is on his way to Lee's Taxidermy for a mount.

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0067.jpg

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0095.jpg

Here is a pic of Ritchie with his 52# gutted weight Jack, which was 2nd largest jack in the tournament. Rich is also in the shot with his real nice female hog that he shot on the last drop of the day:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0102.jpg

Here is myself and Rich with some nice hogs and a jack, back at the dock:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0114.jpg

[Spearchucker]

Here is Rich grunting hard. He strained his mangina doing this:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0144.jpg

Here is another pic of my Yellowfin grouper.

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0172.jpg

My stringer, minus my jack and grouper:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0182.jpg

This is Chase who shot out of the east coast, and got the largest snapper in the tournament:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0211.jpg

Here is fellow SPUC Wayne Butts winning top freediver trophy.

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0252.jpg

Here is fellow SPUC Paul Renner picking up the first of the eight or nine trophies he won: :eek:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0263.jpg

Here is the entire crew with our haul from the prize table:

http://momentoffame.com/photopost/data/501/medium/Picture_0292.jpg

[dagodiver]

Great stuff all..!!!

Dago.

[kitefisherman]

NICE Fireback!

[inletsurf]

NIce!!!!

[Steel Shootin']

Nice going, John + team. Your boat did outstanding. :up: Can't wait for my first fireback.

I love doing this tournament, and of the "big 3" it is probably my favorite as far as the rules. Actually, I like all the tournaments, as it makes it interesting to adopt different strategies. But, I really have to tip my hat to the S.O. rules committee with the changes from last year, because I think the 5 points per fish combined with unlimited weight makes for an interesting tournament. My son Jack is a new diver, and this was his first spearfishing trip where he got to hold his own gun and hunt. Plus, it was his first Middle Grounds trip in the deeper water, therefore, I decided that I would not register in order that Jack could compete, and I could shadow dive with him to make sure he was doing fine and was safe. He had a great time, as did our entire boat. Like any new diver, he needs to work on vision, as he went by a lot of nice grouper. He did shoot his first mango snappers, triggers, grouper, and A.J. (all first fish), and made some fine shots, especially on a marauding 4# mango that was streaking across the ledge. As an aside, I have changed the way I view buddy diving as it relates to spearfishing. The conventional thinking has always been that you get more fish diving solo, and maybe that is true for some of you a-grade commercial shooters. For me, I honestly don't think it costs me a single fish. A lot of times fish will rush in when your buddy shoots a fish giving a prime opportunity. Anyway, I am teaching Jack to buddy dive only, and it makes the diving fun and safe. In the future, we'll both register now that he is getting some experience. I know he is looking forward to the SPO.

Again, my heart-felt "thanks" to everyone who worked hard to do this tournament. Also, thanks to Mike Weinard, Bret W., and Chris H. for helping to make this a memorable trip for my son. Jack would thank you but he is recovering in his room from the removal of 5 wisdom teeth today.

http://www.scottmcpherson.com/sbphotos/jacksnap.jpg
First of many future snappers

http://www.scottmcpherson.com/sbphotos/teamgagorder.jpg
Team Gag Order, minus Chris Hudgens. (It's not that I am short, it's just that I am boxed in between Bret who is 6' 3", and Jack is about 6' 4" -- :( ) And yes, my family is tall, but I got screwed out of the tall gene! :mad: :D

P.S.: Great job Bret and Mike, both shooting in the 120s. Chris only did a couple of drops on account of some recent medical issues, so he did not register. He shot em up good, though.

[inletsurf]

OMG Scott, I swear the last time I saw your kid he was no bigger than you!!!!!

What are you feeding that kid????

[dagodiver]

Very nice report Scott.!


Dago.

[bgbill]

Congratulations to Paul Renner, Ritchie Zacker, John Hermes, Jason Delacruz, Rich Taylor and Rich Hermes :thumps: , you guys did real well, especially Rich Hermes, for a guy who doesn't shoot much, he sure did very well, it is probably a good thing for me that Paul Hermes wouldn't take me up on my bet.

Jack McPherson did very well, this was his 2nd time shooting, his 1st tournament and his 1st middle grounds trip, he got about 75 points, that is pretty impressive, especially considering some of the people he scored higher than, if we would have been in area that had Hogs, he would have probably had 100+ points.

Chris Hudgens wasn't sure if he would be able to dive, so he didn't enter the tournament, but he should have, he ended up being able to dive though, on the 1st drop, it was Chris H, Mike W, and the McPherson crew, I was left on the boat, Chris comes up 1st with a limit of Gags, that was a very productive drop.

Thanks to all of the Volunteers, Especially Denny, Rich Taylor, Jason Delacruz and his wife Vicky, and who could forget our Buuddaaaayyy John Schmidt, it was a great tournament, and the scoring system is unique, and makes it a fun event for everyone, I also think the prize table was great, you guys should be proud, I am glad I shot in it.

I think next year I will mug Mike W. and get his mystery ticket, either that or buy Denny off like Mike did. :D

[Spearchucker]

you guys did real well, especially Rich Hermes, for a guy who doesn't shoot much, he sure did very well, it is probably a good thing for me that Paul Hermes wouldn't take me up on my bet.

I got on Pauls ass pretty good for not taking you up on it, because in a pinch, if I had to pick the better shooter, I would say Paul is a little better than Rich. He shot real well out of Bayport a couple of weeks ago. I had big lumber on it if he took you up on it, cause, no offense, he would have kicked your ass. :eek: :thumps:

[bgbill]

I got on Pauls ass pretty good for not taking you up on it, because in a pinch, if I had to pick the better shooter, I would say Paul is a little better than Rich. He shot real well out of Bayport a couple of weeks ago. I had big lumber on it if he took you up on it, cause, no offense, he would have kicked your ass. :eek: :thumps:

Get us both out on your boat and we will see.

[Spearchucker]

Paul - When you read this, let me know your availability. I am going Friday, but I believe the boat is already full.

What about Monday?

[f94gator]

I got 'volunteered' by my boss to come into work on Monday for some bullsh*t, so that's no-go.
I'd have to see about Friday if there was even a spot open. Other than that, I don't have much going on for the next 3-4 weekends.

Bret, I could've sworn your bet was regarding the SPO, not the SO. In either case - sh*t, from what I hear, I only finished 20 pts behind you and I didn't even enter. :lol: :eek:

[inletsurf]

In either case - sh*t, from what I hear, I only finished 20 pts behind you and I didn't even enter. :lol: :eek:

Holy shit what a comeback comment!!! :D No offense Bret, but that thar is funny!!! Hey Paul and I tied!!! :D

[bgbill]

I got 'volunteered' by my boss to come into work on Monday for some bullsh*t, so that's no-go.
I'd have to see about Friday if there was even a spot open. Other than that, I don't have much going on for the next 3-4 weekends.

Bret, I could've sworn your bet was regarding the SPO, not the SO. In either case - sh*t, from what I hear, I only finished 20 pts behind you and I didn't even enter. :lol: :eek:

What do you want to bet on the SPO?

[bgbill]

Holy shit what a comeback comment!!! :D No offense Bret, but that thar is funny!!! Hey Paul and I tied!!! :D

You know that is a funny comment coming from another guy who didn't shoot in the tournament.

Where were you? It sure would have been nice for you guys talking shit to actually dive the tournament and support the FSDA/FRA.

[bubblejunkie]

Had a great time, Thanks alot John and Richie, I think Spo is out for me hope you guys enjoy, I'll be in Alaska Hope you guys do well.

[The Collector]

I sorta have to back my boy Bret'T' here. Bret has been gracious enough to let me park my boat at his house while I rebuild it. So I got $10 on Bret.

Problem is, I have shot with both of you in the past couple weeks and I think I may be giving my money away. (That's why I only have $10 on it :p )

[richhermes]

Paul - When you read this, let me know your availability. I am going Friday, but I believe the boat is already full.

What about Monday?

I'm in for Monday, if that trip happens.

[f94gator]

What do you want to bet on the SPO?

You're the one who issued the challenge, what's it worth to you to beat up on a guy who never, ever goes spearfishing?
And don't listen to John - I'm horrible. So I think I should get odds on the wager. :D

[inletsurf]

You know that is a funny comment coming from another guy who didn't shoot in the tournament.

Where were you? It sure would have been nice for you guys talking shit to actually dive the tournament and support the FSDA/FRA.

Lets not get into a dick holding contest here, Bret. The S.O. has been my favorite contest in years past and obviously something came up other than the swelling of my stinky mangina that held me back.

[ScottZeagle]

Congrats to all the participants and winners, but especially Rich Hermes!!!!

That is awesome Rich!!! :thumps:

[Spearchucker]

Steve has always been on the regular Southern Open crew, but he had to cancel this year. Something to do with the girlfriend. All I heard in the background when he called me was, "come here Stevie boy, Momma wants some of you". I am not sure what any of that meant.

[bgbill]

You're the one who issued the challenge, what's it worth to you to beat up on a guy who never, ever goes spearfishing?
And don't listen to John - I'm horrible. So I think I should get odds on the wager. :D

The challenge came after I made positive comments and congratulated your two brothers, and the Hermes crew started talking shit.

It would be nice if you guys could have accepted the congratulations and my comment about it being a good thing that I didn't bet you, in the spirit in which it was meant,as a compliment, I wasn't being a smart ass in my original post.

BTW I did 4 drops, on 1 of those drops it was a bone dive, so I got my 120 points in 3 drops, on the 1st drop that was the best of the day, I wasn't even in the water.

Had I been able to do 8 or 9 drops that were very fishy, like Team Relentless did, I am sure I would have even done better.

Lets not get into a dick holding contest here, Bret. The S.O. has been my favorite contest in years past and obviously something came up other than the swelling of my stinky mangina that held me back.

Hey Steve you should really wipe that brown spot from John's ass off of your nose. ;)

[inletsurf]

How am I brown nosing John anyway? Don't get it. Maybe you are in the dark and don't realize I've been friends with John since the FS forum days, before Spearboard started.

Had I been able to do 8 or 9 drops that were very fishy, like Team Relentless did, I am sure I would have even done better.

I'm sure if you did make 9 drops on fishy spots you'd done better. Good spearfishing is just as much being dropped on productive spots as it is skill. Better luck with the tournament strategy next time, Bret. ;)

[inletsurf]

Bret, I'm sure if you are nice to John and ask him politely, you can ride on the Team Relentless Intrepid, too. However keep in mind that theres a multi-year pecking order established, which means you will be gutting my fish and pulling the anchor. No hard feelings. :D

PS dont' forget the sandwiches like Paul did last year and you'll fly right up the ranks to Tank Stacker. ;)

[Spearchucker]

Oh boy, you done pissed Bret off now....... :eek: :thumps:



(I thought that was Rich Taylors job? :confused: )

[richhermes]

Congrats to all the participants and winners, but especially Rich Hermes!!!!

That is awesome Rich!!! :thumps:

Thanks Scott. A Blind Squirrel finds a nut every once in a while!!:D

To get my AJ, I remembered something Hector told me a while back. I didn't stone the AJ completely and he was still fighting a bit. I took my knife and cut his gills. That took the fight right out of him in a green cloud of blood. (Probably not a smart thing as it relates to sharks, but it did the job.)

I did stone an 10.5 lb red grouper but the shaft got jammed in his skull. I sat there fighting the shaft and watching these FAT mangos taunt me. In hindsight, I should have just let the grouper and shaft lay and load a second shaft and get the mangos. Oh Well. Next time.

My trigger was just a half pound under the biggest one in the tourny, so I was happy with that too.

This S.O. was a blast! Thanks again to all who made it possible!!

[kitefisherman]

Congratulations Rich! Hope that you get in the water a lot in the coming year.

[ScottZeagle]

Man, just imagine how well you would do if you went diving more than once a year!!!

:D

That's is really great man. I am happy for you!!!!

[RichT]

Way to put everybody on the fish John! :thumps:
Could you suck your belly in anymore in that one picture though. :D :D

[Spearchucker]

Way to put everybody on the fish John! :thumps:
Could you suck your belly in anymore in that one picture though. :D :D
Give a brother a break, been on a diet :tool:

So how many points did you get Rich? :eek:

[richhermes]

Man, just imagine how well you would do if you went diving more than once a year!!!

:D

That's is really great man. I am happy for you!!!!

For the record and for those keeping score, that was my third trip of the year. :eek: (Please update your scorecards accordingly!)
Hopefully we can get out Monday! I actually thought ahead and requested that day off back in January!

I'm seriously planning on going on the Sea of Cortez trip in October with Capt. Gene's group and using my gift cert from the SBO. If Spearchucker can get a hall pass he'll be coming along. If he can't there will be a post for a free trip to Baja in the future!! (Bribes are welcome.);):D

[inletsurf]

Give a brother a break, been on a diet :tool:


Drinking Diet coke and bud light does not constitute a diet, John!!! :D

[The Collector]

............I'm seriously planning on going on the Sea of Cortez trip in October with Capt. Gene's group and using my gift cert from the SBO. If Spearchucker can get a hall pass he'll be coming along. If he can't there will be a post for a free trip to Baja in the future!! (Bribes are welcome.);):D

John is busy & I have a truck full of Bud Light. When we leaving? :thumps:

[ScottZeagle]

If Spearchucker can get a hall pass he'll be coming along. If he can't there will be a post for a free trip to Baja in the future!! (Bribes are welcome.);):D

You can make up for your Sammy Hagar error with the Baja trip.... :thumps:

[richhermes]

I got 'volunteered' by my boss to come into work on Monday for some bullsh*t, so that's no-go.......

Mmmmmm, Yeah. We're going to need you to come in on Monday. MMm K?

Ahh, I'm going to have to go ahead and ask you to come in on Sunday, too...

http://webpages.charter.net/heatonrd/lumbergh.jpg
:lol: :lol:

[richhermes]

You can make up for your Sammy Hagar error with the Baja trip.... :thumps:

Throw in some Zeagle gear and you may have a deal!!:D

[ScottZeagle]

3 stickers!!!!

Done deal!!!!

Woohooooooooooooo!!!

[RichT]

Give a brother a break, been on a diet :tool:

So how many points did you get Rich? :eek:


Dont get your panties in a wad there husky. :D
Besides, I think I did OK for having to put on a tournament and all. ;)
Anyway... Im claiming the Bret story in that I only did 4 dives too.
We didnt even leave until the sun had already come up(no running lights) and then had to come back early(weigh in). We also stopped to help one unfortunate contestants boat(who will go un-named) because they had run out of gas at marker 1. :confused:
Soooo.... If I did "8 or 9" like some people I know, I would have doubled my score! :D :D
So really... I kicked your azz in my mind. :thumps: :D :D

[Marcus]

"husky" :lol:

[Spearchucker]

and then had to come back early(weigh in).

I was in earlier than you! I passed you in Anclote Channel on the way back to the ramp!

[junior]

I was in earlier than you! I passed you in Anclote Channel on the way back to the ramp!

Seems like you're passing everybody these days:D Look at you and your rocket ship:thumps:

[Spearchucker]

I was leaving, they were coming in. I had dropped off the fish.

[RichT]

I was in earlier than you! I passed you in Anclote Channel on the way back to the ramp!

Yes... Thats because we had to drive around the whole island trying to find Denny, Frank, Scott, and Howies boat.
Thye had taken the south side entrance and we had taken the north side and Had no clue where they were so we had to drive around and look for them. ;)

[Spearchucker]

Im claiming the Bret story in that I only did 4 dives too.


Does that mean you and Bret are buddies now? :eek: I think I am starting to tear up, get me a tissue :lol:

[bgbill]

John,

I think you and your 3 brothers are the only ones that could turn a compliment into a pissing contest.

[Spearchucker]

John,

I think you and your 3 brothers are the only ones that could turn a compliment into a pissing contest.

Actually Bret, you are a MASTER at turning absolutely ANYTHING into a pissing contest. I am merely humbled by your ability to create pissing contests out of thin air.

(You seem to only like ball busting when you are doing it, you sure as hell can't take it)

:thumps: :eek:

[Spearchucker]

BTW - I only have two brothers.

[f94gator]

Pissing contest? Eh? I saw some smack talking, but that was it. Quit being a girl.

[bgbill]

Actually Bret, you are a MASTER at turning absolutely ANYTHING into a pissing contest. I am merely humbled by your ability to create pissing contests out of thin air.

(You seem to only like ball busting when you are doing it, you sure as hell can't take it)

:thumps: :eek:

I can take it as well as give it. :D

BTW I was surprised it took you so long to slap yourself on the back. :eek:

Your 3rd brother is Steve, where is the brown nose Smilie?

[bgbill]

Pissing contest? Eh? I saw some smack talking, but that was it. Quit being a girl.

Can I borrow some of your Vagisil?

[junior]

I thought we talked about those emoticons Bret:D:D:thumps: :toast: :drunk: :scratch: :rofl:

[inletsurf]

Can I borrow some of your Vagisil?

Paul has only a tube, you'll need a 55 gallon drum wouldn't you :D

[bgbill]

Paul has only a tube, you'll need a 55 gallon drum with that big ol hairy pusai' of yours!!!! :D


You boys sure are chummy, how do you know how much Vagisil Paul has? ;)

[bgbill]

Originally Posted by bgbill
You boys sure are chummy, how do you know how much Vagisil Paul has?



Pussy is pussy!

Hey at least he is less Gross Tonnage than Jennifer. :D