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Florida Maritime Museum

Captain Banks Chronicles: Fishing

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“No. Xmas [Ridge] last day but boats prevented us from putting down much gear. Very hot still trip, caught first sailfish on L.L. [long line] 6’11”  ̴39#—Log book entry, June 24, 1991

As Banks’s log books convey, a commercial fisherman’s life requires hard work, dedication, a good boat and a good crew, and lots of patience. He often mentioned moving from one fishing ground to another in search of a bountiful catch. He kept notes about the cost of fuel and fishing supplies. He also noted the prices being paid by fish houses like A.P. Bell Fish Company and Madeira Beach Seafood Company. His log books describe the challenging lifestyle practiced by generations of families in Cortez.

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A species of the genus Istiophorus, the sailfish is known for its large, sail-like dorsal fin and its elongated bill (rostrum), similar to that of marlins and swordfish. The sailfish is considered the fastest fish in the ocean, with recorded speeds up to 70 mph. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and weight up to 220 pounds. Sailfish cannot be commercially fished in the Atlantic Ocean, but are popular in recreational catch-and-release fishing.