Sportfishing Terminology: #2 Thurston Howell III Fishing

By Jim Field

There are really two types of sportfishing on the open seas. One is the "easy" way to do it, wherein the fishermen hardly break a sweat--even on a steaming August day--and return to port looking as though they never even left. Springing powerfully from the cockpit to the dock upon returning from the fight, veterans of an "easy" day at sea secure the lines, razor-sharp creases still running down the front of their khaki shorts, with every hair on their heads still in place, not a spot of grime on their startched Air/x-100 Bahama shirts.

Notably, the "easy" way to do it is synonomous with trolling. At worst, hands are soiled when preparing ballyhoos for the hook. Other than that, however, the lines are dragged in the water, the tanning lotion slathered on, the drinks opened, and the food broken out, to be washed down with a fine claret and cheese platter. "Oh dear me, Lovey, such hard work!" (Recall "Lovey," a.k.a Mrs. Thurston Howell III.)

Once the troll is set, it's pretty much a game of "watch and wait" while the crew work their eyes, not their backs. Should weed be encounteed, the crew may have to actually roust themselves and clear fouled baits, which sometimes has the effect of making them somewhat testy. "Lovey, why can't the Captain steer clear of these troublesome thingees?"

The aristocratic nature of trolling--which stands in stark contrast to other forms of fishing requiring nasty work of varying kinds--has earned it a label from The Crew: Thurston Howell fishing. Ascots are optional on the troll, as is a blue blazer, but the Captain hat is likely to find a home onboard our boats to remind The Crew to stay alert and resist complacency while trolling, not allowing idle hands, in turn, to disengage minds. No one, after all, wants to return to the dock looking smartly-attired and well-groomed. Fish blood and sweat--now that's a sign of effort and success!