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July 3, 2001
The first Annual "Uncle Vic Invitational" was, by all accounts, a resounding success!
Since Chris Wilson made the jump across the big pond to the right from South Africa and
Don Carter flew in from Canada with Gary Kahn of Michigan, the second "I" was added to
designate a genuine International event.
In all, there were at least 33 participants directly connected to the 5 Bertram 31s involved
in the UVII 2001. Several other boats and crews were welcomed into the evening festivities
bringing the total number to around fifty folks that enjoyed Uncle Vic's brand of "Coonass
Southern Hospitality". Uncle Vic, we all salute you and proclaim this "Dark and Stormy" yours!
While the fishing was regarded as a bit slow in the eyes of the local guys, it was a damned
sight better than many of experience from our own local waters. With the Gulf of Mexico
located a brief 1 mile from the dock at Port Eads, and the 100 fathom line just seven miles
further to the southeast, the average run from dock to lines in the water was around 30 - 45
minutes.
There were no blue marlin released for the week, but every boat participating had at least
one shot at one. Doug Quigley, owner of the FBC "SHORT CIRCUIT" released the only billfish
with a white marlin on Tuesday. Other species that fell prey to the UVII included several
large dolphin, (35 - 45 lbs), a few wahoo, including one about 45 - 50 lbs, landed by Mike
Ohlstein on Thursday and a couple of nice cobia. Also present were plenty of chicken dolphin,
amberjack, and for the "Hell Diving" Stan Smith and his buddy Al, who put their heads below the
surface to add some nice red snapper to the mix.
"Wet Spot" arrived later in the afternoon on Tuesday with 30 real nice "bugs" and a large
red snapper for Wednesday evening's feast. You da' Man, Stan!
The ground crew consisted of "Buzzy" Scarabin, (owner of the South Pass Marina and Fuel Dock , LLC at Port Eads), his nephew Jeff, Wayne, and
our cook Daryll. Much appreciation goes to "Buzzy" for his hospitality and the bending of
several rules to allow us to be the "Center Ring". Wayne and Jeff kept us buried in ice, beer,
and fuel. Daryll deserves a lion's share of applause with his outstanding skills over the stove
and grill. Over the course of the week we consumed at least a hundred pounds of fresh Gulf
shrimp, jambalaya, corn on the cob, red potatoes, lots of great Cajun sausage, Stan's and Al's
spinney lobsters, red snapper, cobia, & wahoo.
Thursday evening was spaghetti with a Coonass
meat sauce that would please even an Italian. Daryll made a ton of it and was worried that he'd
have to throw some of it out... YEAH, RIGHT, SURE... It disappeared entirely in record time and
a couple of folks polished the cast iron sauce pots with the few remaining bits of garlic buttered
French toast.
Equally a big hit were the top choice aged filet mignon steaks brought down by Gary Kahn. They
literally melted in the mouth and were perhaps the best steaks that any of us had ever tasted.
Many, many thanks Gary!
Every morning started with the availability of breakfast and damn good coffee. I mean a menu
that would please everybody from a light eater to a lumberjack. Sausage and biscuits, blueberry
muffins, thick cut bacon, grits, and gravy were just some of the fare...
Every night was a party... The comrade was terrific, new friends and old bonding together under
and around the pavilion, hanging out on the boats, and cementing the B31 brotherhood tighter.
One of the highlights, (not imbibed by all, but highly recognized), was a little surprise gift
from Travis and the boys from Bermuda. A potent concoction of Bermuda Black 151 proof rum and
Bermuda Ginger Beer. Mixed at approximately 66% ginger beer and 33% Black Seal rum, it's aptly
named the "Dark and Stormy". The highest casualty was our beloved Uncle Vic, who admittedly
remarked the next day that his two in a row 16 oz had given him the worst hang over he'd had in
over a week... Besides eradicating his voice and leaving him feelin' rather stupid.
For those of you who missed the UVII 2001, we had you in our thoughts... You truly missed one
of the class old fashion fishin' get-to-gathers of all times. The fact that we were at the
"end of the world", away from the hub-bub of in-town sporty type marinas, weren't setup as
a competitive dawg eat dawg tournament, all shared a common thread via the Bertram 31, and
all had the time of our lives, made the UVII 2001 a memory that we'll all carry to the grave.
Our hats are off to you Uncle Vic!! They just don't come finer than you...
The Second Annual UVII has taken place and can be accessed here!
Best regards,
Patrick
Capt Patrick McCrary
3640 Investment Ln. Unit 15
West Palm Beach, FL 33404
561.848.3366
Onboard Uncle Vic's "Another Joy", Mike Ohlstein is on the wind with his 50 lb Wahoo.
Supervising is Ric Soucy to the left and Judge Trey Dibrell to the right.
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