Thanks Randy.
When John asked if he could write an article on this WR Cuda catch, he asked me for some notes or details on the catch. It wasn’t really a catch I wanted to publicize, as it was a catch that simply filled a newly created vacant record and the size of the fish had probably been exceeded by many fly anglers in the past. If the catch was to be publicized, I felt it was important for others to understand the context of the catch: that it was part of, or incidental to a larger agenda or pursuit. I think that was adequately captured in the article and John also wove in some editorial regarding IGFA and their rules, which was IMO very appropriate.
I was recruited to join the DAC, and I joined to compete against the top anglers and captains who were members there. My boat limits my competitive abilities in the billfish tournaments (I do have a lot of billfish experience), but ibeing on the trailer also has mobility advantages over the larger slipped boats which plays to my advantage in most of the non-billfish tournaments. I view myself as an all around captain/angler; good at many, but a master of none. It’s hard for me to just focus on one thing, as newness keeps it interesting. So when the DAC decided to implement this new Top Overall Boat Award, I knew that I wanted my boat name to be first on this perpetual trophy. I just try to fish into the strengths of my boat.
Though our Tournament Schedule is over, technically boats could still go out and earn points toward this Award by surpassing existing club records. However, the standings have my boat “Salsipuedes” in first with 60 points and the Kingsmill’s “Wild Bill” in second with 28 points. I doubt that Bill and Jimmy were even focused on this Award (i.e. they did not fish all the Tournaments) and they amassed their points by simply fishing hard and focused as they always do, so the points just happen for them. So I’m sure they’re not out there trying to close the gap by fishing for Club Records. Point being, these guys are simply good and competing against them and bettering myself in the process is what motivates me. Once my lead was pretty safe, I backed off and did not pursue anymore Club Records for extra points outside the Tournaments. I did not want make it appear that I was rubbing it in and it made sense to save some point opportunities for next year. 
