Captain Andy LoCascio – March 2010
Big Catch
For my fifth straight year I put together a Galapagos fishing expedition. Most people mistakenly believe that the Galapagos is off-limits to fishermen, but in fact the Ecuadorian government allows for a very limited release-only fishery. The Galapagos Islands are surrounding by numerous submerged sea-mounts that support an incredible collection of marine life. Most notably, this is the home to the largest striped marlin on the planet along with monster blue and black marlin.
The fishing is really not for the novice angler and can be incredibly demanding. This year we fished 7 straight days and witnessed the best fishing in 30 years mostly due to the Pacific El Nino conditions. Anyone who looks at the pictures we take will notice that everyone is barefoot. Boat shoes cannot stand up to the rigors of an environment where the deck is soaked every time a fish is being fought. Because of the small cockpit size, the angler, mates, and photographers are in very close quarters. Any form of traditional footwear would inflict injuries on any unfortunate that got stepped on.
In addition to the risk of injury, large amounts of time are spent hanging on the outside of the cabin spotting fish while standing on a narrow ledge of uneven slippery wet fiberglass. This is typically exhausting and very tough on the feet. The ZEM Booties solved all our problems. They eliminated the risk of injury in the cockpit, provided grip on the narrow ledge, and were easy to clean and dry in preparation for the next days fishing.
I personally used the booties in all four roles; while hooking and fighting fish, as mate setting lures and wiring fish, as cameraman, and as a spotter. They key to their effectiveness is surprisingly simple; because the soles are flexible the amount of surface area actually in contact with the deck is many times that of a traditional boat shoe. Add in the excellent gripping surface and these booties are as slip-proof as they possibly can be.
They were so comfortable I soon forgot I was wearing them. They are now a permanent part of my fishing and traveling gear!
Captain Andy LoCascio – USCG Master
World Explorer Notebook – www.wexpl.com
Northeast Angling TV – www.neangling.com
Long Island Fishing Charters – www.lifishcharters.com
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Galapagos is definitely on my must see places of all time, lucky! That’s pretty amazing then, I must try out these ZEM booties!
this was one of the best marlin trips i have ever been on. saw Andy wearing these things and going to get them for flats fishing in nantucket!
Thanks Peter – We hope you like them a lot!