Booby Trap Fishing Team
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Welcome the Official B***y Trap Fishing Team ™ page... Daytime Swordfishing ! Daytime Swordfishing Te We caught numerous sharks that were 800 to 1,200 pounds.
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The moment is as fresh in his mind as if it happened last week. Four-year old Brett Holden stands on the dock holding a gleaming kingfish that’s nearly as big as he is. Published in a local newspaper, the photo, submitted by his dad, Don, documented the beginning of a record setting angling career. While much has changed for Holden, now 45, one thing remains unchanged: his enthusiasm for sport fis
hing runs as deep as the blue waters where the billfish he chases roam.
“I’ve always been fascinated by big fish,” Holden says. “My dad had a boat, so I’ve been fishing since I was born. He (Don) primarily targeted snapper, grouper, kingfish and ling, but he also targeted sharks, so I grew up shark fishing with him. He still makes a couple of trips per year with us.”
Where the Big Fish Live
As owner and captain of the sport fishing juggernaut B***y Trap, a 52-foot, twin-engine 2008 Viking Express based at Surfside Marina that’s capable of hitting 40 knots, Holden (aka “Captain Ahab”) and his crew of talented and intrepid swordfishing anglers have emerged as the premier private sport fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico. The team has been named the top private boat in the Houston Big Game Fishing Club for five straight years mainly on the strength of its ability to reel in an astounding number of elusive, majestic swordfish. And while catching a swordfish is major accomplishment for any angler, bringing one of the bottom-dwelling monsters to the surface during the daytime, a feat the B***y Trap crew has perfected, is even more impressive. boobytrap
Swordfishing the Gulf of Mexico
In June, the B***y Trap crew, comprised of Jeff Wilson, Matt Reed and Travis Joyce, along with guest anglers Brian Barclay and Danny Lenderman, made sport fishing headlines when on its third trip of the season, Barclay hooked a mammoth swordfish that weighed in excess of 500 pounds, crushing the old Gulf of Mexico swordfish or swordfishing record of 341 pounds. The fish was placed in 1,000 pounds of ice and was weighed the next day. By that time, Holden says the fish weighed about 493 pounds, was 108 inches long and had a girth of 60 inches.
“This fish came to the surface and we could see it was hooked pretty deep. It then went back under for three hours. At first, I thought it was a 300 pounder, but the closer it got to the boat I said, ‘It’s a nickel!’ It probably would have been around 550 pounds, but we didn’t weigh it for 27 hours, and by then it had lost an inch in length and four inches in girth,” Holden said. After snagging the massive swordfish, the B***y Trap tracked west in search of blue marlin and caught six wahoo and two blue marlin before calling it a day. Setting World Records
Catching large numbers of huge fish is nothing new for Holden and the B***y Trap. In 2012, the B***y Trap caught 172 swordfish in 41 days of fishing and Holden says that his swordfishing crew has caught over 800 swordfish and 1,000 billfish in the Gulf of Mexico to date. Over its last 45 trips, the crew has caught 218 swordfish and released approximately 20 state record class swords. In 2009, the boat recorded the first “Super Grand Slam”—catching all four of the billfish species, which includes swordfish, blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, in one day—in the Gulf of Mexico and repeated the feat in 2012. IMG_1119-3
Swordfishing At Its Best! In late June, the prolific boat, owned by Holden since 2008, set a world record when the crew caught 30 swordfish in a single trip, breaking the old record of 21. Of the 30 fish caught, Holden says 23 were estimated to weigh in excess of 200 pounds and five were estimated to weigh at least 300 pounds. As is the custom for the B***y Trap, which releases 95 percent of the fish caught, 26 swordfish were released. The catch and release practice is in keeping with Holden’s overriding belief in preserving the natural resources of the ocean. He says fish badly damaged from the battle to bring them to the boat are usually kept.
“We try to release every fish we can,” Holden says. “We don’t keep fish because of size, we keep them because of the condition that they come to the boat in. Swordfish are good eating fish and we don’t feel bad about putting them in the boat. We just have respect for one of the most incredible fish in the ocean.”
For Holden, the owner of Holden Roofing and a Houston native who lives in Richmond, his rise to the top of the sport fishing game was not an overnight journey. In the 1980s, he began getting hired by boats to assist those crews in finding big fish before he bought his first boat and began entering tournaments.
“Between 1984 and 2000, I won or placed in 50 tournaments and bought bigger boats from the tournament money. In 1986, I was able to afford a boat that could travel out that far (at least 100 miles offshore) and from ’86 through 2008 I mainly targeted blue marlin,” he said. While focusing on catching blue marlin by day, Holden dabbled in catching swordfish at night, as catching the elusive fish that lives in over 1,700 feet of water during the daytime was extremely rare. For over a century, swordfish were caught primarily at night when they ventured up to about 300 feet from the surface to feed. While fishing at night, Holden says a good trip might yield two to four swordfish.
“There was no daytime fishery (for swordfish) here (in the gulf). A group in Florida started catching them during the day, so I knew it could happen here.
“For years we were told that the gulf had been fished out and the swordfish were not there, but I didn’t believe that. We went out numerous times and never caught one
Using squid bait provided by sponsor Bait Masters, along with their recommended rod, the “Get Tight Sucka” series, 80 class reels and up to 6,000 feet of 80-pound, high visibility orange line with strobe lights affixed to the leader, and utilizing sophisticated radar and sonar equipment to see where the fish are living, the B***y Trap has re-written the rules for swordfishing in the gulf.
“The techniques we’re using are different from anybody I’ve ever seen and we’re able to produce double digit swordfish on just about every trip,” Holden says. For the past three years, Holden and company have hosted the Texas Swordfish Seminar at Surfiside Marina, where they reveal their techniques to eager anglers. The seminar benefits the non-profit Everyday Heroes organization, which provides transportation to veterans to and from their doctor’s appointments. Holden says they expected 50 people the first year of the seminar and more than 500 showed up. Over 2,500 people attended the 2013 seminar held in March. To date, the event has raised over $500,000 for the charity.
07/30/2024
Back in Miami today on the Freeman.
Still stacking numbers chasing swordfish #2000 on the B***y Trap! Love this KOBO Fishing reel! So awesome! Staying tight is an important part of the day 😜 Love being able to leave the dock at 9:30 am and tight by 10:30!
07/18/2024
Thanks for the post BillfishReport.com
Orange Beach, AL - B***y Trap went 20-25 on Swordfish.
07/17/2024
20 for 25 on Swordfish in 20 hours!
Best sword we released this trip was about 250 lbs. we kept 3 that were hooked deep. It’s good to be back after the swords in the gulf! First trip out of Alabama and it was awesome!
Awesome times here on the B***y Trap learning the area out of Orange Beach Alabama!
We did it all this trip covering over 300 miles scouting fishing grounds we’ve never fished before.
We also caught
Blue marlin
Oil Fish
Loaded up on yellowfin and blackfin.
Had a blast catching snapper, AJs and a couple big sharks.
Great times with family and friends!
Here are a few pictures from the trip.
We will post a few videos as well.
***yTrapFishingTeam
07/12/2024
This is what the number one Swordfish killn’ crew in the world looks like. Just miss n’ Capt. Travis and Thomas.
This crew is the easy button of swordfishing.
Headed out tomorrow and we are so excited to scout and check out new swordfishing grounds!
Alabama swordfish are in trouble.
07/11/2024
It’s an Orange beach Alabama night!
Getting her ready tomorrow to roll out and see if we can find these Alabama swords………….
***yTrapFishingTeam
07/10/2024
Leaving Miami headed to Orange Beach today!
Let’s see what it’s like over there!
07/03/2024
Here we come Orange Beach Alabama!
Louisiana was fun and loaded with awesome folks. We will be back for sure but it’s off to Alabama now for the B***y Trap.
Shawn took off this morning headed that way.
***yTrapFishingTeam
06/27/2024
Awesome times! Awesome place!
***yTrapFishingTeam
B***y Trap unloading their catch at the Hurricane Hole Marina & Resort.
06/15/2024
What is your thoughts on Tagging Swordfish?
Has it benefited the fishery or is it info that should be left alone?
Swordfish are commercially fished, is tagging helping or hurting the commercial industry.
Is tagging helping or hurting the recreational swordfishing industry.
On the B***y Trap from the start of deep dropping the Gulf Of Mexico we have caught and released hundreds of swordfish. We have released swordfish from 2 lbs to 400 plus lbs. we have never put a single tag in one. Most captains we know tag swordfish for recognition imo and some do it thinking it’s truly is helping the fishery in some way. Again we never allowed a sword to be tagged.
This is a discussion we have had for years.
Can anyone tell us how tagging helps swordfish?
This is a serious question.
If there is a benefit to helping science and the government tagging swordfish? Feel free to explain your thoughts or opinions here. If it helps we will be the first to convert to tagging we have never understood any benefit to the fishery our selves.
06/12/2024
The next generation of Sword fishermen !
Take the kids fishing, let them do the fishing! Teach them because nobody else will take the time.
B***y Trap Fishing Team
06/10/2024
Flashback to over 20 years ago. We still hold the passion even more now than then to target the most incredible fish that swims.
***yTrapFishingTeam
06/10/2024
Left to right B***y Trap Fishing Team’s
Thomas Simms, Jeramie Vinklarek, Capt. Shawn Truesdale, Mike Reyes
At Hurricane Hole Marina, Grand Isle, Louisiana
The 2024 swordfish tour starts next good weather window soon as this Gulf Shores Alabama, 13U baseball tournament is over 😁
We are fired up with over 400 baits rigged and ready to go! Stay tuned at Team Double Down ®️ TV on Facebook for live swordfishing action from the cockpit in the Gulf!
We gave new techniques that could help boost your numbers to share, and we are planning on a killer season with our best crew ever!
Get Tight Suckas!
06/07/2024
Well she’s in her new home at least for most of the summer. Grande Isle , Louisiana.
Stay tuned Team Double Down ®️ TV and we will take you with us LIVE from the cockpit this season on our Swordfishing adventures!
06/06/2024
600 mile run, may as well keep rigging baits on the way.
Louisiana see ya tomorrow!
05/28/2024
The Alfonsino Fish are absolutely awesome eating fish!
05/27/2024
Awesome customer service from KOBO Fishing. Several great days fishing grounds along south Florida from the keys to Miami! If you have not heard of em….. you will! They are changing the game with sleek designs and features the industry has been missing for years!
Go like and share their page!!!
05/11/2024
Here we come Louisiana!
#
Check out hunterwestDD’s video.
04/23/2024
You gotta have hart to fish with us!
***yTrapFishingTeam
04/21/2024
Headed to the dock now! This swordfish is going to get the knife then off to the restaurant tonight!
Good times with great friends!
***yTrapFishingTeam
04/16/2024
Looking back at an awesome trip.
That’s not sailfish flags.
That’s not riggers full of white marlin flags.
Thats 30 SWORDFISH Flags out of Texas.
It’s awesome to have our fishing operation back in the US and we are super excited to be back at it in the Swordfishing game!
***yTrapFishingTeam
04/07/2024
Nothing more exciting than a Mule on the wire!
***yTrapFishingTeam
04/06/2024
Teach them young to carry on the legacy! That’s what’s happening here on the B***y Trap! Let them drive the boat, let them set the hooks, let them do it all or they don’t learn.
The big girls are biting in the South Florida Gulf Stream. Here’s a nice 400 lber 13 yr old Brett Holden ll caught on a recent trip. Cant wait for the wind to lay down. It ‘s awesome to be back in the Swordfishing game and we are back full throttle!
#❤️Swordfishing
08/08/2023
FRIENDS & FOLLOWERS BE SURE AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL... https://www.youtube.com/user/broadonrod
07/31/2023
Check out Jeramie Vinklarek the new model with his swordfish steaks 😜
Available in a variety of sizes.
07/20/2023
Another first-time hand cranker. Awesome Times!
Congratulations Hanna!
07/06/2023
This just in from AFTCO! Thanks, guys for the video share... Exceptionally sharp fillet knives, we enjoy using your products daily!
"Perfect for the boat or kitchen, the AFTCO Fillet Knives are the best choice for all your filleting needs."
- B***y Trap Fishing Team
Address
827 Gulf Road • Surfside Beach, TX 77541
Surfside Beach, TX
77541
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Videos
Back in Miami today on the Freeman. Still stacking numbers chasing swordfish #2000 on the B***y Trap! Love this KOBO Fishing reel! So awesome! #SwordfishTour2024 #swordfishingsecrets #howtocatchmoreswordfish #gettightsucka #KOBOFISHING
Back in Miami today on the Freeman. Still stacking numbers chasing swordfish #2000 on the B***y Trap! Love this KOBO Fishing reel! So awesome! Staying tight is an important part of the day 😜 Love being able to leave the dock at 9:30 am and tight by 10:30! #SwordfishTour2024 #swordfishingsecrets #howtocatchmoreswordfish #howtocatchswordfish #gettightsucka #swordfish #swordfishseminar #swordfishing #pushingtoswordfish2000 #KOBOFISHING
B***y Trap Fishing Team Triple Header on swordfish. #Swordfishing #OrangeBeachMarina #HowToCatchSwordfish #SwordfishSeminar #B***yTrapFishingTeam #GetTightSucka #PushingToSwordfish2000 #Fishing #recordswordfish
Teachum young nobody else is gonna do it for you. Join us at Team Double Down ®️ TV #B***yTrapFishingTeam
Well here we go 😂 My fish kill n’ crew from Florida have broke the ice at the dock. Thomas is going to clean him up and it’s fried Aligator gar tomorrow night at Hurricane Hole Marina. I’m telling yall we have a bad a*z crew! If it swims it’s fked’ 😎😜 #NotASwordfish😂
Louisiana here we come! Spoiling reeks in the way! KOBO Fishing #Swordfishing #boobytrapfishingteam #KOBOFishing #Aftco
At 6:00 am the B***y Trap 58 is finally headed around the Florida Keys making her way into the Gulf Of Mexico! We are Louisiana bound! We are getting a much later start getting to the gulf than we planned on this season but it’s finally happening. Better late than never. We will still be fishing out of Florida this season. The original 52 express and the new 43 Freeman are staying in South Florida but when the long windows show them selves we will be fishing hard in the gulf. Again we are super excited to meet all the awesome fishermen and folks and see our old friends in Louisiana and of course get after the swords. We have high expectations and the crew we have now are fishing machines like we’ve never had before. We have new techniques to try and share. We have set some high goals to meet. Join us at Team Double Down ®️ TV here on Facebook. We plan on lots of live streaming action swordfishing, marlin fishing and deep dropping while in Louisiana! It’s good to be back after the swords after giving them a break for a few years. It’s always been and always will be our #1 passion! Get Tight Suckas! It’s On! #swordfishing #boobytrapfishingteam #aftco #KoboFishing
There is no shortage of Chicken Dolphin in the South Florida Gulf Stream. We had just released a swordfish and left the bait hanging in the water in this video. The day before we took the kiddos on a mahi trip and released around 100. We did keep 5 for dinner.
The Alfonsino Fish are absolutely awesome eating fish! #Aftco #AlfonsinoFish #floridakeysswordfishing #boobytrapfishingteam
The Alfonsino Fish are absolutely awesome eating fish! #Aftco #AlfonsinoFish #floridakeysswordfishing #boobytrapfishingteam
B***y Trap Fishing Team #43Freeman #FreemanBoats #FreemanBoatWorks #B***yTrapFishingTeam #Swordfish #Swordfishing
Headed to the dock now! This swordfish is going to get the knife then off to the restaurant tonight! Good times with great friends!
Headed to the dock now! This swordfish is going to get the knife then off to the restaurant tonight! Good times with great friends! #Swordfish #FloridaSwordfishing #B***yTrapFishingTeam #WorkingOurWayTo2000Swordfish