Killer Whales in the Gulf of Mexico
I heard about this awhile back and decided to look it up today during a lull at work (actually my work is almost a full-time lull, but hey, at least it gives me time to look up articles about killer whales). An Orange Beach site tells the whole story. The included video is way cool. They reported spotting over 200 of the whales in four distinct pods. I’ve spent a good amount of time in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area (the infamous “Red Neck Riviera” – a label I’m not fond of and find annoyingly dismissive of a really interesting area). In fact we were down there about four weeks ago. I’ve done some bay, surf and deep sea fishing, although not seriously, just as a sideshow on family vacations. I would never have expected to see killer whales. It seems this isn’t the first time the whales have been spotted in the Gulf of Mexico, which came as a surprise to me. According to a TV station out of Mobile, biologists believed there were around 150 resident killer whales in the Gulf. I had this idea of killer whales only living in cold seas, but these have apparently developed a taste for gulf tuna.
What does this mean for the gulf fisherman? Try not to impersonate a seal. Or a tuna. And buy a 30 wt. fly rod.
Another disturbing possibility…could this be a small part of Singlebarb’s exposure of a vast fish conspiracy?
Take care,
Nathan
Tags: Gulf of Mexico, killer whales, Orange Beach
February 18th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it… My brother knows the Shady lady crew and can get some more info on it (just sent this his way).
It’ll definitely mess with fishing, but dang I’d still love to go out and see them..
February 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Matt,
I thought you might be interested in this story. My ideas about killer whales always featured icebergs somewhere in the periphery. That or a Seaworld trainer. I was shocked to hear about them swimming around in the gulf eating “our” tuna. I, too, would love to see them. Let us know what you find out,
Nathan
February 19th, 2009 at 3:50 am
Hi there Nathan
I have just come across your blog and have really enjoyed your posts, I have always love watching fly fishing ever since that movie A River Runs Through It, to be honest I have not even tried it thus far, but I have taken up fishing for bass and have enjoyed this a lot. I am looking into trying the art of fly fishing, your photo’s make it look so beautiful.
February 19th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Amy,
Thanks for the kind words. I encourage you to give fly fishing a shot. It really adds a whole new dimension to fishing, and the casting is half the fun. Find someone to give you instruction, or do what I did and purchase a good book on fly casting. There are some great websites with casting instruction as well. Then go after those bass with a fly rod! Bass are great fun with a fly rod. Take care,
Nathan
February 20th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Nathan,
Thanks for the advice, and I will have to try this now I have heard that fly fishing for bass is better that the regular way, going to go this weekend and have a look at the different rods and take it from there.
Regards
Amy
February 20th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I have recently taken up a new venture thanks to Nathan’s latest discovery of Killer Whales in the Gulf of Mexico. Currently I am designing a fly to specifically imitate an injured seal that will most definitely attract even the most skittish of Killer Whales. As bass are no longer a challenge for me, I will be making a trip to the Gulf soon to land one of these black and white beauties on none other than my own vintage South Bend bamboo rod. Perhaps now is the best time to make use of the handy dandy bait cast tip that came as a bonus with my rod. Now I am trying to decide if I want to take a chartered boat or use my belly boat…. I would think wading is out of the question.
**Disclaimer**
For the amateur fly fishing enthusiast, please note that I am a professional and am fully equipped to land such a blood thirsty creature. It is advised that you seek advice from someone such as myself before making any attempt to follow my footsteps.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Insane! I can tie you up a few of my BeadHead tuna clousers. I am surprised you even consider a chartered belly boat when you could use your jeep?
February 24th, 2009 at 9:30 am
There we go…that one just slipped my mind. Why not use the jeep!? Did I tell you I got some new tires…33′s!