Tom Jernigan of Miami, Florida recently purchased his second 26’ Regulator from KMC Marine of Lighthouse Point, Fl. The new boat was featured at the 2002 Miami Boat show and is now utilized as a tender to a bigger boat and under the care of Capt. Ken Love. Below is the story of the new 26’s maiden voyage. Regulator and KMC thank the Jernigans for their support and wish them many happy adventures aboard their Regulator.

A Regulator Fish Story to Cherish
Phil Kniskern, KMC Marine

It was early morning in Cat Cay, Bahamas May 2, 2002. The owner had planned a 10:00am spear-fishing trip. Within a week of having their brand new Regulator 26 FS, Capt. Ken Love and crew woke up early, eager to try their new deep drop electric reel and locate some yellow-eye snappers. After four unsuccessful attempts at varying depths, time was running out and they decided to head back to the marina. The mate suggested trolling back with one pre-rigged, refrozen, and at least three month old ballyhoo. Capt. Ken explains, "we decided to try our luck. Much to our surprise, within ten minutes, a large fish was hooked." It was a blue marlin! Immediately realizing that they had left the fishing belt on the mother ship, the crew affixed their 15-year-old, 30 lb test, Penn Int’l rig with a fishing glove as a protective pad on the rod butt. By doing this the mate was able to somewhat prevent severe bruising to his abdomen," said Capt. Ken. He added, "the mate, though strong and well built, was pretty much whipped by the fish after 45 minutes." Yet, through much verbal encouragement, the crew soon had the fish along side the boat. Capt. Ken recalls, "after removing the hook, reviving the fish, and releasing the fish, we celebrated with high fives all around.

It was our first trip with our Regulator 26, and our mates’ first blue marlin…under the circumstances we felt very fortunate. After our first outing, we know this boat can catch fish!"

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