Hooklineandminker.com

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Hooklineandminker.com

Contents

Description

Hooklineandminker.com is a rare fish related blog that is maintained by Josh Minker. In his blog, Josh describes his quest for one particular rare fish the prehistoric Coelacanth. One section of the blog is the Coelacanth Journal. Certain entries in the Coelacanth Journal hint that it was at one time hosted on a different site and was at some point merged into hooklineandminker.com due to technical difficulties.

About Me Section

In the About Me section, Josh describes his love of rare fish and lists his email address as a way to contact him regarding fish species:

Hello there! I’m Josh Minker and I run Hooklineandminker.com. I’m a enthusiast for rare and unique fish and love meeting others who share my passion! I’m new to blogging but have over two decades of experience in private aquariums and am familiar with both freshwater and saltwater species. I am NOT an authorized dealer. Looking for or have questions about a particular species? Contact me at hlm1963@yahoo.com Who knows, I may even be able to answer them!

Photo Slider

A Flash object photo slider is embedded in the blog which contains photos and descriptions of rare fish. Each image description has a reference to a website which hosts the original image.

Fish Facts

Six fish facts are listed on the blog.

FACT: Over 25,000 species of fish inhabit the earth’s waters today.
FACT: The queen parrotfish wears pajamas at night: a sleeping bag of mucus excreted from an organ in their heads. This cocoon hides their scent from predators.
FACT: The sailfish is the world’s fastest swimming fish, reaching speeds of over 60mph!
FACT: Bass fish have a sixth sense called electroreception. This sense allows them to detect chemicals, lights, electricity and vibration.
FACT: Not unlike trees, the age of a fish is determined by the growth rings found within the small bones of the inner ear.

Rare Fish Calendar

Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of June
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of July
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of August
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of September
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of October
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of November
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of December
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of March
Best Time to spot a rare fish for the month of April

A calendar titled "Best Time to Spot Rare Fish" is listed displayed on the nav bar of the blog. It is a listing of moon phases and time which are supposedly the best times to spot a rare fish. When the site was discovered on June 28th, the calendar was for the month of June. On July 1st, the calendar was updated to the month of July.

Thorough analysis of the calendars may be found here

Hook Line And Minker Blog Posts

April 3rd

By Josh
- Published: April 3rd, 2010
Looks like I have a few followers on the Coelacanth journal! Welcome! I’ve had so much fun putting it together I thought I’d try a secondary journal where we can talk about more varied subjects. There’s nothing I love more than meeting other fish enthusiasts! And my passion doesn’t end with the Coelacanth – there are a lot of other rare fish out there who need our help. Oh – and to answer someone’s question, I am NOT affiliated with any conservancy or organization. I’m just a regular guy with a rather impressive (so I’ve been told) home aquarium collection!
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=1

April 10th

By Josh
- Published: April 10th, 2010
Hopefully, I didn’t scare you guys off with my last post. Although I don’t do this for a living, I am quite knowledgable – promise. And, if all goes well, I may segue my career into home aquariums full-time! As soon as possible – I’m starting to get a allergic reaction to paper products. Let’s start up some discussions: who has experience with deep-sea fishing?
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=28

April 15th

By Josh
- Published: April 15th, 2010
Sorry folks – may not be able to post for awhile.
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=31

May 18th

By Josh
- Published: May 18th, 2010
Sorry for the delay in posting. Something personal came up on my end and this site has proved a beast to deal with from my work computer.

I’m still debating whether to add the Atlantic Wolffish to my list or not. Yes – it’s endangered – but it became that way through overfishing and not natural means. Should I make a distinction?

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=33

May 26th

By Josh
- Published: May 26th, 2010
Think I need to transfer this journal to a new site or something. I’m still having problems posting….thanks again to everyone still reading!
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=36

June 10th

By Josh
- Published: June 10th, 2010
Well, it took awhile but here we are! Welcome to the new, improved home of Hooklineandminker.com! A new day. A new era. Take a sniff around and let me know what you think!
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=38

July 7th

By Josh
- Published: July 7th, 2010
Hey folks! Wow – I guess the site change worked. A warm welcome to all of my new readers! I’m still getting the hang of this site, so apologies in advance. In response to one of your questions, yes – I have tried to meetup with some fish lovers in my area but, sadly, they are few and far between. If only more of my internet friends lived in my hometown! And to answer another question – no, I won’t JUST talk about my fish collection on this site. I’ve heard there’s more to life than fish – though I sometimes can’t imagine what that would be. Haha!

Anyway, I’ve been placed on some new hours at work but I’ll try to update as much as I can. I think we get a new supervisor today. Maybe he or she is a fish lover!

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=98

July 28th

By Josh
- Published: July 28th, 2010
Sorry I’ve been so behind in answering your emails, guys. Figures that as soon as I start having fun, my “real job” heats up. I really do appreciate your questions but bills, unfortunately, have to come first right now. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch up once things slow down in a week or so.
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=104

August 4th

By Josh
- Published: August 4th, 2010
What a productive week. I don’t think I’ve ever spent that much time at that office before. I even ate a few of my dinners there – turns out my favorite Italian restaurant delivers. Good to know for the late nights. New supervisor is great, though – nice to finally have some sanity in the office.

I’ve been meaning to buy a new aquarium but haven’t had time this week to research any of the new models. Maybe I’ll just stick with what I know….

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=109

August 21st (112)

By Josh
- Published: August 21st (112), 2010
Well, that wa unexpected. The whole office went out for drinks tonight, thanks to Sarah. She’s the new supe. We surpassed sales this month so we got to celebrate. Big deal in this climate. I may have had a few too many – these keys are starting to run together on me

But turns out I learned a thing or two by going out for once,. Sarah didn’t know her dad growing up, either. We have a lot common. Itswas pretty funny. and Clive scoffed too. his dad was a forest ranger and just never came back one day. I think cive might’ve made that story up, now that I think about it. probably Sarah didn’t by it. OK!! i need to sleep.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=112

  • The clue "Bring the Foghorn and the unexpected title." refers to this post, titled simply: 112

September 7th

By Josh
- Published: September 7th, 2010
To some of you out there, thanks for pushing me. I’m thinking maybe I will buy that new aquarium. I deserve it, right? Plus it’s got some new technology, some pressure system, that would let me house a Coelacanth – whenever I end up finding one. When someone leaves you money, you’re free to do what you want with it, am I right? What else am I supposed to spend it on? It should be for something I love, no matter how others may have felt.

I’ll think on it. See if I feel the same in a few days.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=113

October 20th

By Josh
- Published: October 20th, 2010
Gotta hurry – lunch hour. OK, some of you have rightfully been on me about my August post. I’m a little embarrassed about it, it’s slightly out-of-character for me. But glad to know no one is judging, right? Well, what can I say, it happens. Especially when you think you may be at the start of something great. At least, here’s hoping I’m not the only one that feels that way!

Anyway, onto some sad news. One of my favorites, my Red Oscar fish, Nelson, passed away. For any newbies reading this, I’m sure I sound crazy for being upset about this. But trust me when I say these are smart fish, you can develop a real relationship with these guys and after 11 years – well, I imagine it’s not far off from what it feels like to lose a dog.

So, under the heading of LIFE IS SHORT, I have decided to buy the new aquarium. Will try to post pictures when it arrives. This will really step up my private collection and I am very excited. You have to get what you need to be happy when you can, right?

And for those of you who wont relent about the Bobbit Worm in with my fish Photo Slider: I don’t know why posting the pic the has gotten so many snide comments, but I think it’s cool – so, there you go.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=118

November 23rd

By Josh
- Published: November 23rd, 2010
Ok, it’s gonna be a GREAT Thanksgiving! I know some of you wont believe me, I have finally FOUND A COELACANTH. I know, I know, doubt all you want, I’ll put the photos up to prove it soon enough! One of my guysctually came through, and he promises he can deliver in early December. For all my searching, honestly, never thought I’d really find one. I thought they were just too rare – but it goes to show you what (possibly unhealthy) persistence can get you.

Needless to say, as soon as it arrives, I will keep you all up to date on my progress. Regular updates for sure. Just crazy. Major tank preparations are under way.

And thanks to a certain someone for being so patient through all this. I promise I won’t let it (majorly) interfere with our Thanksgiving plans. I promised a tasty, home cooked meal and I will deliver.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=121

December 3rd

By Josh
- Published: December 3rd, 2010
Yea, I know I’m behind with the calendar. Don’t get me wrong, happy you come to me for the times – just been a rough week. And yea, I don’t have the Coelacanth…yet? This guy keeps stalling. I’m supposed to meet him on the 10th and go from there. Getting tired of all the games, it’s just pointless back-and-forth. I wish people would just do what they say for once. But apparently that’s asking for too much.

Anyway, here’s the calendar – happy spotting!

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=122

On Friday evening thru Monday (Dec. 3rd-6th) visitors to the site received a "This website is coming soon." message due to server issues, prompting this response from Josh

December 6th

By Josh
- Published: December 6th, 2010
That’s funny – I didn’t even notice the blog was down! Thanks for the emails! Back up now, looks like it was just some issue with my web hoster.
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=123

January 26th

By Josh
- Published: January 26th, 2011
Sorry for the silence. Just had some unexpected things come up. In case you were bothered about the coelacanth, I never got and won’t attempt to again.
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=124

January 28th

By Josh
- Published: January 28th, 2011
So I’m sorry to report that I was robbed over the holidays. I’ve involved the police – they told me not to post for awhile just in case. They say my Coelacanth connection must’ve been a shady character. I think he thought I was rich or something. The good news is that none of my fish were harmed. And I’ll be ready if it happens again.

To those of you I know “in real life” – don’t worry. I’m fine. I don’t think they took anything that can’t be replaced.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=125

March 23rd

By Josh
- Published: March 23rd, 2011
Sorry to hack this but you weren’t paying attention. Check email for credentials. BXTSLWK729. I know you just found where to use this (/explanation).
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=126

This post has since been removed. The time on Josh's blog seems to stretch less than 12 hours.

Coelacanth Journal Posts

February 4th

By Josh
- Published: February 4th, 2010


The coelacanth

When I was little, I stole a book from the library. It was a Classics Illustrated #5 Moby Dick and I searched four different libraries to find it (don’t tell anyone – not sure how the laws of prosecution work). I still have it on my bookshelf, even though the cover fell off years ago. It’s not the only reason I love fish (though I read it about 20 times that summer) but I thought it an appropriate way to introduce my own “Moby Dick”.

Kingdom: Animalia. Phylum: Chordata. Class: Sarcoptergii. Subclass: Actinistia. Order: Coelacanthiformes, also known as THE COELACANTH. Named after its hollow spine, this beauty was thought to be extinct until the 1930’s. Scary, I know. They’re still incredibly rare – but every few years one appears at the surface for some lucky observer.

And that is where I come in. Unlike Captain Ahab, I’m not hunting my fish because it bit off my arm or leg or anything. I’m not some grandstanding environmentalist either. I just want to help the Coelacanth survive. Seems weird to live in a world without them.

Anyway, hopefully this journal will chronicle my success. Stay tuned!

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=14

March 17th

By Josh
- Published: March 17th, 2010
Sorry for the long hiatus without updating. Things have been crazy at work and this journalling takes a little getting used to. So far my search has been fruitless. I’ve emailed a half-dozen importers in Canada, Maine and New England. Everyone just laughs at me. So frustrating. I’m trying to help.

I think I may have to try and go through some less professional dealers. A message board friend of mine gave me a name. Maybe I’ll get lucky. Until next time…

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=41

April 4th

By Josh
- Published: April 4th, 2010
Good news! Contacted “Mr. Wilson”. I’m guessing it’s not his real name… but since mine isn’t “Mr. Cartwright”, I call us even. (I’m so bad at this black trade/code name stuff. I would’ve been a horrible mobster). Said he’d get back to me by the end of the week. Fingers crossed. In the meantime, I’ve been checking with some aquariums. I’ve emailed five or so and only one response so far.

“Dear Mr. ________

As a fellow “fish-enthusiast”, I can appreciate your feelings regarding the current status of the Coelacanth population. Unfortunately, since we are an aquarium and not a licensed fish dealer, I don’t have any information on purchasing a Coelacanth. I recommend that you contact any of the dozen nonprofit conservancies across the east coast. I’m sure they will be happy to help. Thank you for your interest and I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Shelly XXXXXXXX”

She seems like a nice woman, right? Maybe I should follow-up….

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=43

April 6th

By Josh
- Published: April 6th, 2010
Wrote Shelly again. I know she said she couldn’t help but it’s rare to meet a fellow fish enthusiast.
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=44

April 8th

By Josh
- Published: April 8th, 2010
“Dear Mr. ______,

Unfortunately, I don’t know of any private collectors that specialize in the Coelacanth. If you’re planning a visit to our aquarium in the near future, I’d be happy to set you up with one of our licensed tour guides to answer any further questions. Best of luck.

- Shelly”

Oh well. Worth a shot. Maybe I asked her too many questions…..

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=46

April 13th

By Josh
- Published: April 13th, 2010
Still haven’t heard back from “Mr. Wilson”. Think I might give that avenue up. It’s not strictly against the law but a little too close for my tastes. Thankfully, all is not lost. After many hours of searching through message boards, I think I’ve found a fisherman in Canada who will take me on a chartered fishing trip!! Never been on one of those before, pretty excited. It’s not going to be cheap. Might have to sell some old things.

However, even if I am able to find a Coelacanth, the real issue will be getting it back into the country. But I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=58

April 19th

By Josh
- Published: April 19th, 2010
May not be posting for awhile. Sorry. Family comes first.
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=62

May 2nd

By Josh
- Published: May 2nd, 2010
So much for selling old collectibles. I forget what’s going outside my own little world sometimes. But it appears the economy isn’t much of a friend right now. I can only get about half of what I wanted… and my guy in Canada just doubled the price. Holding off until I raise some more. I had already bought a really nice compass, too….
Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=64

May 9th

By Josh
- Published: May 9th, 2010
Looks like someone is reading this journal after all! Was just contacted by Fred’s (my friend) brother. A fisherman in Boston claims he can find a Coelacanth for me in under two weeks. Says he’s done it before for a few other collectors and will be happy to do it for me since my intentions are honorable. Time to save my money because in two weeks, my quest will be OVER!!!

How am I supposed to prep the tank? I should do some more research……

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=67

June 7th

By Josh
- Published: June 7th, 2010
So you might have wondered why an entire month went by without any updates (or maybe you didn’t even notice I was gone). Doesn’t look like I can catch a break, sadly. I didn’t hear from the Boston fisherman for over a month – so I feared the worst. What if he had been caught out in a storm or something? Fred didn’t know anything – he hadn’t heard from the guy. We finally find out that two days before the expedition the Boston fisherman got arrested for fishing with a compressor.

Now he’s out on bail and thinks it’s too risky to go after the Coelacanth. I’m happy he’s safe but still. Where should I go from here? Feels like nothing but dead ends.

Permalink: http://www.hooklineandminker.com/?p=69

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