a whale of a catch

100 years ago…

April 1, 1906 – A twenty-two foot whale is caught eight miles off the coast of Tampa Bay and towed into the harbor to the Garrison area (now the Channelside District). The Tampa Morning Tribune reported that this was the first time a whale of that size had been seen, much less caught, this far south, and that large crowds gathered at the Garrison to see the prize catch.

Courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center.

5 comments - add to the conversation! → “a whale of a catch”


  1. Editengine

    3 years ago

    boy that is dating the story, catching a whale on purpose.


  2. Tampa Bay History Center

    3 years ago

    April Fools from the TBHC! This piece, which appeared 100 years ago today in the Tribune, was printed as an April Fools joke. The Tribune later reported that many people thought the story was real, including some reporters from the rival Tampa Daily Times.


  3. PortTampa

    3 years ago

    Good one. I looked at the date and thought “Isn’t it a shame that wasn’t an April Fools joke?” Had to click on the comments to see that it was. Nice to see TBHC covers wrestling and has a sense of humor.


  4. John

    3 years ago

    I wonder if Sidd Finch on that boat? ;)


  5. tommy

    3 years ago

    Good one, guys. Happy April fool’s day.


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