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View Full Version : Going the distance on the Ranger85


troutdog
08-06-2008, 02:59 AM
First off just wanted to apologize for the late report and long read....

Short report
2 dayer 8/30-31st...200+ yellows and 70+ dodos, great charter with an awesome group of guys.

Long report

Got to San Diego around 7pm last Tuesday evening and headed over to H&M Landing to find the Ranger85 tied up at the end of the dock. Loaded a bag or two and grabbed an easy to climb in middle bunk after a greeting a few of the guys. The boat was chartered by John and Carl Mahan for the fifth straight year, this was my first time on board and based on my experience will not be my last. Price was right at $450 for a limited load of 28 and included a shirt the guys had custom made for the trip.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0105.jpg

On my way back to the car to pick up the rest of my gear I snapped a few pics of the sights including some of the boats that had provided for some memorable trips.

Great boat as long as the seas are calm
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0106.jpg

The New Lo-An...one of my favorite among the fleet
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0110.jpg

Had some great trips on the Grande, nice smooth ride and always seems to find the fish!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0107.jpg

A couple more fine vessels
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0111.jpg

I love the sights and sounds on a summer evening in SD
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0112.jpg

Guys waiting for their bags of fish after a 2 day on the Ocean Odessey, based on what they had I knew we were in store for a good trip
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0108.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0109.jpg

Had a few cold ones in the parking lot with the guys, grabbed the rest of our gear and boarded the Ranger85. We left the dock a 9pm on the dot and filled the tanks with sardines and anchovies before heading South into the night. Hit the rack early and woke up after what seemed like only a few hours for a full day of fishing. We picked up a few stragglers on the troll, but the kelp paddys were hands down the place to get on the biters such as this one!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0113.jpg

I punked the skunk on the second paddy with a decent yellow and small dodo as we continued Southward. At about 90 miles we hit a nice kelp and put the hurt on the fish...
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0115.jpg

The guys waiting for fresh bait as Capt Frank announced another kelp ahead on the port side
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0116.jpg

The crew worked very hard all day glassing for kelp, birds and other signs of life
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0120.jpg

If you want to jump on a boat with peace of mind knowing the guy behind the wheel is serious about getting fish I definitely recommend Capt Frank on the Ranger85. We drove as far South as 132 mile (:Shocked:) from Point Loma and fished until the last bit of light faded to darkness.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0118.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0119.jpg

After getting cleaned up we watched "Friday Night Lights" on the flat screen over a steak dinner, a cold one and washed it all down with a piece of cheesecake :Wink:

Crawled into the rack and slept like a log, the slight rocking of the boat always does me in. Woke up refreshed and rejuvenated after a couple cups of coffee in preperation for another day of fishing and to do my best impresion of this guy!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0123.jpg

Way to go Mark!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0124.jpg

Had to take a picture of "Uncle Eddie" and the shirt he earned for being the first guy to toss his cookie on last year's trip. The guys made a shirt with his picture on it, below it were various terms describing the moment. To top it off they had him wear a plastic oreo on a string....classic :ROFL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0121.jpg

Another nice yellow hits the deck....Sid's fish took JP on day 2
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0125.jpg

While out on the fishing grounds we saw a tuna pen. I had heard alot about them and saw them plenty of times on tv, but never in person.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0128.jpg

Fishing on day 2 was done primarily in the 60-70 mile zone and was nothing like day 1, but I did manage one of the bigger yts of the day. Good enough for 3rd place JP and a free Ranger85 T-shirt that I had planned on buying anyways!

Team57 represtin....
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0132.jpg

"Uncle Eddie" with a new shirt on holding both of our fish, the only two taken on that particular spot
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0133.jpg

Just like all good trips this one came to an end way to quick and beofre we knew it the Coronados were fading off our stern as we headed in
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0137.jpg

Another island shot
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0138.jpg

The catch after being cleaned and brought out on the deck
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0144.jpg

The sun coming down on Point Loma
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0147.jpg

Almost home
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0152.jpg

Another shot as we were coming in the home stretch
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0148.jpg

Time to get our fish on the dock
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0157.jpg

Good times and lotsa fish to be handed out
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/IMG_0153.jpg

Packed up my fillets and fishing gear, loaded it into the car and made the ride back home to "da OC" in a little more than an hour. After a much needed shower I fell asleep on the couch and dreamt of the next trip.

Thanks for reading,


TD
Badfish2
08-06-2008, 04:05 AM
Tons of good pictures.:UDaMan: Looks like that would drive me nuts fishing with all those people though:EyePop: Let us know how the fish taste
Koshaw
08-06-2008, 06:53 AM
Good times bro! Great report, good pics, and lots of fish!

=)

Glad you guys had a super trip, and a nice crew and captain.

I'll see ya at Legends mate!
chris
08-06-2008, 07:14 AM
man that was a great report and awesome day fishing
sansou
08-06-2008, 09:40 AM
Score!

Looks like you guys had a successful YT / Do-do trip! Good looking YT size too!

I hope you guys left some for my buddies and I next weekend!!!
steve092
08-06-2008, 09:57 AM
Dude!

You guys really put a hurting on those fish! Nice job!
ironshrimp
08-06-2008, 09:59 AM
Score!

Looks like you guys had a successful YT / Do-do trip! Good looking YT size too!

I hope you guys left some for my buddies and I next weekend!!!



dude, all you guys suck!!!!

killin me with these reports

don't think I can make it to the coronados on my yak

but we'll see who's laughing when I pull a yellow out of an ishore patty off malibu...yeah biatches!!!mmwhhahahaha

seriously though, you guys suck!!



well played sir, easily one of the most entertaining and juicy reports I've read
pineapple express
08-06-2008, 11:27 AM
nice going TD...
looks like a fun trip fo sure. 3rd place jp....not bad bruddah.
i think thats better than only 1 person winning. i have a trip
next weekend & hope we do ok. mahaloz fo sharing.
peace
PE
Fisherman57
08-06-2008, 11:39 AM
Awesome report and photos Aaron!


http://fishinghotpage.com/users/tmp3/t57powaaa.jpg
Ricky-Ray
08-06-2008, 12:09 PM
Awesome report and pics. Thanks!
Koshaw
08-06-2008, 12:43 PM
So does TD get 30$ for having the photo of the week?

;)
Wingnut
08-06-2008, 01:16 PM
Excellent trip and report Aaron, congrats on all the beautiful fish! :Cool: :Big Grin:
I like that new camera. :Wink:
supasportkid
08-06-2008, 01:23 PM
WTG!!! nice report
Trout Nine
08-06-2008, 01:38 PM
TD,
WTG! Nice report and pics

T9
Granny Fish
08-06-2008, 02:52 PM
Nice pictures, lots of fish and looks like a lot of fun. You make it sound like a pleasure cruise.

Glad you got some nice yellows and dodo. Congrats on the 3rd place JP.
Robert trout hunter
08-06-2008, 02:54 PM
Wow good job reeely liked this report
Fisherman57
08-06-2008, 03:42 PM
So does TD get 30$ for having the photo of the week?

;)


No, but he DOES get a $5.00 off coupon for some almond firewood!

YEAH BABY! :LOL:


57
boxl0bster
08-06-2008, 11:27 PM
awesome job aaron! great report and pics!:Cool:
SAMIAM
08-07-2008, 04:41 AM
Good trip indeed.

Yellowtail is a very hard fighting, staple sport fish pelagic.

It's a shame though that the tuna counts have been down this year.

What the hell happened to the albacore?

It was off to a good start but I just don't see the numbers like I used to.

Forget about the bluefin and the bigeye. Those are long gone.

Guess seiners don't target the yellowtail as much. Wonder if YFT counts are gonna go up as we near the end of summer and the water gets even warmer.

I would like to see guys shelling out a half a grand or more to do a day or two of fishing in San Diego to get some tunas.
troutdog
08-07-2008, 01:44 PM
Tons of good pictures.:UDaMan: Looks like that would drive me nuts fishing with all those people though:EyePop: Let us know how the fish taste

Thanks Badfish2, coming from the Ansel Adams of FNN I appreciate the compliment! The amount of peeps on board isn't that bad considering the boat is 85 feet long....the bow was empty half the time and when kelp hopping it really does not matter where you're fishing, just as long as you are fishing with the wind in your face.


Good times bro! Great report, good pics, and lots of fish!

=)

Glad you guys had a super trip, and a nice crew and captain.

I'll see ya at Legends mate!

Thanks Chuck, let me know if you want some yellowtail and I will bring you some when I see ya at Legends! Glad you were able to get the time off to join us, you are going to have a blast.


man that was a great report and awesome day fishing

I appreciate that Chris, you always write great reports yourself....hope you are doing well!


Score!

Looks like you guys had a successful YT / Do-do trip! Good looking YT size too!

I hope you guys left some for my buddies and I next weekend!!!

Yeah we had a great trip out there Sansou. There were a few dinks mixed in as well, but overall they were quality fish. We left a few fish for your trip, but if you catch a 20+lb yellow with about 60-80 feet of 25lb BigGame please set it aside for me! :LOL: Good luck out there next week, what boat you going on? One or two day?


Dude!

You guys really put a hurting on those fish! Nice job!

The boat did very well out there, but we lost quite a few due to a few newbies who did not stay in front of their fish. Just part of the game I guess, thanks for the reply Steve.


dude, all you guys suck!!!!

killin me with these reports

don't think I can make it to the coronados on my yak

but we'll see who's laughing when I pull a yellow out of an ishore patty off malibu...yeah biatches!!!mmwhhahahaha

seriously though, you guys suck!!



well played sir, easily one of the most entertaining and juicy reports I've read

Looking forward to that yellow report caught on the yak, great article about that in WON magazine this month if you have not seen it yet. I appreciate the comments regarding the report....I do enjoy putting them together when time permits. Good luck to you and be safe out there!


nice going TD...
looks like a fun trip fo sure. 3rd place jp....not bad bruddah.
i think thats better than only 1 person winning. i have a trip
next weekend & hope we do ok. mahaloz fo sharing.
peace
PE

Thanks PE, we had a blast out there! That 3rd place fish was caught on 20lb test and kicked my butt pretty good, I guess that is what makes it fun though! Best of luck to you next week, how long is your trip? Hope to see you at Legends!


Awesome report and photos Aaron!


http://fishinghotpage.com/users/tmp3/t57powaaa.jpg

Thanks for the honor 57!


Awesome report and pics. Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed it RR, thanks for the feedback. Look forward to reading about your next trip out!


So does TD get 30$ for having the photo of the week?

;)

Getting photo of the week is reward enough, if you want to hook me up with some powerworms for trout season as a reward that is fine with me!:Wink:


Excellent trip and report Aaron, congrats on all the beautiful fish! :Cool: :Big Grin:
I like that new camera. :Wink:

Thanks Arthur....a great trip makes writing a good report that much easier. Prolly why all your reports are so good! I'm loving the new camera as well, I find myself very trigger happy though:Big Grin: See you towards the end of the month. I can taste the eggrolls already...


WTG!!! nice report

Thanks 'kid I'm glad the long report did not bore you! I find myself thinking I should delete some pics or details, but feedback like yours changes my mind. Thanks for the reply.


TD,
WTG! Nice report and pics

T9

Thanks T9 I appreciate the kudos, you plan on doing Isabella before the end if the summer at all? Hope you are well, see you at the Vine with kitties in hand!


Nice pictures, lots of fish and looks like a lot of fun. You make it sound like a pleasure cruise.

Glad you got some nice yellows and dodo. Congrats on the 3rd place JP.

The multi day trips are definitely the way to go! Good food, entertainment and lots of fishing time are tough to beat. Lauren loved her box of goodies btw, thank you! I'll have her give you a ring so she can thank you personally....that was VERY thoughtful. You're the best GF.


Wow good job reeely liked this report

Thanks RTH, I sincerely appreciate the feedback. Hope to meet you at LegendsII.


No, but he DOES get a $5.00 off coupon for some almond firewood!

YEAH BABY! :LOL:


57

I will take you up on that 57! :Big Grin:


awesome job aaron! great report and pics!:Cool:

Thanks Ernie! Let me know if you hit the Vine this weekend, I got some good info for you if you plan on chasing the kitties. Talk to you soon.


Good trip indeed.

Yellowtail is a very hard fighting, staple sport fish pelagic.

It's a shame though that the tuna counts have been down this year.

What the hell happened to the albacore?

It was off to a good start but I just don't see the numbers like I used to.

Forget about the bluefin and the bigeye. Those are long gone.

Guess seiners don't target the yellowtail as much. Wonder if YFT counts are gonna go up as we near the end of summer and the water gets even warmer.

I would like to see guys shelling out a half a grand or more to do a day or two of fishing in San Diego to get some tunas.

The water temp was up to 71 degrees and the albies steer clear of those temps. I think September holds some epic yft fishing for us. I would prefer the tuna as well, but I'll take the good fishing regardless! Thanks for the feedback Sam.


TD
bchbum54
08-07-2008, 03:52 PM
dude, you guys killed them. i love the Ranger 85, every year i take a 1 1/2 day trip with those guys. its a little on the pricey side but well worth it on the limited load trips. its a big boat for only 20 anglers. Congrats on your trip, im happy to hear that someone else had a great experience on that boat.
Troutman65
08-07-2008, 05:22 PM
Nice going TD. Great pics. and report
ThemBastards
08-07-2008, 08:20 PM
Nice trip Aaron. Where did Uncle Eddie get those gloves?:Wink:
crappiemike
08-07-2008, 10:29 PM
Killer a-- report td--

cm
troutdog
08-07-2008, 11:21 PM
dude, you guys killed them. i love the Ranger 85, every year i take a 1 1/2 day trip with those guys. its a little on the pricey side but well worth it on the limited load trips. its a big boat for only 20 anglers. Congrats on your trip, im happy to hear that someone else had a great experience on that boat.

I was very fortunate to make it on this trip, I almost had to pass and I'm sure glad I didn't! Lots of room on the boat and the crew was great....I cannot get over what a diehard fish chaser captain Frank is.


Nice going TD. Great pics. and report

Thanks TM65, hope to get to fish the salt with you one day soon. Hey what happend to that crazy font and funky color you were posting with before? Sushi anyone?


Nice trip Aaron. Where did Uncle Eddie get those gloves?:Wink:

I swear I was thinking of you when he busted those out on the 2nd day! You should heard the razzing we gave his nephew for wearing just one ala Michael Jackson style....it was going to be a surprise, but that is what you're getting at the baby shower!:LOL: How are things coming along in babyland? Morning sickness etc? Hope all is well TB.


Killer a-- report td--

cm

Thanks cm, much appreciated....so where is the next hot crappie bite going to be :???:


TD
sansou
08-08-2008, 02:06 AM
Troutdog,

To answer your question: no boat. Caravaning down and Panga fishing in San Quentin, leaving Friday 16th, staying at Don Eddie's....unfortunately a couple of my hardheaded "newbie" friends can't be talked out of going offshore on the superpangas (chasing pelagics) instead of taking advantage of what San Q is known for: fishing inshore for YT, WSB and lings. I complain, but I'm sure I'll get over it.
Dodger Doggy
08-08-2008, 10:53 AM
Nice trip! Cool pics! (Yeah, that camera does take better pics than my phone, huh?) :Smile: And you often preface your reports by warning people it's a "long report".......which actually makes me smile! Because when you do a report, it's a story; and I almost feel as if I were there! (That's a compliment, by the way.......don't get used to it.) :LOL:

Now about your responses to other peoples' responses being 3 times longer than the "long" report itself.......?! :Wink: (Kidding - equally entertaining.......and contributes again to making other people feel like a part of your adventure.)

Something's wrong with me.......I'm about to compliment you again. I'd better just quit! :ROFL:

P.S. Dana, I'm a bit upset that when I got Team 57 pic of the week there wasn't a $5 almond firewood discount! I'm not sure I'll ever get over the feeling of being slighted. :Envious:

-(Happy To Be) DODGER Doggy
ghetto dad
08-08-2008, 12:38 PM
GREAT JOB TD!!!!!!!!!!!!! way to go brother.....thanks for the report....

GD
deanhall32
08-08-2008, 01:09 PM
That was a fun report to read!! Felt like I was there. Thanks
BIGRED KILLA
08-08-2008, 05:00 PM
Way to go out there fine tasting food you have there thanks for the pics and report.







Bigred
troutdog
08-09-2008, 01:33 PM
Troutdog,

To answer your question: no boat. Caravaning down and Panga fishing in San Quentin, leaving Friday 16th, staying at Don Eddie's....unfortunately a couple of my hardheaded "newbie" friends can't be talked out of going offshore on the superpangas (chasing pelagics) instead of taking advantage of what San Q is known for: fishing inshore for YT, WSB and lings. I complain, but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Good luck down South Sansou, I'm sure you will have a blast!


Nice trip! Cool pics! (Yeah, that camera does take better pics than my phone, huh?) :Smile: And you often preface your reports by warning people it's a "long report".......which actually makes me smile! Because when you do a report, it's a story; and I almost feel as if I were there! (That's a compliment, by the way.......don't get used to it.) :LOL:

Now about your responses to other peoples' responses being 3 times longer than the "long" report itself.......?! :Wink: (Kidding - equally entertaining.......and contributes again to making other people feel like a part of your adventure.)

Something's wrong with me.......I'm about to compliment you again. I'd better just quit! :ROFL:

P.S. Dana, I'm a bit upset that when I got Team 57 pic of the week there wasn't a $5 almond firewood discount! I'm not sure I'll ever get over the feeling of being slighted. :Envious:

-(Happy To Be) DODGER Doggy

"One in a million" fits you quite well DD, good to see you on the board again. You got two weeks from today on your calender marked? If you are not doing a gig I expect to see you there....maybe carpool with ScaryCary? :Idea:


GREAT JOB TD!!!!!!!!!!!!! way to go brother.....thanks for the report....

GD

Thanks GD I appreciate the reply and kudos, look forward to seeing you and the family at LegendsII....our daughters "will 0wn":LOL:


That was a fun report to read!! Felt like I was there. Thanks

Thanks Dean, glad you enjoyed the ride:Wink:


Way to go out there fine tasting food you have there thanks for the pics and report.


Bigred

The yellowtail is so good....have already had some sashimi as well as bbq'd on the grilled with a teriyaki glaze. Can't go wrong with that stuff!


TD
Disturbed Fisher
08-09-2008, 04:15 PM
Great Job TD!

Always nice to have fresh caught YT, specially seems how you caught it.
troutdog
08-11-2008, 09:51 PM
Great Job TD!

Always nice to have fresh caught YT, specially seems how you caught it.

Thanks for the reply DF, saw your report from the Channel Islands....we are gonna hafta hit the salt sometime!


TD