Tunaslam
10-30-2013, 01:06 PM
Day 6-Wednesday Oct.-23
Boy time sure flies when you’re fishing?
Breakfast at 6am was Bacon fried rice, eggs and toast. Team six was up for trolling and within minutes there was a hook up. In came our first Wahoo for the day. Team seven was up and that was my team. We spent 1.5 hours and caught nothing? We stopped on a bird school and under them were Marlin chasing bait. We hooked one, but it broke off.
Peach Cobbler was served for snacks at 9am.
Still trolling and nothing has happened until just before noon, when we caught one Wahoo.
Lunch consisted of Chicken Parmesan and pasta.
There was more trolling for one small Dorado and a few Skipjack. Captain indicated we would reach Thetis Bank by 4:30 pm and would anchor up.
Afternoon snacks consisted of Potato Skins smothered in cheddar cheese, bacon bits, onion and bell pepper. Just add sour cream or ranch dressing. Oh yeah, plus some leftover pasta.
We anchored up on Thetis Bank and we had Yellowtail marks near the bottom. I threw my Gold Raider Jig out and let it sink. Hit bottom and wound up and half way to the surface I am slammed. Oh yeah, I could feel the heavy tail beats of a Yellowtail. A very nice fight and the crew stuck him, close to 25 pounds. A few more were caught on dropper loop outfits. I used the jig for about 10 minutes before switching to dropper loop for nothing.
My Yellowtail caught on the iron at Thetis Bank:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2981680x510_zps2a7cadd1.jpg
A few anglers were fly lining a Sardine or Mackerel bait and catching skipjack. Then the small Yellowfin Tuna moved in. I chose to fly line a live Sardine. I was bit immediately and landed a 7 to 8 pound Yellowfin Tuna. I repeated the process and quickly landing four more, releasing two. The seals moved in and the bite shut down. We pulled anchor and made a short move.
I tried both iron and dropper loop before the tuna again appeared and I released several more before once again the seals moved in on us. We fished until 9pm. We caught one more yellowtail, a Pargo about 5 pounds, and several 5 pound Grouper, and not much else. I caught a Needle Fish, released?
Dinner consisted of a Beef Short Rib, gravy and mashed potatoes, wit Bot Choy vegetables! Desert was Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cake. At 9pm we pulled anchor and set a course for the 13, not sure? The reef was 58 miles north and we would arrive around 4:30 am.
Day 7-Thursday, Oct.-24
Those that chose to fish this morning in the dark were rewarded with a few small Yellowtail. There was little current, which we need for better fishing.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, toast, hash brown potatoes, and breakfast sausage. There is always plenty of cereal, oatmeal and fresh fruit available. Good thing I am on Cholesterol medicine, with all these egg breakfasts?
Pulled anchor and started trolling. Stopped on some meter marks and we caught a few decent sized Yellowtail and one nice Baja Grouper on the dropper Loop.
Angler Chen with a Black Seabass caught on the dropper Loop:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2982510x680_zpseba6a2d4.jpg
I was throwing the iron and got bit a few cranks off the bottom. A better size fish for sure? Not too much of a fight after the first couple of runs and up comes a Leopard Grouper, about 15 pounds, a real thrill and good eating. I released a small yellowtail on my next cast and then we moved on.
Here I am with my first ever caught Leopard Grouper on the iron:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2983680x479_zps14ec4d32.jpg
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2984680x494_zps2ac07a34.jpg
Stopped on another high spot and anchored up. Most used dropper loop outfits including me as the Captain said this was a good area for Grouper. Some anglers started to fly line some baits and got bit on the small Yellowtail and Skipjack. Then the small Yellowfin Tuna moved in and I joined the fly liners. Almost instantly I was bit and caught a small Yellowfin Tuna. Then I hooked a small Yellowtail, a couple of Skipjack and one more Yellowfin before the Captain said we didn’t need any more this size and off we went to the 11 Fathom spot.
Angler Bobby with a Dorado:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2986680x510_zpsa8875a85.jpg
Snacks today were Cherry and Apple Turnovers.
We fished the 13 Bank for a wide open bite on small Yellowfin Tuna, Skipjack tuna and small to medium sized Yellowtail. I lost count of the number of fish I caught, probably 7 of each species, releasing most. However, it was fun fishing as compared to endless trolling for nothing! At 3:30 pm the Captain said we were on our way back to Turtle Bay to fish for more Yellowtail, so? I also caught two Hammerhead Sharks today, each in the 100 pound range. I was using a wire leader as the crew said there were some Wahoo boiling around.
Lunch today was jambalaya, rice, shrimp and fish with a spicy sauce.
I can’t believe how horrible the trolling is? I’m also shocked at the lack of Dorado everywhere we go? Afternoon snacks were Barbecue chicken wings, veggies and ranch dressing.
Dinner was Baby Back Pork Spare Ribs lathered in barbecue sauce served over rice. Desert was a selection of ice cream. No TV reception for either the World Series or NFL Thursday night game. There was no internet reception either today. Finished my second book and started a third. It was lights out for most by 9pm. Typical of heading north it was a bit of a bumpy ride.
Day 8 Friday Oct.-25
Woke up at 5am and it is still a very bumpy ride north. Bacon and eggs for breakfast and lots of fresh fruit, or you can have oatmeal or cereal. We were near Turtle Bay.
The entrance to Turtle Bay:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2988680x510_zps4711b94f.jpg
We began fishing around 6:45 am. At first it was a slow pick on quality Yellowtail. The majority were fishing dropper loops. I started throwing the iron, but soon abandoned it for the dropper Loop. I got bit almost immediately and it unbuttoned half way up. There was a lull in the action and then a new school of fish swam under us. The iron began to get bit; however I stayed with the dropper loop. Got bit again and again the fish unbuttoned after a good fight nearly bringing the fish to color. My third time was not the charm as I got into a three way tangle. One angler was hooked up coming from my right and another from my left and just like a scissor, they cut me off. Zero for my first three is not a good start to the day.
Never say die and then I got hot, three hook ups and three Yellowtail over 20 pounds with one surely 25. I couldn’t get bit for a while so I started throwing the iron and got bit right away. Another nice fish over 20 pounds. We picked away at the Yellowtail for another couple of hours, when the bite finally died just before noon. I caught five more Yellowtail, mostly on the iron, with only one under 20 pounds, about 18. I finished 9 for 14 on my hook ups.
Morning snacks were assorted pastries. Lunch was a delicious Linguini and white clam sauce. So good I had to have seconds. I had worked up an appetite from catching all those Yellowtail and had skipped any snacks. We are now headed to Chester Rock to fish Calico Bass, some 3.5 hours north.
We made to Chester Rocks at 3:30 pm. We anchored up and I caught several Sand Bass and a Calico Bass on the plastics. The current shifted and the bite died, we moved. The next stop a short distance away, I caught three Calico Bass one over 3 pounds. Other angler s caught a few small Yellowtail and several in the 12 to 15 pound range. I caught an 8 pound Yellowtail, released as were all the Bass. At 5pm we pulled anchor and headed north to our next destination, Canoas. We will be targeting more Yellowtail?
Tonight’s dinner is Tri Tip Steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Desert was chocolate Cake.
Managed to stay up until 9:30 pm, given I took a short nap earlier.
Day 9-Friday-Oct.- 26
We arrived at Canoas at 3:38 am. I rolled over despite the opportunity to catch the first White Seabass of the trip with a prize of a fishing Rod. Got up 4:30 am and checked things out on deck. A few Rockfish had been caught, nothing else. I enjoyed some fresh coffee and Pineapple, Melons, etc.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, Polish Sausage and hash browns and toast of course. All their bread is baked fresh on board, and although I rarely eat bread I consumed a lot on this trip.
We began to look around right after day break for our good friends the mighty Yellowtail. We scratched up a few here and there. I got bit on the iron, but per usual on this trip I lost my first fish of day again, as it unbuttoned. It pulled hard too, so it was a dandy. Maybe ten minutes later I got hammered on the iron. This fish was a toad, and pulled me down to the rail as it took run after run. Finally I see deep color and we played tug a war for a while as this Yellowtail did want to surrender. I hollered for a gaff and crew member Mike performed a perfect head shot. Even Mike said wow, that’s a toad approaching 30 pounds, definitely my largest Yellowtail of the trip. This picture does not do it justice?
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2989680x510_zps1d41e708.jpg
This was mostly run and gun fishing, as the fish were constantly on the move. We stopped on one school of yellowtail and most of us throwing iron caught either Sand Bass or a Rockfish when we hit bottom. We only hooked a couple of Yellowtail, while everyone was having fun catching some nice Reds, Sheephead and Whitefish to go with the Sand Bass. The Captain decided that since everyone was enjoying the bottom fishing, he would make a few more drifts over the reef below us. It was shallow water 65 to 75 feet in depth. We all had fun and enjoyed the change of pace from pulling on big Yellowtail.
The bottom critters on the chew:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2993680x577_zps27ae3890.jpg
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2994680x510_zps96d65711.jpg
Some big Sand Bass were caught; this looked to be over five pounds:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2995680x480_zps945f6aff.jpg
Snacks this morning were cinnamon rolls. Lunch was Hot Pastrami sandwiches, pickles and chips.
We continued our quest for more Yellowtail, landing a total of 56 before we called it a day at 2:30 pm and headed north to Colonet for a shot at the Bluefin Tuna still hanging around this late in the year. The bite today for the Tuna was off so our expectations were not high. Almost all the Yellowtail we caught were 22 to 28 pounds, with a few approaching 30 and plus my big model. I ended the day with four, two at 25 to 27 and a little 20 pounder. I caught three on the iron and one on a fly lined Mackerel.
The weather today was the best we experienced. Very calm seas and sunny skies, with most of us sweating in the balmy heat. Everyone looked forward to a shower, creating a log jam?
The ride north was very nice and we were able to watch some college football along the way. We watched an exciting Oklahoma versus Texas Tech game where Oklahoma knocked Tech out of the unbeaten ranks. My USC Trojans pulled out a victory and that pleased me, they have been crushed with injuries. UCLA put up a valiant effort in the first half against Oregon, yet succumbed to the relentless offensive pressure Oregon applies.
Dinner was Roast Chicken, Rice and Vegetables. Desert was a chocolate sundae.
We tried to watch the night game of Stanford and Oregon State, yet the reception was so poor, it was unwatchable as the signal came and went. Hit the sack at 8:45 pm. Dreamed about pulling on big tuna.
Day 10-Sunday Oct.-27
We arrived at Punta Colonet at 3:40 am. I rolled over until 4:30 am.; having to answer Nature’s call. A few anglers were fishing and catching some live squid. On most 10 day trips this is a travel day, as they return from far southern waters. As we could not fish in the hot water area, we were given an added day of fishing.
Breakfast was Cheese and sausage scrambled eggs and home fries.
We were anchored up on the high spot. According to previous reports the Bluefin showed up at about 7:30 am. There were some anglers fishing the bottom and they caught some big Lingcod, Whitefish and other bottom critters on the iron or dropper Loop. Then there was a boil and a hookup, then another and another. I tossed bait after bait for nothing. This has been a year of the curse for me on Bluefin Tuna.
For whatever reason, I cannot get bit, only short bit on the Bluefin Tuna this year. Last year I had a sensational ratio, 15 for 16 to 40 pounds, and the year before I lost count, however, I did catch an 80 pound Bluefin Tuna on 20 pound line, a miracle. I guess all things much change, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse?
Interesting mix of fish, Tuna and Lingcod:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2996680x510_zpsc4b60ed8.jpg
Angler Bill with a dandy Lingcod:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2997555x680_zps39785e47.jpg
After we put on 15 Bluefin Tuna, they disappeared. We pulled anchor and started looking. Not five minutes later we catch a troll fish and several bait fish. I got short bit, what else is new? Another ten minutes passed and another troll fish. We picked up five more bait fish, I got short bit! The Captain said there were good marks on the meter, throw bait. Boil, boil, all hell broke loose for 60 seconds. We landed another six fish and lost as many.
We began looking again and there were more boils in the chum line. We hooked a couple, and the fish continued to boil around the boat. Fishing the bow I hooked and landed a Bluefin Tuna, the curse is over for 2013? Then I hooked another on the bow and it unbuttoned just as I hollered for gaff? The new curse begins?
My first Bluefin Tuna of 2013, unbelievable the hex on me:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2999680x376_zps9ed6e40d.jpg
We never went very far before metering more Tuna, however, we never caught another troll fish? We fished until 2:20 pm and called it a day. I got bit and unbuttoned one more Tuna. The final count for the fish being caught was 45 Bluefin Tuna to 25 pounds. Oh well it just was not meant to be for me this year on Bluefin. I am thankful to defeat the curse of 2013 and can now just wait until next year?
Fishing can be so frustrating and then so rewarding. One day you are hot as can be and on top of the world, the following day you can’t buy a bite, thinking what in the world am I doing wrong. I guess if it was always good we would be spoiled and if it was always bad, we would need to find another sport? Even more mesmerizing is the constant change in tactics. Small hook and light line, nose hook, butt hook or neck hook the bait? Use a sliding sinker or fly line, cast off the stern, go to the bow, down right perplexing?
Anglers Mike and Mike with Bluefin Tuna:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_3001680x451_zps27f52898.jpg
Angler Dave and crew Darren with a Bluefin Tuna:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/01856_11740_zps324e5e4b.jpg
Angler Tom with crew Darren and a Bluefin Tuna:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/01856_11741_zps3927089e.jpg
Angler Steve and crew Darren with Bluefin Tuna:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/01856_11742_zps169aa2f8.jpg
Angler Rick and crew Eddie with Bluefin Tuna:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/01856_11743_zps190f61ad.jpg
Angler Al with crew Mike and a Bluefin Tuna:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/01856_11744_zpsdb78c8be.jpg
Lunch was a Chicken Salad, very refreshing. Afternoon snacks were pasta, veggies and cheese quesadias with sour cream.
We were able to watch some Sunday NFL football. So sad to be headed home, yet all good things come to an end. It was not my best 10 day trip, by far, Yet, I really enjoyed the experience and I know the Captain and crew worked their butts off to put us on the fish and land them.
The food was excellent, the service was too. Probably the biggest disappointment was the lack of decent size Tuna, and we all wanted more and bigger Wahoo? Also we barely caught any Dorado, which was really mystifying? They used to be as plentiful as flies? On my last two long range trips an 8 day and a 10 day, we had limits of Dorado is the first day of fishing the area and then could not get away from them.
We all broke down our gear and prepared for going home.
We will feast on the end of the trip Prime Rib tonight, and all of us will need to start our diets tomorrow! Yep dinner was a fine cut of perfectly cooked medium rare Prime Rib, so tender you did not need a knife. The plate came with a nice baked potato, butter, sour cream, horseradish, and steamed Broccoli. Desert was New York Cheese Cake, yikes I’m stuffed!
I watched some Sunday night football and lights out at 9pm.
Return to San Diego- Monday, Oct. 28.
We arrived in the harbor shortly before 5am. We could not dock until 6am. First call for breakfast came at 5:30 am. They served up Pancakes and Breakfast sausage.
Pulled up to the dock promptly at 6am and started the task of unloading all our gear, which was a very well organized and efficient operation. In between unloading the fish helpers boarded the boat and began stripping down the linen, reloading groceries and supplies, as the next trip was leaving shortly.
Cones with numbers on them representing each angler’s tag# were placed around the dock area where the fish were placed as they unloaded; everyone pitched in to help disperse the fish. This finished in an hour and the weigh in for jackpot commenced. Yee ha, I won 3rd place with a 36 pound Yellowfin Tuna, earning me the dandy sum of $312.
1st place was a 38.5 Lb. Wahoo, and second place a 38 pound Wahoo.
My cooler and the fish I was taking home:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/photo-cooler_zpsb8d2cfcf.jpg
San Diego Food Bank showed up with a sizeable rolling cart, and I nearly filled it up. They would later call me with a weight of 542 lbs. of fish donated! I feel real good about that. Sure I get to deduct some value on my tax return, but the many needed who will be fed with fresh fish provides much more value to me?
The cart for hungry and needy, 542 pounds:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/photo-foodbank_zpsd4a38b9f.jpg
I was off to home in Diamond Bar by 8:10 am some 100 miles north of San Diego, and arrived at 10am where my good friend Lal met me. He offered to clean the fish at his place and prepare for a sashimi party Tuesday evening. How cool is that, as having to work and face the major task of cleaning fish when I returned from work was mesmerizing. Now I can concentrate on work and later this report, editing the 82 pictures that I took. Meanwhile I did a quick change of clothes and off to work I went. No rest for the wicked?
Summary
The primary objective of going on a fishing trip is to catch fish, regardless of size, as long as they are part of the long list of desired species we love to catch, mission accomplished!
Some of the best parts of the trip; the crew of Daryl, Terrence, Mike, Eddie, and Darren were extremely special. They were incredibly helpful and Johnny on the spot to eliminate tangles, save fish and gaff fish. They provided excellent tackle rigging techniques and suggestions.
What more can you say about head chef James and assistant Chris. The food was extraordinary and the service exemplary. Then there is Captain Frank LoPreste, a legend in the fishing industry. He gave it his all! I believe his strategy was right on, nothing he can do about the fish and the water temps which did not co-operate! Every year is different and every area to fish changes with the conditions.
On their 10 day trip last year at this time they caught a dozen Yellowfin Tuna over 200 pounds up to 271 and numerous 100 to 150 pound fish. I know most of us who fish, have often watched the fleet destroy the fish one day and find out the next day that they all left the area or had lock jaw? Such is the laws of fishing, in order to beat the odds you must go often, to enjoy the good days!
The weather on this trip was outstanding with only a few windy days, and one late afternoon to early morning thumping. The boat handled the seas up to 12 feet and wind up to 30+ knots with ease on that particular afternoon, evening. The Royal Polaris is as comfortable as it gets.
All in all, you could call this 10 day trip as a little below average in the fish catching category for size, and in some instances in quality and quantity on Tuna and Dorado. Although I consider myself a novice on long range fishing, I have fished on both a 10 day trip and an 8 day trip in the previous 8 years. I also have fished on a 4 day trip, some 12 years ago. On all three of these previous trips I caught more big fish and in some species far more fish period!
That’s life and that’s fishing, it has its good and poor moments, off and on? Obviously I thank my blessings on being given the chance to experience such great fishing on those trips and to have been successful on the catch ratio.
For example: On the four day trip I caught 3 day limits of Bluefin Tuna to 60 pounds, and 3 day limits of Yellowtail to 30 pounds. I donated over 1000 pounds to the food bank. We simply fished offshore some 150 miles south, and found schools of Bluefin in open water, and Yellowtail on the Kelp Paddies. On the 10 day trip some 8 years ago, I caught 10 Yellowfin Tuna from 63 to 98 pounds, lost a few over 100, and released some 25 Tuna from 30 to 40 pounds. I also caught 9 Wahoo to over 50 pounds, and caught more Yellowtail and Dorado than I could keep track of. We caught the Tuna and Wahoo at Alejos Rocks in just 2.5 days of fishing. What can you say, we were there, and the fish were not? It also was in mid-September, where you would not ordinarily expect such quantity and quality that early in the season.
The rest of the fish were caught on the ridge, all of the areas we fished on this trip. The fish are there or they are not, the Captain and crew cannot control this? On that 10 day trip I donated 1200 pounds of fish and took a lot more fish home to share with friends, and smoke or have canned. We did not catch any Wahoo on the 8 day trip although we did not catch many big Tuna, there were Tuna caught to 70 pounds, and lots of 20 to 30 pound fish. We caught so many Yellowtail and Dorado it was insane, we could not get away from them, they were like flies!
I can only hope the Good Lord blesses me with another opportunity to take a long range trip. Health and Finances play a big role in allowing such an event? I would certainly consider the Royal Polaris as a fine choice to target, if this becomes possible! All the best to crew and Captain!
Thanks, Cory Visser, AKA Tunaslam on the boards.
Boy time sure flies when you’re fishing?
Breakfast at 6am was Bacon fried rice, eggs and toast. Team six was up for trolling and within minutes there was a hook up. In came our first Wahoo for the day. Team seven was up and that was my team. We spent 1.5 hours and caught nothing? We stopped on a bird school and under them were Marlin chasing bait. We hooked one, but it broke off.
Peach Cobbler was served for snacks at 9am.
Still trolling and nothing has happened until just before noon, when we caught one Wahoo.
Lunch consisted of Chicken Parmesan and pasta.
There was more trolling for one small Dorado and a few Skipjack. Captain indicated we would reach Thetis Bank by 4:30 pm and would anchor up.
Afternoon snacks consisted of Potato Skins smothered in cheddar cheese, bacon bits, onion and bell pepper. Just add sour cream or ranch dressing. Oh yeah, plus some leftover pasta.
We anchored up on Thetis Bank and we had Yellowtail marks near the bottom. I threw my Gold Raider Jig out and let it sink. Hit bottom and wound up and half way to the surface I am slammed. Oh yeah, I could feel the heavy tail beats of a Yellowtail. A very nice fight and the crew stuck him, close to 25 pounds. A few more were caught on dropper loop outfits. I used the jig for about 10 minutes before switching to dropper loop for nothing.
My Yellowtail caught on the iron at Thetis Bank:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2981680x510_zps2a7cadd1.jpg
A few anglers were fly lining a Sardine or Mackerel bait and catching skipjack. Then the small Yellowfin Tuna moved in. I chose to fly line a live Sardine. I was bit immediately and landed a 7 to 8 pound Yellowfin Tuna. I repeated the process and quickly landing four more, releasing two. The seals moved in and the bite shut down. We pulled anchor and made a short move.
I tried both iron and dropper loop before the tuna again appeared and I released several more before once again the seals moved in on us. We fished until 9pm. We caught one more yellowtail, a Pargo about 5 pounds, and several 5 pound Grouper, and not much else. I caught a Needle Fish, released?
Dinner consisted of a Beef Short Rib, gravy and mashed potatoes, wit Bot Choy vegetables! Desert was Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cake. At 9pm we pulled anchor and set a course for the 13, not sure? The reef was 58 miles north and we would arrive around 4:30 am.
Day 7-Thursday, Oct.-24
Those that chose to fish this morning in the dark were rewarded with a few small Yellowtail. There was little current, which we need for better fishing.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, toast, hash brown potatoes, and breakfast sausage. There is always plenty of cereal, oatmeal and fresh fruit available. Good thing I am on Cholesterol medicine, with all these egg breakfasts?
Pulled anchor and started trolling. Stopped on some meter marks and we caught a few decent sized Yellowtail and one nice Baja Grouper on the dropper Loop.
Angler Chen with a Black Seabass caught on the dropper Loop:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2982510x680_zpseba6a2d4.jpg
I was throwing the iron and got bit a few cranks off the bottom. A better size fish for sure? Not too much of a fight after the first couple of runs and up comes a Leopard Grouper, about 15 pounds, a real thrill and good eating. I released a small yellowtail on my next cast and then we moved on.
Here I am with my first ever caught Leopard Grouper on the iron:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2983680x479_zps14ec4d32.jpg
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2984680x494_zps2ac07a34.jpg
Stopped on another high spot and anchored up. Most used dropper loop outfits including me as the Captain said this was a good area for Grouper. Some anglers started to fly line some baits and got bit on the small Yellowtail and Skipjack. Then the small Yellowfin Tuna moved in and I joined the fly liners. Almost instantly I was bit and caught a small Yellowfin Tuna. Then I hooked a small Yellowtail, a couple of Skipjack and one more Yellowfin before the Captain said we didn’t need any more this size and off we went to the 11 Fathom spot.
Angler Bobby with a Dorado:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i394/tunaslam/10%20Day-RP%20trip-10-28-13/100_2986680x510_zpsa8875a85.jpg
Snacks today were Cherry and Apple Turnovers.
We fished the 13 Bank for a wide open bite on small Yellowfin Tuna, Skipjack tuna and small to medium sized Yellowtail. I lost count of the number of fish I caught, probably 7 of each species, releasing most. However, it was fun fishing as compared to endless trolling for nothing! At 3:30 pm the Captain said we were on our way back to Turtle Bay to fish for more Yellowtail, so? I also caught two Hammerhead Sharks today, each in the 100 pound range. I was using a wire leader as the crew said there were some Wahoo boiling around.
Lunch today was jambalaya, rice, shrimp and fish with a spicy sauce.
I can’t believe how horrible the trolling is? I’m also shocked at the lack of Dorado everywhere we go? Afternoon snacks were Barbecue chicken wings, veggies and ranch dressing.
Dinner was Baby Back Pork Spare Ribs lathered in barbecue sauce served over rice. Desert was a selection of ice cream. No TV reception for either the World Series or NFL Thursday night game. There was no internet reception either today. Finished my second book and started a third. It was lights out for most by 9pm. Typical of heading north it was a bit of a bumpy ride.
Day 8 Friday Oct.-25
Woke up at 5am and it is still a very bumpy ride north. Bacon and eggs for breakfast and lots of fresh fruit, or you can have oatmeal or cereal. We were near Turtle Bay.
The entrance to Turtle Bay:
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We began fishing around 6:45 am. At first it was a slow pick on quality Yellowtail. The majority were fishing dropper loops. I started throwing the iron, but soon abandoned it for the dropper Loop. I got bit almost immediately and it unbuttoned half way up. There was a lull in the action and then a new school of fish swam under us. The iron began to get bit; however I stayed with the dropper loop. Got bit again and again the fish unbuttoned after a good fight nearly bringing the fish to color. My third time was not the charm as I got into a three way tangle. One angler was hooked up coming from my right and another from my left and just like a scissor, they cut me off. Zero for my first three is not a good start to the day.
Never say die and then I got hot, three hook ups and three Yellowtail over 20 pounds with one surely 25. I couldn’t get bit for a while so I started throwing the iron and got bit right away. Another nice fish over 20 pounds. We picked away at the Yellowtail for another couple of hours, when the bite finally died just before noon. I caught five more Yellowtail, mostly on the iron, with only one under 20 pounds, about 18. I finished 9 for 14 on my hook ups.
Morning snacks were assorted pastries. Lunch was a delicious Linguini and white clam sauce. So good I had to have seconds. I had worked up an appetite from catching all those Yellowtail and had skipped any snacks. We are now headed to Chester Rock to fish Calico Bass, some 3.5 hours north.
We made to Chester Rocks at 3:30 pm. We anchored up and I caught several Sand Bass and a Calico Bass on the plastics. The current shifted and the bite died, we moved. The next stop a short distance away, I caught three Calico Bass one over 3 pounds. Other angler s caught a few small Yellowtail and several in the 12 to 15 pound range. I caught an 8 pound Yellowtail, released as were all the Bass. At 5pm we pulled anchor and headed north to our next destination, Canoas. We will be targeting more Yellowtail?
Tonight’s dinner is Tri Tip Steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Desert was chocolate Cake.
Managed to stay up until 9:30 pm, given I took a short nap earlier.
Day 9-Friday-Oct.- 26
We arrived at Canoas at 3:38 am. I rolled over despite the opportunity to catch the first White Seabass of the trip with a prize of a fishing Rod. Got up 4:30 am and checked things out on deck. A few Rockfish had been caught, nothing else. I enjoyed some fresh coffee and Pineapple, Melons, etc.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, Polish Sausage and hash browns and toast of course. All their bread is baked fresh on board, and although I rarely eat bread I consumed a lot on this trip.
We began to look around right after day break for our good friends the mighty Yellowtail. We scratched up a few here and there. I got bit on the iron, but per usual on this trip I lost my first fish of day again, as it unbuttoned. It pulled hard too, so it was a dandy. Maybe ten minutes later I got hammered on the iron. This fish was a toad, and pulled me down to the rail as it took run after run. Finally I see deep color and we played tug a war for a while as this Yellowtail did want to surrender. I hollered for a gaff and crew member Mike performed a perfect head shot. Even Mike said wow, that’s a toad approaching 30 pounds, definitely my largest Yellowtail of the trip. This picture does not do it justice?
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This was mostly run and gun fishing, as the fish were constantly on the move. We stopped on one school of yellowtail and most of us throwing iron caught either Sand Bass or a Rockfish when we hit bottom. We only hooked a couple of Yellowtail, while everyone was having fun catching some nice Reds, Sheephead and Whitefish to go with the Sand Bass. The Captain decided that since everyone was enjoying the bottom fishing, he would make a few more drifts over the reef below us. It was shallow water 65 to 75 feet in depth. We all had fun and enjoyed the change of pace from pulling on big Yellowtail.
The bottom critters on the chew:
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Some big Sand Bass were caught; this looked to be over five pounds:
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Snacks this morning were cinnamon rolls. Lunch was Hot Pastrami sandwiches, pickles and chips.
We continued our quest for more Yellowtail, landing a total of 56 before we called it a day at 2:30 pm and headed north to Colonet for a shot at the Bluefin Tuna still hanging around this late in the year. The bite today for the Tuna was off so our expectations were not high. Almost all the Yellowtail we caught were 22 to 28 pounds, with a few approaching 30 and plus my big model. I ended the day with four, two at 25 to 27 and a little 20 pounder. I caught three on the iron and one on a fly lined Mackerel.
The weather today was the best we experienced. Very calm seas and sunny skies, with most of us sweating in the balmy heat. Everyone looked forward to a shower, creating a log jam?
The ride north was very nice and we were able to watch some college football along the way. We watched an exciting Oklahoma versus Texas Tech game where Oklahoma knocked Tech out of the unbeaten ranks. My USC Trojans pulled out a victory and that pleased me, they have been crushed with injuries. UCLA put up a valiant effort in the first half against Oregon, yet succumbed to the relentless offensive pressure Oregon applies.
Dinner was Roast Chicken, Rice and Vegetables. Desert was a chocolate sundae.
We tried to watch the night game of Stanford and Oregon State, yet the reception was so poor, it was unwatchable as the signal came and went. Hit the sack at 8:45 pm. Dreamed about pulling on big tuna.
Day 10-Sunday Oct.-27
We arrived at Punta Colonet at 3:40 am. I rolled over until 4:30 am.; having to answer Nature’s call. A few anglers were fishing and catching some live squid. On most 10 day trips this is a travel day, as they return from far southern waters. As we could not fish in the hot water area, we were given an added day of fishing.
Breakfast was Cheese and sausage scrambled eggs and home fries.
We were anchored up on the high spot. According to previous reports the Bluefin showed up at about 7:30 am. There were some anglers fishing the bottom and they caught some big Lingcod, Whitefish and other bottom critters on the iron or dropper Loop. Then there was a boil and a hookup, then another and another. I tossed bait after bait for nothing. This has been a year of the curse for me on Bluefin Tuna.
For whatever reason, I cannot get bit, only short bit on the Bluefin Tuna this year. Last year I had a sensational ratio, 15 for 16 to 40 pounds, and the year before I lost count, however, I did catch an 80 pound Bluefin Tuna on 20 pound line, a miracle. I guess all things much change, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse?
Interesting mix of fish, Tuna and Lingcod:
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Angler Bill with a dandy Lingcod:
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After we put on 15 Bluefin Tuna, they disappeared. We pulled anchor and started looking. Not five minutes later we catch a troll fish and several bait fish. I got short bit, what else is new? Another ten minutes passed and another troll fish. We picked up five more bait fish, I got short bit! The Captain said there were good marks on the meter, throw bait. Boil, boil, all hell broke loose for 60 seconds. We landed another six fish and lost as many.
We began looking again and there were more boils in the chum line. We hooked a couple, and the fish continued to boil around the boat. Fishing the bow I hooked and landed a Bluefin Tuna, the curse is over for 2013? Then I hooked another on the bow and it unbuttoned just as I hollered for gaff? The new curse begins?
My first Bluefin Tuna of 2013, unbelievable the hex on me:
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We never went very far before metering more Tuna, however, we never caught another troll fish? We fished until 2:20 pm and called it a day. I got bit and unbuttoned one more Tuna. The final count for the fish being caught was 45 Bluefin Tuna to 25 pounds. Oh well it just was not meant to be for me this year on Bluefin. I am thankful to defeat the curse of 2013 and can now just wait until next year?
Fishing can be so frustrating and then so rewarding. One day you are hot as can be and on top of the world, the following day you can’t buy a bite, thinking what in the world am I doing wrong. I guess if it was always good we would be spoiled and if it was always bad, we would need to find another sport? Even more mesmerizing is the constant change in tactics. Small hook and light line, nose hook, butt hook or neck hook the bait? Use a sliding sinker or fly line, cast off the stern, go to the bow, down right perplexing?
Anglers Mike and Mike with Bluefin Tuna:
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Angler Dave and crew Darren with a Bluefin Tuna:
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Angler Tom with crew Darren and a Bluefin Tuna:
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Angler Steve and crew Darren with Bluefin Tuna:
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Angler Rick and crew Eddie with Bluefin Tuna:
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Angler Al with crew Mike and a Bluefin Tuna:
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Lunch was a Chicken Salad, very refreshing. Afternoon snacks were pasta, veggies and cheese quesadias with sour cream.
We were able to watch some Sunday NFL football. So sad to be headed home, yet all good things come to an end. It was not my best 10 day trip, by far, Yet, I really enjoyed the experience and I know the Captain and crew worked their butts off to put us on the fish and land them.
The food was excellent, the service was too. Probably the biggest disappointment was the lack of decent size Tuna, and we all wanted more and bigger Wahoo? Also we barely caught any Dorado, which was really mystifying? They used to be as plentiful as flies? On my last two long range trips an 8 day and a 10 day, we had limits of Dorado is the first day of fishing the area and then could not get away from them.
We all broke down our gear and prepared for going home.
We will feast on the end of the trip Prime Rib tonight, and all of us will need to start our diets tomorrow! Yep dinner was a fine cut of perfectly cooked medium rare Prime Rib, so tender you did not need a knife. The plate came with a nice baked potato, butter, sour cream, horseradish, and steamed Broccoli. Desert was New York Cheese Cake, yikes I’m stuffed!
I watched some Sunday night football and lights out at 9pm.
Return to San Diego- Monday, Oct. 28.
We arrived in the harbor shortly before 5am. We could not dock until 6am. First call for breakfast came at 5:30 am. They served up Pancakes and Breakfast sausage.
Pulled up to the dock promptly at 6am and started the task of unloading all our gear, which was a very well organized and efficient operation. In between unloading the fish helpers boarded the boat and began stripping down the linen, reloading groceries and supplies, as the next trip was leaving shortly.
Cones with numbers on them representing each angler’s tag# were placed around the dock area where the fish were placed as they unloaded; everyone pitched in to help disperse the fish. This finished in an hour and the weigh in for jackpot commenced. Yee ha, I won 3rd place with a 36 pound Yellowfin Tuna, earning me the dandy sum of $312.
1st place was a 38.5 Lb. Wahoo, and second place a 38 pound Wahoo.
My cooler and the fish I was taking home:
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San Diego Food Bank showed up with a sizeable rolling cart, and I nearly filled it up. They would later call me with a weight of 542 lbs. of fish donated! I feel real good about that. Sure I get to deduct some value on my tax return, but the many needed who will be fed with fresh fish provides much more value to me?
The cart for hungry and needy, 542 pounds:
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I was off to home in Diamond Bar by 8:10 am some 100 miles north of San Diego, and arrived at 10am where my good friend Lal met me. He offered to clean the fish at his place and prepare for a sashimi party Tuesday evening. How cool is that, as having to work and face the major task of cleaning fish when I returned from work was mesmerizing. Now I can concentrate on work and later this report, editing the 82 pictures that I took. Meanwhile I did a quick change of clothes and off to work I went. No rest for the wicked?
Summary
The primary objective of going on a fishing trip is to catch fish, regardless of size, as long as they are part of the long list of desired species we love to catch, mission accomplished!
Some of the best parts of the trip; the crew of Daryl, Terrence, Mike, Eddie, and Darren were extremely special. They were incredibly helpful and Johnny on the spot to eliminate tangles, save fish and gaff fish. They provided excellent tackle rigging techniques and suggestions.
What more can you say about head chef James and assistant Chris. The food was extraordinary and the service exemplary. Then there is Captain Frank LoPreste, a legend in the fishing industry. He gave it his all! I believe his strategy was right on, nothing he can do about the fish and the water temps which did not co-operate! Every year is different and every area to fish changes with the conditions.
On their 10 day trip last year at this time they caught a dozen Yellowfin Tuna over 200 pounds up to 271 and numerous 100 to 150 pound fish. I know most of us who fish, have often watched the fleet destroy the fish one day and find out the next day that they all left the area or had lock jaw? Such is the laws of fishing, in order to beat the odds you must go often, to enjoy the good days!
The weather on this trip was outstanding with only a few windy days, and one late afternoon to early morning thumping. The boat handled the seas up to 12 feet and wind up to 30+ knots with ease on that particular afternoon, evening. The Royal Polaris is as comfortable as it gets.
All in all, you could call this 10 day trip as a little below average in the fish catching category for size, and in some instances in quality and quantity on Tuna and Dorado. Although I consider myself a novice on long range fishing, I have fished on both a 10 day trip and an 8 day trip in the previous 8 years. I also have fished on a 4 day trip, some 12 years ago. On all three of these previous trips I caught more big fish and in some species far more fish period!
That’s life and that’s fishing, it has its good and poor moments, off and on? Obviously I thank my blessings on being given the chance to experience such great fishing on those trips and to have been successful on the catch ratio.
For example: On the four day trip I caught 3 day limits of Bluefin Tuna to 60 pounds, and 3 day limits of Yellowtail to 30 pounds. I donated over 1000 pounds to the food bank. We simply fished offshore some 150 miles south, and found schools of Bluefin in open water, and Yellowtail on the Kelp Paddies. On the 10 day trip some 8 years ago, I caught 10 Yellowfin Tuna from 63 to 98 pounds, lost a few over 100, and released some 25 Tuna from 30 to 40 pounds. I also caught 9 Wahoo to over 50 pounds, and caught more Yellowtail and Dorado than I could keep track of. We caught the Tuna and Wahoo at Alejos Rocks in just 2.5 days of fishing. What can you say, we were there, and the fish were not? It also was in mid-September, where you would not ordinarily expect such quantity and quality that early in the season.
The rest of the fish were caught on the ridge, all of the areas we fished on this trip. The fish are there or they are not, the Captain and crew cannot control this? On that 10 day trip I donated 1200 pounds of fish and took a lot more fish home to share with friends, and smoke or have canned. We did not catch any Wahoo on the 8 day trip although we did not catch many big Tuna, there were Tuna caught to 70 pounds, and lots of 20 to 30 pound fish. We caught so many Yellowtail and Dorado it was insane, we could not get away from them, they were like flies!
I can only hope the Good Lord blesses me with another opportunity to take a long range trip. Health and Finances play a big role in allowing such an event? I would certainly consider the Royal Polaris as a fine choice to target, if this becomes possible! All the best to crew and Captain!
Thanks, Cory Visser, AKA Tunaslam on the boards.