The final night of last year’s Excel’s Ultra-Limited Load 16 day to Hurricane Bank-Shimada Seamount was filled with lots of last-minute discussions, goodbyes and accolades. Many of the people who had been riding the trip for years asked if we would be putting a deposit for next year's. Speaking with a couple of good friends I confirmed that I would put in a deposit to “salt away” a spot.
In subsequent discussions throughout 2022 we agreed that it would be unusual for "lightning to strike twice in the same place". It was highly unlikely that some of the more awesome aspects of the to 2/22/23 trip, would happen again. (Last year’s report can be located on BD.com: 1) "Working at the bank" 2) "Eight days a week" & 3) "You can bank on it!" - Notes from Ultra-Limited 16 day, 4) “Additional Bank Photos”.) Nonetheless, I had given my commitment to participate in the Excel’s Ultra-Limited Load in 2023.
1/30 Arrived in San Diego late and was picked up by my Brotha / friend and dropped at the hotel in Port Loma. We again discussed our planning and preparation for the upcoming trip. I spoke about the imminent arrival of the XL coming in from the Team Hoo trip, the next morning and my intention to see the offload. (Remaining on East Coast time has benefits as well as deficits…)
1/31 As planned, I went out to see the XL's arrival. I had a quick discussion with John N of TFT fame. In a concise assessment he outlined that the prior trip was "very similar to last year's". “Very few big baits” were used & they were not effective getting a bite from larger YFT. The Wahoo (aka slimy bastards) which John does not fish these days was modest at first, but improved towards the end of the trip. All of this proved to be very accurate. My friend returned and then dropped me off at the airport rent a car building, where I got a small Toyota SUV. The next mandate was for coordination with another good friend who had very generously stowed my equipment, between my Colonello October 10 day on the XL and arrange to secure my equipment. Once logistics were secured determined I headed off to Cosco, Target, BevMo, Anglers Choice and a visit to Joey at SquidCo, etc. etc.
A second friend was enormously helpful! He dropped off the equipment that was very generously secured it a storage locker. I invited him out to dinner and ultimately we chose to eat at San Diego Prime. It had stunning view of downtown San Diego at sunset, as well as a delicious dinner to match.
2/1 Wednesdays: activity consisted of unpacking and inventorying gear in preparation for departure tomorrow morning at the landing. An invitation was extended to both friends but they each had responsibilities and declined. Feeling both fatigued and yet excited I went to Miguel's Cucina to have dinner solo. About three quarters of the way through my dinner several of the anglers from the 2022 were passing by. Rob J aka"SpongeBob", Rob L, and David P joked about my success on the 2022 and again congratulated me for winning the jackpot. I explained that the fish was more a product of deckhand Vance’s skill and talent, rather than any big fish expertise on my part. I assured them that lightning would not strike twice and they, with greater experience were far more likely to tag the winning fish.
2/2 Thursday: At 4:30 AM I wake up at like a kid going out of his first fishing trip and start staging my equipment for the line up at 6 AM. I get down to the landing and pick up a cart and headed back to the hotel. Loading gear as expeditiously as possible I arrive online an hour later at 5:30 AM. The "usual suspects” begin to arrive… John B, Brotha, Rob J, a.k.a. "SpongeBob", Rob L, Tommy T, Fred O, BJ B, Chris Z and David P are updating, telling stories and sharing scuttlebutt. Soon we meet some of the other anglers like Mississippi Steve C, Jeff L, Byron G with his friends Ken F and Jeff D (a former NFL player and 3X Super Bowl coach). We discover that the XL Ultra-Limited Load would be sailing with less than the 19 anglers who had been aboard last year. Many were pleased to learn there would be more room at the rail this year. No doubt the XL is huge boat and a great platform but it's always great to have more space!
Pretty soon Jason arrives to sign us in, collect fees for Mexican permits, diesel surcharge and to participate in the jackpot. We all get our cabin and Rod # assignments. Our crew for the trip would be Capt. Justin Fleck, Capt. Mike Ramirez, deckhands Vance, Will, René and Ulysses. In the galley we were super lucky to have Richard & Michael. Without a doubt, we would learn that together they were some of the best in the fleet!
We are then off to the bait receivers, for two hours of loading. It is always great to see the amount of life around the bait barges and watched the crew in its well choreographed routine.
Anglers point out various military craft as they zoomed by
Once we cast off from the bait receivers, the captain announces our trips operational plan. Pending this afternoons updates from other members of the fleet, our trajectory sends us directly to Hurricane Bank-Shimada Seamount. As usual this generates a lot of conversation around preferences, advantages, disadvantages, strategies and unsolicited commentary. Just before a fantastic lasagna dinner, Vance brings out a birthday cake for Chef Richard and everyone joins in wishing him a happy birthday.
2/3 Friday: Awakening and bright and early I skip breakfast and head out on deck. Immediately I set to work assembling up equipment that will total 13 setups.
Everything 80 LBS and below will be rigged with FG knots, for my line to line connections. (A small wrinkle arises, when I discover I did not purchase a lighter to seal my knot ends.) My Brotha / friend comes by and gifts me a brand-new cigar style torch lighter. Unfortunately when I tested it there was no butane in it, ...as it noted on the packaging. I asked BJ; knowing he was a cigar smoker, if he had a butane refill. He stated that he might, but was busy at the moment. He would “help” me later. Everything else 100 & up would be Bimini twist to a BHP wind-on’s. I unpacked 10 rods, my reels and assemble the setups. René, provided equipment that I’d reserved from XL's considerable supply. When I received my Okuma XXXXH rod for big baits, Capt. Mike passing by comments with a smile "watch out what you wish for". An Okuma XXXH & Super Seeker 2X4 with the Makiara 20 SEA II for my trolling equipment was also secured. A couple of further request to get a butane refill from BJ are unsuccessful as he's engaged his in his own prep. Dinner that night was a phenomenal pork roast with a butter, fruit, pan reduction sauce, potatoes au gratin and a brussel sprout/vegetable medley.
Dessert was a mixed berry compote on pound cake with whipped cream!
2/4 Saturday: Clear skies greet us as we continue south on beautifully calm seas. I continue to rig outfits. I set up my 2 Avit JX Raptor's for Wahoo jigs and bombs using 80 LBS fluorocarbon FG'ed to a TA clip, to enable quick change options. Moving on to rigging two spinners, I place a Shimano Saragosa SWA 1800 HG, on a Atlantic Custom Rods 7.5 UC-7503 popping rod. Next is a Diawa Saltiga Dogfight 8000-H on a Shimano Trevala TFS 58 XXH (rated at 80-200 pounds for jigging). I try to catch BJ's eye but he's working on his own equipment. Continuing to rig, move forward and don’t seal off the ends of my knots. At about 9:30 AM Vance does a comprehensive tackle seminar on fishing tuna covering fly line, sinker rigs and big baits. It covers the likelihood of leaders for kite rigs. He recommends having a "double trouble" set up and "flying fish" leaders ending in a large treble for our kite rigs. I have 2 ”double trouble” setups, but no flyer leaders! I’ll have to see about this as we get closer to my kite rotation # of 13. Reports continue to be favorable from Hurricane Bank. Both the Independence and Intrepid’s fish reports are good but not spectacular. The Wahoo bite seems to be improving. (Since there are two prime spots, the alpha and beta at the Hurricane Bank, it is likely that when we get there we will be relegated to a less than favorable anchorage. This does not appear to favor us arriving as the third vessel jockeying for position.) As I travel back & fourth between the tackle rack & my cabin, I noticed Mississippi Steve at one of the galley tables with a cardboard box. He’s put out on a substantial number of Wahoo bombs he has fabricated. He joked that since he has retired, he has “nothing to do” so made “three bombs per day”. There must be 100 there and he urges everyone to take a few. They're nicely done, in all the colors of the rainbow, with powder coat finishes, plastic squid or mylar skirts and some have combo of both. Anglers respond enthusiastically! At lunchtime Rich and Mike make a spicy shrimp lo-mien, that was fantastic.
Out at the tackle rack I return to up rigging outfits. Several anglers pass by, busting my chops for being perfectionistic. When I see BJ he still seems preoccupied. I ask Tommy T & he comes to the rescue, with an extra lighter he has.
I start burning my ends, rounding the fluorocarbon into a compact ball and searing and sealing the spectra. Tommy returns to ask me, “what was the matter” with that new “torch lighter’. I explained him that it said on the packaging that it was “not filled” with butane, explaining that BJ said he may have a refill, but was busy. Now Brotha comes around is listening to the conversation shaking his head. BJ shows up and I ask about the butane refill. He replies he "doesn't any fuel left" in his canister and requests to see the torch. BJ clicks it, but no flame is visible. Passing his hand in front of the nozzle, he jerks it away & insists that it's got a flame. I'm thinking,“something is rotten in Denmark”. I try to stay very neutral & in turn maintain that the packaging specifies “no butane” is included, for “safe” packaging procedures. One after another they all keep asking question and insist that the torch is working! To demonstrate BJ puts the cardboard packaging in front of the nozzle and to my chagrin it blackens up! Even if it is, I insist, “If I still can’t see the flame, so what good is it for sealing my knots?" If I can't see the flame, it'll toast my line! ” I tell them, “I'm using Tommy's and it's great!” They all burst out laughing. "You've been punked! Punked by the best!” Apparently together they had set me up! They filled the new lighter surreptitiously, just so that they could bust my chops.
After this amusing fiasco, I move on to rigging my Makiara SEA II’s using a Bimini twist to attach my BHP wind-on’s my 50 for the kite, two 30’s and two 20’s. I also attached a 100 pound BHP wind on a newer Avet HXM Raptor 3 gear, for fly lining. Ulysses tied a Bimini Twist for me to attach my BHP wind-on the Makiara 50SEA II. Watching closely, I decided to go for it and try the other Bimini twists myself. Passing by Will stops demonstrate how to use a Rizzoto to seal the Bimini. (He of course ends the conversation with "good talk".) I later asked René show me how to tie the Reverse Trilene knot, that the deckhands had been using for 100 LBS lbs. and up. The knot was preferred, due to its two wraps around the hook. After a few demonstrations I stopped using my beloved San Diego jam on 100 lbs. and up, in favor of the Reverse Trilene and never had a failure.
Chef’s Richard and Michael really elevate the benchmark, even in their salads. Rather than typical spinach, arugula, romaine salads they mix fresh ingredients, cheeses, dried fruit and various fresh vegetables. We start out with a beautiful salad topped with feta cheese and enjoy a roast chicken with braised vegetables and cabbage for dinner.
Feb. 2/5 Sunday: As I had out on deck first thing in the early A.M. I'm greeted with quality coffee by my friend and we admire a beautiful sunrise with unusually stippled clouds.
All over the XL rigging is in full swing with hooks, strategies, being applied using all of Vance’s seminar recommendations. Owner Super Mutu’s and Mutus in 5/0 - 8/0 are being Reverse Trilened all over the place and pros and cons are being discussed. The report comes in from the bank that conditions were improving for grade of tuna in the 100 to 190 LBS range as well as approximately 50 Wahoo's for the day. Anglers are getting stoked in anticipation of more favorable conditions.
Chefs Richard and Michael create a fantastic marinated flank steak served with broccolini and mashed sweet potatoes!
As dinner was being cleaned up John B who is a world class storyteller, relates how during one trip SpongeBob tried to "enlighten" the captain with some recommendations and tactics for that years Ultra. Although the captain had listened to SpongeBob's extensive recommendations, it seemed that he was not to in any way, to change any of his own planning. Forever thereafter John explained, people refer to SpongeBob as the "Special Adviser to the Long Range Fleet"!
TBC: With the first day at the bank...
In subsequent discussions throughout 2022 we agreed that it would be unusual for "lightning to strike twice in the same place". It was highly unlikely that some of the more awesome aspects of the to 2/22/23 trip, would happen again. (Last year’s report can be located on BD.com: 1) "Working at the bank" 2) "Eight days a week" & 3) "You can bank on it!" - Notes from Ultra-Limited 16 day, 4) “Additional Bank Photos”.) Nonetheless, I had given my commitment to participate in the Excel’s Ultra-Limited Load in 2023.
1/30 Arrived in San Diego late and was picked up by my Brotha / friend and dropped at the hotel in Port Loma. We again discussed our planning and preparation for the upcoming trip. I spoke about the imminent arrival of the XL coming in from the Team Hoo trip, the next morning and my intention to see the offload. (Remaining on East Coast time has benefits as well as deficits…)
1/31 As planned, I went out to see the XL's arrival. I had a quick discussion with John N of TFT fame. In a concise assessment he outlined that the prior trip was "very similar to last year's". “Very few big baits” were used & they were not effective getting a bite from larger YFT. The Wahoo (aka slimy bastards) which John does not fish these days was modest at first, but improved towards the end of the trip. All of this proved to be very accurate. My friend returned and then dropped me off at the airport rent a car building, where I got a small Toyota SUV. The next mandate was for coordination with another good friend who had very generously stowed my equipment, between my Colonello October 10 day on the XL and arrange to secure my equipment. Once logistics were secured determined I headed off to Cosco, Target, BevMo, Anglers Choice and a visit to Joey at SquidCo, etc. etc.
A second friend was enormously helpful! He dropped off the equipment that was very generously secured it a storage locker. I invited him out to dinner and ultimately we chose to eat at San Diego Prime. It had stunning view of downtown San Diego at sunset, as well as a delicious dinner to match.
2/1 Wednesdays: activity consisted of unpacking and inventorying gear in preparation for departure tomorrow morning at the landing. An invitation was extended to both friends but they each had responsibilities and declined. Feeling both fatigued and yet excited I went to Miguel's Cucina to have dinner solo. About three quarters of the way through my dinner several of the anglers from the 2022 were passing by. Rob J aka"SpongeBob", Rob L, and David P joked about my success on the 2022 and again congratulated me for winning the jackpot. I explained that the fish was more a product of deckhand Vance’s skill and talent, rather than any big fish expertise on my part. I assured them that lightning would not strike twice and they, with greater experience were far more likely to tag the winning fish.
2/2 Thursday: At 4:30 AM I wake up at like a kid going out of his first fishing trip and start staging my equipment for the line up at 6 AM. I get down to the landing and pick up a cart and headed back to the hotel. Loading gear as expeditiously as possible I arrive online an hour later at 5:30 AM. The "usual suspects” begin to arrive… John B, Brotha, Rob J, a.k.a. "SpongeBob", Rob L, Tommy T, Fred O, BJ B, Chris Z and David P are updating, telling stories and sharing scuttlebutt. Soon we meet some of the other anglers like Mississippi Steve C, Jeff L, Byron G with his friends Ken F and Jeff D (a former NFL player and 3X Super Bowl coach). We discover that the XL Ultra-Limited Load would be sailing with less than the 19 anglers who had been aboard last year. Many were pleased to learn there would be more room at the rail this year. No doubt the XL is huge boat and a great platform but it's always great to have more space!
Pretty soon Jason arrives to sign us in, collect fees for Mexican permits, diesel surcharge and to participate in the jackpot. We all get our cabin and Rod # assignments. Our crew for the trip would be Capt. Justin Fleck, Capt. Mike Ramirez, deckhands Vance, Will, René and Ulysses. In the galley we were super lucky to have Richard & Michael. Without a doubt, we would learn that together they were some of the best in the fleet!
We are then off to the bait receivers, for two hours of loading. It is always great to see the amount of life around the bait barges and watched the crew in its well choreographed routine.
Anglers point out various military craft as they zoomed by
Once we cast off from the bait receivers, the captain announces our trips operational plan. Pending this afternoons updates from other members of the fleet, our trajectory sends us directly to Hurricane Bank-Shimada Seamount. As usual this generates a lot of conversation around preferences, advantages, disadvantages, strategies and unsolicited commentary. Just before a fantastic lasagna dinner, Vance brings out a birthday cake for Chef Richard and everyone joins in wishing him a happy birthday.
2/3 Friday: Awakening and bright and early I skip breakfast and head out on deck. Immediately I set to work assembling up equipment that will total 13 setups.
Everything 80 LBS and below will be rigged with FG knots, for my line to line connections. (A small wrinkle arises, when I discover I did not purchase a lighter to seal my knot ends.) My Brotha / friend comes by and gifts me a brand-new cigar style torch lighter. Unfortunately when I tested it there was no butane in it, ...as it noted on the packaging. I asked BJ; knowing he was a cigar smoker, if he had a butane refill. He stated that he might, but was busy at the moment. He would “help” me later. Everything else 100 & up would be Bimini twist to a BHP wind-on’s. I unpacked 10 rods, my reels and assemble the setups. René, provided equipment that I’d reserved from XL's considerable supply. When I received my Okuma XXXXH rod for big baits, Capt. Mike passing by comments with a smile "watch out what you wish for". An Okuma XXXH & Super Seeker 2X4 with the Makiara 20 SEA II for my trolling equipment was also secured. A couple of further request to get a butane refill from BJ are unsuccessful as he's engaged his in his own prep. Dinner that night was a phenomenal pork roast with a butter, fruit, pan reduction sauce, potatoes au gratin and a brussel sprout/vegetable medley.
Dessert was a mixed berry compote on pound cake with whipped cream!
2/4 Saturday: Clear skies greet us as we continue south on beautifully calm seas. I continue to rig outfits. I set up my 2 Avit JX Raptor's for Wahoo jigs and bombs using 80 LBS fluorocarbon FG'ed to a TA clip, to enable quick change options. Moving on to rigging two spinners, I place a Shimano Saragosa SWA 1800 HG, on a Atlantic Custom Rods 7.5 UC-7503 popping rod. Next is a Diawa Saltiga Dogfight 8000-H on a Shimano Trevala TFS 58 XXH (rated at 80-200 pounds for jigging). I try to catch BJ's eye but he's working on his own equipment. Continuing to rig, move forward and don’t seal off the ends of my knots. At about 9:30 AM Vance does a comprehensive tackle seminar on fishing tuna covering fly line, sinker rigs and big baits. It covers the likelihood of leaders for kite rigs. He recommends having a "double trouble" set up and "flying fish" leaders ending in a large treble for our kite rigs. I have 2 ”double trouble” setups, but no flyer leaders! I’ll have to see about this as we get closer to my kite rotation # of 13. Reports continue to be favorable from Hurricane Bank. Both the Independence and Intrepid’s fish reports are good but not spectacular. The Wahoo bite seems to be improving. (Since there are two prime spots, the alpha and beta at the Hurricane Bank, it is likely that when we get there we will be relegated to a less than favorable anchorage. This does not appear to favor us arriving as the third vessel jockeying for position.) As I travel back & fourth between the tackle rack & my cabin, I noticed Mississippi Steve at one of the galley tables with a cardboard box. He’s put out on a substantial number of Wahoo bombs he has fabricated. He joked that since he has retired, he has “nothing to do” so made “three bombs per day”. There must be 100 there and he urges everyone to take a few. They're nicely done, in all the colors of the rainbow, with powder coat finishes, plastic squid or mylar skirts and some have combo of both. Anglers respond enthusiastically! At lunchtime Rich and Mike make a spicy shrimp lo-mien, that was fantastic.
Out at the tackle rack I return to up rigging outfits. Several anglers pass by, busting my chops for being perfectionistic. When I see BJ he still seems preoccupied. I ask Tommy T & he comes to the rescue, with an extra lighter he has.
I start burning my ends, rounding the fluorocarbon into a compact ball and searing and sealing the spectra. Tommy returns to ask me, “what was the matter” with that new “torch lighter’. I explained him that it said on the packaging that it was “not filled” with butane, explaining that BJ said he may have a refill, but was busy. Now Brotha comes around is listening to the conversation shaking his head. BJ shows up and I ask about the butane refill. He replies he "doesn't any fuel left" in his canister and requests to see the torch. BJ clicks it, but no flame is visible. Passing his hand in front of the nozzle, he jerks it away & insists that it's got a flame. I'm thinking,“something is rotten in Denmark”. I try to stay very neutral & in turn maintain that the packaging specifies “no butane” is included, for “safe” packaging procedures. One after another they all keep asking question and insist that the torch is working! To demonstrate BJ puts the cardboard packaging in front of the nozzle and to my chagrin it blackens up! Even if it is, I insist, “If I still can’t see the flame, so what good is it for sealing my knots?" If I can't see the flame, it'll toast my line! ” I tell them, “I'm using Tommy's and it's great!” They all burst out laughing. "You've been punked! Punked by the best!” Apparently together they had set me up! They filled the new lighter surreptitiously, just so that they could bust my chops.
After this amusing fiasco, I move on to rigging my Makiara SEA II’s using a Bimini twist to attach my BHP wind-on’s my 50 for the kite, two 30’s and two 20’s. I also attached a 100 pound BHP wind on a newer Avet HXM Raptor 3 gear, for fly lining. Ulysses tied a Bimini Twist for me to attach my BHP wind-on the Makiara 50SEA II. Watching closely, I decided to go for it and try the other Bimini twists myself. Passing by Will stops demonstrate how to use a Rizzoto to seal the Bimini. (He of course ends the conversation with "good talk".) I later asked René show me how to tie the Reverse Trilene knot, that the deckhands had been using for 100 LBS lbs. and up. The knot was preferred, due to its two wraps around the hook. After a few demonstrations I stopped using my beloved San Diego jam on 100 lbs. and up, in favor of the Reverse Trilene and never had a failure.
Chef’s Richard and Michael really elevate the benchmark, even in their salads. Rather than typical spinach, arugula, romaine salads they mix fresh ingredients, cheeses, dried fruit and various fresh vegetables. We start out with a beautiful salad topped with feta cheese and enjoy a roast chicken with braised vegetables and cabbage for dinner.
Feb. 2/5 Sunday: As I had out on deck first thing in the early A.M. I'm greeted with quality coffee by my friend and we admire a beautiful sunrise with unusually stippled clouds.
All over the XL rigging is in full swing with hooks, strategies, being applied using all of Vance’s seminar recommendations. Owner Super Mutu’s and Mutus in 5/0 - 8/0 are being Reverse Trilened all over the place and pros and cons are being discussed. The report comes in from the bank that conditions were improving for grade of tuna in the 100 to 190 LBS range as well as approximately 50 Wahoo's for the day. Anglers are getting stoked in anticipation of more favorable conditions.
Chefs Richard and Michael create a fantastic marinated flank steak served with broccolini and mashed sweet potatoes!
As dinner was being cleaned up John B who is a world class storyteller, relates how during one trip SpongeBob tried to "enlighten" the captain with some recommendations and tactics for that years Ultra. Although the captain had listened to SpongeBob's extensive recommendations, it seemed that he was not to in any way, to change any of his own planning. Forever thereafter John explained, people refer to SpongeBob as the "Special Adviser to the Long Range Fleet"!
TBC: With the first day at the bank...
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