Like a lot of folks, I was watching counts earlier last week and decided to book a trip. I saw the counts come way down as the week went on, so tempered expectations and decided the trip was more about this semi newbie learning some things more so than catching limits.
I have only ever done one other 1.5 day boat. Quickly decided the captain and crew were going to make the trip great.
Left just after 6 pm and headed to the southern zone. Met up with a lot of boats, and while we didn't get anything the first night, we fished hard, jumped all around, and the crew was great helping get everyone set up, trying to get us on fish and having us set up for success.
When the sun started showing we all got ready for sinker rigs. As all boats I saw and read about experienced, fishing was slow but we managed 2 monsters at 150+. A few other breakoffs for guys fishing jigs on light line. Enticing to the fish, but grade was way too big for 40 lb test. Slid out of the zone to a few kelp paddies for a dozen quick yellowtail, including one of the crew hooking one and finding a young kid on the boat to pass the rod to. I know this isnt terribely rare, but i love seeing people go out of their way helping make lifelong anglers and priceless memories for the kids. Love it. Around 3 pm yesterday, with 15 hrs left in the trip the captain decided to make a long run to the backside of clemente (from tuna pen area). Easily could have stuck local and made more money without more fuel burn, but he decided to chase the fish. Really appreciative to be on a boat doing whatever they can to put us on fish.
I was lucky enough to get the third and last tuna on the last stop. My first bft, and while smaller grade than the daytime fish, it's a fish ill never forget. Weighed in at 62 lbs. Great food and fellow anglers to boot. Will definitely fish the Tribute again this year. Such a fun end to a holiday weekend. Thanks to the captain, crew, and the rest of the folks on the boat. Great times.
I have only ever done one other 1.5 day boat. Quickly decided the captain and crew were going to make the trip great.
Left just after 6 pm and headed to the southern zone. Met up with a lot of boats, and while we didn't get anything the first night, we fished hard, jumped all around, and the crew was great helping get everyone set up, trying to get us on fish and having us set up for success.
When the sun started showing we all got ready for sinker rigs. As all boats I saw and read about experienced, fishing was slow but we managed 2 monsters at 150+. A few other breakoffs for guys fishing jigs on light line. Enticing to the fish, but grade was way too big for 40 lb test. Slid out of the zone to a few kelp paddies for a dozen quick yellowtail, including one of the crew hooking one and finding a young kid on the boat to pass the rod to. I know this isnt terribely rare, but i love seeing people go out of their way helping make lifelong anglers and priceless memories for the kids. Love it. Around 3 pm yesterday, with 15 hrs left in the trip the captain decided to make a long run to the backside of clemente (from tuna pen area). Easily could have stuck local and made more money without more fuel burn, but he decided to chase the fish. Really appreciative to be on a boat doing whatever they can to put us on fish.
I was lucky enough to get the third and last tuna on the last stop. My first bft, and while smaller grade than the daytime fish, it's a fish ill never forget. Weighed in at 62 lbs. Great food and fellow anglers to boot. Will definitely fish the Tribute again this year. Such a fun end to a holiday weekend. Thanks to the captain, crew, and the rest of the folks on the boat. Great times.
