Short Report Only: Mike Ellinger and I left DP around 6:30am headed for a spot based on good dope from the day before. Metered fish all day within a 2-3 sq nm from spots we have caught fish over the last 4 years. These BFT seems to have their migration and feeding patterns dialed in.
Very little surface activity all day. We did chase one school of nice size fish for an hour or so and were able to drag the "yummy" over the school 2 times for no bite. After changing it up and drifting with dead flyers for an hour or so, we quickly aborted that idea in search of more life.
As we headed back to the spot where we were metering fish all morning and getting bored of watching the Yummy skip, something caught my eye. We were on a great tack wtih the kite literally out to our 2-3 o'clock way out in clean water. I guess I missed the blow up but saw that the kite/balloon was acting weird and falling quickly into the water. Then finally, my clip released and it was obvious we were ON. I had the clip tensioner maxed out but with the mild winds (<10 knots) it may have been too tight.
I offered to give the rod to Mike because he hasn't caught a big tuna on his boat but he insisted so I was harnessed in and ready to fight that battle. Nice fish, hooked around 4pm and landed about 40 minutes later. Fun fight with about 16-18 pounds of drag. Could've button down the drag more but babied the fish. Mike did a great job handling the boat and solo gaff.
Measured 61" X 44" which equates to about 134 pounds. True IGFA catch but decided not to weight to save time. Fun fish.
BIG fish, 200#-250# easy, were leaping out of the water like I've never seen. Around the boat, we had several spots as we were running in at 25 knots. Nope, Mike wanted a one and done trip and we were back at the harbor to clean the fish by dark.
This was a much needed break for me to get out on a friend's boat. It has been a tough winter/spring for me (as it has for many of us) with my business closed for 9 weeks, my dad's passing away and port motor that may need a rebuild. Mechanic trouble shooting and hoping it isn't so.
Lots of fish to be caught. Go get one!!
Dana Angling Club