Arriving early to the landing Thursday evening, I was excited to see the Conquest at the dock. We were scheduled for a 2-day trip aboard the Sportfisher owned and operated by Skipper Joel Ralston. Knowing that the large body of fish was beyond the range of the
overnight boats, the earlier we left meant more fishing time at the 125+ mile marker. After the usual stop at the receiver and the tuna speech in the galley, we all turned in somewhat early hoping to make the long haul out to 130 miles seem shorter.
We awoke the next morning to some rather rough seas. Swells 6-8 with white caps and winds at 20 knots. My first thought and that of others was the condition of the bait. It had suffered dearly from the conditions and 2 tanks of 5-6 inch sardines were on the verge of
rolling.
By the time we got the 125 mark @ 10:30 am, the seas calmed somewhat with the wind settling to a slight breeze. We found several areas of clean water with a .5 degree change and started to shop. Nobody home, empty shelves. Kelp produced the first fish, yellowtail. The
next stop was a blind jig strike with a nice 30lbs Dorado and 2 Albacore. La Nina is really playing with the water. The rest of the day was scratchy. We found great sonar marks of deep bluefin before lunch, but they would not rise to the boat. Thank God for good food and experienced fisherman. We finished the first day at 8:20 PM or so and sat to discuss our plans for the next day.
The day before a few of the one-day boats had a good fishing southwest of the 60-mile bank. If we could get there early and put out a 911 call for bait we could savage the entire trip.
In position to start the second days fishing we started the rotation. By the second group we were on a stop! Albacore, the good ones, some in the 30lb class, were taken on the dark jigs. But the tuna would not come to the boat. Next stop, Albacore on the jigs, but
amazingly yellowtail and Dorado for bait fish? One angler, Jim Brown, even got a 35lb. Yellowfin Tuna at this stop. Bait was the key and we saw it coming. The New Tortuga, out of Seaforth backed down on us to pass us bait. As the boat got closer, we could see their decks and realized that things were about to change! The Tortuga had limits of albacore and were on there way back to
Mission Bay. As the scoops passed from stern to stern some started fishing the new bait. Fresh One! Exclaimed one angler and he rounded the corner between passing bait scoops. Dana!!!!!!
As soon as we were under way I could sense the excitement of the other 17 anglers. First stop! Albacore on a Black and Green feather. Bait fish breezing. Hook up! Fresh one! It was happening now. A few more albies on bait, a dorado and a 42lb bluefin. All the rest of
the day it went one after another BIG baitfish hitting the deck. We recovered nicely with a good count, but better yet these were all quality grades of fish. Albacore close to 35lb.
Jack pot and trophy, went to Dana Trieschman, of Alpine with that 42lb Bluefin. He was on fire this trip! Jim Brown of Walnut gets special mention for a nice 35lb. Yellowfin. There were too many great anglers on this trip to say one had the hottest hand, but little 12
year old Nathan Castillo, must be congratulated for some of the best fishing by a youth I have ever seen.
Our beautiful Ribeye steak dinner was proceeded by the raffle awards. Kicker Jigs were won by Bill Holman, Bob Hale and Tom Aquiningoc . The infamous, Forrest "Gump" Broyles, who was a little out of rhythm this trip, won the Penn 500L and then misplaced it. Has anyone seen the Penn 500L? Great sport, Forrest. The Seeker CTSF60XH composite blank, that everyone wanted, was won by Phil Castillo of Newport Beach. Great job GUYS!
Thanks to the wonderful people at Seeker Rods, Kicker Jigs and B.C. Distributing for their product support. It is really appreciated by all!!
Final count was 84 Albacore, 12 Yellows, 1 Bluefin, 1 Yellowfin and 3 Dorado for a total of 101 fish.
Tight lines to you all. See ya on the water,
Jamie Spencer / JES Sport Fishing
