As I did my post trip research last Thursday night, I knew that work for the crew of the Outer Limits and myself was cut out for us. The offshore counts were at there lowest in weeks and the weather wasn't so great. The Tuna that were biting were at 90 miles and the
only other reports were those of private boaters at the Butterfly Bank.
Joining my group from Lighting Technology Service (LTS) I mentioned my concerns, but wanting to get our shot at the longfin, we opted to go the distance and take our chances. These guys meant business. When I asked what they wanted as jack-pot they replied $20.00
each. Wow, a $400. + Jack-Pot. I wish I was able participate in this one. Being the Charter Master I never enter the pot.
The ride out was bouncy and the morning saw light winds and 5 foot seas. Bouncing, bouncing we started our troll into the 90 mile are around 7:15 AM. Four trolling rotations later we got our first stop @ 9:30, but no bait fish. Trolling and rocking "DOCTOR"
Jamie helped those who were feeling the effects of the water moving below them. 10:00 AM more troll fish, but again no bait fish. I wanted see bait fish and the fish that might be worth the "Big Money". The radio was really quiet and the only
chatter was that of private boaters complaining. Our boat was one of the few that had bites this morning.
The water finally seemed to settle down a bit and we were able to start the search for some kelp paddies as the sun broke at @ 11:00AM. The first few paddies were empty. On one paddy as we pulled up I saw Dorado and Yellowtail jumping and pushing the bait out of the
water. 1, maybe 2 bait fish is all that the paddy produced. Yellowtail @16 Lb. NICE! A few more paddy stops and we were done for the day, and that ride home from 90 miles is sure long, even longer when the fishing hasn't been that great. Liz in the Galley saved the day. Thanks to her big smile and great cooking, including home made apple cobbler for desert, we were all feeling a lot
better about the day.
Raffle prizes of Kicker Jigs went to Morgan "Doc" Lewis and Ron Burks. The Penn 500L reel was awarded to Francisco Santizo, a new fisherman and the Seeker CJBF65 went to Gary
Viohl.
Remember the $400 jack pot, well it was won by Mark Escalle of Huntington Beach with a 17lb. yellowtail. Way to go Mark!
This was a great group of guys that decided to split the fish caught so that everyone went home with something. What great sports!
The Outer Limits was top boat offshore for the 1-day fleet with 8 Albacore and 5 yellowtail. Some boats came home without a single fish. 2 day boats continue to get limits of albacore and some nice sized bluefin and yellowtail.
Thanks to the Sponsor's Seeker Fishing Rods and Kicker Jigs for all of their product support.
