I'll start out with an apology for not getting this post on board sooner - it's just there was simply no energy left after an absolute classic day out with Mark.
We were greeted on the dock by Mark who is a class act for a tuna-skipper! After settling into the 33' Maxcatt and a very excellent safety brief we were heading out of Newport. The bar was bumpy and I thought maybe we would not go out, but after a quick transition over the bar and headed south in hopes for the "Southern Swirl" that had been showing up on the SST charts.
Mark offered us lots of options, but we all just wanted Tuna!!!! We could have dropped pots also or halibut, but we just wanted to get down to those Tuners! We were met with some choppy water between Newport and the rock-pile so Mark mentioned it might be good to run south a bit and try for halibut and then when it smoothes out, go for the Tuna.
Unfortunately, about this time two people appeared who we didn't know had got on board - two guys you might already know onboard your own boats - "Ralph" and "Chuck" -
We had a little halibut bait, but Mark said they had got them on jigs, so we put a jig over the side. I have never fished with them before, so I was asking how the bite felt like - Mark said, "Just like that...." as my rod buried!!
I was after some quick meat -figured these fish were a bonus on the way out for Tuna - Mark insisted on not keeping anything less than 40", so that is what we did and quickly had 6 nice fish on deck within a 40 minute stop!
The seas started to lay down so we headed to the area of the swirl which I can't give the GPS for since I didn't pay attention - Pilar posted a close position for it.
We hit some good 60 degree water, temp break, clear water and the whole thing - so we dropped the gear in and started to troll - anticipation built as we waited for the first rod to go off................. waited.....................waited..............NOT HING! I was getting nervous about not finding the fish when Mark said - let's not give up.
So we pulled the gear and ran another 10 miles. That Maxcatt is an absolute pleasure boat! It is smooth and can put you where you want to be quick and painless.
The second spot we stopped, we barely got 3 rods in when the 1st rod started singing!!
Mike got his first tuna and we ended up with a nice double.
Next stop - all hell broke loose as 2 hand-lines went off simutaneously and then 3 rods and while we are trying to clear the mess I turn around and Mr. Maxcatt is throwing a Swim-bait!! What a beautiful crimson mess!!
After this 5-fish stop, we had a little bit of trouble getting lines straight, but thanks to Joe, we were back fishing quickly!
We spent the rest of day on doubles and singles in the same area and pulled the plug about 4:00 PM for a very nice ride back into Newport.
This pic is right before we left the Tuna Grounds
Unloaded the haul at Embarcadero and spent the next 2 hours carking.
Mark - Big thanks to you and your wonderful boat for a day we will never forget! Thanks for making me stop for halibut! Your an awesome skipper!
Epic tuna Day with Mark the Maverick - Maxcatt! 8/1/2008
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