Way back when ......more pics

[Pilar]

Back in 2000 after we survived Y2K .. we went TUNA! fishing in my little boat for the first time. Hell, we knew the boat would run all day and that we would not run out of gas. The compass, radio, GPS and flare gun worked. We knew a little about where the commercial boats went and had a few trips on big boats catching these fish.

But we decided to go out on a small boat with not much more than a dozen jigs and some high hopes.

I've seen some of you do the same thing with some of the been there, done that dogs leading you to the killing grounds. It helps me remember what it was like to go with my friend Mike Gaynor and follow the 'Puffin' 35 miles out to kill our first TUNA! on my boat.

First standup longfin landed on 'Pilar', with my old pal Krystalflash, September 2000



We hooked up and landed several but forgot the camera. Way too much going on for pictures. But I got this shot as we chased charlie around with the gaff. He was fast and now we just yank em in the boat, gaff not required

Where's the gaff?



So I can only imagine what you new guys experienced on your first trips. I remember landing the first 7 in my boat like it was yesterday. Many thanks to 'Krystalflash'. Mike I would not have gone alone and you are welcome to join me any time.


What I think about TUNA! fishing. Still feel that way. :grin: Notice the bloody hands and blood on my face.



I guess I have to blame Jon Arndorfer 'Puffin' for my addiction. The rivers and lakes were fun for a few years but big Jon was all about fishing the salt for bottom fish and Halibut. After a while I began to realize that the water here offshore was available but only to those willing to pay attention and be careful.

So like you Captn' I've spent time and money on boats and fishing and almost 5 hardcore years here in Oregon on the big blue lake. All summer, every weekend, every Holiday, every possible day off. Watch out Mike, just a few more standup Albacore and the rivers will lose their hold on you too.

It is worth it. We belong to a very special community. We experience things that many others are not even aware of. Share the joy, my friends and remember your days at sea in small boats.

[ 12-05-2003, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

[edsr]

Hey John - Great pictures - I needed a fix - It's gonna be a long winter.
edsr

[WildHawg]

I lost my virginity to Nancy on the Sea Jypzee--well sort of.
In the El Nino of 83(?) we caught a handful just outside the Bell Bouy at Winchester Bay on hoothcies/herring while trolling for the poor skinny silvers and chinook that were barely makin' it that year.
First one was a peanut (maybe 10 pounds) but I thought I'd hooked a freakin' sea monster!! I could feel it fighting, and it's movement and vibration was totally unlike anything I'd ever fought before. When we saw color, I couldn't believe my eyes. Saw those critters on a tour at the Bumblebee Cannery in Astoria when I was just a sprout! It was a TUNA!
Hooked 5-6 more the next 2 days, and landed 2-3?
Of Course we were seeing Sunfish every day, and a Striped Marlin was caught by Kenny King of the charter boat Holiday II INSIDE the Umpqua River that same day I caught my first TUNA! Nobody ever believes me, but it's true--I saw it at the dock, and know people who watched him snag it (yes snag it--it's not a gamefish in Oregon, and appeared to be sick). Sat inside the office mounted until the crash of the 90's wiped Kenny out and basically shut down what was once the #1-2 port for charters in Oregon.
I will say, I had more fun with Nancy--she knew what she wanted, and took it slow and easy getting there (unlike you Brad, you rabbit!) :tongue: . Once it was "on"--ooh baby, it was hot and heavy. I think we did it 24 times that day, but who's counting
Though I have to admit, I wasn't really a virgin--after 20 years, it sure felt like it!!! :grin:
Best part is the Brother(Sister!)hood of the Salty Dog's. You all make it the adventure of a lifetime, everytime.
Thanks again to all who dragged my sorry carcass out there this year, and to those who offered, but was unable to hitch a ride with.
You know who you are!!

[WP]

First year, 5 tuna and one trip. Results are three insane addicts and a lot of tuna. I still recall that very first adventure. I relive it each time out. Nothing even close :smile:
Dave

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[KeyWest]

Man, I love this web site!

[8knots]

Yea, it is great to have those memories of the first steelhead, bass, 2 pound crappie or fat trout. But, there is nothing like those bullets. I often relive my first OR tuna trip. Three years ago, 50 miles out of the CR, solo on a flat calm day with absolutely no wind. Fishing in shorts and t-shirt. Had 6 tuna jigs, two 500 jigmasters and one ice chest. After squeezing 10 tuna in the chest and having both rods go off again, running up to put the boat nuetral, running back to grab one rod and get some line in, run to the other side of the boat and grab the other rod and reel Charlie Tuna in, hold rod in one hand and gaff with the other and then repeat with the other rod. At that time it dawns on me that these fish are not fitting into my one ice chest and I reluctantly decided to stop fishing.
I was smiling all the way in, the adrenalin keeping me going while trying to figure out how to clean fish, boat and self. I was hooked.

[The Bad Fish]

not everybody gets a chance to tuna fish.. so when i try to explain to my friends what it is like they dont get it. oh well you guys know.. :grin:

[OceanBlue]

My first trip was on the Pilar... 7/7/02... it's in the archives. I can't even bear to try to tell it again. I don't think anything can beat that day on the lake. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[WP]

Almost everyday I tell, or try to tell, folks about the experience of tuna fishing. Some do go out with me and others find ways to not go. I keep preaching and extoling the virtues of deep blue tuna. I will keep at it until I die! I will take as many as I can so many may enjoy the thrill and adreniline rush of albacore on light (light?) tackle. This year I got 10 trips in and got 6 new "converts" 2004 is another opportunity. John, when do I get ordained? I am not on Nancy's scale but she has a bigger boat!
Dave :smile:

[Bait O' Eggs]

EdSr took NorRivDave and me out for our first time, :blush: I had never been so far out to sea in a little boat. I had never been in a dory, and certainly never in a threesome. :blush: Ed sweet talked to me all the way to the beach the day before, he told me about how he would be using props and soft fuzzy feathers to tease with.

Ed showed us how to lean up against the gunnel and brace ourself so the rocking motion wouldnt knock us off balance. After a long ride that morning ..... Ed decides it is time to get the feathers wet and starts pulling out all kinds of toys. :blush: Some of those items I had only see on websites with pop up windows :blush: (BTW I am making some of those lures now )

The lines for the 3rd rod wasnt even wet when you hear that distint sound of a pop. At first it wasnt obvious what it was, we all kind of looked around, Ed has a big grin, he knew what it was, but Dave and myself, well we were still looking around to see what that sounds was [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] And then it became obvious when the blood was all over the deck,

that sound was a cherry popping :blush:

Pilar - I know that feeling that shows in your smile

[WildHawg]

Roy, I thought you was from Tillamook Bay Area--not San Francisco Bay Area :tongue:

[Ramstrong]

I don't know. I'm still a virgin. But it looks fun [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

[skein]

Can't wait! Pretty much missed the season last year waiting on my new boat and getting it rigged. Popeye made sure I didn't go into the winter without getting bloodied, and oh, man, are those loins good on the barbie (no pun intended).

I'm having two new stand-up rods built and have the reels that will handle 'em, plus some handlines ready.

I've been really jonesin' for some saltwater lately. May have to drive over and bob around in the bay just so I can smell the salt. Besides, my hands are healed and I can't have that. :grin:

Oh, Baby....

Skein

[Popeye]

Skein....you getting new clothes for your doll for Xmas? :grin:

It was May 2nd 1997 when I brought the newly purchased Julie Rose II down from Portland to make the halibut opener. All the way down (in 14' seas) I was thinking about July, and my first opportunity to go out and catch Tuna! in my own boat! It was part of what kept me goin' in those treacherous seas I had gotten myself into.
My first two trips out were a bust for Albacore, mainly because I had no one to show me where to go, and how to do it. The third trip out, I took my brother in law, who had gone out 1 time with the Misty on an overniter a coupla years before. He wasn't an expert, but he knew WAY more than me.
We left port at 2:00 AM and ambled out to the 45/125. At about 6:30 we decided to throw 'em in. It was only about 10 mins., and we started load'n the boat with longfins!
We boated 32 Albies that day by noon....I was hooked!!!




[ 12-05-2003, 08:42 AM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

[Captn]

John, you just don't know the effect you have on this whole board. Those pictures say it all. They say it all about your joy in the salt, fishing, and freedom.

The effect you have had on me personally is hardin the pocket book. I cant get my son to go fishing with me in the rivers any more. Last time I asked the response was: 1 I go fishing in the rivers, I go catching in the saltwater. 2 Why do I want to freeze my aaa off in a drift boat for maybe one or two takedowns? John, you have ruined him.

So as a result we have the "Double Gaynor". Which with repairs, and new do-dads is getting close to around (well I don't want to talkabout it). And the latest is property on the Siletz (around Windy Bend) so that we are close enough to the action (Depoe Bay and Newport).

It had to be a place with plenty of out buildings for the boats, and something a bit better than a smoke house for the wife. She says we are buying some great outbuildings and by the way there is a cabin. We will post more as we get used to the new place, and have a few Ifishers over, and maybe a resting place for some of the boats.

Anyway, I'm telling you, it all started with that smile, that joy, and that lust for what mother ocean has to offer.

I'm really not complaining, I'm braging on the whole process. It is exciting, and I'm excited about the next journey into the salt, you just never know when your next great adventure will overtake you.

Thanks John

[ 12-05-2003, 07:43 AM: Message edited by: captn ]

[CATCH AND EAT]

Kinda got the smile of a kid that just got his first bike. :grin:

3 years ago I caught my first tuna on a hand line out of Depot Bay with the now defunct Joan E charters. Eight of us fishing for meet and we konked 57 tuna that day.

This year I decided I wanted to get a tuna on a stand up rod. Miss B Haven I owe you the thanks for providing that first opportunity on a standup rod. Yeeeeeeee hawwwwww!!!!! Many thanks to Kamloops for the multiple trips and many fish on Minaki too.

So what is the out come now for me???? So far I have spent $250 on some lures, lines, tools and countless hours pouring over everyones posts to prepare for next summer. Man I have a good feeling about it too.

BTW Ryan, all ya have to do is ask bro.

[id. painter]

Whow,,, Im so there, Ill be having trouble sleeping all winter. Nimpkish is just quivering in the garage. Im so ready. id. painter

[fish assassin]

It was the summer of 1991 and I'd only had my dory "fish Assassin" in the water for
one and a half seasons of intense salmon/bottom fishing. A buddy of mine, Steve
Larkins by name, told me about the TUNA! thing. He helped me rig my boat and
let me borrow a half dozen of his jigs. The next morning my 6 year old son and
I were on the beach and ready to go. Ended up we had six or seven boats running
out that morning with Steve in the lead. I stuck close 'cause I'd never been out
20+ miles before!

At about 20 miles Steve came on the radio and told us that he saw jumpers and that
we should get our gear in the water. My then 6 y.o. son and I had a heck of a time
trying to figure out all the gear we had just tied up the night before!

Fish started coming at a furious rate! I had doubles, I had triples, I had quadruples!!
Shoot, I only had 7 hooks in the water ... and one of those was a "cigar hoochie"
that we used to catch salmon with. The fish were definatley on the bite!!!

The other guys that I had run out with had moved outside of where I was at
because the bite slowed down for about an hour. They got into a lot of "peanuts".
We stayed right where we had started and got larger fish, just not as many. We ended
up with 38 fish for the day! On our first trip out! I was hooked, period.

I'll never forget that day. My son swore he would never go fishing with me
again. He said I yelled at him too much! While I was near the back of the
boat I was screaming at him to watch the ocean so he could keep the boat going straight
instead of watching me pull fish ... you get the idea.

We hit the beach with a boat full of fish and blood. Everybody was amazed and
it started a "born again" fishery at Pacific City that year. The TUNA! had been
absent for about 15 years so when boats actually came back to the beach with fish
it nearly started a stampede of people getting their dories ready to chase those
silvery bullets.

Ah, yes, and remember the part about my son never fishing with me again? Well, he's
19 years old now and has only been out on the boat with me about a bazzilion times since
1991. I'm not sure, but I think the TUNA! thing got into HIS blood also! :grin: :grin: :grin:

-assAssin- (in fond memory of Steve Larkins. A good fishing buddy and fine friend.)

[Birdnest]

Well I haven't got to "do it" yet, but much like watching a steamy movie...it sure looks fun. :grin:

Joe

[Mello-Yello]

Great post John. My memories aren't very old...I spent the spring of 2003 edumicating myself on tuna fishing...99% of what I learned I learned right here.

I made up my own rigging using the available tutorials that Pilar posted. I read every post I could find that talked about fishing tuna. When I couldn't find what I needed, I asked and everyone donated their knowledge freely. I'd spend hours in my boat, at home, running through the processes.

Game day. Diamondback and I, both tuna virgins, upon limiting on Halibut off Cape Blanco, headed west. We travelled quite a long ways before finding what we thought was good water temps. The water was pretty choppy. We asked "so, what do we do now? Look for jumpers? Sea birds?"..."Nah, let's drop our gear in and at least then we can say we actually fished for tuna". Two standups and two handlines. In just a matter of minutes, one pole doubled over, but wasn't taking line. My first comment "Is it a tuna?" I grabbed the pole out of the holder. Hmmm, no notable tugging, just resistatance. "It might just be a raft of weeds!", I yelled. At this very moment, the other rod buried and line started screaming off of it. "That's a tuna!" we screamed. Dback grabbed the pole and simulteously my pole started bucking and screaming off line. Double Tuna Cherries, on standups! It was a moment I will never forget. The sound a drag makes at that speed...like nothing I'd ever witnessed. We went on to catch some 10 tuna that day, all but one were in excess of 20 lbs.
I ended up making it out two more times, each time taking tuna virgins with me, each time we caught tuna and I got to relive my first experience through theirs. What an absolute joy!

My wife can't understand what would compell someone to get that bloody, that stinky, and that tired when you can buy the same fish at the dock for certainly less money than it took me to get fully setup for tuna. But the experience of going through the entire process is priceless (albeit exhausting).

My goal next year is to try and get into them early, get my quota (a pantry full), and then start pursuing them on a 'lighter' scale. Something more along the lines of "Tuna Hunting" with light tackle and live bait.

Cmon warm water!

[ET]

I've been lurking on this website for about a year now and getting more and more anxious to try for tuna. Those pictures are awesome.

I grew up fishing in Wisconsin and moved to Washington eight years ago. Once I started fishing Puget Sound, I haven't returned to freshwater. My wife is Japanese so she appreciates the all the salmon, shrimp, crabs, and squid I bring home. I know she would appreciate tuna even more! My 2004 resolution is to make it out for tuna. I don't have the gear or equipment for it, yet... but I know I will be hooked soon enough. Man, that looks fun.

[backlash442]

My biggest albie to date caught in about 250ft out of Morro Bay. We were inside of the rockfishing boats.

[Pilar]

John and Kelvin. 1st halibut at the Chicken ranch halibut drivethru, Aug 2000... a double, buy one get one free..


Ever wonder what the sunglasses-sun icon is for? Is this dude cool or what?


This your friend, this is your friend on TUNA!


Don't forget your boat buddy. My boat buddies name is 'Puffin' and I love to see this in my wake.


Big Jon with some on him.

[Pilar]

Sturgeon Princess and the gang, pound the flat ones on a hot afternoon bite, somewhere west of Yaquina bay.


Chris gets his first flat one. Look at the concentration and the harpoon. Reel, reel, reel, reel, reel Big Tule.


And .... it's in the boat. Man that made Big Tule really happy.


1st fish .... it's magic


Petermac, covered in Salmon scales. Was that like the longest fishing day ever or what?

[Phil Layer]

My 03 TUNA! Adventures were one thrill after another.

After hours of reading and re-reading how to rig for TUNA, I made several trips to Englunds. I filled a box full of clones and then tied up handlines. I got big rods and reels. I upgraded my rod holders. I got giant coolers and engineered designs for strategically placing them in the cabin. I doubled my gas capacity.

On my last trip out before heading for TUNA, I cracked the block on my engine and was towed back to port by the Coast Guard.

The rebuild took much longer than anticipated. When I realized the boat would not be done in time for chasing TUNA this year, I booked a trip on the Irish. That day, I witnessed the Captain mumble for hours, “We should not be out in these seas.” After close to ten painful hours on the boat, we headed back to port with three TUNA on board – two on handlines and one on a rod. Those three fish were exciting but I never got to feel one.

With winter approaching (and the season for TUNA definitely behind us) my boat repower was completed. I did have the opportunity to do a shakedown run for bottomfish and I am pleased to say that the engine ran great. On the way back from Newport that day, the engine in my truck developed a banging (another Ford, by the way). This rhythmic tapping gave me the opportunity to purchase my second new engine in less than six months.

Thank goodness these things come in twos, right?

Anyway, I am definitely ready for my first run after these torpedo fish. And, I have dramatically reduced the probability of being towed back to port (that’s a good thing).

Now, I patiently wait for that 72 degree water. Or is that 52 degree water? Oh man, back to the books!

[ 12-05-2003, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Phil Layer ]

[BUGLEMAN]

Good stuff.

WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
:depressed: It's been two months since I smelled saltwater and the pictures are killing me :depressed:

Pilar,
I will never forget our aborted attempt to get out of Depoe Bay to chase albacore and then spending the day catching herring at Newport.


Nice day on the Pacific



[ 12-05-2003, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Keta ]

[Jet Drifter]

Fantastic stories. You guys rock!
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[ 12-05-2003, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Jet Drifter ]

[sturgn]

It was 7/24/2002, We launched out of Depoe bay at 0515 and headed west first tried fishing around 20 miles, not good moved out to about 30 miles and the temp was 61degrees we trolled from there all theway to 42 miles we ended up with 19 Tuna for 3 of us! What a beutiful day it was.

[Nofish]

We had a very memorable season with too many highlights to recount. It started in early July out of Depoe Bay with the spilling of tuna blood for the first time ever on the deck of the Sarah Kate. We had fantastic days out of Coos Bay, Brookings and Crescent City.

There is no aspect of albacore fishing that isn't fun...but we especially enjoyed sliding up to jumpers and pitching swimbaits into the frenzy. What a rush!

Here's my sea sick prone buddy on his first ever tuna trip after landing his first Fish Trap tuna.

Cheers...Bob

[Birdnest]

Keta,

I like that pic.

Joe

[blubeast]

Great Pics... Thanks for sharing the memories.

Hope to have some of my own this coming summer.

[fishwhenican]

September 4th 2002. I spent the summer reading Pilars TUNA! tales. I spent time learning my new boat and how far it would go on a tank of fuel. The day finally arrived, the water was good and the temps were right. We had a ball. 13 fish was the lucky number. Then this year we put a peanut bluefin in the boat, and lost a large fish close to the same time. We will be back for more.

It is all Pilar's fault

[WildHawg]

Excuse me--Mr. Puffin, Mr. Pilar...
I am going to have to cite you two for blocking a handicap parking space (we have the picture proof :tongue: ), inciting a TUNA! riot, TUNA! terrorizing, and smoking cheap stinky cigars.
You are cited to appear at Depoe Bay Boatramp at 4:00am July 1st 2004 before Judge 'Hawg, who will determine your punishment. Afterall, we KNOW you two are guilty :grin:

[ 12-07-2003, 07:09 AM: Message edited by: WildHawg ]

[KrystalFlash]

Hello!

I have heard some whoppers in my day.....but boy oh boy! Hehe
To all of you who don't know me, I am Mike Gaynor Jr., my father is Capt'n. I have been fiching with John Wells for a long time now, though not much of late, and I have to say that if any of you ever get the chance to fish with John, you should definately take the opportunity to go. There are very few individuals that have the passion for the ocean that my friend John does. I feel that even my own salivating lust for the swell and smell of the open ocean pales in comparison to my friends. There are few people that I have ever had as much fun fishing and learning with as John. It was my priviledge to be on that maiden tuna voyage John. I will always remember that day: The way the sun crested the horizon that morning, the way the dolphins ran alongside the boat, frolicing in our wake, the way we trolled and trolled, not knowing exactly what we were doing until.... I asked you what it looks like when one of these things bites?...Hehe that I will never forget......ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!! Goes the 113H. I will always be in debt to you for that experience my friend. It is one that simply could not be forgotten. It haunts my dreams even now. I still get that nervous sort of twitch....any salty dog gets after a while, ya know that one John.....Just a little different walk..right, whenever I think about the ocean. She invades my mind and soul, in serenity, and all of that is beacuse of a friend of mine that decided he wanted to go tuna fishing....Thanks Friend.

[skein]

But how can we talk about trips on the ocean without telling, in hushed, reverent tones, the story of the Swordboat Trip.

Tuna? Oh yes, baby, and my arms can still feel it, but we also got into that new kid on the block - SQUID! Big Squid! Nasty, carnivorous, cannibalistic, water spraying, ink-oozers that attacked everything that got near the water on those long nights in the dark and deep.

And seas? How 'bout this one, building up as the sun went down. 14 to 16 ft, gray in the daylight, but black as sin at night.



Or this one of the sunrise at 96 miles



It was a trip that had every Salty Dog glued to his or her computer, living for the next report, wishing they were with us, glad they were not, and rejoicing when we returned safely. Even Capt Mike drove the Blitz over with a load of paying customers just to say welcome back and it's good to see you in the harbor.

What a trip! What an adventure! Never to be forgotten!

All hail, Popeye! All hail, Corrirod and Pilar and Aquaholic and Skein. All hail, Team Swordfish!

Skein

[Popeye]

Ya mean ...these arms??? :grin:

[Pilar]

You got it bad, Jim. Nice pictures guys. But you are so right. What a trip! Thanks Bruce and Team Swordfish, you throw a hell of a fishing trip.

Have you eaten your squid yet>?

[Popeye]

Yeah...we ate it all. Found out that pounding it made it MUCH better fare. My favorite actually, was in a cioppino with shrimp and crab added! mmmmmm :grin:

[Pilar]

I wrote 'Sea Monster' on the vacuum seal bags. Somehow that has discouraged consumption.

Pilar,
Eat the "Sea Monster". It's good. Try it raw too!

[Aqua-Holic]

Because this was my first year on the Salt with my own boat... just as the Swordfish Captain explored for "Bills".... each time I go beyond the jaws it's an exploration for me. Couldn't have kept company with a better bunch of guys.
Thanks for the experience....Happy Holidays!

[Spoiled Daddy]

OK You guys are killing me. I suffer from small boat syndrome and have been trying to think of ways for the past month on how to get extra fuel on board to make those 20+ mile runs out and back without having to get embarassing assistance from the CG or others. I have lived in Newport for almost 15 years and have never touched a tuna, but want to start making up for that this coming summer.

My wife recently asked me why I started getting salt water magazines and am constantly browsing the isles at Englunds. She doesn't know the half of it...

SD