Red Rooster III skipper Andy Cates took a group of 32 parents and children on a four-day trip to the San Benitos Islands, returning June 13. They fished for yellowtail there and found three bluefin tuna along the way.

Alberto Romero of Hawthorne won first place for a 29.4-pound bluefin tuna. Dennis Hardenbergh of Maricopa, AZ was second, for a 26.7-pound bluefin, and third place went to Brian Rice of Mohave Valley, AZ for a 26-pound yellowtail.

“This trip was all about the kids!” wrote Cates. “We had about 10 father and sons and brothers on this trip so it really was about them. It was a bit on the slow end, and no albacore were found but it was still lots of fun. In addition to a nice catch of yellowtail the kids also enjoyed and participated in the catch and release of many other fish such as bonitos, bass, and rockfish.” Teach them when they’re young,” they say.

Kids on the Red Rooster III with Andy Cates got some dandy kelp bass at Benitos.

“We tried to fish a little at Benitos Island but didn’t last long as we were in fierce competition with the sea lions, who were less then happy about sharing their prized and soon to be meal, of yellowtail. The weather throughout the trip was very pleasant, which is always a plus.”

Bluefin Bite

The past few days have seen some increase in the number of bluefin caught by San Diego boats, particularly the day and a half boats. Already the number of bluefin caught has exceeded the number taken all year by the day fleet. In 2005 the total bluefin catch reported at Fisherman’s Landing was 584. So far this year the same boats have caught 735 bluefin tuna. This could be a very good year for bluefin if things continue to develop.