"Well I'm sitting here watching the gorgeous sunset over nice calm seas looking towards Hawaii," owner skipper Tommy Rothery said January 4 aboard Polaris Supreme. "Hope everyone over there is having a great time like we are here. They are probably getting ready for some cocktails with their sunset while we are done here and are getting ready to sit down with some juicy, fall off the bone, baby back ribs, fresh corn on the cob, beans and jalapeno corn bread.

"Our fishing today was not quite as spectacular as yesterday. Although it was slower we still had a fun day and there was enough to keep us here another day. Today Charlie was the hot dog with a 251-pounder, 170-pounder, and a 136-pounder. Al got a 110-pounder and Eddie landed a 162-pounder. George released a 165-pounder. Bryan released a 115-pounder. Jeremy released a 85-pounder. And Craig released three over 100 with one at 110, one at 120, and one at 130 pounds. Bob hooked a good one at dark, but he got away real quick. So another day done."



Shogun Gets Longfin

Shogun is heading south on her 16-day trip for giant yellowfin. Skipper Bruce Smith reported the catch of albacore on the second day of travel.

“We left yesterday on the annual January 16-day and par for the course on the second day out of San Diego (today the 3rd) we came up with the first albacore of the year. Mr. Dave Hensely and the infamous "beer" Bob Dosek were the persistent anglers that had their trolling rigs in the water when we went by the willing tunas. Our weather has been flat calm as we make our way south.”



New Channel Islands Boat

“We hope everyone had a great holiday and new year,” wrote Aloha Spirit owner and operator Shawn Steward. “I am just getting in touch with you all to inform you all that we are looking forward to the 2010 fishing season and we are booking charters for the year right now and trying to get the first week of March going with our 5 am open party trips to start the new year. Weather permitting we will try to get up to the West End of Santa Cruz Island for the rockfish, white fish and sheephead to start the new year.

"On another note myself and Joe Villareal from the boat MIRAGE purchased a new half day boat for Captain Hooks to replace the Speed Twin. The boat we purchased was previously called the CITY OF REDONDO and we are giving the boat a total face lift with new deck, paint, new bait tank and will be bringing a friendly and customer service oriented experience for the beginner or the seasoned fisherman. We are renaming the new boat the "CHANNEL ISLE" and it is a beamy, low to the water fishing platform that is a true 65-foot long with a true width of 24 and a half feet, very stable and comfortable. For reservations call 805 382 6233 or for charter info call 805 844 5566.

"We look forward to fishing with you whether it is on a full day on the Aloha or half day on the CHANNEL ISLE. Have a great year and see you March 1st.” Shawn Steward and the crew

Christmas Trip Questions

“Hi, Bill: I‘d like your advice on what the best long range boat and time frames are for a guy who'd like to try long range fishing. I was thinking about a trip on the Excel this upcoming month. Are there better times of year that offer the bigger yellowfin tunas that are complemented by chances of better weather and smoother seas than my first inclination? 

“I'm a Northern California, Bay Area guy and getting the time off shouldn't be a problem.  As with every other fisherman, I fancy the image of myself posing for a photo with recently caught cow or super-cow in the foreground.  My best guess from my research so far is that this takes at least a ten or 11-day commitment to get down to the fishing grounds that make this possible. 

“I've been following your reports now for months after having discovered 976-Tuna and the long range reports you make available there have been very interesting.  As you are the guy on the dock, I was hoping you'd give me a minute and some advice. Do certain boats fit certain personalities or skill levels of fishing more than others, or is it a potpourri of experience and ability?  My experience fishing involves two years now of fishing with the Baja Pirates of La Paz fishing fleet on Triumph 210 boats with my biggest quarry to date being a 30-pound dorado.” Jim J. (by email December 21, 2009)

Bill’s Reply

Hi, Jim: Welcome to long range fishing! The trip you've picked should be a good one. It will likely offer a chance at a cow tuna. No guarantees, of course.

These things depend on the water and weather conditions, and of course the fish must be there. They have been there at that time for the past several years, so you should do well.

My experience with the fleet’s boats tells me they will all do their best to bring up a newcomer. If you're lacking in gear, the boat may be able to help. If you want advice on equipment or bait selection, the crew will help you with that. If you want to learn how to make a long cast with a sardine, you'll get help.

Each trip on every boat is different. The crew changes, the passengers change from trip to trip, and the fish use their tails to move around. As far as smooth seas go, you've picked a time that usually (note my hedging use of the word), provides good weather conditions, in my experience.

Be ready for tuna of 20 to 300 pounds, listen to the crew and skipper's advice, and enjoy the good food and the comfort of fishing long range from San Diego!

Tight Lines,
Bill