The fleet has had a few days to fish, and reports indicate the possibility for a major catch or a very large tuna still exists, especially in the outer southern waters. Most of the fish caught recently there are of the “school variety,” from 60 to 200 pounds. They seem so thick that they may be beating the cows to the baits. As it often is at this time of year, the weather has been very pleasant. The fleet will return for the Christmas holidays from the 19 to the 23, Sunday through Thursday. Look for the reports here.

In other news, Bill Roecker’s book At The Rail is getting around, and bringing some complimentary responses. In fact, after hearing from Vista tackle store owner Pat Martin (see the mailbag at the end of this posting) Roecker was having a hard time getting his hat on.

“Good Doesn’t Cover It”

“Well can't say much about our fishing,” said the report from American Angler December 13, “because Good doesn't cover it. We are so blessed to have beautiful weather and awesome fishing; it's been the best of both worlds for us.

“We have one more day down here in the tropics before we begin our journey home, which is a long way from down at this Latitude, but the fishing was definitely worth the run. The photo of the day is one of Geoff and Dan with the bulk grade tuna the gang has been catching.”



Busy Boys

“Today was very much like yesterday,” noted skipper Jeff DeBuys aboard the Independence December 13, “in that we were busy from sunup till sundown. The overall grade today was better, as there were more of that 125 to 150-pound tuna in the mix. We had a hand full of 160 to 185-pound fish for good measure. We did have two heartbreaks on large fish, so maybe tomorrow we will land a big one or two. Everyone on board is having the best time, as many have already caught their personal best. We have two more days of this outstanding fishing to go, so please wish us luck, Jeff and the Indy crew. I forgot; the weather is absolutely gorgeous.”



Day To Remember

“Where do we begin?” asked Intrepid skipper Kevin Osborne December 13. “Lets start at 4:15 am this morning when the first jig went down and was immediately slammed by a 130-pound yellowfin. The frenzy that took place after that was one that everyone here will remember for a very long time. Every bait and every jig that hit the water for the next few hours was engulfed by an eager tuna! We had many, I mean many, 100 to 160-pound tuna on the deck before sunrise and the bite didn't let up until around 10:00 am. The rest of the day was a steady pick with one to five tuna hanging with flurries of even more throughout the day. The sunset bite was just enough to give everyone another go around to add yet another 100 to 180 pounder to their catch. We boated daily limits of these beautiful grade tuna today. It really is a day that will be in our memories forever.”



Checking The Banks

“Good evening folks,” wrote Red Rooster III skipper Andy Cates December 13. “Our first day showed sign but not very good conditions, We had 16 tuna from 60 to 150 pounds. We are making another move south in hopes of better water conditions. It does look like we have a couple of places to fall back on. We are going to check one more area before we settle in somewhere.”



A Special Dawn

“There are a lot of sunrises and sunsets out here,” observed Royal Star skipper Tim Ekstrom December 13, “that come to pass without recognition. None of them are ordinary, or unworthy of notice, but some reach a distinct plateau of brilliance that requires more than a second glance. They require a moment of reflection, and appreciation simply for the fact that we are here in it. This morning was one of those.

“We also caught a few fish, including a fine 210-pound specimen for long time Royal Star veteran John Santaella who enjoys full photo honors today. Overall the day, introduced by the glorious dawn, was a satisfying success. From the morning action, to pursuing a few good spots on the outside, to finishing off with a long drift that plumb wore our anglers out, we wouldn't ask for better. Of course a few more big cows in the mix of 100 to 180's we are consistently catching would spice it up that much more, but there is a line we dare not cross understanding the pain of reprisal. This is very good fishing, and catching, at the moment.

“The good weather is forecast to continue as we forge into day three…As I mentioned yesterday no one is more pleased with the present setup than this crew and yours truly. Every fish that comes on board is recognized as, and handled like gold. The more the merrier. At this rate there will be plenty of holiday cheer spread among fortunate family and friends following this voyage.”



“A Beautiful Grade”

“Day two was pretty much a replay of yesterday,” noted the report from Royal Polaris December 13, “only a little better. The standout for the day went to Neil Campbell with 267-pound tuna taken on a flylined sardine. Neil is a proffessional bass fisherman and proved that freshwater expertise definately transfers to saltwater. Most of our fish today were 80 to 130 pounds with a good number of fish in the 150 to 175-pound range, a beautiful grade of hard fighting yellowfin tuna. We also had a few more wahoo than we saw yesterday. The weather today was pretty much perfect.

“The action this morning started out hot and heavy with four to six fish hooked most of the time. As the day went on, the fishing slowed to a steady pick all the way till dark. We have not had a problem with sharks. Congradulations to Robert Tankersley who is on his first trip longer than five days and needed a fish over 100 pounds to break his personal best. He did that easily today with a fish that weighted 125 pounds.”



Mailbag Comment

“Bill, I just read At The Rail. What a beautiful book! You are part of California history and the best fishing sportswriter, like Bill Poole said.” Patrick Martin, Pat’s Bait & Tackle (by telephone, December 14, 2010)