“We started out the morning hooking one nice fish in the dark,” recollected the report from American Angler January 25, “which gave us high hopes for the bewitching daylight hour. Right around breakfast time a few fish rolled by and we were able to hook a handful before they kept going. Bob Wheeler (retired NYFD) was one of the guys that got bit. He was ahead of the game, using a big hook and 130-pound line. If he had been using lighter gear, we probably would have lost the fish. He hooked the fish straight up and down, and within what seemed like seconds, his spool was emptied and we had to throw his 50-sized reel in the water attached to a backup.

“Luckily, two hours later after a grueling battle, Bob managed to bring up a beautiful 257-pound yellowfin tuna. We ended up the day scratching at 70 to 110-pound fish as all but one of our guys landed a nice tuna today.”



“A Decent Start”

“We got our annual Braid 15-day off to a decent start today,” said the report from Royal Star January 25, “in beautiful, flat calm weather. The overall sign of tuna down here was as impressive as the last few trips but they sure made us work at it to get a bite. Our tally was 17 fish from 70 to 170 pounds, which by normal standards is a fine day. With plenty of time and more beautiful weather in the forecast, I'm confident we'll get our shots.”



“Jerry Brown Rules”

“Ahoy! Today was one of those great days for quality fishing,” stated the Royal Polaris report for January 25. “We had a little morning bite on 140 to 195-pound tuna, and Jim Nailen caught a 245-pounder! We also scratched a few nice hoos. Our luck with the weather continues and of course the Swordfish dinner was to die for. Jerry Brown wanted to Thank BHP tackle for the three $100 top shot certificates. Seeker Rods also gave three $25 rod certificates. All the passengers also received a 2011 Bill Roecker Calendar. Three of the guys will be receiving a framed picture of themselves and their personal best tuna from yesterday: Jim Tallerico (268), Charlie Fouquette (231) and Bob Garber (272). I wanted to highlight Bob Garber; he has been fishing with the RP since the boat was built and is still pulling in huge Yellowfin tuna at the age of 83 years. What an inspiration! Last but not least I wanted to say, Jerry Brown rules! He is a great sponsor, super guy and pretty decent fisherman. What a fun trip!”



Praise From An Angler

“Bill,
As a hardcore west coast standup fisherman for more than 15 years, I have to say this is the best single collection of photos and stories I have ever seen assembled. I have never been able to fully convey my love for all things long range fishing to friends and family accurately and passionately enough. I couldn't count how many times I have had to answer the question, “How could you spend eight days on a boat?” Now, using your book, they get it! It's not about just catching fish. It's about the whole experience, and you share that experience very well in the pages of At The Rail.

I recommend that this book be on the shelves of anyone who's an ambassador of our sport. It's not a “how-to” book as much as a way to relive our own memories and vicariously enjoy those of others. It's also a testament to the pioneers who set sail for unknown waters so long ago and paved the way for us to enjoy our unique fishery in that special San Diego way. Keep up the good work!”
Brian L., (by email January 24, 2011)

At The Rail

The heftiest, best-illustrated book on long range fishing: At The Rail: Long Range Fishing, by Bill Roecker, was recently released by Oceanic Productions. The big new 208-page coffee-table volume is colorful, about the best bites ever seen, the closest calls, oddest events, the most gratifying results and heartbreaking losses of the original extreme sport. It's printed on high-quality slick paper and is available in hard and soft covers.

At The Rail shows fishing for giant yellowfin tuna, and wahoo, dorado, yellowtail and other species. It covers the area from San Diego to Clipperton Atoll and Panama, with much about the Revillagigedos archipelago, Baja's southern banks, northern Baja's offshore islands, and the open waters south of San Diego, where most of the summer fishing for albacore, bluefin tuna and yellowtail takes place. Winter long ranging goes to the southern climes, targeting giant yellowfin tuna and wahoo.

The book is loaded with sharp photos of the scenic spots and action shots of anglers contending with the huge fish often encountered on long range trips. History of the sport and profiles of best-known skippers, manufacturers and anglers are included.

At The Rail is a landmark saltwater book for expert anglers and the general audience, with high-quality color photos and art, species information, fishing locations and tackle, war stories from fishermen, stories of the most significant catches, details of record fish and Roecker's personal long range adventures over the past 30 years. This book is a must-have for all ocean anglers.



Fish Across the Border

(Sportfishing Association of California Press Release January 25, 2011)

On the weekend of January 7th the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) partnered with the Ensenada Rotary Club, and several other San Diego Rotary clubs to participate in the 18th year of “Fish Across the Border”. Every fishing season marine recreational fisherman have the option of donating their catch to a nonprofit cannery run by Fisherman's Landing. After the fish are canned and packaged they are sent to Mexico to help support the “Fish Across the Border” project which is able to touch the lives of hundreds of needy Ensenada residents. Funds are also collected from the Sportfishing fleet and the two Rotary organizations to fill the balance of the food bags with other food products in addition to funding the purchase of 900 blankets.

The food bags were delivered too many sites throughout Ensenada including orphanages, homeless shelters, and migrant worker barrios. The Ensenada Rotary does an outstanding job of coordinating this community event. Approximately 50 volunteers from the Rotary clubs and SAC, including Captains from the SAC fleet assisted in giving out the food. They were also joined this year by the new San Diego Harbor Police Chief, John Buldoc and his wife. “The Ensenada and San Diego Rotary's have put a lot of time and effort in making the “Fish Across the Border” program highly successful. Every year the SAC fleet looks forward to partnering with them to help our neighbors in Ensenada. We are hoping for an abundant sportfishing season this year, so we can provide even more cans of tuna to donate.” Says Michelle Gandola, Director of Public Relations for the SAC.

Facts: Food donations were bagged by volunteers and handed out in several locations across Ensenada. Over 900 bags of food distributed. Project started by Rotarian and former SAC President Robert Fletcher.

Participants: SAC representatives, Captain Mike Jewett, Captain John Klein, President Ken Franke and Michelle Gandola. SD Harbor Chief John Buldoc and wife. Over 50 Rotarians led by Robert Fletcher.

Contact: Michelle Gandola, Director