A supercow was caught, and rookie angler Alec Robbie got two tuna that were close to that elevated status in the last couple of days down south. Robbie told Bill Roecker on the day of his departure that he needed to borrow some heavy gear, because he hoped to catch his first cow. Since it was an Accurate trip, with some 50 rod and reel combos aboard for loan, young Alex may be in hog heaven.

“Lots of sharks again,” reported Red Rooster III skipper Andy Cates June 7. “We caught 11 tuna. The biggest fish was caught by Bill Walsh; a 220-pounder. I hope we can end with a bang tomorrow.”

On June 6 he said, “We had a few chances at big fish today. This place is really tough to fish. The sharks are really bad. We did manage 18 tuna, and the biggest fish went to Jessie Baker, a 220-pounder. Bill Walsh got a 267, Bob Cherry a 265, Alec Robbie a 286 and Bob Goka caught a 289. It sure seems like it was a lucky day with what we caught through the sharks. I hope it cleans up and then we will have some great fishing.”

Cates also reported on June 5: “Only two fish today worth talking about, as there was a heavy showing from the sharks today. We hooked five nice fish and landed two. Alec Robbie took a 291 and Laurens Rhinelder caught a 306-pounder. They were trophies for sure, just not much to go with them. In the event we hook more tomorrow, who will be the lucky anglers?”



Yellows & Breeze

“Our weather continues to be on the windy side,” reported Royal Polaris June 6, “but that didn't stop the Yellowtail from biting. We had another excellent day of yellowtail fishing. Most of the yellowtail were in the 18 to 25 pound range, with a few going over 30-plus pounds. We will continue to move north and give it the old college try again tomorrow morning. The hot ticket today was the Shimano Waxwing (138 size) in assorted colors. The Waxwing was the jig of choice today, as the yellows inhaled them like kids at a candy store.”



Move Pays Off

“Our first attempt ended with a dull thud;” surmised Royal Star skipper Tim Ekstrom June 7. “No fish for the four hundred eighty nautical mile run. Nice. Throw in a sloppy sea state brought on by a steadily freshening breeze and the joy of the preliminary results was indescribable. It’s time to man up. As much as one could slip into pitiful despair or unleash a futile tirade at such injustice the results would be the same. It is a methodical endeavor rife with tests of will, wisdom, and endurance - especially endurance.

“Not exactly starting off on the right foot we were left to make due with the setup; something along the lines of when life serves you lemons, make lemonade. Actually it wasn't that bad. Good water temperature and color combined with favorable current direction and velocity provided plenty to work with, and reason for optimism. The same can't be said for the weather. Indifferent and relentless, it has a way of heading off even the staunchest enthusiasm. But, being an unchangeable force of nature, focused resolve, and simple acceptance goes a long way; which really is the only way.

“And that way lead to a change of scenery that offered far more promise; not a barn burner, or trip making one stop shop, but a fair start, and, relative to the opening round, a resounding success. The day was saved ending on a high note, fixed to the bottom, minimizing the ill effects of disagreeable weather, all the while scratching steady at 20 to 35-pound class yellowtail. We'll take it.

“Tomorrow will begin where today ended as we look to extend the action into day three and beyond. In addition to the blessed yellowtail we did see a smattering of 20 to 30-pound yellowfin tuna, though the wily devils preferred to tantalize us with the occasional surface showing rather than bite. As we did not get on to this zone until late in the day perhaps the morning will prompt a different result. We don't wish to relocate, preferring to hunker down and settle in, providing the fish cooperate. Plan B is crafted and ready to be set in motion, but we don't want to jump the gun. Presently time is still on our side.”



Jurels Jump Jigs

“This morning was a little on the slow side,” wrote Shogun skipper Bruce Smith June 6, “but this afternoon was on fire! Again most of the yellows were in that 18 to 22-pound range, but we landed some real brutes, up to 50 pounds. Most of the really big fish today came on the surface iron; Salas 7X ruled for sure. Crazy as it sounds, we are still in this cold water, 60.7 degrees to be exact, and contrary to common belief, the yellows wanted to bite with a vengeance. Like I stated earlier it wasn't the yo-yo bite we had yesterday, the fish ate the fly lined sardine well enough along with the 6x Jr's. We fished near the bottom. The wind is still up, and keeps us on our toes. We are really hoping to get a break in this weather so we can head offshore and find some tuna.”



Good Line

Experienced anglers know that keeping fresh monofilament line on reels is an absolute necessity. Old, worn or sunburned line breaks easily, and has cost many a newcomer a best fish. Line is one thing those who rent their outfits don’t have to worry about. No matter if the trip is a half-day or a 16-day excursion into southern waters, all the landings see that good new line is on the rental reels. Here’s a shot of some Point Loma Sportfishing tackle specialists winding fresh Izorline on the rental reels.