Skipper Mike Ramirez reported for Excel October 6:

“Today we fished offshore. There was good sign of dorado on most of the kelp paddies we found. The quality of the fish was outstanding, with most of the dorado in the 20-pound class and a handful of 30-pounders in the mix. The weather has been very good as well. We will be working our way up the line tomorrow.”

Bulls On Paddies

Intrepid skipper Kevin Osborne wrote October 6:

“Our move to head offshore in the upper zone sure did pay off big-time today! We had fantastic fishing for big bull dorado and even a bonus fatso Wahoo off one of our kelps. These Mahi were all good ones in the 18 to 30-pound range, with very few smaller and a few that were bigger. Chaos, pandemonium and all-out frenzies made our day as we hit several loaded up kelps! It was just a very fun day with daily limits for everyone. The weather was just beautiful for us today as well. We will keep an eye on Simon and wait for the window to open up for a southern run.”

Busy

Captain Andy Cates posted the news from Red Rooster III October 6:

“It's has been a busy couple of days. We ran inshore ahead if this building storm and trolled this high spot for wahoo. We managed to get a couple. The real action was drifting for yellowtail. We had some nice drifts that really made the day. That night we made a big move to put us in position for better yellowtail action.

“Today was a fun day of drifting on schools of yellows. The guys caught them using just about every method and all kinds of jigs. We are going to spend the night here and try again in the morning. Hopefully this system will roll through safely and we can spend the last couple of days offshore.”

Simon Says

Tim Ekstrom wrote his report aboard Royal Star October 6:

“A good morning of yellowtail action in the most beautiful conditions imaginable – grease calm, no wind, zero seas. Plenty of time at the rail was exactly what we were aiming for before taking off midday for points south. Yellowtail accomplished now we stage for the next zone in the face of advancing Simon.

“In that respect it is safe to say that this storm is determined to assert itself into all of our business during the next couple of days. The breadth of the thing is something to behold. In one way or another everyone of us out here, from the local guys fishing close to home to us on the distant grounds, is going to feel it's effects. Right now it is just a matter of conditions management: where one wants to be when the things goes by.

“This is where the wonder of technology has really transformed our fishery. The broadband on board provides real time information direct from the National Hurricane Center and a wide variety of other weather forecasting venues. Information of this quality is an indispensable strategic tool. It keeps the anglers in our charge safe while enabling us to maximize every fishing opportunity available.

“In this case approaching weather takes precedence. It appears that we will be bumping our way through remnant outskirts before hunkering down somewhere in the protection of a coastal or island lee. In the protected lee we'll wait for the grumpy bastard to throw its fit then get back to fishing as soon as we are able. Zero pressure to prove our mettle sets us in the right frame of mind to hurry up and wait for this tempest to pass. The prime of youth, and archaic weather forecasting tools twenty five years prior, provided us a clear view of the other side of the equation several times past. We lived to recall how much fun it wasn't, and now know better.

“On an ending note reports from the local grounds continue to shine. “Ballslapper” grade dorado, 12 to 35-pounders, school-size yellowfin, and even a couple of skinnies are still arriving in force. Water temperatures in the 73 to 76-degree Fahrenheit range and this latest storm continuing to push tropical conditions north suggest much more to come. Factored into to the upcoming three-day voyages at the end of the month both Capt Brian Sims and I are feeling very optimistic. Between the offshore prospects and abundant coastal yellowtail many good happenings are in store.”

Team Wisconsin

“Howdy anglers,” said the report from Searcher October 6, “We had another great morning fishing for yellowtail and so we’re working up the beach trying to find something else to catch. Our weather is very good still. Here’s a sample of the fish we caught. This is Team Wisconsin with family members Jim and Dan Berg and Tricia Ohm.”

Home Done

“We concluded a great trip,” said the report from Shogun October 6, “with very solid dorado fishing. It took until 1500 to find the right kelp, but we got it done and headed for home.

“We really enjoyed fishing with Team Redondo and fortunate to show them great tuna, yellowtail, wahoo, and dorado fishing. Furthermore, despite an ominous storm system, the ocean was flat calm for our entire week out on the water.

“Thanks to Gary Lacroix for assembling a great charter and providing generous giveaways from Accurate Reels, Seaguar Fluorocarbon, Salas Lures, Fisherman’s Supplies, and United Composites Fishing Rods.”

Spirit of Adventure