By Bill Roecker

Searcher returned to Fisherman’s Landing June 18 after a five-day Qualia Reels charter with 20 passengers aboard. One of those was chartermaster Kent Cremolini of Walnut Creek, who showed off a bluefin tuna, one of three caught offshore with 48 albacore and a few yellowfin tuna.

“It was an awesome trip,” said Kent. “We had really good people on the boat.”

“We fished a bit on the way down and then fished offshore again on the way back,” said owner-skipper Art Taylor to dock reporter Bill Roecker.

“We had good fishing at the island, with near-limits of yellowtail. Those fish were mostly 15 to 18 pounds, and they bit on the yoyo iron and on bait. Not many tried the surface iron.”


Searcher regular Mark Seals of Cambria wailed on the albacore, catching a two-day limit of ten. His best one weighed about 24 pounds.

Doug Nance of San Diego took 15 minutes to wrestle with the trip’s best bluefin, a jackpot-winning 29-pounder.

“He fought well,” said Nance, who baited a sardine on a 3/0 ringed Mutu hook he said he found on the deck. He fished with 20-pound Ande line, a Torium 14 reel and a seven-foot Fenwick rod.

Dave Bell of San Diego won second place for a 25-pound yellowtail, and chartermaster Cremolini bagged third place for his 24.6-pound bluefin.



Vagabond Returns With Tuna

The following report was posted on the Vagabond’s website June 18:

“Fishing until 2 PM on Wednesday, anglers were able to land 80 albacore, three bluefin tuna and one yellowfin tuna. Gerald Kusumoto took the jackpot with a 39-pound bluefin tuna. Gerald's fish was the second to last fish caught on the trip.

“Second and third place jackpots went to Mike Livingston and Jeff "Panic" Squires. Mike's fish was 36 pounds and Jeff's fish was 32 pounds.

“Albacore and bluefin signs were very encouraging. Numerous mixed tuna schools were metered. Those who wanted to play provided lots of action, including a simultaneous strike on a five-person trolling team. Most fish were in the 14 to 20 pound range.

“Eddie Hagihara had the largest albacore, a 30-pounder caught on the troll. Clearly, the much-awaited 2009 albacore season is finally here. Space is still available on upcoming June trips. Anglers are encouraged to review the Vagabond trip schedule and call the office at 619-224-6500 to make reservations.”