“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”

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)

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
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