[captbogan]

Thanks for putting up the report, Chuck.

I gotta say that you are one of the toughest fishermen I know --You never leave the rail and always fish hard in any conditions. As an offshore skipper, I am blessed to have you on my decks.

Without a clear SST shot, I had to go with the best information I had --and some gut-instinct. As Chuck mentioned, when I reached last week's position at Lindy, the water had scooted. I bent the Gambler to the SSW, following the 100 fathom line. Past Spencer --low 50s. Past the East corner of the Wilmington --mid 50s. Disappointed when I finally reached the West corner of Wilm and found it to be barely above 60f. Not the 64-65 that I was looking for. The water was a cloudy green. But going any further South was no guarantee and as you mentioned, the sun was coming up. Time to fish and hope for the best. I was very relieved when the first tuna hit the deck. Nice pick with lulls and shots throughout the day. The finback whale was was a bonus, as she swam slow around the Gambler, curiously checking us out.

2024 was a great canyon season, despite a few ass-kickins. Part of me regrets not going right into December with the tuna trips --but yesterday was a great way to end the season for us, with good weather, good fishing and great anglers.