Gambler's year's last 36hr tuna

[Pennsy Guy]

First: This was only the second year since I've been tunaing that no booked trips were blown out.
Second: This year every trip was (I hate this overused word) epic.
OK. Just back from the last 36. NOAA was right on again. We left on a foggy, fairly flat sea heading for the Toms but altering course to the Hudson after dismal Toms reports and a better one from the Hudson. Set up a drift, slow but perfect for tile fishing which a few did successfully with a few goldens, one blue tile and a couple dog fish-one smooth, one spiny. We were visited by a mola-mola and a couple of blue sharks. Nothing much happening for a while in the fog, then a yellowfin was boated, then three were broken off or lost by pulled hook. Shortly after, two Longfin were boated and two more tuna were lost---not a very good showing... During the late afternoon a two-hour battle ensued with an unseen fish, at first believed to be a large shark, but later we all were sure it was a big sword from its travels and give and takes. It got cut off by a tiling braid line--infuriating. Shortly after a small mako was brought to the boat and released unharmed, save for a sore mouth. With the night taking over the still foggy sea, the bite really turned off. Most went to bed but 4-5 dropped for swords and a couple stayed up for tuna to no avail except for one released rat. Sunrise brought no fog but increasing seas and breeze but no tuna. The shearwaters arrived in mass, several tangled and released, then they, too, departed. So did we! Made a short run to some squid boats which produced nothing but anticipation. Bob then took us to a deep-water wreck for some bottom fishing or continued top-water tuna fishing. Our chef, Paul, brought up a nice Rose fish right away, then only two dog fish, even with repositioning three times. With increasing wind and seas, we headed in early, taking over 6 hours to get in. It was a rough ride in, with water over the pilot house at times. Water was still in the upper 60's and still clear blue.

This year was like catching fish in a barrel. Unfortunately, apparently the barrel is empty. Let's hope the Longfin will fill it for the November trips!!!

[Ol Pedro]

Chuckie, glad that you got them all in. Let's wait and see what nature has in store the next few days. Let's see what the moon brings. I haven't eaten a Longfin in a while so I hope I get a shot. Did you catch any Squid?
I haven't been this tuna rich in a few seasons. Grandson is grilling some today. Had baked loin last night. You are so right about how tasty these fish are. Are you on any other trips?

[Pennsy Guy]

Originally Posted by Ol Pedro

Chuckie, glad that you got them all in. Let's wait and see what nature has in store the next few days. Let's see what the moon brings. I haven't eaten a Longfin in a while so I hope I get a shot. Did you catch any Squid?
I haven't been this tuna rich in a few seasons. Grandson is grilling some today. Had baked loin last night. You are so right about how tasty these fish are. Are you on any other trips?

You're so right, this year has been sooo special, tuna-wise and weather-wise. I think we all knew it would happen (lack of tuna). Let's see what happens with the water cooling a bit having the longfin move in in force (I hope). There were a few squid jigged yesterday and used. I'm having some lft for dinner tonight-still have a little left from last Nov.. I'm booked on the last 2 24hr Nov. trips and will go on another December "trip in the snow" if conditions are favorable...hehehe. I hope to see you on one, if not, I guess I'll have to book a 30hr trip next year since I don't do wreck fishing trips anymore. (Getting old sucks).

[AndyS]

That stinks losing a large fish to a tangle. Been great reading the reports, thank you ! No mahi in the area unfortunately I guess ?
Used to be a given the longfin showing up late in the season, years past not so much so it seems. Problem with November is the wind !!!
Glad you had a fantastic season, way to "stay at the rail" so to speak

[Ol Pedro]

Andy, the water is getting too cold. The ones that we saw on Mondays trip had lockjaw. Didn't even look at the chunks. Only 1 group of 6 chickens.

[Duffman]

Some awesome reports this year boys. Giving this old man the itch to get going again.

“TUNAING”. This is now part of my vocabulary. Well done Pennsy….well done!!!!

[Pennsy Guy]

Andy, we didn't even stop for any mauis, although we started our drift next to a pot. No one home much to the chagrin of a couple of anglers. They're probably like the degrees, headed south for the winter...haha.