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Just back--First: NOAA was a bit off, it was even better--too good--today the drift was such that a flat lined offering would end on the bottom under a cloudless sky. Ditto Wednesday. With a dismal report at the Bacardi (3 PB's with 3 Bluefins, period) Bob opted for the Hudson. Passed through some 63* water, then back down to 61. We returned to the shot at the Hudson's tip, set up a slow drift in 550' with 14 others. Lines in about 2 PM...nothing until 7 when I started the festivities with a 60# class YFT. then 2 footballs boxed shortly after. With a short run, anchored for the night-same area. A stingy pick of 60-70# yellows throughout. By then we were one of 28 lights in the area. This lasted until just after 8 AM...A night pick lasting 13 hrs. After hours of nothing, we picked up and ran, passing close to a pot--no one home, to a wreck for some bottom fishing, then to another. They produced 2 pollock, a deep-water dog fish, an ell(?) and another which I don't remember. 2 center-consoles found us @ the second and set up close to us. When we left, Bob approached each and admonished each very politely for their actions---we anglers, on the other hand weren't, to put it mildly!!!
Having gotten a report of a few yellows at the Bacardi, we headed there and started a drift at the edge of the fleet. Whales were there and shortly, 2 False Albacores were boated-one kept, one released. Highlight was a jigger with a very light rod and tiny conventional reel hooked and finally, after 30 minutes, boated a 40-45# yellow...just a tremendous feat of skill, perseverance with the give and take and LUCK. We left at 3, docking at 7, cleaning tuna 'til 8.
As is the way of the Gambler's Captain and crew, kudos are always well deserved for all their efforts to help, get and/or keep us entertained or out of trouble while completing their duties and, above all, finding the fish!
Tuna totals: 27 YFT
It was very enjoyable fishing with new anglers to the boat, guys I've fished with before and especially putting a face to an NJF member-(reelfitter)!
Additions, corrections are welcomed; brain, memory is as fuzzy as body is stiff, sore.