Gambler 24, another bloody decks

[Pennsy Guy]

Just back---Bob took us out stopping at the NOAA weather buoy on the Hudson tip for mahi and it produced a variety of sizes...chickens to 15-20 lbs. From there we went onto a canyon wall (250'+/-) on a drift. The area north had reports of no tuna--understandable given the week's weather. Seas were as NOAA had predicted with just a few remaining 5ftr's.. Nothing happening, as I remember, until around 4 PM, then a couple yellows boated. Figured this would be an exploratory trip, again given a fishless week. Finally, at 5 I got a runoff, one in 60# class "Y", then another at 6 and in 50# class. These were part of several "fish on's", most of which were boated A few more "Y's" in the slush tank during the pre-mid-night hours. My 3'rd hookup came in at 9 PM,, first few minutes thought it was a blue dog--until we saw it and it saw the boat. With help, we got it(70# class) in the tank. That was it for me...went to sleep, more or less, while the younger set fished on! Whistle blew at 3:30, ending the festivities. Not everyone caught---I kept the bigger fish, gave the two to whoever didn't catch, well, two.
Totals: Mahi--30+/-... YFT's, thinking 37+/-. Pool fish 82#+. All were bigger tuna but did see one "football".
As is always the case, the crew performed tasks, angler assistance, et al with their usual expertise and Capt. Bob the foresight to take us to the hidden "X". KUDOS, KUDOS, KUDOS.
Bait of choice was squid and butters. Anglers' ability's varied but we all helped each other.
Oh yes, we did have a brief visitation of porpoises and a passing school of skippies. Water was near 70*, and clear blue.

On a sobering note, I spread my buddy's ashes at the end of the trip-"In the Hudson". Bob and I had short farewells--John Mullen..AKA: Socks, Muldune was a regular patron on the Gambler for years and well-liked by all who knew and fished with him. He's responsible for me getting back into fishing--especially tuna, and like he told me, "I didn't tell you everything I know." He is with the third member--Dennis Balkema (Lefty) of our threesome, who, at one point, Bob called his Three Musketeers. I miss their friendship and ball-busting--always will. See you two next week...
Now, got to vac seal some tuna.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Great report as usual, thanks for sharing it here. I’ll bet John and Dennis were smiling down you.

[CODCHALY]

Sorry to read this about John. Other than that, happy Youze's got on the FISH !!!

[capt74]

Great report Chuck. If my memory is correct you are batting 100 percent this year. A true gentleman sharing your catch with those less fortunate. Glad you got socks where he belongs. Keep up the good work my friend.

[PortlyRedhead]

What a great report! What time did the boat leave the dock?

[captbogan]

Thanks for the report, Chuck. I don't think I could add to it. Great trip with a great crew of guys and gal, working together.

One thing me and the crew would like to see a lot less of --rocket launchers stuck in the pole holders. They are just a pain in the ass on a party boat. They are hard to get around and it is much easier to just hold the fishing pole resting on the rail and under your arm. What works on "Wicked Tuna" does not work on well on a party boat.

The Gambler is on it's way in now, capt Mike at the helm, (sounds like Gambler got em) and I will be captaining for a turn around in a short while. Thank God for a nice stretch of good weather.

[shrimpman steve]

Makes me wish I was up there again. Great report. I may have to venture up north ext season for a trip on the gambler.

[Pennsy Guy]

Capt. Bob, I couldn't agree with you more. When I saw all those rocket launchers, I just thought oh boy this doesn't look good. Ironic, but I took mine out of my gear bag this year.
I don't know what those fish were eating but every steak was greasy---best tasting YF I've ever eaten. Now really excited about next trip.
"Get 'em on the Gambler"!!!

[AndyS]

Thanx for the report, and spreading the ashes.

[Pennsy Guy]

Originally Posted by PortlyRedhead

What a great report! What time did the boat leave the dock?

Headed out at 8 AM...