Azores Bigeyes

[andytuna]

I've got a trip scheduled to go back to the Azores this June to fish with Jose' Furtado on Alabote.
We went last year and it was fantastic; both the fishing and the trip overall.
I'm booked to fish a partial day June 10, and full days the 11th through Sat the 13th. I'll fly out on the 9th and fly back on the 14th.
The boat runs 1100Euros/day and I think 750E for the partial day. I would like to limit it to a total of 2-3 people. The hotels are very reasonable as well; around 100bucks/day give-or-take depending on a few things.
Jose' and his crew are nothing short of a joy to fish with and to be with in general.
You need absolutely no equip, but can bring some if you want. I'm bringing several setups, including a jigging rig.
We caught 6 bigeyes in 2 1/2 days of fishing under difficult conditions, with 2 of them right around 240#.
I've included a link to their 2014 tuna season video, and clips from our trips are included from about 25 sec in 'til about 1:08.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JRsfKBJ-RI
If anyone is interested or knows someone who is, please contact me or have them contact me.
Try emailing me at andydroid@comcast.net , or texting or calling me at 908-500-1167. Andy

[Dino]

I am fishing with these guys june 6,7,8 .. just a few days before you. good luck have a great trip ! some good reports showing up !

[Blackfish Doug]

It sounds like a great trip Andy I only wished I had the time to take off to do a trip like that. Good luck on that trip I'm sure you will do very good on it.

[andytuna]

Thanks Dougie;
Jose' told me that the bigeyes haven't really shown up yet, with very few mostly small ones so far. I'm hoping things improve in the next couple weeks. We need to get together soon too; I miss ya' buddy!
By the way; what's the latest on your Sept Jenny-Lee trip? Still on, still room?
Andy
And Dino; very cool that you'll be there right before me; too bad we'll probably miss each other unless you're hanging around a few days.

[Dino]

Andy.. yeah going to just miss you guys.. would have met up for a few beers if not. maybe next time keep me in the loop for any trips you are putting together in the azores I am london based so its an easy trip for me.
kind of slow year so far I heard as well but you may hit it just right with your timing if a new body of fish rolls in soon..

[andytuna]

Dino;
I talked to Jose' Sunday and he said he thinks the tuna swam past them this year. They're now off another island 150 miles south. He's been in constant touch with the commercial guys and scientists, and they all feel that's the case. The ocean current they follow simply shifted slightly and missed Sao Miguel Island this year. He feels that there's a chance they may swing back later in the summer, but that's just a possibility.
He doesn't want me or other "real fishermen" as he said, to waste our time with the alternative stuff, and he said that this may have the same affect on the marlin fishery.
I'm still hanging on until the last minute just in case, but things don't look promising right now. Oh well, more days for PEI(?)..HHmmmm.

[Dino]

brother dont get me started.. I leave tommorow for this trip and there is still zero going on out there. going to bring the jig sticks and see what happens. I had a really slow trip to Horta last august for the marlin bite so between that and now this .. starting to lose patience w the azores. I know what it can be but timing is everything and I don't have it the past few seasons. thats fishing though will report back if we scratch out any BETs