Gambler 36--more like the 90's

[Pennsy Guy]

Bob pointed the Gambler's bow toward the hot area--Hudson--in a following, medium sea. Entire trip was pretty much as NOAA's forecast. Drift was not possible, "it'd be messy"! Took 2 tries to set the hook--during which, one YFT (60lb class) was jigged. This was the first of just a handful jigged up. Our platform swung on her leash pretty good, so lines did their out the port, up to the bow, under the boat and back out the port. Needless to say, tangles were inevitable and constant, especially with fish on; sometimes 2-4 or 5 on at a time. On this trip, they behaved and didn't gather together, well, not too often! Only that jigged yellow 'til about 4 o'clock, then quick shots of tuna with 1-3 or 4 hook ups and maybe just the odd ball at other times, not a rapid hook set rate, but rather a slow steady rate. That kept the expectations high throughout the trip. Night came and the bite left and the wind and sea built. 3 or 4 stayed set up for swordies throughout the night--to no avail. With the dawn, the inter com announced that this was the time the bite has started before---man dear, the cabin and bunk room emptied!!! And it did this trip--after all, it is known as "magic hour". With the sun, the wind and seas lessened until mid-morning, lines went out the port side or at first toward the bow. Another slow steady pick of yellows. Seas still held 7 fters but didn't seem as rough. We had set up in sight of a pot marker and as the morning progressed, as the wind shifted, we had to shorten up on the anchor line. on one such move, 3 of us got hooked up "on the troll" (all in the port corner) think all 3 came aboard. All these fish were smaller than those caught on previous trips, but you know, they all taste the same, as has been said many times. A few were footballs, the rest 50-70lb class yellows. 2 or 3 free swimming mahi and 2 Longfin included in the catch, also. we had a few visitations by those wonderful blue sharks, mostly all after sunup. As on previous trips, fish were not line shy. Of several boat poles used with 60# line, some caught, my fish came aboard using 80# in full sun. Butters were the bait of choice but sardines and squid caught as well. Trip back to the barn was such that one had better stay down and only move around as necessary--started back just before 1 PM, arrived just after 7.
Fish totals: 43 YFT, 2 LFT, 2-3 maui-maui
Not everyone caught, anglers of all abilities aboard but we all helped each other. Water was still clear blue and still upper 60's. Hopefully, it'll last thru Nov's trips.
As always, crew worked as a well-oiled machine...Kudos to them for their dedication and to our Capt. Kudos for his ability to find that magical "X".

A special mention: Capt74, AKA: Capt. Tuna, Capt. Mahi, Tonk. Greg was on board for this trip before heading back to N.C. Gonna miss him 'til next year--a very good friend, always there to help, excellent Captain and fisherman, so glad to know him.

[Ol Pedro]

Way to go Chuckle ! Hope we do as well tonight.

[Pennsy Guy]

Think you will, we left with fish there and the weather looks much better out there!!! I got one on a butter, one on an Asian market sardine, both on 80#.

[Lido-Gambler]

Great report Chuck- the trip was a 36-hour grind but we got the job done. What a great group of anglers and its always great to have Tonk's experience on deck. Good luck to night Pete! Get 'em on the Gambler.

[capt74]

Thanks for the kind words, Chuck. It's been a pleasure fishing with you for the last 18 years. Don't forget you promised me that when I turn 80 you will be standing at the rail next to me. And you were not kidding anyone you were just waiting for the right TUNA ! Be well, my friend.

[AndyS]

Thanx for the report, a banner season so far !!