First Gambler 36hr tuna

[Pennsy Guy]

Just back from a trip with nays and yeas. First, NOAA was spot on; it was almost perfect weather. First day with breeze light/variable and 1 kt. drift in 70.4* beautifully clear blue water made it extremely difficult for flat lining.
Being somewhat of an exploratory trip, Bob headed us to the Triple wrecks to see if there was any action--45 minutes later, there wasn't so we headed for the Bacardi and set up south of the small fleet already there. I think lines in a bit after 11AM. First fish in shortly after-a nice fat YF. Bite continued and diminished as we slowly drifted out of the zone. Bob moved us back several times to continue the bite. We ran a bit for the night and drifted with nothing happening with but 2-3 lines in. Back to the start point and the hookups continued until we headed for the barn around 3:15 this PM. Sharks were a constant problem with more than half the "fish ons" being blue dogs, although there was a black tip hooked and boated.4 or 5 of us joined the "5 shark" club. I think one of us did catch a YF. Of the two Skippies caught, I got one; of the two mahis caught, I got one--they cost me 10 demerits in the 5 shark club . Major plus was that whales were present 95% of the time--5 times one passed stern to bow 20-25' down and 1 under @ mid-ship--just an incredible sight!! Also, we had YF streaking 15-20' down 20' from the boat--1 came through 15' down, 5' from the boat--don't see that every trip.
Fish totals: 2 mahi 2 skipjacks 1 black tip shark 25 YF's(pool fish 69#)
Hopefully, weather calms enough for next week's 36...