NJF 36hr Gambler trip--10/22-23

[Pennsy Guy]

Capt. bob took us to what has been the hot Hudson and set up quick drift in 69.7* bluish water at about 2PM...first bird in at 4--40# leaders were right-it was a slow pick of yellows and birds until nothing for awhile...ran to other wall for a drift which produced nothing...getting to be late October, water cools, hopefully, they're still there...totals up to then...11 tuna 5/6 ratio Y to L's 50-60#...ran back to about where we had started and set up for the night...picked up a couple tuna, then nothing but big, bad blue dogs, couple of free swimming Mahi, porpise(first I've seen this year), the start of a weed line & a few, larger, jigable squid(Ol Pedro kept calling 'em Humbolts)LOL "til 4ish AM when the first Longfin came in. From then 'til when the whistle blew (Bob kept us there late) we had flurries come through with single and 2-3 fish hookups until they were holding under the boat the whole time..at times the screen was red from 50-150' with tuna...Unfortunately, not everyone caught--I had two birds, so at the end passed my rod off to a guy next to me--unfortunately, he was unbuttoned 5-10 secs later--passed it off again to a young lady without a fish, both had been at the rail 90% of the time---within 5 minutes she muscled a nice bird in...huge cheer when it came over the rail--that was great & was on 50# test---Jersey Coast built a great acid wrap for me!! NOAA's forecast was pretty much on as it got nice in Thurs. AM before picking up a bit late morning into PM...Water here was a really crystal clear blue and, I think, 72*...Actually watched a bird crash my bait 25-30' down, then barrel to the surface, this was the one passed off to the girl & was really green, between 45-50#.
Several tuna were jigged throughout the trip--butters & squid for the night- caught fish and sardines, primarily, and butters during the day.
As always the Gambler's crew was exemplary in their many duties from keeping the bloody decks clean to the good-natured ball busting on any one of us, not to forget the unerring headshot gaffing--- Capt. Bob, Todd(2nd Capt.), Greg(Master of all), Alex, Chris & Zach(also our chef).
Totals: 2-3 Mahi, 32 tuna 40-65# (about 50-50 split Y to L)
Last but not least, not only was this the NJF get-together annual trip, but more importantly, it was to benefit the "Save the Summer Flounder Fishing Fund". Cudos and much appreciation to the sponsors who contributed their time to assemble & provide the products offered for this raffle. Again, cudos!!!! Looking forward to next year's event-it's a winner!!!!