Gambler 36--10/13-14

[Pennsy Guy]

Just back from another Gambler exciting trip. Not so much on numbers, for most of us catching is a bonus, but on what you see out there---from whales & porpoise with their shows to the inevitable oceanic blue sharks, seldom seen species and the occasional antics from the tuna- just to mention a few. O.K. We started for where we were last week; got reports of zero fish so Capt. Bob altered course to the big canyon. On the way made 2 drifts at the NOAA 2066 buoy with one 12# Mahi and a probable tuna(cut-off by braid). From there headed for the 100 square, set up a drift in 68.8* clear blue water in NOAA predicted weather/seas. From there we went to the Hudson proper for a drift and finally after another drift move, moved again and went on the hook. From there, made another short run and set up a drift, then dropped anchor and stayed there 'til the end. This trip could be called "The night of the sword". Boated 3 legal, 2 60-70#, one a marker around 180# after 2 hrs. and three dropped after short fights; one released unharmed, another little rat released itself. That was at night, during our daylight anchor time, fought an unseen sword for 3.5 hrs. only to lose the fight due to a sword chaffed/parted 40# leader--heartbreaking to say the least! Had to be a swordy from the way it acted-sometimes down, sometimes up and out with round and round the boat travels. Saw a flying fish, chased by a porpoise, slam into the hull, totally concussed. Another highlight, a Bigeye blimp, boated after an hour and half-weighed in @ 168.8#. Another was I got talked into dropping down to a 25#, 8' leader on my 30# main line rig. 30' from boat got hooked up but couldn't stop it for 400', finally got it to the boat only to find it was tail-hooked/ wrapped, 55# bird. We had anchored within sight of a pot buoy/high flyer so we had the occasional free-swimming Mahi all the time.
Fish totals: 13 tuna--Y's & L's(7 & 5), 1 Bigeye), 20 Mahi--chickens to 15#.
Capt. Bob again went over and above to find the fish. 2nd Capt. Greg, mates Nico, Erik, John and Paul took care of the needs of their patrons expertly and cheerfully...these guys are the greatest!
Oh yea, had jigable squid at night--fairly consistent but not overwhelming--only had two baits "squidded"--both about an hour before dawn.
Looking forward to next weeks trip, looks like the birds are there. They were read on the sounder but had trouble getting them to bite.