Gambler 24, another bloody decks

[Pennsy Guy]

Just back---Bob took us out stopping at the NOAA weather buoy on the Hudson tip for mahi and it produced a variety of sizes...chickens to 15-20 lbs. From there we went onto a canyon wall (250'+/-) on a drift. The area north had reports of no tuna--understandable given the week's weather. Seas were as NOAA had predicted with just a few remaining 5ftr's.. Nothing happening, as I remember, until around 4 PM, then a couple yellows boated. Figured this would be an exploratory trip, again given a fishless week. Finally, at 5 I got a runoff, one in 60# class "Y", then another at 6 and in 50# class. These were part of several "fish on's", most of which were boated A few more "Y's" in the slush tank during the pre-mid-night hours. My 3'rd hookup came in at 9 PM,, first few minutes thought it was a blue dog--until we saw it and it saw the boat. With help, we got it(70# class) in the tank. That was it for me...went to sleep, more or less, while the younger set fished on! Whistle blew at 3:30, ending the festivities. Not everyone caught---I kept the bigger fish, gave the two to whoever didn't catch, well, two.
Totals: Mahi--30+/-... YFT's, thinking 37+/-. Pool fish 82#+. All were bigger tuna but did see one "football".
As is always the case, the crew performed tasks, angler assistance, et al with their usual expertise and Capt. Bob the foresight to take us to the hidden "X". KUDOS, KUDOS, KUDOS.
Bait of choice was squid and butters. Anglers' ability's varied but we all helped each other.
Oh yes, we did have a brief visitation of porpoises and a passing school of skippies. Water was near 70*, and clear blue.

On a sobering note, I spread my buddy's ashes at the end of the trip-"In the Hudson". Bob and I had short farewells--John Mullen..AKA: Socks, Muldune was a regular patron on the Gambler for years and well-liked by all who knew and fished with him. He's responsible for me getting back into fishing--especially tuna, and like he told me, "I didn't tell you everything I know." He is with the third member--Dennis Balkema (Lefty) of our threesome, who, at one point, Bob called his Three Musketeers. I miss their friendship and ball-busting--always will. See you two next week...
Now, got to vac seal some tuna.