Gambler 36hr tuna 10-20/21

[Pennsy Guy]

Just back with bloody decks washed clean by spray! NOAA was spot on this time with forecast. We stopped at the NOAA weather buoy for Mahi, picked up a smallish bird. Then on to the pots for more of the speedsters. Ran between some and drifted from one to the next sometimes. Finally made a short run to the Hudson East Wall for the night anchor point. Current wasn't too bad even with the Full Moon. We had a bird attack-well we caught them on a pick with a few multiple hook-ups throughout the night. With the sun chasing the night, the yellowfins came on-small ones(footballs) chased out by 50-60# yellows later along with the occasional football. After wind shifted from W to SW, boat swing was worse forcing switching sides from time to time. Some lost fish due to tangles and chaffing on the hull. Very few squid-full moon keeping them down-or other life. Only one blue shark @ night, 2-3 during full daylight. Highlight was late AM when a large White Marlin was hooked and fought for 4-5 trips around the boat with some spectacular jumping antics before a successful release. Fish totals: 1 jack, several Mahi-mahi, 1 Golden Tile, 22 Longfin, 45 Yellowfin. 68.5* nice clear blue water. Ride out was comparatively easy with a quartering following sea but ride in was just the opposite.
As is always the case on the Gambler, kudos to Capt. Bob, 2nd Capt. Greg, mates Nico, John, Eric and Duffy for their care of us and their performance of duties.
Hopefully, the appearance of the birds on this trip is a portent of things to come on remaining trips. Oh yes, a few tuna were jigged; most were on butterfish, then sardines and frozen squid.

[AndyS]

Nice trip !