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FROM THE DECK By Captain Jack
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Captain "FBI" Wayne of Redondo Beach with his 50-pound Rooster Fish, one of many caught on his 3,000 mile trip to the tip of Baja and back. |
Albacore or Yellowtail?
Well, mates, with all the tails about Albacore out of Diego, the Captain here and his buddy from Nor-califrisco, Charlie "Tuna," went south for a look see. We got to Diego about nine p.m. and signed on with the "Prowler" and Captain Buzz, out of Fisherman's Landing. The "Prowler" is a sweet ship with good, clean accommodations. The crew is helpful with all yer needs. They like to have a good time and, best of all, find and catch fish.
We pulled out about 11 p.m. and were off for an 80-mile run for Albacore. In the morning, we were greeted by 8- to 12-foot seas and 20 mile-an-hour winds. I said to me'self, "We're in for a workout today!"
Thirty minutes into a troll, Charlie hooks his first Albie. Now it appears things won't be too bad. Captain Buzz would pull up at each kelp paddy to see if anyone's home. Darn near each stop produced one or two nice Yellowtail. Then we hit the mid-morning and early-afternoon drag. No Albacore and No Tuna and darn few Yellows. Aarg, sez the Captain.
Now I'm thinking, "We be in for a long boat ride." That's when Captain Buzz heads his ship into new waters. He ain't gonna be denied -- nor will his fare -- fish for the day. Rite when things looks real bad, Captain Buzz pulls up on a jackpot paddy and every fisherman with a rod in the water was hooked up! There must have been 100 big fat Yellows under that kelp and they was all hungry for a sardine. Folks were yelling, "Hookup! I see color. Need a gaff. We're wrapped up! Help, help!" Pure pandemonium!
One young fella, 10 years old, had a big fat daddy on his line that was kicking his wee little arsh. The deckhand stays with him and makes sure he lands his first Big Yellow. His arms a shaking, sweat dripping of him in buckets, the Captain here asks him, "You ready for another?" He sez, "Nope, I need a Coke and a rest."
There was no rest for anyone else, cause them Yellows were boiling and biting like flies. When the bite finally ended, the deck looked like a war zone; running red and filled with flopping fish. Four deckhands were mopping up, washing down, tagging fish and dropping 'em in the freezer hole. Captain Buzz had a grin from ear to ear. Now, he could head home all pleased, with a job well done.
Now, every trip has someone with a hot rod. Well, that was Charlie "Tuna" with one Albacore and seven Yellowtail in his sack. Then there was a 13-year-old by the name of Jason "the Saber" Saberon, who's been fishing since he was three. This young man was hooked up on each stop. He had seven Yellows in his sack. I say he's going to be one hell of a fisherman! Already is! A regular Tiger Woods of the Sea. Then, there was Cookie in the Galley, Sean Iolu, who could cook up a greasy spoon like barracuda slime. That boy should be working at a Truck Stop in Yuma.
There was one "Jewel" on board, Shonna Brown, 20 years old, and a real credit to the lady fishermen. She had one Dorado and two Yellows in her sack. The boys better watch out for this one!
So next time yer looking for a good Buzz, great crew, and some fish on board, look up the "Prowler" and tell 'em that Captain Jack sent ya. Fisherman's Landing at (619) 221-8500. Make yer reservations early and bring a buddy.
On the local scene, both freshwater and salt have slipped into a summer rest period. The Sand Bass bite has leveled off. But a full moon's coming on, so, don't be surprised if a few White Sea Bass start banging off Rocky Point with some Yellows mixed in for fun. Barracuda are still out there with good counts on Calico Bass. If ya like Catfish, almost every lake is dragging 'em out at night.