Unless you have been off the grid, or living in a cave,
you know that the offshore bluefin bite is starting to
heat up. The wind and rain had kept the fleet at the
dock earlier this month. But now we’ve had great
weather, and most of the fleet is done with their
yearly maintenance. Over the last few weeks, boats
like Polaris Supreme, Pacifica, New Lo-Ann, and
Pacific Queen have scored fish up to 150 lbs. Even
full day boats like the Liberty and San Diego have
switched from yellowtail at the Coronados, to
running offshore in search of bluefin. As I write this
at NOON, the San Diego has 27 bluefin boated, with
more hanging! So, if you’ve been waiting, it’s time
to get going! If the full day boats are scoring, then
you know the action is in the 25–30-mile range, so
you private boat folks can also get in on the action.
For your success, here are a few tips to ensure you
come home with miles of smiles.
First thing, check your gear before you go. Make
sure you have fresh mono topshots on your reels.
Hopefully, you have serviced your reels in the offseason. If not? You have to know it’s a long turn
around no matter where you go. Fisherman’s, Dana
Landing, or Ken’s up here in my neck of the woods
(North County) are all swamped. Cal’s 2 Speed is
super busy as well. Expect three weeks or more for
turnaround.
Second, make sure you have an assortment of
fluorocarbon. They’re catching fish up to 60 pounds,
on 30-60# setups with fly lined bait. If you’re on
anything from an overnight to a 3-day trip, don’t
leave your heavy gear at home. 80# or bigger setups
on two-speed reels, like a Talica, Makira, VISX or
similar, will give you the power to fish for the 100-
plus pounders. All the landings have excellent rental
gear. Yes, that runs around $100, but remember,
these setups easily retail for $1,000. On these trips,
it’s back to “vampire fishing”. Bring your 400–600-
gram knife jigs and big flat falls, and don’t forget
sinker rigs. Hopefully you have marked your spectra,
so you know what depth you’re at. If you are
replacing your spectra, consider Power Pro Depth
Hunter or the Izorline colored spectra; they change
color every 100 feet. And it’s never a bad idea to call
the landing or your local tackle shop, to get the dope
on what’s working, and to make sure you have the
right hooks.
If the weather and conditions continue to improve,
we are going to have a great season again! The
captains and deckhands will tell you “You can sleep
on land!” But know your abilities, and don’t get hurt.
Be courteous and patient out there. Take a lead from
one of our departed members, Curt Itogawa. Be a
good person, and good things will come to you.
Hope to see you at the next meeting and hear what
everyone is catching.
Tight Lines,
Arnie Seko
