Redemption at the Dip-Tuna!

 Who likes to get skunked? You do all the right stuff-watch the SST, follow the water, and get all the gear ready then with a wake and a prayer head out to the shelf break in search of tuna. That was the case two weeks ago with Ed Beren’s boat Boss III and his crew of Stan, Jitu, Kevin and yours truly. We had been following the latest body of warming water moving from the East which was 68 degrees. Yes, a bit cool, but it was the only game in town given that it was a much longer trip to the Southern Jersey Canyon where the action was hot and heavy. Who also doesn’t relish being the first to discover, work and succeed at catching a virgin body of water?

Well it did not happen.

Despite all, we were the only boat there, the water did not exceed 68 degrees and there was virtually no life for the entire trip.

Bummer, and then some.

So, fast forward to two weeks later, yesterday, and we decide to look at the lay of the sea again-SST, shots, weather window, water flow, and reports.

The water temps had climbed a few degrees, there appeared to be some circular motion,

weather forecast was good, and we had heard a report or two of fish taken at the Tails/Block Canyon a week or so earlier.

With renewed energy we left the dock at 3:30am Sunday headed 162 degrees for the Dip area where the SST showed a 72 degree break against 66 water. Good place to target. Aboard were Bossman Ed, Stan, John, Matt, Nat and YT .

After a relatively short ride of 2 hrs, at 32 knots, we began to look for life following the deploying of Ed’s spread which he lovingly configures, nutures and we credit to our success for today's catch.

Shortly afterward we begin to see puffs of mist. Pilot whales were in the vicinity and we could see them here and there all around us in the distance. Occasional pods of dolphin were also cavorting the area, and there were small bait balls on the screen. OK, now this was very encouraging. As we all discussed the conditions, thwack, thwack and thwack, three rods go off! Yeah baby. Clearing lines and fighting adrenaline we are all smiles working our fish to the boat. Minutes later we have three our season’s yellowfin at the boat. I had the gaff ready, but it turns out I did not need it. We had stumbled upon a class of 5th graders, that is, juvies. These aggressive fish collectively did not tip the scale over 25lbs!  Ok, whatever, we slipped the hooks out of their mouths and slid them back into the blue. Giving hi-fives all around and happy to begin the count for the season. We continued working the area and 20 mins later, same thing. Thwack, thwack, thwack. By noon we had over 30 juvies in the boat with the largest just over 27”.

Hmm, sharing one fish with 6 guys was only a mouthful or two for each guy.

By 2pm we had another dozen of these fish. Small yes, but aggressive as hell ripping off the riggers with the strength of a much larger fish. We were having lots of good action, everyone having multiple turns on the rods, strong sunshine on our bodies and great seas.

Would have made a charter captain happy!

But, here it comes; we figured there had to be bigger fish. The hungry juvies were probably getting to the spread faster than the larger fish but what to do? Nothing, just keep going.

Typical of most fishing trips you save the best for last. We were now calculating the time when we would have to head for the barn and that put pressure on us. Were we going to get a bigger one or not? Watching, discussing our options suddenly the long rigger goes off. Not a thwack, but a whack! Only one rod is hooked up.

John is closest and takes it on. Lines cleared and it is also clear this is a much bigger fish. Not quite the bigeye we were hoping for but bigger. It took a long run then began the fight to move it to the boat. 10 minutes later we have two gaffs ready. We see color and see a much larger size. Yes! I grab the bar and steady the fish and slowly bring it up to gaffing range. Nat is ready as well. In goes my gaff, and takes hold. Nat takes his shot and scores as well. Two minutes later we have a beautiful adult yellowfin! Size estimates ran from 65-80lbs. Nice round, big fish. Once aboard you could have heard congratulatory whoops all the way to the Middle Grounds. It was the cap off of a great day on the water. Now we all had a lot more than one mouthful of tuna to taste.

Ah, yes redemption. Love it when all goes to plan.

Thanks to Ed for his gracious hospitality, and Stan who took the wheel the entire trip.

Rest of crew was excellent. Running 9 lines and lots of crazy multiples we did not tangle nor have mishaps. All fish were in 600 foot of water just off the slope of the Dip in 72 degree water. Color of water was a blue, bluish green. Wanted that Gulf blue but did not find. We were running several bars in many colors. Green was best color. But have to give shout out to Bigfoot bars with birds. They did best, Jamie. Had large green jet, and squid chain and untouched bally. Most BUT the bally got hit at least once. Gotta wonder sometimes whether it is the collective action of all different lures, individual preference or just happenstance which gets hit. More to ponder.

But the key take-away from this trip is Redemption. We got our mojo back. Got to keep the faith, have a plan A&B, and stay with the fish. We kept on saying; don’t leave fish to find fish. In this case it was true indeed.

That water should be in the Hudson area next week. So, good luck to all heading out for their own redemption.

Not me in photo! Me taking it.