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Awesome Tuna Action - Off The Backside of the Cape
Capt. Roland Lizotte
October 27, 2008
Stellwagen Bank - Saltwater Fishing Report
Today we had a small window of opportunity to get out and fish the early morning tides before the 40mph+ gales from the SE kicked in. We started our day by leaving Brewer's Marine around 6:15am before the sun could get up over the water. We had a good crew aboard for the day, our goal, to put some tuna in the boat and that is what we ended up doing. Today we were going to target tuna and cod but with the winds forecasted to blow late morning, we made it a tuna day instead. We hit one of my favorite spots where we have seen tuna all season long (giants and small fish) and decided to put the bird bars out for a little bit to see if we could raise some fish while looking for pods on the surface.
About an hour into or troll, we came across some large schools of bait, lots of birds (I MEAN A LOT, ENOUGH TO PICK UP ON RADAR) and then we saw the fish. The weather was perfect, stiff breeze which chopped the water and overcast skies. After pulling through some pods of fish, we pulled in the bars, broke out the spinning gear and now it was time to run these fish down. We made a few moves after watching how the pods of
fish were running along with our drift and started to cast. We saw a boat off to our starboard side hook up and within minutes, we had fish all around us. It was frustrating because every cast was perfect and we could not get one to bite. Then it came, Rob had a hit and missed, I had a hit and missed and as we were making the decision to head back because of the building seas and wind, Rob nailed one. The battle was on. Rob worked the fish up in the bow as I ran the boat to keep it in perfect position for Rob to fight the fish. After several runs
to the bottom, the Okuma V65A worked the fish up to the boat. It was a nice fish, 120+lbs. After a 30-40 minute battle, building 3-6' seas,winds blowing to 20,we had the fish boat side. We gaffed the fish and we pulled it over the rail. The fish was 60" and fat. Probably one of the fattest fish I have seen in a while.
After bleeding the fish and getting into the fish box, we secured everything in the boat and started our 22 mile ride back to Plymouth. One thing I have to say about the Hydrasport 2390 is that it is a tank on the water. If you are a die hard fisherman, you know what I mean. If you do not mind getting wet and are dressed for it with foul weather gear, this boat handles the rough stuff well. I do not care what size center console you are on, when the wind is blowing 15-20, the spray will get you. So with that said, we were able to trim the boat and run at 26 mph most of the way back to Plymouth up on top of the 3-5' seas, which made for a safe and fast ride back.
Back at the dock,we took some pictures and cleaned the fish. Since the Jersey Girl was not on board for this trip today, she managed to get some great pictures at the dock for us. We probably carved about 400 dollars worth of meat off the fish. Bluefin tuna are just awesome fish to watch, catch and most of all, eat!! It was a great way to possibly end the season and think about what next season will bring. The good news we have to report is that the Tuna are still feeding and around in good numbers. If the weather holds, these fish should be around into early November. So with that said, are you interested in getting in on some of this last minute action?
We will be pulling the boat out for the season on 11/15. We will run some cod trips through 10/31 and tuna trips daily weather permitting. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday look like they may be good days to get out. So give us a call and contact Captain Roland for booking details and late season discounts.
Stellwagen Bank Fishing Forecast:
Tuna fishing should ramain hot.
Target Species:
Tuna/Cod
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