120# bluefin tuna on third cast!!
Capt. Rich Antonino
October 26, 2008
Stellwagen Bank - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well well well. We got out there on Stellwagen and hooked up on our third cast. I love starting the day like this. First, let me say I was excited to take this party out there again. They fished with me this summer and Matt and I both said that it was the nicest group of guys that we ever met. This summer, we saw tons of tuna, but didn't hook any. I really wanted to put a fish in the boat--the fishing was promising and the weather window was perfect.
So, getting to the SWC, we didn't see a tons of life, so we ran around at 30mph looking for birds, whales, or signs of life on the sonar. Well, we found tons of birds, fishy looking water, and then, bang! The fishfinder lit up with fish at 30-50'. We started casting with the wind, trying to lead any cruising shearwaters. Those birds follow tuna, then dive when the tuna push bait to the surface. Lead them and the tuna will rise. Well, it happened quickly on the bow and the battle was on. My big concern was our 2kt drift and the lobster pots around us. I didn't want the fish to wrap a line. 35-40 minutes later, the fish was boatside and exhaustion was the word of the day. Awesome battle and I was so happy.
We had fishy water for the rest of the day, but the bite died off until the next slack tide as we were about to leave. We had another smash at the end of the day on my tuna candy lure, but it was a short strike, maiming the lure. From the roof of my cabin, I could see tuna flashing all around; I was surprised we didn't hook up on any of the other guys. It was exciting, but a bit frustrating. But still a blast! Tuna fishing with spinning gear is the crack of fishing. It's addicting!
Keep your eyes on the weather and we'll get out there on every good day. See you out there smiling. Think about fishing next spring already! Isn't that sad, I'm already booking trips for next year? Well, it'll be here soon. Capt. Rich Antonino, Black Rose Fishing Charters, 508-269-1882
Stellwagen Bank Fishing Forecast:
Tuna will be here until December!!!
Target Species:
bluefin tuna
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