Headed off to Belmar NJ thursday night for canyon tuna on Golden Eagle a 23 hour trip. Got to canyon anchored up in 700 ft or so. things slow till 230 am then it began. not spurts but steady pick then 500 boom my rod went off at 200 ft down. Set the hook and said ouch. that bad boy was off and running. Pushed lever on accurate past strike and slowed him down then he came at me. then the up and downs for a while and he was dinner. Big eye appx 150- 160 Later landed a yellowfin 50-60. Not bad for an old fart like me. Sure was tired when i got home though.
The guys on american angler gave lessons on my trips there and i listened Did the rail rod thing the whole time and it sure paid off big time
equipment custom calstar 770h rod by Kens custom reel, accurate atd 50 (25 lbs drag), 130 cortland spectra 100 izor flouro mustad 94151 9/0 hook
Back out there again tonight
See ya in a couple hours Bill. Can't wait to put some steel to a forked tail fish. Weather gods are smiling on us. Travel safe.
Bob
Great report! Pictures! Pictures!....please and thank you for sharing.
Captain Al's old films of catching tuna in the canyon on the Betty W are amazing. Glad you had a good time.
There were a lot of fish back then that were not Iced. You could see tails sticking out of the barrels.
The Brooklyn VI sails at 7AM Sunday for a 36 Hr. Trip
Mike
That was a nice bigeye. I wish I was out there tongiht. Oh well, life sucks like that lol. Until then I'll see you around next year. And more than 1 trip that's for sure. Good luck on tonight's trip.
I don't fish for Tuna. I'm waiting for Sea Bass & Cod. Those are long day trips.
Mike
Quote from: bluefish69 on October 12, 2015, 03:45:46 AM
I don't fish for Tuna. I'm waiting for Sea Bass & Cod. Those are long day trips.
Mike
are those trips generally pretty good? If they taste anything like lingcod, then I'm up for giving it a shot.
Sea Bass when you hit the right wreck can fly over the rail for everyone with a mix of Jumbo Porgies. There is a limit of 8 Sea Bass at present going to 10 soon. Porgies are 30 limit at 12". Cod is 10 Fish & 22". I don't eat Cod. There is nothing wrong with them, it's just me. It is possible to get a limit of Sea Bass & Porgies. You will see Porgies of 3-4# on these trips.
Mike
Great job Bill, good catch!
back at it again on Golden eagle belmar, nj
For 27 years ive tried for a swordfish Hooked a few always got spooled or broken up.
went sunday oct 11 again. Put a giant squid out 500 ft with 24 ozs weight on drift,. Boom bang wham and game on. Half hour later 100 lb sword on deck.
Might have brought a howitzer to a gun fight with my gear but it got it done accurate 80w 1300 yds 130 cortland spectra on calstar 770xxxh rod 24/0 vmc hook 200 lb izor flouro leader and top shot.
The search for the holy grail is finally over.
Back at it again this coming sunday same time same place
ALWAYS bring enough gun! ;)
Congrats on your grail fish.
My first one thus far was a monster Gator Gar. 7 feet, 200 + pounds. checked that box. ;D
Quote from: bill19803 on October 13, 2015, 06:19:57 PM
back at it again on Golden eagle belmar, nj
For 27 years ive tried for a swordfish Hooked a few always got spooled or broken up.
went sunday oct 11 again. Put a giant squid out 500 ft with 24 ozs weight on drift,. Boom bang wham and game on. Half hour later 100 lb sword on deck.
Might have brought a howitzer to a gun fight with my gear but it got it done accurate 80w 1300 yds 130 cortland spectra on calstar 770xxxh rod 24/0 vmc hook 200 lb izor flouro leader and top shot.
The search for the holy grail is finally over.
Back at it again this coming sunday same time same place
Nice work. Perseverance pays off. Any pics?
bmitch is gonna try posting pics of sword and big eye hope it works
Ok Bill...here ya go. Fun fishing with you. Hope you get the weather and the fish.let me know about November.
(http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/MITSERVCS/media/A36B9A49-BF2D-420C-9E49-CA81DE148390_zpsxfnshpmr.jpg.html)
(http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/MITSERVCS/media/407D23C7-A370-4090-B759-7972CD9F8B51_zpsadj6kura.jpg.html)
Bill here is the real deal. He comes to the gun fight with a cannon. As my buddy Scott said he hunting monsters.lol
Not fair. Fishing gets good when I'm off the boat :(
Nice to see the pic of the sword. The fact that no one else caught one means you're doing something right.
Hello $Bill,
Thanks for the reports and congratulations on the sword fish !!!!! The big eye is nice but I have seen you catch much bigger YFT. If I don't see you at the docks in San Diego good luck on your next AA TRIP.
John
Very nice!...thanks for the report.
My Kinda Guy! ;)
The Big Guns get'er Done. ;D
I just wonder what those big fish are feeling when they realize they are not going to get away this time.
Its hard telling how many times they have until they meet a guy like Bill.
Great Job! :o
NICE Sword and Tuna! Glad we got to see the pics.
Awesome to see the pictures and hear the tales. Thanks for sharing. Us young guns learn a lot from you older gentleman, we really appreciate your input and knowledge; keep it up!
I missed this thread until now. Congratulations. Nice fish. Dominick
Just returned from 14 day trip to clarion island, mexico for giant yft things were a bit slow in comparison to previous trips fewer fish smaller fish (relatively) and tough fishing ya earned every one of them 3 cows for the boat i got 4 over 100 plus a hoo on flouro (no wire) lost a lot of hoos and couple decent or more yft but thats fishing
great food great group of guys so all in all a good trip just not spectacular like in past- im spoiled.
lots of sportsmanship-- handing off 100+ lb fish to those having a tough day sharing of techniques, knowledge and sometimes equipment, getting out of the way of someone hooked up was the rule rather then the exception.
as always amazing to experience this fishery but the old body cant take the constant pounding of 6 days straight fishing anymore, so this was my last long range
got to handle prototype reels that are in r & d stage look sweet couldnt find out what was inside them but they did perform well for those that used them. with the consultant who is helping with the design it looks like these will be the next generation of big game goodies and be very successful.
will stick to east coast waters from here on and hope for the big one one more time
Bill, sorry to hear it was a slow trip. Like you said..that's fishing. We will hook up as the season progresses here. Just think in another month will be stripers. Glad to hear you made it back safe.
Bob
I wouldn't call that a bad trip, yes sounds like you are spoiled ;D.
Now lets see some pics if you have some.
14 days...wow!!
Good to have you back safe Bill.
Sal
Well done Bill! Post up some pictures if you have any, or email them to me and I'll host them and post them.
Sounds like you've got enough meat to last a while, do you get it shipped home?
well its that time of year again to give the east coast yellowfins and swords a jaw ache. Out on Golden eagle, belmar, nj on Sunday/monday. Did a loooong boat ride to one of the canyons. The weatherman lied a bit on winds just about twice as fast as predicted. Drift was too fast so had to go to anchor. 5 hours into fishing got a bump that took about 2 feet and quit. Nothing nada 15 mins later guy next to me lands a swordie of 125-140. i pull in my squid from 600 ft out yep its been slashed by a sword but he didnt like it. same fish ??? who knows.
Move an hour south more anchor nada Lines running from stern to bow and seems like always under the boat. Trying to fish deep and away from the tuna guys means i gotta let out some serious line. Was going out 500 ft with 16 oz lead and 2 giant hooks in squid so maybe 20 oz total to get where i needed to be. Shoulda stayed in cabin instead of freezing in the wind for all the good i did.
Total for boat one sword and no tuna. The saga continues Wednesday again
Thanks for the update Bill! Looking forward to more updates over the next few weeks.
well after 2 trips that were agonizingly long im ready to pack it in for the season
First trip --no tuna one sword maybe 125 no other hits but did have a big squid get slashed at 300 down but no bite
Second trip combo mahi tuna --lots of chicken mahi a few gaffers to maybe 15 lbs one sword of maybe 20 lbs.it was released and swam away Did not hear of any other bites during tuna portion of trip.
I tried deep 300-350 down (600 ft out) with big squid. On top with smaller squid no weight and from 100 down to 200 down with many weights at one point 40 ozs to get to 150 ft DOWN. Nada zilch zero baits came back looking like i put them out.
Ya cant catch anything if you dont have bait in the water so ill try again sunday but beginning to wonder about my sanity.
more after sunday trip
Bill
I just read the report from the Head Boats Pt. Pleasant N.J. to Montauk. All Tuna Fishing is dead slow. It's even hard to find bait that they would eat since the storm on Labor Day weekend. Also saw the temp. chart only warm water is South of Montauk.
Mike
so i went and did it again same results nada. feels so good when you stop beating your head on the wall lol 2 bites for the boat probably swords from behavior. quit early went pot hopping for mahi to put meat in the coolers. lots of them, but mostly chicken size few gaffers.
and we will try again sunday 3 more to go uggggh
Mitch ya aint missing a thing.
im gonna find out if reports are good or mostly fluff. boat leaves at 430 pm sunday report on tuesday
Good Luck, Hurricane Mathew is headed North.
Bill, there is always next time. If fishing was easy, we would quickly lose interest ;).
yep it aint easy but id sure like to see someone catch a fish besides mahi mahi. but rumor has it and fishing reports confirm it that fish are coming into the area. maybe this time is the time all heck breaks loose. the eternal fishing optimist
Bill, I have been fortunate enough to see some amazing fishing before a big storm. Don't know as if I'd do it again.
There definitely comes a time when your safety outweighs the chance of a monster.
If your fishing inshore it might not be too bad but if your out in the Canyons its a long, long, way from home.
GL and be safe, .. Lou
back from voyage number 4 in the 2016 sword/tuna quest. from reports i was passenger on hiliner in the fleet. if you call one sword 3 60 lb yellows for the boat hilining.headed out of Belmar, NJ sunday afternoon.did some serious traveling but finally got there. sut up my gear atd80/spectra and waited and waited. nada for everyone. finally boss man says pull em in we are going to make a move. cranked and cranked but when you have 300 yards out its a lot of cranking. boom rod almost yanked out of my hand but nothing there. get my jumbo squid back totally destroyed by a slashing sword.
and that was my action and all the action for my end of the boat. 3 yellows to 60 plus sword for the bow.
i guess that why they call it fishing not catching.
discouraged uh huh disappointed yep no ones fault but the fish gods i guess. crew as always was great sorting tangles, undoing birds nests, chunking and just trying to lighten the gloomy atmosphere.
beginning to wonder if mid atlantic yellowfins have found a secret passageway and shortcut to california.
so for 9 days i get to rest and recuperate (needed badly) before doing it all over again. beginning to think i had masochistic tendencies when i made the reservations.
Thanks for the update Bill...Good Luck! Reading varying reports from the Voyager and Jamaica II...
Again, I appreciate you lending me your gear--testing out the rod and reel. It's just too bad I couldn't test it out on any fish, and even though the bite was bad, it is also perhaps partly my own fault for not catching anything either (you know what I mean, lol). I must admit, the international was a bit too big and difficult to handle. Not quite ready to deal with spectra line either; that was a pain to reel back in. I wouldn't admit it at the time. Still itching for another trip. I will try to do one more.
Good reports, enjoyed reading them.....Bill
yep all the boats caught tuna one or two for the boat. we were within sight of brooklyn sunday in canyons. radio reports said they got 2 fish not sure how they finished out. but certainly wasnt a good day for the fleet
so i went again and i got back nuff said one more to go
Hey Reuben he doesn't want to talk about. Dominick
The Capt. of the Brooklyn VI posted on FB. They had 32 YFT today.
Mike
ok Rub it in lol
Bill
If you knew me I wouldn't do that. I posted what the Capt. told me. I used to work on this boat in the Galley.
Mike
Bill, sooooo sorry for the tuna bite this year, and or lack there of. It's been really hit or miss out there so far. Ya know when they start saying the blue fishing is good and shy away from the tuna reports....well, you know. It could still turn around . We've caught them as late as mid December. So ya never know.!!! Sounds like you'll be just about wore out by then. Good luck on any of the remaining trips you got and keep us posted. These are RELIABLE reports. Not just what the customers want to imagine.
Bob
bob
one more trip this sunday and thats the end of this ordeal and saga.-you know how i fish and the gear i use.
its been the luck of the draw so far no particular skill involved by those successful. this past trip fish were 10 feet down and it was sight fishing for two minutes and done.no other tuna before or after grrrr. seems like a huge cloud of squid 200 ft thick are in the area hard to compete with that
You'll get them this time...;-)
my health prognosis just took a giant hit
so im selling off everything now to make less work for son later.
rods reels lines hooks swivels the whole thing even coolers emptying the house out so if you are looking for gear now is the time
bill
Again, so sorry to hear this Bill, seriously let me know a good night and I'll stop by to chat for a bit.
Sorry to hear this Bill. If there is a little PeP left in the tank you can limit out on Sea Bass now.
Mike
thanks for the best wishes there is hope i guess
Quote from: bill19803 on October 19, 2016, 01:59:26 AM
bob
one more trip this sunday and thats the end of this ordeal and saga.-you know how i fish and the gear i use.
its been the luck of the draw so far no particular skill involved by those successful. this past trip fish were 10 feet down and it was sight fishing for two minutes and done.no other tuna before or after grrrr. seems like a huge cloud of squid 200 ft thick are in the area hard to compete with that
Somehow I managed to miss this thread. Those huge clouds of squid are the ticket to keeping the tuna in a tight area. Conversely, when they are chasing mesopelagics, or Epipelagic fish species there daily and wedkly ranges expand, they feed less frequently, and are prone to move/migrate with moving water masses.
Squid are good for the tuna fishermen. Shrimp can have similar shorter-term effects.
Bill,
I am sorry to hear of your health woes. Stay strong, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help. You may want to make a blanket gear posting in the fir sale section, and fellow members may be able to help with your liquidation process.
John
Bill,
I've enjoyed reading your pursuit for the big one for the past two seasons, and with that passion and determination I'm certain there's no "give up" in you. We need you better to continue inspiring more of us to get out there and live our lives to the fullest as you do. I wish you all the best and will miss your stories and journeys, but I'm still hoping you pull a Michael Jordan and come out of retirement real soon.
Stay well,
Dom
things have gotten a bit better physically with a miserable strict diet. i love steak its history i love to eat lots thats history tired of veggies rice and 1/3 portion of meat and i feel like i will sprout feathers soon. but fighting it the best i can and getting some results in tests. maybe just maybe i can give mr broadbill another run for his life in the fall. meanwhile trying to pass on knowledge, techniques and equipment to the younger generation. and doing some paying it foreward to the members here. But i still have my monster reels and rods in case i get the chance to join the chase again and givem _____ (12 yr old rule) Thinking about a top shot seminar here for those local
thanks for the kind thoughts
keep punchin bill you may win on points
Hang in there Bill, I'm glad to hear things are moving in the right direction, you'll be on that boat in no time.
Listen to Mr Wallacewt, keep at it. Good advise, that man is the strongest man I know.
Sal
So another season about to begin. Made reservations for 6 trips on golden eagle, belmar nj. Each 24 hrs to canyons on continental shelf. Started gear overhaul and found atd 50 with a couple bad bearings so off to California with it no one here will touch atd with cals shifter. Checked line, waxed spools and cut out flaws and spliced as necessary. Let me tell you 80 wides hold a lot of line. Arm sore for a week after that.
Then the hunt for giant squid for bait. Nope we don't have any but on a whim went to scotts bait and tackle (yes that scotts) and like penn parts they had squid that weighed close to two pounds each. Got 8 might go get more but that should do it. Now all I have to do is get a couple of flats of local squid for the little fish and bait is taken care of.
Swords seem to want to come to the boat, go to the bow and run under the boat, so bought some 200 izor flouro for 75 ft top shot. That stuff resists cutting with a knife and has worked for me with sword and bigeye. Only reason I use that length is to protect against abrasion on bottom of boat.
We are ready loaded and locked and just waiting. More to follow after sept 9
Bill, sounds like you may have the health concerns under control. Hope this is the case and good luck chasing the big'ens....Bill
doc doesnt think health probs are under control but he also says live your life so swordfish look out. Another trip to scotts today for sword bait. squid that have tubes up to a foot or more and the whole thing maybe 18 inches.Couldnt find them anywhere else but scotts so i bought all they had. Ouch. They came bagged but ill double bag in 2.5 gallon zip locks and stash them away maybe for next year--who knows what will happen this year maybe lots of big fish maybe lots of sharks stealing bait and i dont want to be without. So my personal bait for a trip is gonna be 3 big squid, 4 mackeral and about 5 lbs of smaller local squid for yellowfins, big eyes and mahi. At the cost of those big ones i better be bringing home dinner if i use all three that i take. But ya never know what the tax man with teeth is gonna charge. 10 more days to wait grrrrr goal is a 300 this year. Just changed out the line on 80stw because i had some extra 130 hollow spectra. I sorta forgot how much line that critter holds but my right shoulder is reminding me of that fact all day today. must be 1700 yards anyway on there . Its done now though just have to put end loop in it for top shots.
Go Get'em $$$Bill! ...Good luck my friend.
Best of Luck Bill! ;)
If you cannot find large Squid in a bait and tackle store, check your local Asian markets. I found they often have them. At a much better price too, although they haven't been brined for preservation as bait.
thanks for the tip on oriental markets. I dont use brined squid just big ones for fishing sword 500 ft down. thinking about inserting light stick into squid as an attractant. has anyone tried that and can advise ?
They use the glow sticks here in Nc. Good luck!
normal longliner practice for sword is to hang glow stick or light stick a few feet above bait. was thinking about inserting 2 inch glow sticks inside the squid, along with the 6 inch stick hanging from line above bait about 7 ft. sure would like feedback on the idea from anyone who has tried it, domestic or foreign doesnt matter..
I tried trolling mold craft squid daisy chains with lightsticks inserted in them at night while steaming on longline boats. I caught a lot if Silky sharks down by the equator, and 1 Mako up on the swordfishing grounds.
Not exactly what u were looking for. Most of our longliners fish light signs on every other branchline, 5-10' above the hook. They are not allowed to fish with squid bait, because sea turtles prefer squid to mackerel.
John
Bill,
It was great to meet you last night at Sal's and hear tuna fishing stories and techniques! The kind of knowledge that you have needs to be passed on. My grandparents used to go out for tuna out of Brielle, long before I was born, and it was my grandmother who got me into party boat fishing in NJ. As a teenager I fished for blues on the Miss Barnegat Light, and I enjoyed hearing about your history with Capt. Larsen.
If there is anything I can do to help you post online, to share stories or techniques, I'll be happy to help! Let me know...
Best,
Joe
Bill is a wealth of tuna knowledge...getting he and Sal in the same place is a special occasion. Hopefully there was some Brandy passed around to take off the 40 degrees chill :D
a word to the wise if you are invited to Sals place expect hospitality the likes of which you have seldom encountered. talk of reels and fishing , a chance to see parts of Sals great collection and two chefs of great ability. great food, great conversation, great fellowship with "THE MAN" and his wife. Thank you Sal for a great evening.
Bill
Without a doubt, Sal and his family offer unmatched old-world hospitality! Good to see some East-coast Ohana.
Dan has planned a bottom-fishing trip in for Nov. 30 but I won't be able to make it, unfortunately. http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=23197
I said that I would go on the trip last year but I have Med. Tests the day before Thanksgiving. I might not be going anywhere for a while.
There might be a 1 month season for Sea Bass in the month of Feb. Keep your ears open.
Mike
Thanks for the tip Mike - and good luck with all of your tests.
mike
hope your tests come out well mine didnt
will be selling majority of my gear on here. will list one item at a time later to avoid confusion it wont be cheap but it will be good
a summary for now more details later
80stw, 50 sw, 20, 30sw baker frame/cals All except 20 with tib handles and clamps, cortland 130 hollow,16 strand,waxed spool arbor all service yt kens, oceanside ca
accurate atd 50w, 50 atd 30 t atd (cals) atd30t (cals) all with cals shifter, clamps, cortland 130 hollow 16 strand, waxrd spool arbor, all service by kens or cals
finnor 12 same size as 80stw old fashioned 2 speed built like tank old dacron line
114h by sal ss gears ddog motive fab insert kit. lou knob, special crank ss sleeve, keta dogs, springs a larger tank
some 6/0 black and red stock.
custom calstars all graphiters appx 10 all with long butts for rail long range prefer pickup on rods as i dont have shipping tubes anymore.(de/pa/nj/md
770xxxh, 770xxh,770h,7465h,765xl,760h
all have aftco hd seat and gimbal, fuji bhpng ring guides, 3 or more coats flex coat light on wraps and more guides than necessary lol
my cost was over 300 each just for materials
The Sea Bass season for Feb. has been cancelled AGAIN.
My Tests are still pending. I will be eating Turkey.
Mike
So its getting to be that time of the year again. Tuna trips start sept 10 for me. Goal this year 200 lb sword true stand up style. No chair no rod holder just me vs fish on a anchored head boat with 24 other guys. Was wandering around ebay and what to my wondering eyes should appear but an atd 130 that was cheap. A cuiple of bids and deal done. It arrived and it was all it was advertised and then some- no boat rash one small scratch and a monster winch. Cleaned it up waxed spool checked all screws to make sure not corroded in place and greased the holes to seal them with cals. Then the fun putting on line without a line winder. Took a week to get it done. 4275 cranks in low gear to put on 130 spectra hollow c-16.. Then 600 cranks to load on appx 200 yds izor 135 first string and then 75 ft of izor 200 flouro. Still got room for maybe 200-300 yds of mono but not gonna put it on. If the 4000 ft of line is not enough i need to grow a much bigger pair. Fighting a fish thru all that line would literally put an old guy like me in the hospital or the casket.
A few trips here and there to get HD swivels crimps and hooks and all gear on hand. Spent a few nights tying hooks, spraying crimps black, crimping short leaders for bottom hooks on 2 hook rigs. Bait has been in freezer since last year 2 lb squid now have about 20 of them from scotts B & T (mystic parts)
Back up gear this year atd 80 loaded with spectra and 80stw loaded with spectra. Rods all custom calstars 770 series xxxh, XXH and xh fuji guides.
Yep im ready and wanting to go already. Nothing like a bit of high expectations and anticipation but thats fishing. So now its just hunker down and wait, get on the boat and wait and hope.
Next report sept 12 whether its the good, the bad or the ugly
Ruben
Goldeneaglefishing.com has all the info
the 24 hour trips are strictly tuna/sword the 31 hours do an afternoon of pot hopping for mahi before anchoring for tuna/sword for the night
no guarantees its fishing .The mahi fishing can be fantastic but there are some tricks to getting the bigger ones.Seems most guys concentrate on numbers of fish rather then size Me ill take 1 20 lber rather then 5 3 lber and there are some hoos at pots too
Bill, glad to see you are feeling your oats!!
I'm going to seriously consider going, especially if we can put together an East Coast Ohana trip. ;D ;D ;D I don't have the kind of tackle that this trip demands, but will work on it.
Joe if you can handle using atd reel with spectra ive got all we could need, atd 30, 50, 50 w. Intl 30 50w 80w
all we need is guys
Bill, thanks very much for offering your gear! I see they rent too. Can you round up guys? Sounds like you plan on going out more than once...
https://www.goldeneaglefishing.com/schedule
and again its that time of year when my blood runs hot, my back hurts in anticipation and the freezer has a load of big squid. Scheduled 3 trips for tuna/mahi 31 hours from Brielle NJ. First one was cancelled -weather. So was lucky enough to transfer to 24 hour the following week. Trip went, 2 tuna bites for the entire boat My big squid came back to the boat untouched for a while. Then a cloud of squid moved in and everyone diverted to light gear to catch squid. Better then nothing but not what we came for.
My big squid got eaten by squid so switched to live fresh caught. Fished with 1/2 oz weight kinda just floating it out there. Nada went down to about 600 deep nada didnt try bottom cause didnt want tile fish or ling. Sword tuna or bust From bait placements and results looked like squid were at least 150 ft thick. Capt saw the writing on the fish scope and pulled the hook and went pot hopping for mahi. Some bouys were barren some were loaded. Guessing 150 fish for the boat but only a few gaffers. If you didnt hook up on your first two casts you were pretty much toast as the boat drifted away from the bouy. Things that worked small hooks, small pieces of butterfish and small metallic minnows. Squid tentacles this time were a dud, probably cause not many fish around big enough to tackle them.
Didnt break out the atd 130 this trip used atd 80 performed flawlessly but weighs about 2 tons less then 130. !30 is gonna be an outfit for drifting in superdeep and fishing WAY DEEP but for 500-700 ft the 80 is just fine. 500 ft out just barely shows on 80 spool
So last trip is scheduled for 8-9 october tuna/mahi supposedly. sure hope it gets better cause 2 years of nada aint no fun.
Ocean calm but heat unmerciful. this old man went thru 8 bottles of water and begged a few more and still was dehydrated when i got home, dead tired and squid filthy.Then buggers will squirt ya. Only had a couple chicken mahi so gave them away rather then mess with them at home. Sleep was more important.
Trip 2 forecast was for 10-16 ft seas so capt pulled plug 2 days early . That would have been another trip from hell
Tight lines
Bill
The Voyager had about the same report. Check his site for his report. He changed his trips around a little.
Mike
Bill, thanks very much for the report. I admire you getting out there, and am grateful for the account. Interesting world out there. Hope we can do an East Coast Ohana trip or two in the future. Remind me, please when the time is coming in springtime to make reservations. Good luck on the next trip!
well the last trip came and went. went pot hopping for mahi in afternoon good catches and then anchored up for the night water 71 degrees
750 ft. Squid were around up high and down deep too. Put out giant squid with 20 oz lead and 700 ft line. Nada nada nada Couple mahi mahi caught on tuna gear. one small sword. That all she wrote for the night for the boat. back to pot hoppin in morning for mahi mahi. Thats it for this year, probably never go again but we will see how it all works out
Bill
out
Quote from: mrbrklyn on October 12, 2018, 01:42:16 AM
72 degree water temperature out of Brooklyn yesterday. ... FWIW
http://www.brooklyn-living.com/fishing.html
Funny, the Sheepshead Bay party boats are only about an hour and a half drive from my house outside Phillly. What is is about NYC that attracts so many fish? ::)
Bill, sorry to hear the trip was less than successful. Hold on to some hope of an Ohana outing in the future...
THe last thing that I read from the Brooklyn VI in Sheepshead Bay is NO TUNA FISHING this year.
Mike
Long time fellow AT members. I'm baaaaack. Lol. Got 4 trips to the edge planned in the next 3 weeks. Blown out of a 36 hour trip this week. Forecast was fo 20-30 knot winds and 6-12 footers. Glad that one didn't go. I'm getting too old to fish in those conditions. Not fun nor funny. This wind and weather has put a hurtin on the head boats even getting out there. Hope Mother Nature cooperates these next couple weeks. Will get back with reports..IF they go
Quote from: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 02:35:32 PM
Long time fellow AT members. I'm baaaaack. Lol. Got 4 trips to the edge planned in the next 3 weeks. Blown out of a 36 hour trip this week. Forecast was fo 20-30 knot winds and 6-12 footers. Glad that one didn't go. I'm getting too old to fish in those conditions. Not fun nor funny. This wind and weather has put a hurtin on the head boats even getting out there. Hope Mother Nature cooperates these next couple weeks. Will get back with reports..IF they go
Good luck and looking forward to reports. Which boat are you going out on?
Queen Mary. Inshore 60 mile trip. Gambler and Voyager. To be honest..unfortunately I don't keep a log book, but I've been doing this head boat tuna thing since 82. I would have to say the majority of fish have been in November. Usually smaller specimens though. Mostly LFT's
Decker, I see the grumpy's Sign. Maybe a sea bass trip in December when they open the season again? Voyager has heated hand rails.
The Queen Mary Had a great Captain in the late 60s and 70s Me and my brother fished the boat every week and always Caught fish.
We stopped when my brother got a boat.Head boats are not my cup of tea anymore, It was fun in it's day though.
Joe
Hey joe, hope all is well with you and yours. Unfortunately this time of year the weather windows are sketchy at best so..... 90ft of boat works for me.
Quote from: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 03:26:05 PM
Decker, I see the grumpy's Sign. Maybe a sea bass trip in December when they open the season again? Voyager has heated hand rails.
I've heard good things about the Voyager. December is a tough month for me - two birthdays and my wedding anniversary. But let me know. I'd definitely like to get out on the water with some guys from this site.
What's a "head boat"? I.e., what makes a sportfishing boat a head boat, relative to others that aren't?
I think it goes back a ways. Packed onto a boat like "heads" of cattle. Generally here on the east coast they run from 40 to 110 feet. In the fall/winter it's the only way to get to the fish
Greg, I'm tempted to give you a funny answer, but will tell the truth instead. A head boat is one where each fisherman (each head) pays the fare to fish. This is different from a charter boat, where there is generally one group price. I usually call them party boats, but they're not for partying.
Ok, thanks. I guess they don't use that term on the Left coast. Any humorous answers welcomed, just keep in mind I'm not that bright, so don't leave me hangin with only that as my answer.
There ya go. I learned something new today.
This isn't the right place for this post, but I don't know a better one...
Tomorrow 10/26 is supposed to be calm on the Mid-Atlantic coast (before bad conditions this weekend) and the porgy/sea bass/ tog fishing has lately been very good. If anyone wants to join me on a party boat in the morning anywhere from Sheepshead Bay, NY to Lewes, DE, please PM me.
If I go alone, it will likely be out of Belmar, NJ.
Cheers,
/Joe
joe
you may want to check fishing reports goldeneaglefishing.com out of belmar Looks like sparce on a lot of species. The boats from belmar all fish the same areas pretty much so what one gets they all get
I am very tempted to fish with you guys on a Head boat this fall season. I haven't wet a line this year...........................Joe
Bill, I tend to focus on the bottom-fishing reports. The Golden Eagle seems more oriented to false albacore, bonito and blues (I guess they chum). The Big Mohawk has a good report lately. I may go up to Atlantic Highlands. The boats up there have been giving consistently good reports (when the weather allows) and I think they are generally closer to the fishing grounds.
Joe, you had mentioned before that party boats were tough to negotiate physically. If you're willing to go sometime, let me know. I'd be happy to help in whatever way I can.
My status is, "Too many reels, not enough fishing," so, I'm working toward a better balance. ;)
I need a rope to tie myself to the rail ;D I have a problem standing for any length of time because my left knee was damaged in the military, But I think I could sit and fish especially for bottom fish.................................Joe
I appreciate you willingness to help me, but I'm 6' 340Lbs and I don't want to give you a hernia :o ;D.
Quote from: Reel 224 on October 25, 2018, 07:19:25 PM
I appreciate you willingness to help me, but I'm 6' 340Lbs and I don't want to give you a hernia :o ;D.
I can still give lots of encouragement, and take the rod from you if the fish is too big ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D That's a good one!
The Marilyn Jean in Sheepshead Bay is posting pictures of pretty big tog on their reports page... hmmm. https://mj2fishing.com/category/marilyn-jean-iv-ny-fishing-reports/
Nice Tog, Is anyone doing anything in the Atlantic City area? They generally catch BIG tog!.....................Joe
Reuben
Thanks for the heads up on boat for tuna brooklyn is a bit out of my travel range as its 2.5 hrs to GW bridge and then NYC congestion. Belmar is as far as i go north and that pushing it a bit past limit. Seems to be some action in Baltimore and poormans canyon but have not heard of anything significant.
Waiting waiting waiting 2 more months to go
This looks like it will be a great trip,,,,,, ;D
the saga continues , again
its that time of year again to pursue sword/tuna from party boaton east coast
off to barnegat light nj for another try for swords on sept 12 had a hard time findding big squid for bait. found a few but not really big enough to make me happy., but dealt with it first trip on 9/12 yielded a big fat goose egg. a few mahi during a session going from bouy to bouy and then settled on anchor to try for tuna/ sword. a lousy current kept boat swinging on anchor scope. only on big fish caught on boat a 50 inch fl sword no tun ugght
weather cancelled trip on sept 19. shucks
on boat again sept 26 and off to the deep water lobster bouys for mahi. a lot of them were barren so a lot of guys have been fishing them. got half dozen fish but only one gaffer on boat maybe 20 lbs bull mahi.
then anchor up for the night for big fish. slow slow and slow. again bad current but thats fishing.
finally at about midnight someone landed nice yellowfin maybe 60 lbs. a slow pick for next couple hours and then torrential rain. thats what they make rain gear for so suited up and kept at it. most chose to wait out storm in bunks.
maybe 4 am get hit - nice yellow about 110 lbs liked to kick my butt but it didnt work out well for him. then hour later 50 lb albacore tried same stunt with same results.
half hour later partner and 50 lb yellowfin duke it out. fish now in freezer.
so summary three fish for me and buddy. no sword with minimal sword fishing time cause of current.
at it again next week again.
Awesome play by play!
I always love your passion for that elusive monster sword.
I wish you a safe and productive next trip👍
My best
Dom
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the report. I admire your tenacity to get out there. Hope you can put some big meat on the deck soon.
For my education, what are good and bad currents for tuna fishing? Is it mainly the tide? Do the tuna party boats typically anchor, and is it possible for them to drift for tuna chunking?
Thanks,
/Joe
Bill, nice work even if no sword! I like YFT better on plate anyway :)
John
Great fishing report,,,,,, ;)
Quote from: thorhammer on September 27, 2021, 05:57:54 PM
Bill, nice work even if no sword! I like YFT better on plate anyway :)
John
It time for me to come down your way to do a headboat,,,,,,,,,, ;D
so this past weekend up at 3 am saturday and off to the boat with fishin partner got him to drive and to do lifting/toting as i really cant do it anymore we got to boat 530 half passengers already there but got the right spot to fish from, decent bunk locations and good bench seat in cabin
did the pot hoppin trick for mahi a dozen for the two of us then off to canyon to go for big boys anchored in 690 feet right on edge of canyon , crew chumming i floated a squid freeline style to see if anyone around no one there current was stern to bow again like last time. got settled in rigged up big squid on atd 50, 200 flouro leader 2 hooks in squid 16 ozs lead started at 100 ft down 10 feet more every few mins till at 300 ft. nothing home did that several more times nothing front of boat got hot maybe 4 50/60 yft
in middle of night a flurry up front 3-4 fish
500 am neighbor in stern hooks up fought fish some weird style and fish was in control the whole time. crew saw it once said BIG big eye hook pulled. 10 minutes later same guy same battle same results turns out he was uing circcle hooksw no bridle with 16 oz of weight This does not give good hookset except by accident
then partner hooked up and fish was beating his butt. fish hung up on rudder crew gaffed line up foreward tied to rail cut line pulled it out of rudder and spliced together. and the fight went on for another hour. reel accurate atd 30 25 lbs drag 130 cortland hollow braid mustad 94151 9/0 hook 100 top knot flouro from swivel to hook
oops knot broke and end of story but hes got memories now he is a newbie to this but is committed to it after that battle
13 fish to boat no big ones 5 big ones lost that i know of
just got call this week trip cancelled 10 ft waves on way home so now wait another week for trip.
sooner or later we will land another of those big gals i hope i hope
more in two weeks if this 79 year old ill body is capable of doing it again
oh yeah had surgery friday afternoon for blood clot and fished saturday
Great job man your still doing it,,,,,, ;D
i try to do it but folks are good at helping me. crew helps unload truck and tote partner drives and totes. crew or partner land fish when i poop out after a couple minutes. but i do what i can. generous with tips helps too. dialysis aint for the faint of heart but beats the hell out of alternative dirt nap.
Thanks for the report, keep going,your number will come up.
Love your report, thanks, better luck in the future, cheers Don.
A little off the topic, but did you see this at Point Pleasant NJ (Manasquan Inlet). I flounder fish right about that spot.
Quote from: DON3099 on October 08, 2021, 10:41:51 AM
A little off the topic, but did you see this at Point Pleasant NJ (Manasquan Inlet). I flounder fish right about that spot.
I know that spot too, Don! Have some good memories of blackfishing a little closer to the jetty. Bill is an inspiration for us east-coasters... Let's try to put an Ohana trip together some time!
Cheers,
/Joe
Used to run that inlet quite often. That and Shark river. Know it well. If you guys want to do something let me know.
Ed
Hang in there Bill.
Keep the reports coming.
heard great reports of private charter with yft limits
was so trashed after last treatment i called boat and cancelled trip for upcoming weekend
boat said no problem a big wait list
its not fair for me to sit on a reservation till last minute and my replacement does not have adequate time to get prepared
probably only one more trip possible this year cant do trips during week as im in treatment monday wednesday friday and cant miss it. and my partner is elk hunting for next two weeks so doing it alone is a major physical strain on this old body. i need 8 hrs sleep and being on road to boat at 330 am really doesnt allow that
hopefully one more report this year
hang in there, Bill! looking forward to next report!
aint gonna be any more reports this year balance is gone and there are no soft places to land on a boat and deck antiskid eats skin easily. called boat from hospital and cancelled every trip i had left.
boat owner was most gracious said c mon down when ever you feeel well enough go for a ride, kibitz, advise no charge after 40years of patronage. talk about honorable folks
Take care of yourself, there's always next year.
Hang in there ya ole' salty dog.
I'll miss your in depth reports.
I look forward to you continuing next year.
Warm regards
Dom
Hope to hear your mended and ready to get after it soon Bill!
God Speed
The Man
its only May and already im hunting for bait for september swordfishing. need squid at leasr 24 ounces and at least 35 pieces of it. anyone knows a reliable source in NJ? recruited a couple more guys to the annual pilgrimage to barnegat light, nj in quest for a monster. building 2 united composite raptors cause i cant get the calstars i want.
budget is a bit more limited this year so hunting for best internet prices. hell dont need more gear got 2 rooms full now but im way down that rabbit hole.
i learned long ago preparation is so important in this fishing game. success is made on land and is delivered at sea.
so ill just fiddle around making top shots, 2 hook squid rigs, finding right stuff at right price, having a few discussions on tackle and tactics and waiting for sept 14 to get here.
booked all trips the boat is able to make till weather turns to crap in october.
tight lines to all
Quote from: bill19804 on May 31, 2022, 05:22:41 AMits only May and already im hunting for bait for september swordfishing. need squid at leasr 24 ounces and at least 35 pieces of it. anyone knows a reliable source in NJ? recruited a couple more guys to the annual pilgrimage to barnegat light, nj in quest for a monster. building 2 united composite raptors cause i cant get the calstars i want.
budget is a bit more limited this year so hunting for best internet prices. hell dont need more gear got 2 rooms full now but im way down that rabbit hole.
i learned long ago preparation is so important in this fishing game. success is made on land and is delivered at sea.
so ill just fiddle around making top shots, 2 hook squid rigs, finding right stuff at right price, having a few discussions on tackle and tactics and waiting for sept 14 to get here.
booked all trips the boat is able to make till weather turns to crap in october.
tight lines to all
I'm in but you know Florida is the place this time of year,,,,, ;D
yes florida is the place at this time but due to m, w,f medical treatment i cant be there so next best is to get prepared for when./where i can go fishing
Good to see you're still in the game. Looking forward to reports
ill be in the game as long as i can walk. but dont have the stamina for a good fight. thanks to great mates and fishing partner i can stll go just cant do the fight. but meh some is better then none still hunting for that 300 even if others do the fight
so the saga continues another year just back from 30 hour voyage in search of that big one. should have stayed home is best way to describe it. no tuna, no sword, few mahi for the boat. and im wearing skunk oil myself. but there will be another 6 early saturday morning sailing to make up for this one. more next week!!!
Glad to see you got out, Bill. Good luck on the next one!
so went again this past weekend. capt wouldnt say where he was going but it would not be the Hudson canyon. so off we went after 6 hours started mahi fishing on lobster pot bouys. some had fish on them some didnt so about 6 or 7 pm started drifting off the edge for the big guys. not much happening a big ray around boat the eventually got snagged was the premier event. moved location tried some more nada for a few hours then a regular in bow landed maybe 51 inch fork length swordfish then a few mahis committed suicide. meanwhile nada for me or partner. sorta hard to concentrate from dinner time to breakfast time with nothing happening. but at maybe 4 am more mahi and i had one biting and he left and then it happened peck peck and boom down went rod tip. i set hook held on and got a friendly mate to take over when i physically fizzled out. maybe 20 min later swordfish at boat. used a measuring device to determine legality of length with fish in the water. nope 1 inch too short cut fish off and he scooted away seemingly healthy. that was it for big fish. on way home found a mahi swarm and a lot of 10 fish limits were had and enforced.
got in, took our fish whole and headed home. partner drove both ways in my truck and processed the fish sunday night. he is a taxidermist so hes set up for store type packaging etc.
asw a whole personally satisfying trip as it proved my equipment and methods are up to par on swordfish.. more next monday after another trip
trip due to sail 9/24 cancelled im just as glad my back killed me last trip and its no better. maybe ill get a new united composites rod done for next week. a 7-6 centaur is 2/3 of way done so will give it hell trying to finish it
Sometimes back problems can been a sigh thet you've been having fun. It's good to see it all coming together for you.
so the next trip went off as scheduled past Saturday morning a t 630 am.never got word where we were headed. fished a bunch of pot but no exceptional quantities or size but still fish. anchored up for o9vernight chunking for tuna by 7 pm nothing happens for hours. then my partner, a newby, get a hit lands 65 lb yellowfin. half hourt passes and i get real small hit a swordfish? but no runoff. 5 minutes later a bigger hit set him up started cranking. got it to boat a 40 inch sword lassooed around his swprd. gave so slack and he was gone healthy as ever gotta be 47 inches to be legal.
that makes two short swords but no legal ones.
an hour later a yell from the bow fishon and soon the tailbeat of 60-70 lb yellowfin slapping deck was heard. we kept picking away and getting a nice bunch of identical 65 lb yelloe fish. somewhere in there we had 4 on in stern at once.
someone up front lander a 80 wahoo on a popper.
partner got 2 more in thgat mess for his limit the tutor(me) got one little yft. almost a skunk.things continued till like 7am picking away at them. a lot of limits filled
as a whole a good trip lots of mahi later and lots of yft limits.
score 1 short sword rele3ased, 1 30 yelloe for me 3 nice fat 65 lb yellows for my rookie partner.
oh well thats fishing.
Thanks for the report Bill.
The fishing may not have been what you were hoping for, but the 99.9% of us who have never caught swordfish would be thrilled to catch one of any size!
Great job bill,,,,,, ;D
Nice Bill. Thanks for sharing your catch report!
ive been pondering how to increase my catch like most fishermen 30 years ago half or more of the catch was long fin with at least one big eye on every trip seldom a swordfish.
lately i have seen one long fin in 2 years and just 2 big eyes in same period and now a lot more swords. wondering whats going on? longfin and big eye are colder water fish then yellowfin. has our water in hudson canyon increased in temperature?
are more swords being caught cause there are more of them now with moratorium off florida or guys are exploring the deep more because nothing happening in shallower depths or is it colder water?
just pondering whats happening to figure out how to take advantage of it. got 2 more trips to get my act together before its over for this year
it used to be put a bait at 120 down and wait but not long now they are all over map 90 to 350 deep with no honey spot. this past weekend action was deeper then 300 ft. nothing in 100-150 frrt and not much till at least 250 feet.
any guys from the east have thoughts about this? id love to hear about them.
I'm way past even the West coast and never fished the East. So no speculation, but it's interesting stuff to think about. Critters go for food, procreation and environmental comfort zones.
If you're going eastcoast let me know,,,,,, ;) I will chip in on it,,,,,,, ;D
so 3am rolls around on saturday morning partner calls to make sure im up and moving. he arrives with enclosed trailer and two newbies never been before. one is gung he bought new international 50 wide and big spool of cortland hollow and lots of terminal gear. load up and away we go get to boat for 700 departure at515 boat almost full. leave at 600. the ride seems endless. the veterans go to sleep knowing what awaits them the newbies chatter drink coffee and tell fishing tales. 5 hours later squid trawler in sight set up to drift their wake not much luck. move to different trawler partner hooks up good fish hook pulls at boat. maybe 100 lb yft.
move again and anchor for night. cap says there are fish there at 120, 150, 300. finally a yell and fishon. maybe 60 lb yft. then another and then another. then two at a time then 4 at a time and mass mayhem mostly 30-50 yft. mot a bite for me thought. our two newbies picked up one once in a while.
limit is 3 fish each soon all 3 partners are fishing for last legal fish, and i find zone
50 lb yft, 40 lb yft 50 lb yft. boat limiting out lot of guys are done
get out sword gear big squid calstar gf7470xxxh rod rated 80-unlimited and atd 50 w 130 cortland with 200 flouro topshot 100 lb hook leader
down goes bait send it zooming past yft zone down to 300 and wait and watch. nada nada nada. cap says 10 more minutes and go home drop bait 50 ft more i thought but bait wont take slack line. ooops nibble nibble boom battle on. i cant control the fish give him all the drag im comfortable with probably 26 lbs. and he does what he wants when he wants. spools gets smaller and he still takes line at will. doing rail rod thing with butt of rod under crotch and hang on for dear life..,finally make headway in low gear but i gain 50 he takes 40 20 mins into battle and im still able to go head to head. put lot of thumb drag on spool so must be close to 40 lbs drag he still runs ooops my thumb got caught tween top cross bar and spool and locks spool pow and aw #### moment.
now ive locked horns with my share of clarion cows but this sucker had more go power then any of them. a guess a big sword but who knows.
looks like catch is 90 yft 6 long fins no swords
back at it in a week same boat. same time probably same place
it hell to get old and i am that 80 this year. tripped over my feet couple weeks ago aggrivated old back injury ouch hurts to walk or sit.
valled the boat and cancelloed out for last week
called them today and cancelled this weeks trip. thats all they have for this year so im done
seems like off sahore tuna is over early nov or at least boats dont go that far out with the weather being what it always is in november---iffy at best risky at times.
so now i have the best tackle arsenal of any unemployed swordfish chaser flouro leader by 10s of yards custom rods by half dozen at least 1 f every atd accurate from 30 up with 3 international backups and it all fills a room
heres hoping the is another year for me chasing
a summary of the year
a couple of great trip a couple of weather cancellations and a couple chicken out by me cancellations.
general thoughts on season
fish seemed to be concentrated more then normal get a boat load or not many nothing inbetween.big eyes-didnt see any long fin saw 6 out of about 110 fish.personally had swords on three successive trips. id say swords are coming back strong and 47 inch size minimum seems to be working. expecting to see swords targeted more by rec fishermen in future. longfin? where did they go 20 years ago 3 yellowfins and 5 longfins over 40 lbs was a fair day, not a great day. now longfins re on par with swords in the catch
thats one old guys story and opinions and im sticking to it.
follow your passion, give it all you got. its worthwhile as anything else
over and out
swordfish chaser (bill19803@aol.com)
Any way you look at it, a whole lot of fishing and a whole lot of life. God speed, here's to many more years.
I hope your back heals well.
The Man
Bill, 81 is the new 60. Next season will roll around before you know it. Keep the shiny side up.