I have never been in Baja in August. I always heard that it is hot and humid during the month. Anyway some neighbors booked the trip because of kids school schedule. I decided to go for a couple of days of fishing. I only fished one day because the forecast was wind and rain. Indeed one of the days the wind came up and you could see the white caps and rain squalls out on the water. I was down there August 22 to the 27th. The last day I could fish was Wednesday the 26th which had zero chance of wind. Now for the report on the fishing.
The morning of fishing the day started out 82 degrees at 5:30 a.m. The morning was still and we had a glorious sunrise.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010141_zpsiy9wy9yy.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010141_zpsiy9wy9yy.jpg.html)
Meet Dave and Donna my fishing buddies for the day. I had fill in flash and still got shadows.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010203_zpsvtieoxhv.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010203_zpsvtieoxhv.jpg.html)
We left the dock at 6:40 a.m. and waited for the bait boats to bring us some live sardines. The bait boats were having difficulty getting enough sardines for all the charters. The sardines they were getting were tiny. The bait boat finally showed up.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010204_zps9bxcpwkh.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010204_zps9bxcpwkh.jpg.html)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010205_zpsix5ozqob.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010205_zpsix5ozqob.jpg.html)
Here is Dave showing the size of the sardines. Also clowning that this was his catch.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010208_zpsczfr0eib.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010208_zpsczfr0eib.jpg.html)
Here is Donna mimicking Dave clowning about the catch. You gotta love Sicilians.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010209_zpsasdb4ldq.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010209_zpsasdb4ldq.jpg.html)
After loading up on these tiny sardines we stopped a ways up the coast for Chihuil a bait fish referred to by Americans as "Chilly Willies." I didn't get any pictures because the action was fast and furious as we caught a Chihuil with each drop. After about 20 minutes of non-stop chilly willy action we moved on to Imam Banks which is northeast of Cabo. Both Dave an Donna are first time fishers so I offered that they choose for first fish. It was agreed by them that Dave would get first fish. We chummed with some dead sardines and dropped a chilly willy in the water. Bam 20 seconds in the water and the rod with the tank goes off. Dave started fighting the fish.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010211_zps6dui80sc.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010211_zps6dui80sc.jpg.html)
Dave did well for a newbie.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010214_zps4yudpanj.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010214_zps4yudpanj.jpg.html)
Like I mentioned it was hot and humid. After about 20 minutes and pouring water on the tank to cool the star Dave's energy started to wane. Here is Donna helping to lift the fish. At this point we did not know how big a Tuna we were working.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010216_zpsxxamg0zy.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010216_zpsxxamg0zy.jpg.html)
Dave could not go any longer so he handed over the pole to me. He did a great job holding up as long as he could. We finally got the fish to gaff. It was a yellow fin tuna somewhere between 50 and 60 lbs. it felt bigger than that. Dave could hardly hold it up for the pictures.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010217_zpsqf7ildrl.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010217_zpsqf7ildrl.jpg.html)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010218_zpsdyefk1y0.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010218_zpsdyefk1y0.jpg.html)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010219_zpslnryyeu0.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010219_zpslnryyeu0.jpg.html)
Donna caught a small Dorado but it was a big fish in her eyes. We had double on but lost the other.
Ya gotta love those Sicilians.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010223_zps4p0svdzi.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010223_zps4p0svdzi.jpg.html)
At some point Mr. Seal showed up and must have thought Alan Tani was on the boat. So it took advantage of our catch.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010224_zps2fcslfqs.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010224_zps2fcslfqs.jpg.html)
Here is a photo of the days catch.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010228_zpsnxuamhkr.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010228_zpsnxuamhkr.jpg.html)
I forgot to mention that Wayne (el Pescador) gave me 2 Columbia fishing shirts (extra large) and a cutting/pliers tool to donate to some "deserving Mexicano." Here is a picture of Pablo with the gift. Thanks Wayne. I did not get photos of guys who got the shirts.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010213_zpsbrhvverx.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010213_zpsbrhvverx.jpg.html)
Here is a photo of our biggest tuna on the cutting table.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010230_zpspmh9wsza.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/CABO%20AUGUST%202015/P1010230_zpspmh9wsza.jpg.html)
I forgot to mention that except for the drags heating up the Tank worked flawlessly. I am having a small problem after that fight in that the clicker is stiff moving the button on and off. Also the eccentric lever is not smooth. It resists flipping it back and forth. I will take it apart sometime next week an see what the problem is. If I can't figure it out I will send it back to Sal for a diagnosis. I have to check with Sal to see it I am still in the warranty period. I had a lot of fun that day. Dominick
Great narrative, great photos, excellent catch!
But... no Speedos? ;)
~A~
Looks like a good day on the water Dominick and some nice fish to go with it. When you get to taking your reel apart, look at the pinion yoke and the Eccentric jack, that could be your problem...binding. So flip the Pinion yoke and make sure there is plenty of lube on the two The pinion yoke and the Eccentric jack. I had a problem with mine at first and took the reel apart, flipped the yoke over so the good side was facing up and then after putting it together I worked the Eccentric lever back and forth at least a few dozen cycles to make sure it was worked in. Try that it may work for you.
Joe
Dominick, your livin large...thanks for sharing!
We have caught Tuna in that size and I tell you it's a fight..!! They fight to the very end and then start the death spiral.
Great job on catching with a reel that size. We had one like that right at the boat, ready to gaff, and the welded split ring broke...!!
Great report my friend. As I mentioned earlier, you have a lifetime warranty on that reel. Dominick, if you don't mind, I would really like to open it up, this is the very first time trying the new inserts and I would really like to take a close look.
About the clicker, this is the second time. The problem might be caused by me, I have many parts and probably the clicker is too short. Send the reel over and in the mean time, I will get a new clicker assembly from Scott.
I hope your friends realize how famous they are from using the original Tank ;D.
Thanks for the report buddy.
Sal
Great report! Looks like a fun day on the water, made even better by getting to tangle with mr. Yellowfin. Great to hear the tank is still getting it done. That longer rod, makes it a little more work to raise the fish. You would probably be better off with a fully rollers International 5'6" stand up or similar IMHO. I am awaiting photos of the final product (i.e. the prepared tuna).
Great trip report and looks like everyone had a blast. It is very sad that the arthritis prevents you from using buttons. ;D
Quote from: Tightlines666 on August 29, 2015, 08:39:51 PM
Great report! Looks like a fun day on the water, made even better by getting to tangle with mr. Yellowfin. Great to hear the tank is still getting it done. That longer rod, makes it a little more work to raise the fish. You would probably be better off with a fully rollers International 5'6" stand up or similar IMHO. I am awaiting photos of the final product (i.e. the prepared tuna).
We had some sashimi and sushi last night and I forgot to take pictures. Next time I will.
Quote from: Newell Nut on August 29, 2015, 09:10:15 PM
Great trip report and looks like everyone had a blast. It is very sad that the arthritis prevents you from using buttons. ;D
Good one Dwight. ;D ;D ;D Dominick
Quote from: Alto Mare on August 29, 2015, 08:18:12 PM
Great report my friend. As I mentioned earlier, you have a lifetime warranty on that reel. Dominick, if you don't mind, I would really like to open it up, this is the very first time trying the new inserts and I would really like to take a close look.
About the clicker, this is the second time. The problem might be caused by me, I have many parts and probably the clicker is too short. Send the reel over and in the mean time, I will get a new clicker assembly from Scott.
I hope your friends realize how famous they are from using the original Tank ;D.
Thanks for the report buddy.
Sal
I'll get it into the mail ASAP. Dominick
Love the pics and great report! Have yet to tangle with a tuna, but it seems they have more steam than a locomotive and not the fight I would expect from a fish that size. Guess I need to tie one on for myself next summer.
Book the Tuna Trip in Cabo Steve-O!
In fact, let's the three of us get on a calendar date and all meet in Los Cabos!
Dominick and I have fished on 5 trips now, and TUNA is my #1 quarry!
Caught Marlin, they are 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours of your time, but for hard fighting its Tuna for me! And to enjoy BBQ'd Tuna with friends & family when I return, well, it don't get any better that that!!!!
Put this on your check list... Fighting belt! If you ask Dave how he's feeling, I know he would answer "I'll take a fighting belt next time!!!!"
Dominick, THANK YOU for giving away the few items I asked you to distribute to the local Mexican fisherman - so much appreciate that gesture.
Wayne
Quote from: Steve-O on August 29, 2015, 10:45:08 PM
Love the pics and great report! Have yet to tangle with a tuna, but it seems they have more steam than a locomotive and not the fight I would expect from a fish that size. Gues I need to tie one on for myself next summer.
I have fought a couple of Tuna in the 50-60lb range and they are tough fights. One Tuna I fought for over 40 minutes and never got to see it before it broke off. The line broke at the hook. I am tentatively returning Oct. 13-20, 2015. Any AT members interested I'll give you a breakdown for the cost of the trip over and above airfare. Dominick
This cheaper Braid 'Sailfish' belt has served me well.
I have been waiting for your report Dominick.
Looks like the Tank does it again!
Good Job and Kudos to your new friends. ;D
good stuff dom,
keep the dream alive ;)
Great fish!
I prefer the bikini to the speedos (not suggesting you wear them) thanks for sharing
Quote from: Steve-O on August 29, 2015, 10:45:08 PM
Love the pics and great report! Have yet to tangle with a tuna, but it seems they have more steam than a locomotive and not the fight I would expect from a fish that size. Gues I need to tie one on for myself next summer.
They fight and they fight hard. Pass the rod when you get tired, my shoulder is not the same from one of those.
We have gone down to my Moms house on Isla de las Mujeres this time of year.
Just hole up inside during the day and fish the early, early morning and again when the sun is going down into the night. Get back to the dock about 9pm,
quick evening snack and back down to the dock.
We fly fish off her dock at night for barracuda, 14 wt fly rod and a cooler full of beer, Great fun :o
Forget the heat of the day!
Quote from: theswimmer on September 03, 2015, 11:38:19 PM
We have gone down to my Moms house on Isla de las Mujeres this time of year.
Just hole up inside during the day and fish the early, early morning and again when the sun is going down into the night. Get back to the dock about 9pm,
quick evening snack and back down to the dock.
We fly fish off her dock at night for barracuda, 14 wt fly rod and a cooler full of beer, Great fun :o
Forget the heat of the day!
I always wanted to visit that island. Wow! and your mother has her own place there. Terrific. I did a lot of research on that island and fishing charters. It is one of the unspoiled areas of the Caribbean. Consider yourself lucky to spend those idyllic days there. It is on my bucket list. Dominick
Nice fish. That rod wasnt doing him any favors. Those things are stiff as heck, like solid glass. Rod like that- arms/back do all the work. I think it makes the reel work harder too when the rod doesnt do its share. I had one that came as combo with a 114h, man that thing would let schoolie YT and YFT beat me up. I gave it to my brother.
Quote from: Tightlines666 on August 29, 2015, 08:39:51 PM
Great report! Looks like a fun day on the water, made even better by getting to tangle with mr. Yellowfin. Great to hear the tank is still getting it done. That longer rod, makes it a little more work to raise the fish. You would probably be better off with a fully rollers International 5'6" stand up or similar IMHO. I am awaiting photos of the final product (i.e. the prepared tuna).
John it looks like we have a difference of opinion. See Joel's comments below.
Quote from: Joel.B on September 10, 2015, 08:21:24 PM
Nice fish. That rod wasnt doing him any favors. Those things are stiff as heck, like solid glass. Rod like that- arms/back do all the work. I think it makes the reel work harder too when the rod doesnt do its share. I had one that came as combo with a 114h, man that thing would let schoolie YT and YFT beat me up. I gave it to my brother.
John I agree with you there is too much bend in the rod for tuna. Especially when they sound and get into a death spiral. When you lift the rod a good part of the energy goes into flexing the rod instead of lifting the head of the fish as he spirals back toward the boat. So while Joel thinks that rod is too stiff and John thinks the rod is too soft my first inclination is that a stiff tuna stick would work better. Joel the rod may be stiffer than usual but I think it is too long and so it flexes too much. I was of the opinion that the Penn Senator rod was too flexible to work tuna. We all are saying the same thing(I think?). I have a pair of Lamiglass 5'6" 50-100 lb. rods that I will use next time. The Penn Senator rod I keep down in Baja with a friend of mine so that I don't have to lug rods down every time. Dominick
depending on size of boat and size of fish- I find a 5'5" 40-80 is a good all around compromise when hauling in schoolie YFT all day while standing up in a smaller (20-30') boat. I used to commercial fish for a co-op, YFT and YT, rod/reel all day every day for months at a time, 100+ fish days were not unusual. I preferred a rod that had beef down low but some bend up top, like a 3/4 ton truck with good shocks. Rod can still absorb headshakes, boat movement and such but still have the beef where I need it to keep the pressure on. I could also flick a live bait out there a ways or toss a jig- though not ideal for any of that it.
What works for one guy can be horrible for the next guy, everybody is built different. What was ergonomically perfect for me when I was 25 years old, 6'2 and 250#, strong as an ox- could be a real burden for somebody else. I tried just about everything until i found what worked best for me. Pretty sure that a long/stiff rod is a burden for just about anybody, might be perfect for Shaq though so who knows....
Quote from: Dominick on September 10, 2015, 08:51:05 PM
Quote from: Tightlines666 on August 29, 2015, 08:39:51 PM
Great report! Looks like a fun day on the water, made even better by getting to tangle with mr. Yellowfin. Great to hear the tank is still getting it done. That longer rod, makes it a little more work to raise the fish. You would probably be better off with a fully rollers International 5'6" stand up or similar IMHO. I am awaiting photos of the final product (i.e. the prepared tuna).
John it looks like we have a difference of opinion. See Joel's comments below.
Quote from: Joel.B on September 10, 2015, 08:21:24 PM
Nice fish. That rod wasnt doing him any favors. Those things are stiff as heck, like solid glass. Rod like that- arms/back do all the work. I think it makes the reel work harder too when the rod doesnt do its share. I had one that came as combo with a 114h, man that thing would let schoolie YT and YFT beat me up. I gave it to my brother.
John I agree with you there is too much bend in the rod for tuna. Especially when they sound and get into a death spiral. When you lift the rod a good part of the energy goes into flexing the rod instead of lifting the head of the fish as he spirals back toward the boat. So while Joel thinks that rod is too stiff and John thinks the rod is too soft my first inclination is that a stiff tuna stick would work better. Joel the rod may be stiffer than usual but I think it is too long and so it flexes too much. I was of the opinion that the Penn Senator rod was too flexible to work tuna. We all are saying the same thing(I think?). I have a pair of Lamiglass 5'6" 50-100 lb. rods that I will use next time. The Penn Senator rod I keep down in Baja with a friend of mine so that I don't have to lug rods down every time. Dominick
The rod is too long and too stiff for that fish. It made you work far harder than you should.
A rod with rollers like that is designed for bigger fish and for harness or chair fishing where you get mechanical advantage, not for holding the rod in your hands on 50# tuna.
Long and stiff rods only work on small fish when you are holding the rod in your hands. Shorter and softer rods dominate HUGE fish when you do not use a harness.
Just as I thought. We are all in agreement. I like the shorter rods for keeping the pressure on. Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 08:26:41 PM
Just as I thought. We are all in agreement. I like the shorter rods for keeping the pressure on. Dominick
It's simple leverage.
Do some dead lifts with 20lbs on the end of a long rod (feels like 60) versus on a short rod (feels like 30). :)
Quote from: Dominick on September 05, 2015, 07:16:18 PM
Quote from: theswimmer on September 03, 2015, 11:38:19 PM
We have gone down to my Moms house on Isla de las Mujeres this time of year.
Just hole up inside during the day and fish the early, early morning and again when the sun is going down into the night. Get back to the dock about 9pm,
quick evening snack and back down to the dock.
We fly fish off her dock at night for barracuda, 14 wt fly rod and a cooler full of beer, Great fun :o
Forget the heat of the day!
I always wanted to visit that island. Wow! and your mother has her own place there. Terrific. I did a lot of research on that island and fishing charters. It is one of the unspoiled areas of the Caribbean. Consider yourself lucky to spend those idyllic days there. It is on my bucket list. Dominick
Dom ,
My Mom and her business partner , a Mexican citizen owned the house together.
When he bought her out in 2012 the house went as well.
Fortunately I have stayed friends with him and can still use the house.
You can fly to Cancun for cheap , get a taxi straight to the 'locals ferry' and be in a nice hotel for $40-50 bucks a night.
Get away from the Downtown area.
Day trips in a Super Panga are very affordable.
When I was 14-25 yo we used to spend 4-6 weeks every summer there and at the time I didn't realize how lucky we were.
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 08:26:41 PM
Just as I thought. We are all in agreement. I like the shorter rods for keeping the pressure on. Dominick
If you had a 66" rod and the left bearing not as tight, the Tank would have probably brought that 60# Tuna to the boat in less than 20 minutes. ;)
Quote from: Alto Mare on September 11, 2015, 10:36:05 PM
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 08:26:41 PM
Just as I thought. We are all in agreement. I like the shorter rods for keeping the pressure on. Dominick
If you had a 66" rod and the left bearing not as tight, the Tank would have probably brought that 60# Tuna to the boat in less than 20 minutes. ;)
aaaagh I'm never going to live the tightened left bearing down... ;D ;D ;D Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 10:49:28 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on September 11, 2015, 10:36:05 PM
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 08:26:41 PM
Just as I thought. We are all in agreement. I like the shorter rods for keeping the pressure on. Dominick
If you had a 66" rod and the left bearing not as tight, the Tank would have probably brought that 60# Tuna to the boat in less than 20 minutes. ;)
aaaagh I'm never going to live the tightened left bearing down... ;D ;D ;D Dominick
Wait..
What happened to the left bearing?
Quote from: Tightlines666 on September 11, 2015, 11:24:16 PM
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 10:49:28 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on September 11, 2015, 10:36:05 PM
Quote from: Dominick on September 11, 2015, 08:26:41 PM
Just as I thought. We are all in agreement. I like the shorter rods for keeping the pressure on. Dominick
If you had a 66" rod and the left bearing not as tight, the Tank would have probably brought that 60# Tuna to the boat in less than 20 minutes. ;)
aaaagh I'm never going to live the tightened left bearing down... ;D ;D ;D Dominick
Wait..
What happened to the left bearing?
John Sal was casting false accusations against me in the beginning of the thread. Dominick