Canyon bite 10/30

[backman]

Just got back from Veatch - the bite was lights out at dusk last night on the troll along the pot line. Non stop 60-80 pound yellowfin eating green bars and pink ballyhoo only - we eventually dropped to a 4 line spread to be able to manage the attacks.

We also had a big girl come up and slash at one of the yellows, branding it with a bill mark. I tried to drop it back when I saw it prowling around the boat like a wold stalking sheep but no joy.

We set up a drift down the east wall of the canyon, assuming the NE would give a clear drift for us. It worked and we slid right down the 1200' contour. About half the way down the canyon a mid depth rod set at 75' went off and turned into a small swordfish. While deciding what to do with it the deep rod at 120' went off big. We cut off the small one and spent the next 2 hours on the deep one before getting a 1st glimpse at a large long swordfish.

The wind and seas had picked up, conditions had deteriorated as we drifted into 1500' and it was go big anf go home time. The sword kept coming up to the surface 50' off the boat then sounding 100' straight down. We cranked up the drag; I got aggressive with the boat; after 2 more vertical circles, we decided all or nothing; when it came up it was 20' off; I hit reverse; we took the throw with the harpoon and blood flowed.

All stop and we cranked it in; got a gaff and tail rope in it and started beating out of the 6-8's in the canyon at troll speed while dragging the fish.

That was as tough a 4 mile slog as I've ever done; on the wall the seas settled 20% which allowed us to get the sword over the side. Too big for a fishbox it took the whole cockpit; probably a double marker at least but we'll never know as we had to cut it up to get it into the box.

11 PM, fixboxes full, wind and seas building we slogged northwards at 16 knots; stereo blaring and eating cold peanut butter and jelly. Past the Lanes it settled to 3-5 and we kicked up to 20 knots, water flying in the dark. Pulled into the dock at 5 AM, blowing worse here than it was out there.

It really wasn't so bad out there; I'd do it again in an instant for the chance to have fishing like that.

[tomytuna]

16 ft sea at the BF bouy sunday 30 Oct

[SoBoSlow]

As always feels like we were right there with you Larry. Thanks for the write up so we can all share. Way to thread a late tight window.

I was driving off Cape the same time you were getting in and could barely keep the truck wheels down. That must have been some impressive seamanship for the last 120 miles or so ;-)

Any chance you were near the BS buoy?

[Parapapam]

Similar location. Similar results. A little chilly in my boat though....

Mike

[amarshall]

Posting from the SWC now. A bit sporty

[scottmori]

larry you really put the 28 to work!!you should be paid by cc for killer advertising nice job. theres 3" of snow on my boat!!
scott

[storm petrel]

C'mon Backman...... let's see em!!!!!!

[Dauntless]

LB- It boggles my mind you guys were out there in 28' Skipjack when even the SSA ferries chickened out inshore and BUZM3 had NE staedy 46, G 56kts/64mph at 9 last night. Glad you didn't change the name to Andrea Gail, waytogo with all the YFT and wow!!! great late save on the terrific big swordy! Fish fear you. -SL

[Bill_N]

Any Broomtail in the mix?

[backman]

we did make a couple deep drops while fighting the sword. No broomtail but we did end up with a couple nice tiles and a snowy grouper.

Does anyone know if you have to report them?