Finally have a minute to write up a report of our incredible canyons trip with Fred Lavitman (Seaworm) and his two crazy-hardcore mates, Jordan and Ed "The Gaffer".
I booked this charter with my Dad (late 70's) and two of my boys (14 & 15). Been trying to get my dad and my youngest on a tuna for a few years now, and I figured a trip to the Canyons ought to do the trick. Boy did it ever.
Fred did an amazing job getting us on the fish after the long steam out to Oceanographer. Within 10 minutes of setting the lines we were tight. For the next 3 hours we didn't go more than 15 minutes without a fish on the line -- doubles, triples, I think even 4 at one point before a couple came unbuttoned. Absolute bloody mayhem. Action was nonstop -- Fred and his crew were fishing 10 lines, but we often couldn't get them all back out again before another hit. We lost count somewhere around 10 fish -- most of them 60+ pounds... (see pics)
The fish were kind enough to give us a little reprieve around 7pm so we could wolf down some dinner (we completely missed lunch). Quick side note on the food: I was expecting baloney and american cheese on white bread and was kicking myself for not managing to pack a bunch of powerbars as survival rations, so I was totally blown away with the grilled steak tips and chicken, fresh brewed coffee, ham, egg, and bacon sandwiches, etc etc. Most unexpected! As soon as we finished dinner we had another hot bite until sundown -- we were actually pretty psyched to go off the troll and relax.
The night bite was pretty much nonexistent, though Jordan managed to net a baby sailfish for a quick picture -- that was pretty cool!
Next morning was a bit slower, but we still managed 3 or 4 more fish! In the end it was all Yellowfin stuffing the box to overflowing (I think the final count was 15 or 16).
Needless to say the trip was an amazing success -- my dad got to fulfill his lifelong dream of catching a tuna several times over, and my 14 and 15 year olds are completely hooked. I learned more in 24 hours than I learned in the past 2 years, and I can't wait to be able to get out to the canyons again. Truly an incredible experience.
Can't say enough good things about Fred, his team, and the boat. I knew they were pretty hard core which is why I booked them, but I had no idea just how fanatical they were. I pointed out to my boys that with 10 minutes to go before were were going to call it a trip, the mates were working just as hard and fast setting lines, adjusting the spread, weeding, etc etc as in the first 10 minutes, even though they had basically been up all night.
It was just too fast and furious to get proper pictures -- the ones with all the fish on deck were when we were catching them so quickly the mates didn't have time to clean them and put them on ice! It's going to be a bit hard to fish stellwagen after this...
Joe, It was great having you and your family on board! Having 3 generations share something that most People dont even know exists is something special in itself.
Although we didnt have any exotics on this trip, the size and quality of the yellowfin we caught have been the best ive seen all season. Just about every tuna broke the 60 lb mark.
Joe it was a true pleasure to fish with you, your Dad and your boys. Nothing compares to sharing what the canyons have to offer with new friends. I came back with a few new "not by choice nicknames", but all in good fun. Not one fish was dropped! BTW I have already edited a video from the trip and Fred has it in his hands. PM him to get the link. See you on the water.
Fred and Chris and the crew of the Akula are top notch guys and even better fishermen, they work hard to put their clients on fish day in and day out. Anyone considering a canyon charter should take a long look at Crimson Tide Charters. Can't wait to get back out the bluewater with you guys, congrats on another great trip!
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Catching with AKULA on Oceanographer 8/23 - 8/24
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