"Blue Slam" at the Porkchop!

**snowranger** · 06-01-2009 09:41 AM

Had some "distinguished" guests onboard Blackjack Saturday for our first offshore trip of the season. Danielle and I had Franky and Jen Pettolina, and the Pirate (John Adams) on board to try and put an early season mako on the boat. Well, we never caught that mako but ended up having a heck of a trip!

The day almost began with a tragedy when I "opened" the seacocks for my raw water intake before departure. Turns out my mechanic had opened them a few days earlier (without telling me) and I had actually closed them!! After sorting things out we headed to the Hambone to pick up some bait. Put 9 bluefish in the boat and set up on the Porkchop (aka the Chorizo) by around 11. After expertly assessing our drift, I set us up on a spot that would effectively avoid all structure for the entire day! A mistake that proved not be too costly! A little "luck" never hurts!

Got the slick started and a sunfish stopped by to investigate. Had our first blue shark in short order and it was steady action for the next few hours. Hooked 14 or so and caught 9. The competition between the crew was heated but everyone played nice (for the most part). The Pirate and Franky wired most of the fish and the girls handled the lions share of the angling. By the end, everyone's arms were tired (except mine of course

)! I did end up cranking in the smallest blue shark of the day... Had a few double headers and even a double team or two (multiple lines - one fish). We had a few schools of bluefish roll through the spread on the surface but didn't get molested too bad. No mako sightings all day.

So, how did we get the "blue slam"? When we were picking up the baits to head in, we spotted some busting fish in the distance. Our first thought was bluefish but these splashes were a little bigger than the rest. Put out some cedar plugs and feathers and went to investigate. When we got close, positive ID, TUNA! Second pass and one comes tight. I was expecting a football based on the ones we saw busting but was pleasantly surprised! Jen whipped the fish in short order, the Pirate wired and stuck it, and Blackjack's first bluefin hit the deck! Weighed in at 39lbs (41 inches) and rounded out a great day on the water! Total catch: 9 bluefish, 9 blue sharks and 1 bluefin tuna. Captain learned a bunch too!!

Thanks to a great crew for a fun day and hope this a sign of what is to come this season! Pictures being uploaded and will be added shortly!

**Sea Draggin** · 06-01-2009 09:45 AM

Sounds like a wonderful day on the water!!!

**frankypettolina** · 06-01-2009 09:53 AM

Hey Eric- thanks again for the great trip- had a blast!!

**whowantstoknow** · 06-01-2009 10:11 AM

Nice going Eric!!!! Thanks for the report....sounds like a great time.

**ocpolecat** · 06-01-2009 10:11 AM

Next time, add the blue runner, blue marlin and bluegill for the coveted double-blue slam.

**frankypettolina** · 06-01-2009 10:13 AM

That would be the undprecedented fantasy blue slam- wait fantasy is five species- 6 species- we need a new name for that- not to mention finding the spot where blue gills and blue marlin are both available