OC Monday report

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Frustrating, but fun day. Headed to Balt. Canyon looking for any hint of a temp change to troll for bluefin. Never found anything above 65.8 so decided to keep burning gas and headed south to Poorman's. Again, nothing but cold water and didn't want to make the long run any longer toward the deep so we headed west back towards the lower Sausages.
About eight miles east of the lower Sausage saw some good bait marks and put lines in. Had a hit on a GM bar before we got all the lines in. A small Bluefin. Had the gaff in hand, but as we debated whether he was 26, or 28 inches, he jumped the hook. Must have been 26! Two minutes later the wwwwwback hoo on a small b&w islander went down. Long battle for my sole angler (only two of us on the boat). Got him boat side and hit him with a what I thought was a good gaff shot right behind the head. I must have hit some bone because I only had about three inches of meat in the gaff hook. I knew I couldn't lift him like that so I screamed for Chuck the get another gaff. Unfortunately he went crazy spit the hook and ripped the gaff out before we could stick him again. Man was I pissed at my self for a poor gaff job and even more so to watch him swim away, I'm sure to be lunch for a Mako. The Bluefin looked to be about 60 lbs.

Stayed in the area for awhile to no avail. Trooled east and had the same wwwwwwback go down again on the lower Sausage. Big fish, tried to spool an 80! Got lines cleared and faught it backing down for about twenty minutes and he came unbuttoned! Had to pick up at 2:00. Seas layed down flat and ran home at 32knts. 0 for 3 in the box, but a great first day out this year. Also saw dolphins (mamals) a whale, half a dozen turtles and the largest shark I've ever seen free jump! Think it was a Mako, but it looked like one of those South African GW jumping a seal. Can't wait to get back out there. Tuna season has started!

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[Thunnus Amongus]

We all pay our dues brother. If every trip was an awesome productive killing event- we would get bored. It's all about the experience! We learn- become better fishermen- and ultimately...better men. The sea brings out our best and shows us our worst. Keep your head up. Good luck next time!
Tom

[Capt.Joe Monticolo]

and the largest shark I've ever seen free jump! Think it was a Mako, but it looked like one of those South African GW jumping a seal.

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Great White would not surprise me one bit after what I had out by the dog sharking today 4 Great whites Right next to my boat. I was in SHOCK

[Proheat]

Still sound like a great day on the water!!
It sure is better than working!!
Everyone loses em at times, just rethink what you did and how you can improve and it can help with your next trip.

It doesn't surprise me if it was a Great White, there have been a few spotted here of late.

Congrats on getting offshore and having fun!!