Took Bill and Paul out for the maiden 2010 tuna season. Got to launch early as swells from previous day would make a longer ride out than usual.
We were lucky enough to secure some live bait and set out for starting location. We got there after sunrise and it looked a little fishy but not great. I decided to go somewhere else and it was a mistake as that place showed less life.
Ping-ponged back to 1st spot and setup. Put a cpl of baits out and it wasn't too before a fish smashed the bait, a swing and a miss. The fish lost interest. I teased the bait a bit and the fish was back at him. Smash, fish takes off and we're on. Paul saddles up, fights him for 10 mins, he runs for the boat and goes under it, hook pulls, uggh.
Manager signals for the lefty, Bill's up, Paul hands over the belt.
No problem, fish in the area, we put out some more baits. Time passes, bite dies, I get a call and take off for another location.
We get dogged out there and try trolling baits but can't get a bite.
Head back to 1st spot and put some baits out.
Do a cpl drifts, Bill's nodding off in the back corner of the boat, heads to bow to relax. While he's sawing wood, I move a bait and we get some activity. We get a fish chasing a bait, I get the rod in my hand to get ready.
Good ole Bill trys to take the rod from me, I say, "You snooze you lose", the fish bites, I set the hook and he's off to races. Now I hand the rod to Bill. After all, the hookup is the best part!
Bill fights for awhile and gets gassed out. He hands the rod off to Paul. Mean fish and we really want this fish so we babied him. Long fight but, we finally get him boat side and Bill sinks the poon.
70 inch fish in under the wire - last day to take one.
Great day on the water, awesome crew! Pics be added later.