Got word that there were some bluefin local to me. Figured the wind in the upcoming week might drive down temps further so figured I'd give it a shot on the lake-like conditions of the weekend, it probably being the last shot until Spring for local tuna. Also it would be a good time to try out my new seat for my boat. Finally got a back rest!
Launched about 0830 and it was glass. I wanted to stop on some bottom fish grounds on the way out to see what options I have out of Huntington.
Made it to the hard bottom in about an hour. Didn't have squid so I dropped a gulp fluke and a non-scented fluke and would make strip bait out of whatever came up. Dropped down and was rewarded with good size dabs.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52545075101_19218c3d6e_b.jpg)
And the dabs were eating stripped dabs...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52545075071_ce4f21b34e_b.jpg)
Found one lil rosy amongst the bunch, but no other cod.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52545619548_2c015b13c4_b.jpg)
The seat was not working out. The aluminum benches have a lip that wedges into a nylon pocket, which only really supports weight if the weight isn't leaning. So I couldn't really use the back rest. It made me reconsider continuing out and adding another 2+ hours, but ultimately decided no-guts-no-glory.
I heard there were breezers all over the Catalina channel, so I just needed to zig zag a bit and hope to happen upon something. Absolutely no chop to interrupt my view...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52545619543_fe7680a61b_b.jpg)
Saw one single -something- bust early on, looked like a 20# class tuna. Trolled by without a bite or any signs on the FF. A little bait here and there that seemed a little too comfortable for my liking. A few spots of resting birds. Didn't see anything else for an hour so turned around. Saw one more single fish bust close to me, maybe 30-40#, but no bites on the troll and no marks on the FF. Overall about as uninspiring as could be despite the 2 possible fish.
Got sprinkled on a little bit on the ride in, but wind never came up. Might try a little more before season's end to see if the OC has any redeemable rockfish grounds. I will admit the dabs today were all pretty good size.
In the meantime I'll be muttering about how to provide more support for the seat without adding a bunch more junk to the boat's assembly.
Gotta love them glassy conditions, I hope to get out soon 8)
Bummer on the chair not working out, but not a bad trip at all. I wanted to get out this weekend, but the planets didn't align for me.
Yeah, I can't imagine having no back rest at your age, let alone mine! I'd be the hunchback of Notre Dame within a month on your boat! lol
As always, great write up Jeremy. I gotta give you a A+ for effort