We launched with one thing on our minds: marlin and wahoo. The anticipation was high as we headed out, even though my buddies didn't have Mexican permits and planned to stay in U.S. waters for the day.
First stop was the bait barge, where we grabbed a half scoop. It was mostly small anchovies, with a few tiny macks and dines mixed in. Not exactly trophy bait, but we've all seen stranger things happen offshore.
We spent some time on the 9-Mile Bank and metered some really promising fish, but no matter what we threw at them, they just wouldn't commit. One of those classic "they're here, but they're not hungry" situations.
From there we made the run to the 182, put out three marlin jigs, and then things got absolutely stupid... in the best possible way.
Twenty minutes later... TRIPLE HOOKUP!
Three marlin on at the same time! We ended up boating two and releasing the third. Not long after, we hooked a fourth marlin and sent that one back to fight another day. Definitely not the kind of action we were really expecting when we left the dock that morning.
After riding that high, we headed over toward the 43, where a fleet of marlin boats was working the area. We started trolling and stumbled onto what can only be described as a magical paddy.
This thing was loaded.
Yellowtail... Dorado...... Yellowfin tuna!
The tuna were mostly footballs, but nobody was complaining. For the next several hours it was pretty much nonstop action. Even better, somehow nobody crashed our little party! We jokingly started calling it the "Paddy Party", and the invitations apparently got lost in the mail because we had it all to ourselves which was unreal.
By the time we finally called it quits, the kill bag was pretty much stuffed and the arms/shoulders were feeling it.
The ride home got a little sporty as the wind came up, but we were treated to one final show when we saw huge manta rays launching themselves out of the water all over the 9-Mile Bank. An awesome way to cap off an already unforgettable day.
No wahoo this time, but with four marlin encounters, a loaded paddy, nonstop yellowtail/dorado/yellowfin action, and flying manta rays, it's pretty hard to complain.
Some days the ocean gives you exactly what you're looking for. Other days it gives you something even better.
Until Next Tide!
Wow, that's an insane trip! Couldn't ask for more. Manta rays would be a trip. There is a pack of devil rays up here around the 209 from what I've heard.