People usually only show pictures and tell stories of their
best. Sometimes, the big fish gets away.
Sometimes, you don't even get a bite. Even the best of the best can have an off
day. Here is a story of three accomplished anglers, state of the art equipment,
a long tuna trek on the ocean, and no action in terms of landing a fish or even finding a bite. There's a reason it's called fishing.
By Derrek Stewart, 9/10/24
Chapter 1 - Midnight Blue Ice
Once again, I'm first on the scene. 9.7.24 No traffic, no
wakes, no ripples; I have even beat the sun. The water is calm, maybe too calm.
It's a beautiful start to the day. Let's go fishing!
Flat, calm water, it looks like midnight blue ice.
Behold, a stunning fish-catching machine. The design and
capabilities are surely impressive.
Equipped with twin 350 Yamaha outboard engines, these horses
can run.
Each dock is adorned with square concrete pilings, each
topped with a unique statue. Keep an eye out for the quirky one on the right!
The majestic 32-foot Cobia – stunning!
Chapter 2 - The Sun Continues to Rise
Amidst the fervor of an International Rowing Championship,
we were making our way out of Newport Harbor. I may have to go back to the old
port! We're on our way.
Big Tuna
Dreams: Oliver Ngy shares exhilarating tips and details for one
of the day's featured Bluefin Tuna techniques. Are you ready to be thrilled? You should always
listen to the captain, especially when the fish are biting!
Warning, warning, warning. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Fishing is not just a hobby; it's a serious commitment. It requires expensive
fuel, yes. But remember, you must pay to play.
Bluefin tuna gear. Imagine the beauty of a perfect morning
and the incredible start to fishing it brings. That’s a big part of what fishing
is about.
Tahitian athletes, competing in the US Outrigger
Championship.
Like vanilla ice cream and hot apple pie, people enjoy fishing; it's
a heritage and a national pastime.
Chapter 3 - The Long Boat Ride
One this day we did a lot of this.
And we did a lot of that.
And we did a tremdous amount of this.
We even offered the Tuna candy, a G-Fly flying fish. We need a Tuna with a sweet tooth.
A 260 mile trek. Look at this chart. If you know you know. The loop between Santa Barabara Island and San Nicolas Island was preformed twice during this journey! Not a single biter, no marks on the meter, and no foamers, we found nada.
Despite our capabilities and pocessing a state-of-the-art
fishing vessel, electronics, and tackle, on this day, we have nothing to show
for our efforts. It turns out that during our morning travels, an earthquake
occurred nearby. That may account for the dismal bite, but excuses aren't the
purpose of this story. If every adventure was excellent, you might not fully
understand the spectacular trips. You need to experience all emotions to fully
appreciate the ones you desire. Nonetheless, it doesn't mean you can't have fun
when fishing is tough. Keep casting!
