The Mighty Marina Del Rey Anglers Score a Tanker Bluefin Tuna

By Derrek Stewart 9/25/24

During a 2.5-day charter on the incredible Apollo Sportfishing boat out of Seaforth Landing, San Diego, a season-high catch of a 175-pound Bluefin Tuna was brought to the deck. Searching the sonar for biters, just after midnight Tuesday morning near the Tanner Bank, Captain Oscar stopped the boat over what would be the best school of the night. Filled with excitement and anticipation, Captain Oscar excitedly instructed the anglers to drop their knife jigs down.

Immediately, several anglers hooked up. Charter Master Myles Blatt, President of the MDRA, asked deckhand Jordan if he wanted to try his Avet 3-speed reel and Okuma rail rod set-up—rigged with a 320-gram knife jig. Jordan took charge, and it didn’t take long for a strike to occur. Setting the hook, Jordan knew he had something special on the line.

True to the spirit of the MDRA comradery, President Blatt asked who hadn’t caught a fish yet. Stepping up to the plate, charter guest Dai Ngo took over while Blatt coordinated the action. During the epic battle, the rod was handed off a few times. Apollo crewmembers Jordan and Shad, two exceptional anglers, fought an exhilarating clash with this worthy fish.

Incredibly quick, in just under an hour, a fantastic 175-lb. Bluefin was on the deck as everyone cheered the outstanding, well-managed catch. This team effort speaks to the Marina Del Rey Anglers gusto and what this club is about. Congratulations to all involved. Tight lines and good times!

Photo above left to right, Myles Blatt, Shad, Dai, Captain Oscar, and Jordan