Captain's Log: November 25, 2007
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| After a great day of surfing yesterday, we decided to head way out and try our luck at finding some billfish. Yesterday Captain Johnny of the Xta-sea showed up from Los Sueños with Alexis Chamorro’s yacht, a 50ft brand new Hatteras. They decided they would be pre-fishing today as well, so we were happy to know that we wouldn’t be all alone way out there. We headed out before them in the morning and started fishing at about 40 miles. The wind was nasty in the morning and our crew was looking at me like I was out of my mind being out that far. I started to get a little anxious and was really hoping the Xta-sea would show up. I tried calling them on the radio a few times with no luck. Finally, an hour later, I was able to raise them on the VHF, and turns out they were heading our way! 30 minutes later we could see them on the horizon knocking down the big waves coming toward us. Johnny led us out another 10 miles to the “edge”! Soon after, we spotted a floating log and made a pass on it. Sure enough, it had a pile of hungry Dorados all over it. Brodie and Jeff both made nice drop-backs and we had a double header on. Once we had some fish on, everyone settled down and started doing what we do best, whooping up on some fish! Once we gaffed both fish, it was time to get some sponsor shots with the lit up little beasts! We then started trolling south and spotted a few free swimming sailfish and a few free jumpers. About an hour later, we were trolling with our chronic spread out; two teasers, two marlin lures tucked behind each teaser, and four free swimming ballyhoo rigged with circle hooks. Jeff was on the helm, and Flaco and I were in the cockpit, when I looked out to the port side and noticed a sailfish swimming only 20 feet away. I pointed to the fish and Jeff made gentle turn to the port, bringing the fish directly into the spread. We watched the Sailfish make two strokes of his tail and dive below our lines. Flaco and I both started working our ballyhoo to no avail. I started to think the fish was not interested, and then my instincts told me to just make a drop back in case the fish was still following the spread. Sure enough, a second into my drop back, the line picked up speed as the sailfish inhaled the ballyhoo. I gave the fish a long 8 count, and with my rod tip close to the water, slowly brought the drag forward. The line came tight and twenty yards behind the boat, the sailfish started his show. After a couple of head shakes with the whole front half of his body out of the water, he made a 50 yard run jumping the whole way. I called Kristin to the back of the boat, and handed her the rod so she could battle the fish. This year has been tough for us on the sailfish, and it really felt great to finally have one hooked up and putting on a display for us. About 20 minutes later we got the sailfish boat side and Flaco stuck him with a tag and we gently pulled out the circle hook which was perfectly positioned in the corner of his mouth! We then spent about 15 minutes reviving the fish and taking a bunch of pictures to document the release. With the fish released, we called the Exta-sea and reported “Control, Control, Va Pue, right now!” Johnny congratulated us and told us that they had just broken off a Blue Marlin just a couple of miles away! We trolled a little while longer and then made the 2 ½ hour trek home. Upon arrival to the Marina, we ran the release flag up the rigger and cheered some cold Toñas! |
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