As May 1 marked the end to the closed seasons, it was time again to venture out on the blue desert for a week of work. The signs seemed right for a productive trip, but you never know until you throw the gear in the water and start fishing.
As we rolled out to grounds, it became very clear that most of the fleet is waiting on the hill, except us and two other boats. So with a wide open field to stake a claim, we couldn’t of asked for anything better.
The first few days were not as great as I expected for swords, but the dolphinfish bite was building every day. From wednesday to friday the weather was ‘mixed’. Due to some ‘mixed’ weather, we did not put our gear out wednesday night.
Thursday brought a day of relaxing, and doing some recreational style fishing off the back of the boat. Being bored and creative, me and my fellow crew man set up a ‘lemonade stand’ for the dolphinfish. I hooked up on the rod and reel with a standard bream fish float rig and we had a few clients show up at the lemonade stand. It was good to feel productive on my day off.
Friday was the last set to be hauled, and we set out as much gear as we had. It was also the longest set of my life to pick up, but it was the most productive day of the whole trip. It was a like a ‘fall’ bite day, which if you don’t know, the fall bite for swordfish is the hottest.
Saturday…was the longest ride back I have ever expericenced since started making these trips. When on watch the night before and reading 1.2 knots speed, I didn’t believe it. But 20 miles in 10 hours cannot be made up.
Endnotes…biggest dolphinfish…a Raging 50 lb Bull…a few fat markers…and the word on the radio was a boat hauling in Yellowfin Tuna down south on the inshore side of the stream.