Long Range Fishing Update – 12/18/09

Bill Roecker for FishingVideos.com & the San Diego Sportfishing Council

American Angler Yellowfin Tuna

Tackle Suggestions
“We have had very good luck throughout the trip,” said the report from American Angler December 16, “starting with good fishing on that Mid Range size fish all the way to the end with our shot at Big Cows. The Gang did a great job soaking baits to get a bite – sometimes for hours at times, but when the Fish came through, we took full advantage of the opportunity.
“As far as a count on Cows (which some, not everyone, might judge as success on this kind of trip), the tally was 11 over 200 pounds and three fish over 300 pounds. If you’re signed up on an upcoming trip, keep your fingers crossed for your shot at a Giant Fish of a lifetime.
“The highly recommended tackle is a minimum of 130-pound spectra with 130-pound flourocarbon as your topshot. The hook sizes that we are using vary from 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks. These are a few things that have been keys to success.”

Good Tuna Action
“Today we had good action on school size tuna in the 30 to 75-pound range,” reported Independence December 16. “It was about a 50/50 mix of sizes. We are working north in good weather and plan on stopping and fishing for some yellowtail on the way home.”
A Change For The Better

Cow over the rail - Royal Star

“After yesterday with more non biting fish, this is a great change,” wrote Red Rooster III skipper Andy Cates December 17. “Nice fishing on 40-pound fish with a few bigger. We are still hoping for an afternoon shot on possibly a few better grade fish. This is great filler fish and after the slow fishing for big ones the last three days this has got everyone smiling and having a great time. The sign of big fish on the beach is good but we are at a point where we need to catch something and this so far has worked out. The big fish may bite after Christmas. That Moon phase was good last time. If you are interested at a shot at a big one we do have some spots and the trip after Christmas is a go. Call the office and book for what might be the Moon phase we are waiting for. Like I said very good sign of big ones just have to be there at the right time.
“Three days of fishing in there got us 21 tuna and a real big one over 300 pounds. We plan on doing this tomorrow for half a day and let everyone have fish for the RSW tank to take home. Thinking about Cedros for the last day to finish off on Yellows. We will see.”

Rob McAdam & his 364# Yellowfin Tuna

“Beast of Obscene Proportions”
“This was the day we have been waiting for,” said the report from skipper Tim Ekstrom of the Royal Star December 17. “The weather went flat calm and true to form these fair weather biters came up and got with the program. In the end we landed twenty-five of the beasts with nine over the two hundred mark, a handful in the 100 to 140-pound class, and the remainder from 160 to 198 pounds. Of the nine cows, one weighed in at 307 and the other, a behemoth, a prehistoric-looking beast of obscene proportions, weighed in at a whopping 364!
“The weather forecast is for primo, flat calm so the stage is set if the fish are in a biting mood. I have stated it plenty during the trip already but will say it again. There is no shortage of sign.
“The big fish of the day was a profound example of fishing effort and expertise. After suffering three consecutive heartbreaks on big ones, two of which were potential giants that may have pushed the three hundred pound mark, Rob McAdam was definitely down, but not out.
“Upgrading his tackle in the event he hooked a huge one again, Rob did everything in his ability to position himself for success. He wanted a giant, specifically targeted a giant, set up his gear for a giant, then hooked the exact fish he was after and caught it. It is a pretty rare day in fishing when the luck factor is marginalized. And though I admit there is an element of luck in everything, Robbie’s catch was a result of a pure targeted effort, attention to detail, and determination.
“The first photo of the day features Rob with the behemoth 364. Our second photo was an action shot I took of Rob’s brother Mike McAdam who is no slouch either landing a couple of big deuces today and doing an incredible job of setting the pace with Rob on his first voyage targeting giant yellowfin tuna. Now a seasoned veteran, Mike has caught the big fish fever. I suspect we will be fishing for giants together again after this beginning.”

Online Mexican License
According to Log columnist Capt. Pat Rains in the December 11 issue, you can buy a Mexican fishing license online if you’re already in Mexico. She suggests going to http://pesca.conspesca.sagapa.gob.mx/pagoelectronico for the application. Fill it out, she says, and write down the registration number and print out the application.
Then go to any local bank (Banjercito is preferred) and the bank will issue you two payment or receipt numbers. Then you go back online and enter the numbers and pick a start date for your license, which can be issued for a week, a month or a year. Then, just print out your license.
If you’re still in the states, you can get a license from the Mexican consulate or from a full-service tackle store like Fisherman’s Landing. But it’s nice to know that if you forget, there’s still a way to get ‘er done.