BIG TAHUNA CHARTERS WEBSITE:  http://www.bigtahuna.com/

The Boat
The boat, as described on Big Tahuna Charters website:
"2003 50' Custom Carolina; 800 hp Caterpillar 3406E; Both Heat and Air Conditioning; DVD, VCR, CD, TV, XM Radio; Microwave, Refrigerator, Freezer; Full Head (w/bath); Custom Mahogany Cabinetry; Full Electronics; All Coast Guard Required Safety Equipment"

The Crew
Capt. Scott Warren and first mate Kenny.

Fishing Report :
Target species: Blackfin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna

Hopes ran high as we were told of very consistent and intense tuna action over the past week. Jimmy, Milton, Kint, Tetsu, and I were on this trip. On Friday, we all made the 10 hour drive and were hyped and ready to fish!!!

At the dock, we met the crew. There, Capt. Scott Warren informed us that Ric Burnley (professional outdoor writer/photographer) would also be joining us to write a peice on our trip. Mr. Burnley wrote THE Jan2010 Winter Blackfin Tuna article in the Saltwater Sportsman (See http://www.bookfishingtrips.com/forums/s...?tid=196)! It was a pleasure meeting him!

We left the dock about 6:15am. As the sun came up over the horizon, we were well on our way to the Gulf Stream. The ride out was about one and a half hours. As soon as we made it to the fishing grounds, we saw busting/leaping blackfin tuna all around us --> Out came the popping gear! We tried hard with our topwater plugs, but all efforts were unsuccessful...

As the fish scattered about, Capt. Scott tried very hard to position us over a school, but the fish were quick on the move today. To help us find the tuna, trolling rods were set out as we searched. The captain's call paid off as only moments later, a rod rigged with a ballyhoo goes off!!!!!!! Jimmy fought the fish while all others knew to immediately start dropping jigs. Soon, it was fish after fish. Although mostly False Albacore and small Blackfin Tuna, it was still action! We thought that this would be the beginning of the Blackfin action we had anticipated all year long!

However, the action left us as soon as it came. Despite a few short-lived flurries, action was then spotty throughout the rest of the day. Only a few Blackfin were had here and there. Some amberjack (up to 40 lbs) and sharks (up to 250lbs) also made a showing. Dropping, working, and adapting jigs vertically was very difficult due to strong currents, but everyone jigged hard, especially the mate (who graciously donated his fish to us). Although disappointing, no explanation was needed to understand that this was part of fishing.

By Big Tahuna's standards, this was an overall slow Blackfin Tuna trip, but we still put fish in the boat (about 10 Blackfin tuna, many more False Albacore, and 1 AJ)! The mate was the high hook with about 5 Blackfin --> lure of choice was pink or blue/pink Williamson Benthos jig (7oz). The False Albacore would stay with the boat to be used as bait for their future charters targeting kingfish.

Overall, a bit of a disappointing day, but Capt. Scott tried very hard to put us on the fish. We can't always have those stellar days, but we did get to see some fish come over the rails.

After the trip, we made the most of our woes by sharing a wonderful home-cooked meal made by the cooks in our crew. This was special (and the meal was delicious!). Thank you Jimmy, Tetsuwa, and Milton for preparing the dinner. The quality of comradery, laughs, and theories we shared that night is not something we will soon forget. Now, I guess this is why we fish.

BFTC video:

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Some photos of the trip:

Depths Fished:
200-300 ft

GEAR USED TODAY:
-Rods and Reels:
Trolling Setups: Shimano Tiagra 80 reels with 7+ft custom rods.
Jigging Setups: Various models including rods from OTI, Daiwa, Jigging Master, and FISHERMAN rated for 150-350g jigs.

-Lines:
Jigging: Most anglers used 60-80lb braid, tipped with 80-100lb flourocarbon.

-Terminal Tackle:
Jigging: Ball-Bearing Swivels or Solid Rings connected to split rings for Jigs; Most anglers used Owner Monster Assist Hooks (size 7/0); Various Jigs (150-250g)

Filleting Services
Filleting services not provided in fare. Fish can be filleted by service provided at the marina, but we took our fish home whole.