I welcomed aboard the Barney K party this morning for a trip targeting school tuna with light tackle.  We left the harbor at 0430 and headed for the grounds on calm seas.  The plan for the day was to work from north to south searching for surface feeding fish which we would cast to with surface plugs. I also carry Trevala jig rods rigged with butterfly jigs which we would drop on any bait balls that we spotted below the surface.

We arrive on the grounds and found whales birds and fish breaking everywhere...a truly amazing site.  The guys started throwing plugs and immediately hooked up. Unfortunately huge stripers were inhaling the plugs before Charlie had a chance and we boated numerous ones in the the 30lb+ class.  Although these were beautiful fish and most people would be happy to land one,  we were disappointed that the tuna were not cooperating in this area so we push south as planned.

We ran over 90 miles this day looking for Charlie but at each sign of activity the stripers continued to hit the surface plugs and bang the jigs.  I have become a big fan of the butterfly jigs as you can really pressure the fish to the surface in a very short time.  Average time for landing  the big bass was under two minutes and when released they gave a strong tail slap as I released my grip.  The ability to get a fish to the boat quickly will mean great shashmi when Charlie hits the deck.

Later in the day when found an area between patrolled by six stick boats (tuna boats who fish with harpoon).  Giant tuna will come to the surface and run when digesting their food..the surfaces warmer temps aid in digestion.  The stick boats will position their extended pulpit (stand)  over the fish and a man will try to hit the moving fish with a hand thrown harpoon.  This is an art in itself so we shutdown the engine and drifted along waiting  to see if anyone would get in the stand and take a throw.

In a few minutes we spotted a large fin approaching our boat dead on from good distance. As the fish got near it turned broadside and we realize it was a large basking shark who was cruising along the surface.  Although they look very intimidating they are no threat to you as they are filter feeders.  After a few more minutes we decided it was time to head for the barn so I went to start the engines. Just as I turned the key the water exploded 20 yards off the port bow.  I never saw the pushing fish (too low on the water) but Charlie gave us a good splash as he woke up...another memory to put in the log book

We arrive back on the dock around 1630 after having landed over 20 stripers in the 20-33lbs class during the course of the day.  Even though we were unable to hook up with Charlie we all had another great and memorable day on the Gulf of Maine. 

Capt. George