Quality bluefin and a good sprinkling of 25 to 35 pound yellowfin made for a fine day on the offshore grounds. Great weather, now on the verge of flat calm, indeed led to the predicted showing of bluefin that continues to stun even the most seasoned fisherman. I’ve been fishing/working in these zones for a lot of years now; offshore since 1984 to be exact. The mid through late nineties had some incredible runs on bluefin. Amazing quantities of fish at times in those years defied imagination. Then came 2019.

Most poignant and worthy of celebration is the fact that such astounding amounts of bluefin tuna this season suggest that the drastic management steps taken a few years prior to reduce all take have been effective. A huge tip of the hat to Mexico and other IATTC member countries that have stepped up by adhering to quota reductions. And while recreational fishing does not statistically account for a significant amount of fish U.S. anglers have done their part also easily adapting to the two fish/day, six total limit. It all adds up. 

What we observed yesterday defied belief. Throughout the day for miles and miles school after school of bluefin tuna in the 50 - 100 plus pound size class were up and showing. Then came the afternoon float that made all others look small. It was as if the entire bottom of the ocean came up. Really something.

True to form they did a fine job of practicing self preservation. I confidently venture the opinion that somewhere in the neighborhood of 99.9999999 percent of the bluefin tuna that we observed today showed zero interest in our baited hooks. Devils. For hours on end they toured around and under the boat very occasionally making a mistake. And when they did we made them pay. 

In the end enough of them dropped their guard to add up and make a respectable score. The quality also makes up for a lack of big quantity. It only takes one, or two, to make it all worth while. Throw in a few of the spunky, beautiful grade yellowfin and an already luminous picture becomes brilliant. As such we couldn’t quite find it in ourselves to depart and look elsewhere. One more day in this zone is definitely in order.

Photo today features Humboldt Fishin’ Lumberjack veteran Ron Updegrave with his 114 pound, prized Pacific Bluefin Tuna.