With a set of new outriggers installed and the promise of light and variable winds, it did not take much to convince our crew of 5 to call in sick for Tuesday and head offshore. A decent trip south of the lanes the previous week and the continuing bluefin bite closer to home made where to go and what to chase a difficult to decision.
After a little debate, we left Padanaram Harbor in Buzzards Bay around 8pm Monday night and headed for West Atlantis Canyon. Leaving the bay we were met with dying 15 knot southwest breeze which made the ride out a little sporty. We arrived at West Atlantis around 1 am and were seeing 72-73 water temps. With daylight not far away we set up on the flats for a few hour of chunking. The action was slow and after bringing a handful of blue sharks to the boat everyone was eager for the morning troll.
With the sky starting to turn pink, our spread was set and we started working the edge along the 100 fathom line. Just before sunrise a quick knockdown brought everyone’s heart rates up. Moments later we were hooked up for sure. We landed a 40-pound longfin, which provided great entertainment, launching itself clear of the water when it struck. With a fish in the box and the day started in the right direction, we kept working the edge along with a handful of other boats. Unfortunately, the area was loaded with weeds and keeping the spread fishing well was a challenge. We did a turn and started working back east and found water around 75 degrees.
After an hour or so of working the spread, one of the center lines started screaming as a white marlin danced across the surface before throwing the hook. With heart rates restored to their proper levels, we continued east but still battled weeds. After a few more knock downs, one of the flat lines rigged with a swimmer connected. The fish took off like a bat out of hell, taking 150 yards on his first run and going deep. The crew immediately started rigging the harpoon. A 30-minute fight ensued before the 130-pound bigeye came boat side with 5 or 6 other chasing not far behind her. After a brief break for some high-fives and pictures, we set and started trolling this area for another hour or so with no results.
With noon approaching and a lot of miles to cover on the way home, we decided to start working back north. We hit a few high flyers on the way and found them loaded with mahi. The crew was able to hook a nice bull Mahi on a jig but it spit the hook on a jump. After few more minutes of working the finicky schools of Mahi, we started steaming north back towards home. As we got further north we started getting radio chatter of some action towards the claw and we decided to give it a try. The tip of the claw was full of life. Loaded with whales, large groups of birds and balls of bait on the surface as far as you could see. We came across a beautiful white marlin on the surface but unfortunately he did not make his way into the spread. Not long into the troll, all hell broke loose half a mile off our stern. A large ball of bait had been pushed to the surface and it had drawn the attention of several hundred birds. Pulling a quick 180 we arrived moments after the action had ceased and did a quick run through the outskirts of the area. As soon as we hit the edge of the bait ball our deep center line went off. The crew went to work bringing the 40 inch Bluefin to the boat to cap off the day before being forced to head home due to low fuel.
Jamie Simmons
Buzzards Bay Outfitters
Great Job!! The fish keep finding youXO Gram,