Guest Post: Capt. Bobby Rice's Birthday Bluefin Tuna

by Captain Bobby Rice

JUNE 1st — The clock showed 2:03am and I was wide awake even though the alarm was set for four. Returning to sleep at this point was unlikely as my mind whirled with thoughts of today’s fishing trip. We were in a school of busting bluefin tuna on yesterday’s striped bass fishing trip and we even hooked one, but the first fish of the season won out. Arriving back to the dock with several keeper bass, I was clearly consumed by thoughts of another species considering what the upcoming days would hold for a tuna bite.

Today is my 41st birthday. I think back to the fun of my 40th birthday celebration a little over a year ago and my eyes spontaneously fill at the realization that a very important member of my inner circle will not be part of today’s birthday celebration. It will be my first birthday without my good friend, Ron Z. Acknowledging that Ron would not want tears for him on a happy day, I took a deep breath and smiled as I put his laminated photo card (that I saved from his service) in my pocket while preparing to head out for the day.

This morning’s trip was originally planned for striped bass fishing, yet I was loading the boat with the striped bass setups and the tuna spinning gear. The tuna tackle boxes were also tucked on board as I was fairly convinced that school of tuna would be intermingling with the whales and the striped bass again. A beautiful sunrise established the backdrop for the day as Reel Deal II headed out of Pamet Harbor.

The striped bass fishing did not disappoint as multiple keepers were landed shortly after reaching the hot spot. A brief while later, the tuna show began. I grabbed my casting rod and started throwing lures out along with the other anglers on board. Doubled up! Two hook-ups quickly materialized although they too soon dissolved into the horizon as we lost both fish. I couldn’t help but feel as if Ron was standing behind me shaking my head saying, “Bobby, what are you doing? You know it is time to go vertical”.

Going on that message from above, I next chose my vertical jigging rod and dropped down a silver RonZ 4X. Reel, jig, reel, jig – hooked up! I chuckled thinking, “Ok Ron, you’re right.” After fighting the fish for awhile it was lost in the lobster traps. Surprised and disappointed to lose this one, I looked upwards and nodded. Turning back to the rod holders again, this time I picked up RonZ’s personal fishing rod that I was extremely honored to now own. The well-known bright blue grip rod was set up by Ron, still had the knot he tied and his 60-lb leader.

Time seemed unhurried as I dropped down the silver and pearl RonZ 4X bait, overwhelmed with nostalgia of a different day when landing giants on board this boat with the legend himself. The feeling of excitement, anticipation, sentiment and emotion buzzed between my hands and this unique fishing setup as I jigged away. I sensed it would not be long and this intuition was correct when the line went out tight and the rod bent over. The adrenalin soared as I realized this was a bigger fish and I was determined to land it. Ron’s presence stayed strong throughout the battle keeping me focused and unwavering. Clocking in just over an hour later, there was a 77” bluefin tuna boat side of Reel Deal II.

The wave of joy that hit my heart and filled my eyes took my breath away. The magnitude of landing a giant bluefin tuna on Ron’s fishing rod on my birthday rendered me speechless. A congratulatory pat on the back brought me back to reality from my temporary trance gazing in the glistening waves splashing off the bluefin tuna. We secured the fish and turned the compass homeward.

I will not be retying Ron’s knot on this setup until it breaks. I feel it still holds some of his magic and likely will be landing more than just one bluefin tuna this season.