October 9, after a 3 hour boat ride of being slapped around by the ocean to get to the grounds, I observed the fleet spread out around the area. Fishing by myself, I wanted to see what the drift would be, so I took her out of gear and set up the plotter and went aft to sew up some baits. After all the gear was ready to my satisfaction, I started to slowly motor up tide, looking for some feed or indvidual tuna fish on the fathometer. I eventually set up on the Northeast side of the fleet and started fishing on some good marks. The first rod went out, then a few chum baits and then the second rod went out, Before I could tie on the balloon, the first rod went off screaming ! I had been fishing all of 10 minutes and I was tight. Long story short, the fish was wild, taking three hours to harpoon and tailwrap. Three times he would go into a circle only to tear off on the surface again. He changed direction all the time and fought very hard. You got to respect a fish like that !!!!October 10, I head back out - singlehanded again. Same setup pattern only this time just a bit more to the east. It took me a bit longer to hook up this day, but the fish was bigger, fatter and I got him in just over an hour. It seems every one has its own personality like we do.
I consider myself very lucky. I think the proper term is "The horshoe is up my a--" !!
Bruce