by Capt. Brad Philipps

When it comes to fishing, anglers look for the biggest species that put on the most aerial of shows once hooked. The Pacific Sailfish has long been recognized by anglers as being a perfect species. Sailfish grow big, are aggressive and persistent on the bite, and they put on a spectacularly acrobatic display once hooked. Nowhere are there bigger numbers of sailfish than off the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, giving anglers multiple opportunities at making for the most memorable of fishing experiences. Boats operating out of Marina Pez Vela, in Porto Quetzal, which is an easy one hour drive South of Guatemala City, hold many a world fishing record.  With as many as 124 sailfish releases in a single day on conventional trolling tackle, 57 on fly fishing gear in a day, and close to 3000 releases in a single year by a single boat, not to mention up to 6 blue marlin releases in a day and countless dorado and tuna to ensure any angler is treated to an angling trip of a lifetime.

Below: Capt. Brad Philipps poses with a Pacific Sailfish

Pelagic Pro Team Captain Brad Philipps has been guiding anglers on these prolific waters for over a decade and is widely acclaimed as one of the top sportsfishing captains in the world. Philipps’s story is an interesting one – he is a South African who has fished the world, gaining experience and building his considerable reputation in the most recognizable of big gamefishing hotspots. He came to Guatemala from Brazil wishing to explore first hand the amazing reports emerging from these prolific waters back in 2000. While validating the unbelievable reports of record numbers of fish and enjoying a spectacular season on the water, he met and married Cindy Ramirez, the current Miss Guatemala, making Guatemala home. A few years latter, they went on to open, Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures. This highly successful operation has now been operating for over 6 years, providing the very best of billfishing to their guests.

Below: An aptly named Sailfish shows off its distinguishing feature

While on the water their anglers, whether experienced tournament clients or first time fishermen, are treated to the worlds most special of billfishing experiences aboard one of the worlds most recognized boats, the Decisive, a 40ft Gamefishermen. With Brad at the helm, two highly experienced local mates working the cockpit,  top rate tackle and all the facilities one would expect aboard a first class boat, anglers have averaged around 15 sailfish releases a day over the last 11 seasons with Brad. Sailfish average 80lb in size and can get as big as 150lb in these waters. The blue marlin average between 250lbs and 400lbs with much larger fish being caught each year. The fishing season coincides with this area’s dry months of October through July, giving anglers the added advantage of magnificent weather, flats seas and breathtaking views as they ply these blue waters, rich with ocean life such as Humpbacked whales, Spinner and Bottle-nosed dolphins and Ridley Turtles.

Below: Renowned marine-life photographer Tony Ludovico snapped this incredible photo of a sailfish swarming a bait ball

With anticipations approaching fever pitch, boats usually leave the marina around 7am in the morning to make their run out to the fish. Bait, water quality and a variety of different reasons will depict where the bite might be found for that particular day, but experience and a bounty of other information will have top captains putting their anglers on the action in no time. A combination of circle hooked ballyhoo baits (a small 7-9 inch long fish) and teasers (hook-less lures) are trolled behind the boat in order to attract the sailfish, marlin or any predatory fish’s attention. If a fish bites the hooked ballyhoo it is allowed to eat the bait and then hooked in the corner of the mouth, game on!! Fish that come up on a hook-less teaser are coaxed in towards the boat and hooked bait is then presented to it. This switch-baiting method of angling gets anglers much more involved in the experience and also gives crews a choice of tackle to which to feed depending on the size and species of fish that shows up on the teaser.

Below: A healthy sail puts on a show for the camera

It’s not unusual for multiple sailfish to show up at the same time, as they regularly feed in small groups co-operating in their feeding behavior. Good crews capitalize on this and seeing two, three or even as many as five sailfish jumping in all directions with every angler hooked up is a spectacle to behold. The reels drags have been carefully set and are silky smooth. Even though the line is relatively light at either 20 or 30 pound breaking strain, and sometimes much lighter, the angler plays the fish with the captain giving chase with the boat  in order to release the fish in fairly quick order allowing for a speedy and healthy release. A big marlin could pounce on one of the bigger teasers at any moment with a mackerel being tossed to it on a 50lb test outfit. The marlin bite is often savage, and the ensuing fight a spectacular show of powerful jumps, long runs and dogged strength, often making a marlin release an angler’s lifetime highlight. With hot lunches, ice cold drinks, and all the amenities on board its an extremely satisfied group that hits the dock later that afternoon.  Anglers then enjoy the wonderful lodge environment where the relaxing swimming pool is more often than not the first of gathering spots where fishermen congregate to tell their big stories and share memories that will last a lifetime.

Below: Capt. Brad Philipps with his record-breaking release in '04

Sailfish are a protected species in Guatemala and the use of the highly successful circle hook a legal requirement. Guatemala’s ecologically minded approach ensures that all sailfish and marlin are released in the healthiest of conditions thus strengthening the future of this country’s unique resource and allowing for the continued growth in this tourism related sector.  

The fish, experienced crews, boats and lodges are all here. Guatemala’s sailfishing paradise awaits the adventurous. It’s a must-do experience for everyone and it’s only an easy flight away.

Capt. Brad Philipps hosts an array of records including amassing an incredible career total of over 20,000 billfish releases, as well as being named Marlin Magazine’s ‘Captain of the Year’ in 2008.  To book your next fishing trip to Guatemala – visit Capt. Brad on the web at www.GuatBillAdv.com

by Capt. Josh Temple

My good friend Manfred had just climbed up the tower on the 57' Dean Johnson MAXIMO that I run out of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to bring me an ice cold gatorade.  The late summer humidity was sweltering and the cold drink was a welcome relief from the heat.  As i chugged down the beverage, Manfred asked me what I thought our chances were at catching a marlin that day.  I pointed to a few closely grouped waypoints on the GPS chart plotter that we were trolling around and told Manfred that over the years those few waypoints had produced incredible numbers of black and blue marlin.  I explained that since we had the right water temperature, color, current, and had already seen several schools of baitfish working the area, that conditions definitely looked promising for marlin.  No sooner had the words escaped my lips when a 500 pound black marlin annihilated one of our lures and tore off for the horizon at a rate of unimaginable speed. 

Below: A hungry marlin slashes at a trolled lure.

Manfred, who by now was yelling encouragement at the top of his lungs as his uncle strapped into the chair and went to work on the fish, had just learned perhaps the most important facet to catching marlin on a consistent basis - whenever possible, fish in places where you've caught them before. 

Below: Airborn! A nice black marlin tries to throw the hook.

Marlin, despite their inherent wanderlust, are simple creatures of habit and necessity.  They require certain water temperatures and an ample baitfish supply in order to survive, and that is pretty much it.  If you look at the oceans of the world on a globe, and then eliminate the portions of those oceans where the water temperatures are too cold to support marlin, you are left with a remarkable swath of water in which to target marlin world-wide.  Out of that massive global range certain consistencies arise and locations like Cairns, Australia and Kona, Hawaii (amongst countless others) have proven that large concentrations of marlin will return to the same areas year after year. 

Below: Rain or shine, marlin inhabit tropical and sub-tropical waters year-round. 

As fishermen, we seem attuned to this general knowledge.  But what many fail to realize is that just because you are fishing in a well-known marlin hot-spot doesn't mean you are fishing it effectively.  To become a better marlin fisherman you must first understand that each of these locations harbors hot-spots within the area that are going to produce marlin more consistently than others.  It's finding these areas and keeping track of them that is going to make you a more successful marlin fishermen, and one of the best ways to do that is mark every location you raise a marlin with a waypoint on your GPS chart plotter. 

Below: Two blue marlin put on an aerial display.

It's simple science, but it's often surprising just how few fishermen take the time or think to do this, particularly when you consider how important it is in marlin fishing.  For some crews, trolling around without any thought or care to where they've caught fish before might account for enough success over the season to keep them happy, but I can guarantee you one thing - when it comes time for adding up the numbers at the end of the season the crews that have put the extra effort into keeping catch records are going to boast better marlin numbers every time.

Below: Pelagic Pro Team Captain Josh Temple wires a solid black boatside.

A very good example of a hot-spot within a hot-spot is the particular area I mentioned fishing with Manfred earlier.  After countless hours of trolling up and down the 1,000 fathom curve off of Puerto Vallarta over the years I realized that a certain stretch of the edge was consistently producing more marlin than any other spot along the curve. Thanks to the simple fact that I always create a waypoint when i hook a marlin, it only took a few seasons to prove that over a 50 mile stretch of the 1,000 fathom curve that i regularly troll, one scant 5 mile area produced over 75% of the fish.  Think about how much time I save in my day to day marlin fishing now that i know where the most consistent concentrations of marlin are going to be found in my area.  All it took was simply punching in a waypoint every time I hooked a marlin and allowing time to pass and patterns to appear.

Below: A blue marlin ready for release.

Of course this is a very simple way of keeping track of marlin migration and feeding zones in your local area, but it's perhaps the most effective tool in your log.  Just like real estate, productive marlin grounds are all about location-location-location!  Start by keeping track of locations where you raise marlin, and then add further information like stage of the tide, moon phase, water temperature, and so on.  Over time you are going to see patterns develop in your local area and you'll be able to reference these consistencies to maximize precious daylight efficiently during your fishing day.  I've learned that blue marlin in our local area particularly prefer the last few hours of the incoming tide, and will often bite best right at the high slack.  This information lets me structure my day to include hitting some of my favorite marlin grounds at precisely the right stage of the tide, ensuring that I am fishing in the best possible location to catch a blue marlin, at the best possible time. 

Below: 3-2-1 Blast off! A chunky black marlin launches in front of the camera of Josh Temple.

Start using your GPS to keep track of marlin bites in your area, and it won't be long before you develop your own hot-spots to maximize your time and effort in search of marlin.  Good luck out there!!!

Pelagic Pro Team Captain Josh Temple is from Tofino, B.C., but spends most of his days running charters in the fertile waters of Puerto Vallarta and Panama. Visit Capt. Josh on the web and follow his blog at www.PrimeTimeAdv.com

by Colin Sarfeh

Twenty-six anglers stood on the back deck of Qualifier 105 on September 8th, 2011, exhausted and confounded by what took place during the previous hours.  No one on the boat, not even the captain, had ever seen or even heard of anything like the bite these lucky anglers had just experienced.   Some held beers, toasting to the gift Higher Beings just gave to us.  Some swapped stories with fellow awe-struck anglers of their battles that just occurred.  Up in the wheelhouse, as we motored north, Captain Joe Crisci was just as in shock as I.  He looked at me with a smirk – his eyes said it all – the savvy long-range captain summed up our morning in a single statement: “We just had a historic bite.”

Let’s back up a few days to September 3rd.  That Saturday morning, Point Loma Sportfishing, based out of San Diego, was busy, bustling with passengers returning from a previous trip and anxious anglers on the verge of their long-awaited departure.  The crew helped load our arsenals of rods and reels, as well as everyone’s personal belongings onto the 105’ long-range sport fishing vessel Qualifier 105.  Pelagic Pro Team Captain Joe Crisci was at the helm and steered ‘The Q’ to the San Diego Harbor bait receivers where Everingham Bros. Bait Co. supplied us with a beautiful grade of sardine bait.

Below: Pelagic Pro Team Captain Joe Crisci looks on at the action aboard the Q

This 7-day adventure was a co-sponsored trip, chartermastered by Gary Schall of the Long Beach Fire Department, Colin Sarfeh and Jason Noah of Pelagic Gear, and Gary “Cowboy” Vander Lyke of Tuna Round-Up Charters.  All passengers received a Pelagic Gear gift pack consisting of a variety of High Performance Offshore Gear and Gary Schall hosted an “everybody wins” raffle that included Seeker Rods, Sportsman’s Seafood Fish Processing gift certificates, T-shirts, shorts, and duffle bags from Pelagic Gear, and Hennessey’s Tavern gift certificates. 

Below: Captain Joe loads the boat with hundreds of scoops of sardine bait.

Locked and loaded for our trip, Capt. Joe briefed us on the tentative game plan for the coming week.  Our first fishing would commence bright and early the next morning, where we would start trolling in the offshore zone hoping and looking for sonar marks, flocks of birds, floating kelp paddies, porpoise schools, or blind jig strikes.  The fleet had been reporting decent scores of mixed Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, both of which ranged from between 15 to 30-pounds with a smattering of 40-pound fish here and there. 

Our morning started slow with quick stops that would produce one or two fish stopping the boat on the troll, with a couple of fish quickly biting on bait thereafter.  At around 10:45AM Captain Joe halted the boat after three of our five trolling rods screamed, signaling a hook-up.  Our slow morning soon turned into a full-speed bite for about ten-minutes on mixed species tuna.  Calamity ensued as almost all anglers were bit instantly the moment their baits hit the water. 

Below: Six anglers hooked-up on tuna in the stern starboard corner

Yes, there were casualties (or fish lost due to tangles, light line, etc.), but at the end of an hour drift, we had a decent score of these coveted offshore gamefish.  Overall, our first day of fishing ended up being a great one. The action continued through the afternoon, and when all was said and done, all anglers were able to put a few mixed tuna in the refrigerated saltwater fish hold. Deckhands Brendan, Rusty, Armando, and second-skipper Eric did an incredible job keeping anglers out of tangles and ultimately bolstered our fish count by avoiding the sometimes unavoidable losses due to the squirrely nature of these school-sized tuna.

Below: Darrel Strickroth with a tuna at color.

After a spectacular tri-tip and artichoke dinner prepared by Chef Brett and assistant Nadine, Captain Joe made the call on our next move. 

“We’re going to Benitos (Island).  We have been catching big Yellowtail in the early morning hours there and we’re going to give it a shot again tomorrow.  We’ll be there around 04:00.  Get your rest…you’re going to need it.”

At 03:30 the next morning, the boat shut down and slid to a stop, thereafter the unmistakable clattering of the anchor line being dropped over the bow of the Qualifer resonated throughout the boat.  Rising from staterooms, geared in deck boots, one by one anglers filtered on to the stern of The Q.  The air was warm for being so early in the morning with little need for the long-sleeve shirts most of us put on. 

I pinned a live mackerel on my 60# outfit and sank it to the bottom via dropper loop.  Looking over the side of the boat, you could see small baitfish (mostly sardines and sauries) skirting near or even across the surface.  From out of the darkness, 10-inch squid would dart into view, attracted by the luminescence created by the ship’s deck lights.

As the sun started to make its morning appearance to the east, Benitos’ silhouette came with it, reminding me of the task at hand and the mossback Yellowtail that call this island home.  These “homeguards” don’t take kindly to invaders (AKA bait) that find their way into the rocky bottom structure an island like Isla San Benitos creates, and will attack a bait on instinct if presented the opportunity.

The first fish bit at roughly 04:15 and a nice 30-pound Yellow came on board, a quality grade fish.  These hard-fighting-members-of-the-jack-family typically will come through in groups, so my senses kicked in as I prepared myself for action.  Another angler gets slammed, and I watched the battle ensue as his rod was doubled over and pinned to the rail while he tried to force the brute off the bottom.

I felt a sudden “tick” on my line, then the distinctive pull a Yellowtail makes as he heads home with your bait.  With my reel in gear, I wound down and the line came tight, the 5/0 circle hook implanting itself in the fish’ mouth.  Even with my drag set to nearly full, this fish beat me up, taking line and racing me up and down the port-side rail.  A ten-minute fight ended in the starboard-stern corner as second-skipper Eric sunk a gaff in my fish and brought a nice, high-thirty-pound class Yellow on board.

Below: Team Pelagic's Colin Sarfeh with a quality California Yellowtail caught at San Benitos Island.

Before 06:00 and the sun became visible in the sky, all anglers aboard had their chance to land a quality 30-40 pound fish.  Tom Crewse (great name) appeared to have the biggest fish of the morning with an estimated 45-pound California Yellowtail that he also caught with a mackerel sunk to the bottom on a dropper loop.

Once the sun pierced the sky, tactics changed for fishing.  The fish weren’t biting bait as well, so many employed the Yo-Yo method of sinking a heavy Salas 6X or Tady 4/0 iron jig to the bottom and fast-grinding it through the bottom half of the water column.  At any time during your retrieve, your jig could be stopped by an 18-30 pound Yellow.  These fish bit full-speed from time to time throughout our drifts.  I can recall twice where fellow angler, Landon Yacobucci, and I, standing right next to each other at the rail, simultaneously hooked bruiser fish while cranking in our jigs.  Twice these battles ended tragically as we both lost fish due to pesky sea lions.  In fact, many anglers were fooled into thinking that they were finally connected with that monster 50-pound yellow they have been waiting for their whole life, only to find the island’s “sea dog” screaming off with 300-yards of your line and expensive spectra. 

Below: Sarfeh and Landon Yacobucci try to determine the bigger yellow...you make the call!

These seals became a problem and once we had our fill on Yellowtail, Capt. Joe decided to make the move offshore and south to head for “The Ridge” in search of Dorado, Tuna, and more action on Yellowtail.  At 10:30 AM we left Benitos Island in our wake, all smiles and grateful for the excellent morning of fishing experienced.  We caught a handful of small tuna and Dorado offshore while in transit to our destination lying south of us.  Most of these smaller-grade fish were released to fight another day.

“The Ridge” is a 55-mile stretch of underwater banks and high-spots off the mid-Baja coast.  Known to host an array of Pelagic gamefish species such as Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, and Yellowtail, this area also gives anglers the opportunity to catch great eating Pargo and Grouper, the latter of which can exceed 100-pounds.

Day four started by trolling around the north end of The Ridge looking for Porpoise schools that hold tuna, and kelp paddies that attract Dorado.  The weather was hot, and we noticed it much more while motoring around looking for fish, but catching few. 

As guys reddened under the scorching midday sun, Capt. Joe found what he was looking for.  We anchored up on an area known as the 13-spot.  Once the anchor came tight, the action started.  Yellowtail to 30-pounds bit every bait and lure that hit the water.  West Coast fishermen have long favored casting the surface iron on lengthy 8-10’ “jig stick” rods for schooling fish – we were not disappointed by the show put on by these frenzied Yellows.

Below: Co-Chartermaster Gary Schall puts the hurt on a nice yellow  // Second Skipper Eric bendo with the 10-footer

Cast your favorite color – or any color iron, for that matter – and you could see four or five fish chase down your jig before one outdueled the others and inhaled it.  The fishing was full-speed, wide-open for two hours. 

Below: Deckhand Armando Palifax and Landon Yacobucci display a typical "Ridge" Yellowtail.

At that point we had to leave them biting and we trolled away from The Ridge as the sun sank into the Pacific – we had near limits of Yellowtail for all on board.

Below: The sun sinks into the Pacific after another solid day aboard the Q

After a great dinner of chicken and asparagus, Capt. Joe set the hook (the anchor) down on another high-spot on The Ridge.  Most went to bed, but a few hardcore anglers stayed up for some fishing and cocktails.  A handful of Yellowtail were caught, as well as a couple small Smoothound Sharks and a 6’ Mako, released by Gary Schall.  The real action ensued when a $200 bottle of scotch was brought out on the back deck.  Intricately designed pranks and daredevil stunts began coming out of the woodworks, most of which will remain in secrecy.  Around midnight, the newly deemed “Ridge Rager” was over and everyone went to bed.

Below: An exhausted "Ridge Rager".

The next day, Wednesday, was spent heading north.  Up top in the wheelhouse, Captain Joe received a call from one of his “code” boats, letting him know that they had just found a dead whale holding a massive school of Dorado.  Once they had their limits, the mates stuck a flag in it and their captain relayed the coordinates to Joe.  Deckhand Armando spent the better part of the day up in the crows nest, bathing in the sweltering heat.  He was in search of the marker, glassing the sprawling sea with binoculars.

Below: The flagged whale and host for a school of frenzied dorado.

Once found and Skipper Joe had set up on the flagged whale, it did not take long for hungry Dorado to find our baits.  For about five-minutes it was pure chaos, with everyone on Qualifier 105 bit.  Hooked Dorado jumped everywhere, tangling and infusing many different lines at once.  The deckhands did an incredible job during the havoc, gaffing “green” (lively) fish and keeping as many passengers possible out of brutal tangles that typically occur during a full-speed Dorado bite.  We were able to fill up on these 12 to 20-pound acrobatic flapjacks, giving everyone some tasty morsels for the dinner table.

Below: A lit up "DoDo" slashes at the surface // Deckhand Brendan and Chuck Herron with a quality Dorado at sunset.

With our quota made for Yellowtail and Dorado, we went out looking for more tuna on porpoise schools to no avail.  Captain Joe got on the loudspeaker:

“Not much going on around us for tuna, for us or any of the other boats…No signs of wahoo either.  The Rocks (Alijos) are sharked out.  Excel is there right now and the few big tuna they do hook are mangled by the sharks – so that option is out.  Since we are limited out on Yellowtail, that counts out any of the islands up north, unless we decide to drift for Halibut or something.  That leaves us with little option.  Tonight I’m going to anchor up on one of my spots off the coast and hopefully find us a grouper or two…we should be there in a few hours.”

At around 7:30 that evening, we arrived at Joe’s “honey hole”.  After dinner was when the bite began – a mere preview of the main course to come.  There was a strong current, and it took about 16 oz. of weight to get a bait to the bottom for a good chance at an assortment of Rockfish, Red Snapper, or the target species: Grouper. Most sardines or mackerel that hit the bottom were eventually bit by any of the aforementioned bottom dwellers.  A few 20-pound-class Groupers hit the deck that night, a pleasant surprise to see come up from the depths.  But, the omen was officially sent when Mike Heib coaxed up a whopping 45-pound Tan Grouper.  That catch bolstered our adrenaline-high and kept most at the rail fishing into the dwindling hours of that Wednesday night.  As the hours faded, so did the fishing and most ventured to their staterooms for a good night sleep below.

Below: Landon Yacobucci and Mike Heib showcase their night-caught Tan Grouper.

At roughly 04:00 that next Thursday morning, I was awakened from my “quick nap” as Captain Joe burst through my door.

“Get up! They’re biting full-speed!”

As I slinked up from a short slumber onto the deck of the Q, there was a lone angler, Ron Shalvis, fishing solo with a slew of Grouper scattered around him.

“I stayed up fishing all night,” recalled the exuberant Shalvis.  “At 03:30 the current changed and the boat swung around on the anchor…Once we settled in again with the shift, my line went tight and I was bit.  A couple deckhands were the only ones awake, but they were attending to their nightly checklists.  I had to gaff my own fish!”

When the captain was rustled awake by a crewmember and saw the back deck of his ship, Joe grabbed a rod, baited up, and dropped to the bottom to see if he couldn’t hook a fish himself.  His sardine was instantly inhaled and his stout 80-pound class rod bent over from a hungry grouper.  That’s when he handed the rod to Rusty and ran downstairs to wake everyone up – he knew it was game on.

Below: Gary Schall hoists a hefty grouper.

These fish bit everything…I mean EVERYTHING: sardine, mackerel, slabs, heavy jigs, breakfast sausage…wait, did somebody just say BREAKFAST SAUSAGE?!?  Brett and Nadine had prepared a morning meal of hotcakes and sausage.  After catching a couple fish myself, I stepped away for a brief minute to enjoy a hot breakfast. 

When I had finished my quick bite to eat, I thought: What the hell? – and asked Nadine for a couple sausage links.  She obliged and I pinned on to a waiting hook one of the tasty pork pieces.  No more than five seconds after the succulent Jimmy Dean hit the bottom, I felt the distinct “tap, tap” of a Grouper hammering my “bait”.

Below: Colin Sarfeh and Mike Heib display twin bottom-dwellers.

No one had ever seen or even heard of anything like the bite we experienced before, not even the salty long-range captain.  Deckhand Armando has fished up and down the Baja coast for the better part of four decades and cannot recall ever seeing Grouper bite with such reckless abandon.

Everyone had their chance to pull on and land a few of these incredible fish before we took off.  Once again, we had to leave the fish biting.  This day was truly a once in a lifetime experience with all anglers extremely happy and thankful to be a part of it.  Captain Crisci explained our morning as a “Historical Bite” and “something that has never and might not ever happen again in long-range fishing”. 

Joe continued modestly, “It was luck really.  Just a place to throw the anchor for the evening.  Did you see all those red crab on the deck?  Those fish were stacked to 15-fathoms on that mass of Pelagic Red Crabs.  Simply incredible.  What a way to end our trip!” 

Below: An incredible shot of the mass of Grouper as seen on Qualifier's sonar.

On that note, Captain Joe Crisci pointed the bow of Qualifier 105 towards Point Loma.  Twenty-six exhausted anglers sat on the back deck mesmerized by the morning’s bite – a stroke of fate, if you will – and reveled in the experience just shared.  Some were in disbelief of the fact that we had just written a page in sport fishing history. 

The Qualifier has had a long-standing tradition that the last dinner before arriving back in San Diego be a traditional turkey dinner, complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  That changed on this special trip as Chef Bret prepared and served a sensational grilled grouper feast during our last meal on board together.

Back at the docks on Saturday, September 10th, the jackpot fish were weighed.  Tom Crewse and Rick Bierman took first and second place for their heavy 42.2 and 40-pound Benitos Island Yellowtail.  We had returned with a quality catch of tuna, yellowtail, and dorado – but, what drew the most attention was the unprecedented catch of Grouper brought home by the anglers and crew of Qualifier 105.  They were the heaviest fish caught, but being non-pelagic gamefish (residing bottom-dwellers) granted the heaviest of the lot an automatic third place in the jackpot lineup.  That honor went to Darrell Strickroth with his 50-pound tan grouper.

Below: The Jackpot winners

Above Point Loma Sportfishing in the Qualifier’s office, I met with the boat’s owner, John Klein.

“What do you say, John?” I asked him.

“I’m speechless.  In all my years at sea and in this business, never have I seen such a thing…how about we try this again next year?”

We both laughed knowing that a bite like we experienced on grouper might never happen again.  But, out on the open ocean, you never know what to expect…stranger things have happened.  Until that day comes again when all the stars align and the conditions present themselves properly, the twenty-six passengers aboard Qualifier 105 on that “historic” seven-day voyage can lay claim as the only long-range anglers to experience that special bite: Wide. Open. Grouper.

Most long range trips are known for targeting four gamefish species: Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, and Yellowtail.  What made this trip so special was the fact that usually Grouper are a rare target or an incedental catch with typically 1-5 taken during autumn trips.  On this "special" trip, the 26 anglers on board had their fill of quality Yellowtail, Tuna, and Dorado - giving the captain a tough call to make for the last day's fishing.  Skipper Joe Crisci put us on spectacular fishing all trip long, and it was only fitting that taking a chance at his "honey hole" produced some of the most memorable fishing any of us aboard can remember.

Big thanks to John Klein and Joe Crisci for having us on board Qualifier 105 for this epic trip.  The captain and crew did an incredible job of not only putting us on fish, but giving every passenger on board a lasting impression of top-notch service as expected on these long range charters.  To book your next long range fishing trip or to learn more about the wide variety of long range fishing options, visit the Qualifier 105's website at www.Qualifier105.com

Photo Gallery 

Below: Chef Bret and Deckhand Rusty

Below: Pelagic Gear's Colin Sarfeh and Gary Schall battle yellowtail on "The Ridge".

Below: Travel mode - beers on the back deck of The Q.

Below: Cowboy and Erik

Below: Landon Yacobucci with grouper caught "the night before".

Below: Hoping for one last troll stop.

Below: Chuck Herron and his grouper.

Below: Bounty of The Ridge - Colin Sarfeh with a surface-iron yellow.

Below: Ron Radsick with a Tan Grouper // Radsick with a San Benitos Island Yellowtail

Below: Another killer Pacific Ocean sunset.

Below: Long-time Q105 Chartermaster Gary van der Lyke at San Benitos Island.

Below: Mike Heib and Landon Yacobucci hold up a gaffed Tan Grouper.

by Kelly Dalling Fallon

The Cairns Heavy Tackle Marlin season runs every year from late September to early December as the giant black marlin congregate in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef in far North Queensland, Australia. The giant females (up to and over 13 foot long and more than 1000lbs) come here from all over the pacific, attracting in the process smaller male fish (up to 350lb) and the keenest of local and international anglers.

Below: Jarad "Dingo" Boshammer wires a leaping black marlin boatside

This Cairns aggregation is one of just a few locations around the world where giant black marlin are known to be present in numbers. And since the charter industry was established here in the early 1970’s, more big black marlin have been caught in this area of the Australian coast than anywhere else in the world.

Below: Epic photography from Kelly Dalling Fallon aboard KEKOA of Australia's world-class black marlin fishery.

These days, the professional marlin charter fleet numbers close to 30 boats, many of whom operate out of this area of the country for only these two-three months each year. Most trips on the reef run between a 4-10 days live-aboard duration, with guests joining the boats in Cairns, Cooktown and Lizard Island.

Below: Lizard Island beach

In most cases the exact departure and return location will remain flexible giving the captains the best chance to put their guests on the fish as the main body moves up and down the reef at different times of the season. Mothershipping is also an option as are day trips out of Cairns at the very start and end of the season.

Below: View from above - the ribbons of The Great Barrier Reef

The reef itself is a spectacular playground – it offers a safe and calm overnight anchorage. We fish the drop off near hard edge of the reef and quite often, the evening’s anchorage is literally minutes from where you are fishing. That means we can fish until quite late in the day (dusk), to enjoy the best fishing.

Below: Coral Trout - one of the many species encountered while fishing on the reef

In the morning, before ‘start fishing’, the options are endless. A typical day on the reef might start with a snorkel/spear fish in the shallows in the protection behind the reef—don’t forget, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Below: It's not always about the marlin - snorkeling is one of many activities available in pre-fishing hours.

Some of the spots along the reef are internationally renowned dive spot—for example, the “Cod Hole” at Number 10 Ribbon, is one of the most famous and most spectacular for fish species.

Below: Map of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Then after a swim, perhaps some trolling for Pelagic species for bait and fish for the dinner table, or throwing poppers on the reef edge for GTs (giant trevally) or jigging for dogtooth tuna--just some of the options available.

Below: Giant Trevally and Yellowfin Tuna - common catches while fishing the reef or trolling for bait.

The marlin keep gentleman’s hours and most boats don’t start the marlin fishing until close to 11am daily where trolling with dead-baits is the preferred option. A skipping “Scaley” mackeral or tuna or two as well as swimming “Scad” (like a small American Spanish mackerel) are the most popular baits and to many the baits will seem a pretty grand catch themselves—a 20lb mackerel will make a good skip bait for a giant marlin.

Below: Another big black goes agro boatside.

On this page, Kelly Fallon shares some of her action photos from the 2011 season on the reef on board KEKOA with her husband and Pelagic Pro Team Captain Luke Fallon. Luke grew up in North Queensland and has been fishing the Giant Black Marlin Season for over 25 years. He started out as a deckie (crewman/mate) at 16, and became one of the youngest skippers at only 21 years old just six years later. 25 years later again, he is considered one of the most experienced skippers amongst the fleet. KEKOA, is a 56” O’Brien Boat, and was locally built specifically for marlin fishing in these waters. She was launched in March, 2010.

Below: Another big black comes to leader; great shot of a "greyhounding" black marlin.

2011 was another great season on the reef with over 20 grander class marlin recorded from amongst the fleet. For the team on board KEKOA, 2011 was one of our best seasons in many years with just shy of 80 heavy tackle marlin released for the season including 2 fish over 1000lb and several more giant blacks pretty darn close to the magic number!

Below: A "Smaller" male black marlin leaps boatside.

About the author
Kelly Dalling Fallon, Luke’s wife, has likewise grown up on the waters of far North Queensland and spent several season on board Reel Chase with her father Capt. Jim Dalling until his retirement in 2009. These days she spends the full year on board KEKOA alongside Captain Luke. Kelly is also the owner/author of the Black Marlin Fishing Blog and also contributes articles and photos to several Australian fishing magazines on a regular basis.

Contact Pelagic Pro Team Capt. Luke Fallon to book your trip aboard KEKOA via his website http://www.kekoa.com.au/

by Roy McDennon Jr.

There is no kind way to describe Dogtooth tuna. They are truly a mean, ugly, and brutally strong apex predator. In reality, dogtooth are not a true tuna. They belong to the mackerel family and relate closest to bonito. What makes these fish a prized target for big game spearfisherman are the challenges they present in capturing.

Shooting and landing one of these prehistoric looking beasts requires a lot of time, preparation, skill and of course a little luck. Speak with any fisherman or free diver who has pursued this species and I’ll bet that you’ll hear about more episodes of defeat and heartbreak than with any other fish they have come across.

Below: A close-up of a Doggie's chompers

Doggies are primarily found in the warm tropical waters of the South Pacific and Indian oceans. The biggest always seem to be in the most remote, hard to reach islands with the most extreme conditions. They prefer to cruise along deep drop offs along outer reefs and underwater pinnacles. Finding current is critical for big dogtooth. And lots of it!

These fish aren’t you’re run of the mill reef species that may pull one buoy down and swim around in circles after they’re shot. The moment you stick a shaft into one of these brutes they explode and run for the deep like you’ve never seen before. My gear setup for hunting big dogtooth consists of a 67” Sea Sniper Pro speargun rigged with cable shooting line and an 11/32” shaft with cable slip-tip. I run 100ft of float line and 25ft of bungee to three buoys on the surface separated by 6 feet of bungee between each for shock absorption.

Below: Indonesia's reef beast

With almost 200lbs of buoyancy, one would think it nearly impossible for any creature to submerge all three floats, but over the course of a few weeks, my crew frequently witnessed entire rigs plummet into the deep, beyond visibility, only to resurface (hopefully) many minutes later and hundreds of yards away. The feeling of watching all of your buoys screaming to the bottom, imploding like raisins from the water pressure before you even reach the surface and take a single breath is unbelievable!

Below: Upward bound - surfacing with a prize dogtooth.

Traveling from all over the world, my crew and I have spent many months in remote areas of Indonesia searching for big doggies, and this past trip was pure insanity! After 3 months of being out of the water, working on a ship at sea, a 21-hour plane flight landed me in Bali. A few hour taxi ride and another overnight ferry ride to an outer island I finally stepped foot on the beach just in time to witness my buddies returning with the days catch. They lifted two Dogtooth out of the boats that were the largest I had ever seen!

“I hope you’re in good shape Roy” my buddy Troy said, because we dove our asses off today. The fish have been deep and cruising in the strongest current you’ve ever seen. There were some really scary down currents today”. Oh great, I think to myself, perfect!

Over the next couple weeks I got back into diving shape and we really scored some epic fish. Each of us shot our personal largest Dogtooth, including a couple upwards of 180lbs. We were very selective with our fish consumption and came home many times without ever pulling the trigger. Little is known about the dogtooth tuna species but they are thought to have a relatively small migration pattern. They also tend to reside near the same general areas, so it is important to protect the fish stocks. None of our fish was ever wasted; they were eaten or given away to appreciative locals.

Below: Locals showin' some swag and reppin' the P.

Consisting of more than 1700 islands in the archipelago, Indonesia has the second largest biodiversity of any country in the world, making it a sportfisherman's paradise. After spending many months there, I feel as if I’ve only just begun to unveil what magical places the country has to offer. Until my next dogtooth adventure, I’ll continue to dream about the moment I pull the trigger on a monster doggie at 80ft in 6 knots of current and all hell breaks loose!

Photos Courtesy of Brandon Wahlers

Mayhem Behind the Mullet

Every year in the late fall the Mullet migration takes an uncanny amount of Mullet on a journey along Florida's southeast coast. Many predators are not far behind including Tarpon . Some of the other species that hunt and absolutely thrive on this multitude of bait are Red Drum, Speckled Sea Trout, Jack Crevalle, Mackerel, Cobia, and Sharks. Just like Shrimp, everything in the ocean that is big enough pretty much will eat a Mullet. This time of the year is a blessing for anglers as well for they have the opportunity to target many of these inshore game fish.

Just like the Cobia migration earlier in the year, this same pattern brings forth schools of Silver King Tarpon of all sizes to feed on the chaos. Tarpon which run up to 6-7' are often caught and released within this mayhem. It is a great time for anglers from novice to experienced to take part in their desired action. Whether chasing the schools of Reds and Snook or targetting the largest inshore gamefish in the world, the Tarpon, you will not be disappointed with the late fall Mullet Run along Florida's coast.

The Waterman's Journal is happy to present a quick report of the Mullet run by Josh Jorgensen ..

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Well, the mullet schools are now few and far between, but the memories of the last few months will last a lifetime! I caught many fish, set personal records, and caught fish I have never caught before. I filmed most of the fish that I caught, I hope you enjoy the report.

My first small tarpon this year. I caught him on a chunk of mullet that I kayaked out 100yds.

The same day my buddy Matt caught this nice snook...<

We hooked another big tarpon that day and he straightened out the hook. Matt also caught another snook that was smaller than the one above. We didn't get a photo or video of the fish. The following day started great! In the morning, Matt hooked up with this beautiful tarpon.

Later that day I hooked another tarpon. It was a big fish and I was by myself. Hurricane Irene created a huge sandbar near shore and you really had to walk out to get to deep water. I didn't walk out after the fish and I pulled the hook out of his mouth, a mistake I won't make again. The next day I caught a really nice tarpon, must have been around 70-80lbs, maybe more.

The following day I caught my biggest Tarpon ever, this fish weighed around 100lbs.

The winds started to pick up and fishing became tough. The following week the waves were massive (7-8 footers), but the mullet were so thick! Sharks, tarpons, snook, jacks, bluefish, everything was smashing them. I caught a small tarpon (probably 30lbs) that day. The video came out horrible (the salts spray blurred the lens) and I didn't get a photo. We also caught snook and jacks on spoons and live mullet (no photos). About a week later, I caught my biggest snook ever, 40 inches! He fought very hard. I saw him in the surf and threw a 10" mullet at him and he slurped the mullet in like 3 seconds. It was raining when I caught the snook and a drop got on the lens, which sucks!

Later that evening I caught this massive jack crevalle on a live mullet...

Later that week I caught this really nice blacktip. I wasn't fishing for sharks, but he took the bait.

I also caught this small snook on the same day with Surfrat. He left the beach an hour before I caught the shark.

I started school in Orlando at the end of September, so my fishing time became very limited. I met up with William Fundora of the South Florida Shark Club at Sebastian Inlet in October on two occasions. I caught my very first redfish, which was over 30".

I previously caught a smaller Redfish

Will and my friend Damon caught these big reds at Sebastian as well. Over 20 redfish were caught on the pier in a matter of several hours.

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Late Year Kayaking Report

Late every fall along the Texas Gulf Coast, Angers are eager to get their part in the 'Bull Red' action. Schools and schools of oversized Red Drum migrate up and down the Texas coast behind the Mullet. These trophy quality fish averaging in excess of 40", gather in amazing numbers to take advantage of the food source and also to spawn. The shear amount of these Red Drum are amazing and pverhead aerial photos have provided excellent pictures from above of the large gatherings.

Anglers take advantage of this Redfish run in several ways. Many simply surf fish casting out Mullet and other cut bait. Others hit the local passes, piers, and jetties and get in to endless action that way. Then there are a brave few that venture out beyond the breakers (BTB) and battle these guys out of a kayak. All methods are very fun and entertaining. Kayaking takes a special bit of endurance and mindset and a heavy safety consciousness. While Red Drum do make for great tablefare, all of these oversized Red Drum are released due to strict game laws. Nonetheless, it is the action (which can be non-stop) which attracts flocks of anglers along the gulf coast to take part.

Here is a Report just in from Mike aka Mythman down along the upper coast of Texas...

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I love it when a good plan comes together, Thursday the wind was blowing 20-25 mph out of the North and one guy that attempted fishing said his truck got sand blasted on the beach so he left...................... but I figured it would lay by Friday. Got to Rollover Pass about 11 am this Friday and found the water absolutely beautiful

I unloaded the yak and took my time loading all my gear on board. How can one get in a hurry when the conditions are this grand!

I launched in less than 1' waves.

I paddled/motored out to 10 ft and anchored up. Put two lines out and sat awaiting a bite. Sat for 40 minutes without a bite so I move to 12 ft and put two lines out and by that time my fishing partner DunkEm paddles up. He asks how its going and I tell him "slow, slow, slow"! I barely get the words out of my mouth and my reel starts a slow, slow clicking. I take up the slack and "FISH ON"!

I love getting that first fish and defeating a skunk!

DunkEm goes about 150 yds farther out and anchors up and we both just sit for a while. Then he hollars, "FISH ON"! He lands his first bull red for the day........................I didn't get a pic because he is too far away.

Soon I had another run and hookup. The bite was the strangest and weakest bite I have ever witnessed from Bull Reds. They would take the bait and the reel would just barely turn as they move off for a foot or so then they would stop and just sit there holding the bait. I must have lost 6 fish, just by pulling the bait out of their mouths...............and when I did that they wouldn't come back and pick it up.

Here is number 2:

I just barely had him hooked:

The weather was absolutely beautiful..............the wind never got over 5 mph and most times was 2-3 mph.

Here is number 3:

Number 4 looked to be gut hooked but when I tried to lift him into the yak, he came undone.

Here is number 5:

He had the hook way down his throat.

But my trusty 15 inch locking pliers gets the hook out!

DunkEm moves in closer and catches another bull red.

There was this humongous slick that drifted to where I was.

Once it drifted to me, the fishing was over. It seemed to be dead water. I sat for another hour with no action and decided to hit the beach. Got to the beach by 4:15 and was head home before 5 pm.

It was one of the best weather days of the year, but the fishing wasn't outstanding..................... but it was OK!!!

Til Next time

-Mythman

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Escaping the Winter

North America has some of the greatest saltwater action this planet has to offer. However, when winter approaches things quickly change. Many species move out seeking warmer waters while some other species do migrate in. One of the greatest challenges we have is with the unpredictable and yet occasionally harsh winter weather. Lucky for you, the Waterman's Journal is happy to offer some smoking hot suggestions to warm up your season. There are some incredible locations that rank very highly in the desire category for sportsfishermen this time of year. Lets take a look at a few of these pristine locals...

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known the world over for its killer surfing and a tremendous Sailfish fishery. Lying just north of the equator in Central America , it is a very tropical location. The terrian varies but is generally mountainous along the coast. Think of Costa Rica as a present day Jurassic Park. Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals . While the country has only about 0.1% of the world's landmass, it contains 5% of the world's biodiversity. Around 25% of the country's land area is in protected national parks and protected areas, the largest percentage of protected areas in the world.

Costa Rica's fishery has attracted anglers for decades. Many have the opportunity to flock to the Zancudo Lodge, where over 70 I.G.F.A. records have been set. It is also Costa Rica's premier fishing resort - world renowned for both its inshore and offshore fishing. Recently voted as the #1 fishing lodge in Costa Rica, they are prestigiously endorsed by Orvis and supported by corporate sponsors such as P-Line, Pelagic Gear, Yo-Zuri, Navionics and Mustad. No matter what route you go, Costa Rica is a worthy destination to escaping the harsh bitter Winter.

Below : A Pacific Sailfish is leadered at the boat

Vanuatu

Vanuatu sounds like the name of an exotic planet out of a science fiction film, while not too far off, Vanuatu is a tucked away little chunk of paradise due 1000 miles east of Australia. This archipelago in the southern Pacific though quite tropical in appearance, in truth has a limited amount of plant and animal life. With that being said, the status of the marine life is quite opposite. There are over 4,000 different species of clams and marine mollusks alone. The multi-specked vocanic island chain that makes up the geography helps create a substantial structure for all marine life, attracting a vast array of predators including many top quality bilfish and gamefish.

But discard the fact that Vanuatu is prone to random Cyclones and Hurricanes, then you will find a hidden fishery that is not normally talked about in the sportfishing world. Much of the fishing is strictly done for personal consumption by households and various minor commercialization. However, if you are in the small niche for big game fishing, you have then landed in a phenomenal location.

Billfish, such as Giant Black and Blue Marlin roam these waters feeding on anything they can devour. Tuna run rampart when conditions approve, and inshore Giant Trevally action can be out of this world. Top-waters and jigs and provide for these beast along with hard headed Dog-tooth Tuna. All in all Vanuatu is an isolated spot on the globe and one to be explored by the adventureous at heart.

Below : Raw power owns your tackle... get your gameface on for battle in the South Pacific's Vanuatu !

Panama

At the southernmost part of Central America lies Panama. It is place like no other with the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern coast and the Pacific Blue on its western coast. The world-famous Panama Canal is the only place you can travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and vice versa. But the true impressive fact about the country is its spectacular fishery. Off the coast of Panama lies the Hannibal Bank . Here, the Hannibal Bank is a mecca for some of the largest game-fish on the planet. This region is responsible for countless I.G.F.A. records that continually get demolished. The Pacific coast is known the world over for it's Black and Blue Marlin, along with a killer Sailfish fishery and not to mention an abundance of Tuna and other pelagics.

Panama's diversity is amazing. Pinas Bay and the Hannibal Banks provide anglers with a chance at getting into fish of a lifetime. There are not many places on this planet that give you the access to the variety that this great place holds. With fishing spectacular year-around, and especially rocking from now until late winter, it is an ideal getaway spot to hook into many different massive gamefish.

Below : A truly raw and epic experience as a Marlin explodes away from the boat...

Australia

Ask any true Marlin fishermen... Where is perhaps the best Giant Marlin waters that exists anywhere in the world?... and your answer will likely be off Cairns, Australia . Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the world so large it can be seen from space. Here, there is a near infinite supply of bait to stabalize large populations of the largest Marlin on the planet. Hands down, Australia is tucked away down under, in their own part of the world protected from many of the world's reckless commercial fisheries.

Every year, many... many mega Marlin, including Grander Black Marlin are taken during the southern hemispher's summer. It is almost a sure bet that if you put in the time on the water for a good week, you'll end up with some very impressive fish... and even a very good chance at hitting 800# or greater. Hooking up with a knowledgable crew is the key. PELAGIC Pro Team Captain Luke Fallon of the KEKOA and Kelly Dalling on the REEL CHASE are world-class Marlin-Masters on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The fishery off Cairns and it's surrounding waters is simply the most productive in the world for Giant Black Marlin. Year after year granders and landed... with many being released. The waters off the Great Barrier Reef will not disappoint even the most adrenaline thirsty angler in their quest for mega Marlin.

Below : A Black Marlin at the wire on Australia's Great Barrier Reef...

Guatemala

Guatemala is a prime location for many species of fish. Warm inshore waters off the coast hit coldwater upwellings producing nutrient rich currents that in return allow for a substantial marine food chain. Within this food chain are everything from tiny anchovies and sardines to the largest predators, the Billfish and Sharks. While Sharks have been fished out over the past few decades, the Marlin take form as the region's apex predator. The largest of Black and Blue Marlin feed on the dorado and tuna, which in return are actively feeding on the smaller more predominant baitfish.

Captain Philipps has fished around the globe at some of the top destinations in the world throughout his entire life. His accolades are a result of earned knowledge and hard work. For the past 9 years, Brad has claimed Guatemala as his home stomping grounds. He has reached the uncanny feat of 20,000 billfish , which averages to a mind boggling 15 releases a day!!! In 2008, Marlin Magazine bestowed Philipps with the honor of 'Captain of the Year '. Brad has broken his own World Record several times for the most billfish releases in a single year, and in 2004 had a record shattering 2759 releases .

Capt. Philipps has run the Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures for the past several years with his wife Cindy and they have hand and hand created one of the most successful and sought after billfish operations in the world today. Being regarded as one of the best captains in the world, Philipps presents clients with a chance of a lifetime on the water, and 5 Star accomodations back on land to boot.

Guatemala is known the world over as having one of the best sailfish fisheries in the entire world. However, within the masses of Sails does roam Guatemala's share of Marlin. If numbers is your game and don't mind a mixed bag of billed treats, then consider the waters of Guatemala for your '11 Marlin adventure!

Below : Captain Brad Philipps with another respectable Billfish release out of Guatemala

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Bigeye Tuna

One species of Tuna which is overshadowed by their big brothers the Bluefin and Yellowfin are the Bigeye Tuna . Found globally in just about all tropical and subtropical waters, Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) are highly prized as a gamefish and even more so for tablefare. Bigeye tuna vary up to 98 inches in length. Its maximum weight probably exceeds 400 pounds, with the all-tackle angling record standing at a very impressive 392 pounds. They are large, deep-bodied, streamlined fish with large heads and eyes. The pectoral fins of this tuna are very long, reaching back as far as the second dorsal fin.

Below : An illustration of a Bigeye Tuna

The vision of the Bigeye functions well in low light conditions and often hunt deep. Fishermen often hook into them when deep dropping heavy jigs. Like all tuna, the heart has an unusual ability to function effectively while foraging in cold subsurface water. Nonetheless, they must periodically return to warmer surface waters to warm up.

Longer-lived than the closely related yellowfin tuna, the bigeye has a lifespan of up to 12 years, with sexual maturity at age four. Spawning takes place in June and July in the northwestern tropical Atlantic, and in January and February in the Gulf of Guinea, which interestingly enough is the only known Atlantic nursery area.

Satellite tagging showed that bigeye tuna often spend prolonged periods diving deep below the surface during the daytime, sometimes reaching 1600'. Bigeye have been tracked entering water as cold as 41 °F . These movements are thought to be in response to vertical migrations of prey organisms in the deep scattering layer.

Below : A small Bigeye off Texas waters is brilliantly lit up...

Bigeye tuna are amongst the tuna species most threatened by overfishing. Juvenile bigeye tuna associate closely with floating objects such as logs, buoys and other flotsam, which makes them susceptible to purse seine fishing in conjunction with man-made fish aggregation devices . The removal of large numbers of juvenile bigeye, before they reach breeding age, is a major concern to fisheries managers, scientists and sport fishermen. Most seafood sustainability guides encourage consumption of other types of tuna. Nonetheless Bigeye are also a highly sought after commodity in the sushi market.

In 2010, Greenpeace International has added the bigeye tuna to its seafood red list. "The Greenpeace International seafood red list is a list of fish that are commonly sold in supermarkets around the world, and which have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries."

Below : Capt Woody Woods and Capt Hunter Caberallos pose with a quality Bigeye out of Venice, LA.

Anglers the world over will always have a facination with the hydro-dynamic torpedos known as Tuna. While the Tuna stocks around the world have been vastly depleted, there are currently more laws and regs being developed to help protect remaining stocks. Unfortunately not are they one of the most down right fun fish to battle, their true fault is their food quality which does and will always have a high demand regardless of the species of Tuna. For now, Bigeye's will stay near the top of Pelagics for their beefy endurance and bone crunching action.

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*some material may have been referenced from wikipedia

Staying Warm with Pelagic Gear

With winter quickly approaching, things will begin to cool down very quickly. Pelagic Gear is already one step ahead of the game and ready to outfit you in the latest and greatest in offshore apparel for the season. Whether you are duked out in the hurricane gear tackling beastly Tuna, out on the open ocean battling monster Makos, or just cruising around town in style... Pelagic has you covered!

Lets take a look at some of the great gear that will keep you warm this winter...

Hurricane Jacket

This is THE ONE AND ONLY Hurricane Jacket!  For over a decade, top charter boat captains around the globe have made this jacket their number one choice in outerwear.  Built with big game anglers in mind, the Hurricane Jacket is made with a 100% Nylon waterproof shell designed to withstand the harsh elements of the offshore environment.  With its Moisture-Wick™ Inner Mesh Panel and Vented Back Panels for Maximum Air Flow, this jacket is versatile enough to give you the option to layer your clothing for the ever-changing offshore weather conditions.  Wrapped with the iconic PELAGIC Marlin logo taping and complete with new and improved features for maximum versatility, it’s no wonder the best in sport fishing are wearing the best in offshore gear!

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Hurricane Pants

The all-new HURRICANE PANTS are the perfect complement to the HURRICANE JACKET.  Designed with big game anglers in mind, these waterproof pants are built strong and rugged with a 100% Nylon shell meant to withstand the harsh elements of the offshore environment.  With its breathable mesh lining and zippered leg vents for maximum air flow, these pants are versatile enough to layer your clothing for the ever-changing offshore weather conditions.  Featuring two large cargo pockets, a reinforced utility tool pocket, and zippered front and back pockets, the HURRICANE PANTS are proven to get the job done – it’s no wonder the best are wearing the best!

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Rasta Hoodie

Get in the offshore spirit with the Rasta Zip Hoody!  Featuring a stacked “reverse-stoplight” design, your favorite gamefish are lit-up in green-yellow-red in large fashion on the back of this supreme zipped hoody.  Made from an ultra-soft cotton-poly fleece material and complete with drawstring hood, full-zipper front, and large front pouch pockets, you’ll be stylin’ and comfortable for cold days on and off the water. 

Classic Hoodie

You can’t go wrong with a classic.  The Deluxe Logo Hoody is an original PELAGIC design that will keep you warm and comfortable for cold days on and off the water.  Made from a cotton poly blend of ultra-soft fleece material and complete with drawstring hood and front pouch pocket, the Deluxe hoody is boasting with style and comfort.  Stamped with the high impact PELAGIC Marlin Flag graphic, this hoody features a small front logo and much larger logo on back.  Rock the PELAGIC name bold and proud with the Deluxe Logo hoody.

Script logo hoodie

A twist on the classic!  The Script Logo Zip Hoody puts a spin on our classic design with a fresh, eye-catching text graphic scribing the PELAGIC name, while still incorporating the original Deluxe logo concept on the front and back.  Stay warm and comfortable on and off the water as this hoody is made from a cotton-poly blend of ultra-soft fleece material.  Complete with drawstring hood, full zipper front closure, and large front pouch pockets, the Script Zip Hoody is just begging for a day offshore!

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Pelagic Beanies

Fool proof!  With the PELAGIC Fleece Beenie, you’ll stay warm and comfortable even in the toughest of offshore conditions.  Made from a soft-fleece material and stamped with a custom PELAGIC script logo embroidery, this high performance beanie is a must have for all sportfishing die hards!

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Blue Camo Long Sleeve

This is our classic P logo design to the extreme!  Like our Fish Camo short, the Camo P long sleeve tee features a custom “FISH CAMO” pattern design featuring marlin, tuna, and other pelagic gamefish species.  Take a long, hard look to find your favorite gamefish as each shirt has its own unique design.  Made from 100% high-quality cotton, this super-soft long sleeve tee shows off the large Fish Camo P logo on back and a smaller Fish Camo PELAGIC text logo on front.  This tee is truly one of a kind!

Rasta Long Sleeve

The Rasta Script long sleeve tee features a “fresh” custom-designed PELAGIC logo infused with tropical Rasta flare.  Made from 100% high-quality cotton, this shirt shows off a large Rasta Script logo on back, smaller logo on front, and is stamped with a small green-yellow-red Rasta Marlin print on the left fore-sleeve.  Celebrate the offshore lifestyle with the Rasta Script long sleeve tee!

OCP Long Sleeve

Respect the Ocean with the OCP Logo L/S tee.  With every purchase of a product that bears the Pelagic Ocean Conservancy Project label, a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to organizations that are on the forefront of scientific research, conservation, and recreational fisheries management.  Made out of 100% super-soft and ultra-comfortable cotton, this shirt features a large OCP Globe logo on back, OCP text emblem on front, a small OCP “P” logo on the left sleeve, and a “Respect the Ocean” script down the right sleeve.  Join PELAGIC in an ongoing effort to help conserve pelagic gamefish species and to promote sensible and sustainable recreational fisheries management

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