Independence Sportfishing - San Diego, CA


August 2012

Fish Report & Photo Archive

YELLOWS = FUN IN THE SUN....

by Indy Crew, 8-01-2012


Today we fished for yellowtail with great success on 18 to 25 lb. fish in the hot sun, with a mild breeze. Everything worked, salas 7 x's and the long rods, to 6-x jr. yo yo, and sardines were the hot ticket. Everyone had a great time with the hot action till it was time to leave. We are currently going off shore to look for more bounty for the next few days. Thanks for checking in, Jeff and the Indy crew

MORE B F T ACTION....

by Indy Crew, 8-02-2012


Today was spent catching and fishing for these beautiful 25 to 40 lb. fish. although not every school we hit wanted to bite, we caught enough to have a fun day on board here. the weather was good to boot . we are going to give it another try tomorrowplease wish us luck. call judy if you want to get in on the hot action , as we have some openings on future 7 day trips, sea you all later jeff and the indy crew

They enjoyed a good day on the Independence

by Bill Roecker, 8-03-2012


"Today was spent catching and fishing for these beautiful 25 to 40-pound fish," recollected Independence skipper Jeff DeBuys August 2. "Although not every school we hit wanted to bite, we caught enough to have a fun day on board here. The weather was good to boot. We are going to give it another try tomorrow. Please wish us luck. Call Judy if you want to get in on the hot action, as we have some openings on future seven-day trips."

YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, GET SUM....

by Indy Crew, 8-03-2012


WOW what a way to end our already excellent trip. Today we had great fishing for good grade yellowtail, and excellent action on yellowfin tuna 25 to 50 lbs. and good showing on the Mahi Mahi's . Put that all together with great weather and you have the perfect scenario. Everyone had an outstanding time this trip, as we were able to fish every day of the trip. We have some openings on future 7 day trips Check our schedule and call in or email Judy for spots open....... we will be back to San Diego at 0700 tomorrow, so we will sea you all then, Jeff and the Indy crew

Photos for 8-03-2012

8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012
8-03-2012

Independence has a great day fishing Yellowtail, Yellowfin and Mahi Mahi

by Bill Roecker, 8-04-2012


"What a way to end our already excellent trip," enthused skipper Jeff DeBuys of the Independence August 3. "Today we had great fishing for good grade yellowtail, and excellent action on yellowfin tuna 25 to 50 pounds, and good showing on the Mahi Mahi's. Put that all together with great weather and you have the perfect scenario. Everyone had an outstanding time this trip, as we were able to fish every day of the trip. We have some openings on future seven-day trips Check our schedule and call in or email Judy for spots open."

WE ARE OFF AND RUNNING.......

by Indy Crew, 8-04-2012


We returned today from a bountiful 6-day trip, The Jackpot winners for this last trip is as follows: Jimmy Jimenez with a 47.6 Yellowfin tuna, 2nd place goes to Rick Trigueiro with a 43 lb. Yellow fine, and 3rd place goes to Jake Gleiberman with a 42.4 lb Yellowfin tuna. The boat turned around quickly for our Annual Tahoe Tuna Club 7-day extravaganza. Charter master
Alan Pierson teamed up with Salas Jigs, and Calstar for most of the raffle, and great giveaways. Thanks to Matt Salas, and Roger for a great supply of sardines, and great group of friends aboard we are off and running to parts unknown for the next week. Thanks for checking in, and please wish us luck, Jeff and the Indy crew


TRUELY WILL BE MISSED

by Indy Crew, 8-05-2012


We just wanted to let everyone know that one of our favorite buddy/fishermen Norm Sogioka passed away this past Friday. Many people have looked up to him as a wonderful example to emulate in the fishing community (myself included). Norm and his brother Bruce were/are very passionate regarding long-range fishing and I am very proud to say we have shared many wonderful years and memories together.
Regards, Dave Rocchi, Rick Ozaki, Mark Pisano, Paul Strasser, Jeff, Judy, The Independence Crew and passengers of Westcoast Marketing Charters.

OFF TO A GOOD START.....

by Indy Crew, 8-05-2012


We started off on the right foot today as we were drifting for most of the day, and enjoying catching bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and dorado. The standouts were the Y F T as they were up to 48 lbs. and the bluefin up to 38 lbs.. We had 150 mixed fish for our efforts, fun day for sure. The weather was breezy, but not out of hand. We are going to try this again tomorrow, please wish us luck, Jeff and the Indy crew

Photos for 8-05-2012

8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012
8-05-2012

ANOTHER ACTION PACKED DAY....

by Indy Crew, 8-06-2012


Hello again from the Indy, we had another good day on the grounds as we saw plenty of fish today, and got some quality bluefin, and yellowfin tuna, as well as yellowtail, and dorado. The afternoon was the time to nap or read, as it was slow.. We are going to keep at it again tomorrow in hopes of a full float on the fish. Very good weather on the horizon may or may not help, so wish us luck, the Indy crew

GETTING ER DONE, TAHOE TUNA CLUB....

by Indy Crew, 8-07-2012


Wow today was goo-oood offshore fishing for quality yellowfin tuna, 25 to 48 lbs. and bluefin tuna 20 to 40 lbs. respectively. There were yellowtail, and Dorado in the mix as well. We ended up with a little over 200 fish, mostly tuna. The over all scenario out here is just awesome, great weather, and even better fishing. Every one on board is on a tuna high at the moment, and spirits are at an all time best. We plan on giving this try for tomorrow, so please wish us luck, Jeff and the Indy crew

Talk about awesome fishing, the Independence decks over 200 fish

by Bill Roecker, 8-08-2012


"Wow, today was good offshore fishing," wrote skipper Jeff DeBuys August 7, "for quality yellowfin tuna, 25 to 48 pounds, and bluefin tuna 20 to 40 pounds respectively. There were yellowtail, and Dorado in the mix as well. We ended up with a little over 200 fish, mostly tuna. The overall scenario out here is just awesome; great weather, and even better fishing. Every one on board is on a tuna high at the moment, and spirits are at an all time best. We plan on giving this try for tomorrow, Get in on the action now. One spot is open for Saturdays departure."

QUALITY AGAIN....

by Indy Crew, 8-08-2012


Hello again from the Indy, today we did not see quite the sign we saw yesterday, although what we did catch was good grade. We had about 40 tuna 30 to 45 lbs. and 30 or so yellows and Dorado for the effort. The weather remains very good, so we have high hopes for the rest of the trip. We are giving it another go for tomorrow, thanks for checking in
on us, and good night, Jeff and the Indy crew

Indy anglers had to scratch but what they caught was a good greade Yellowfin & Dorado

by Bill Roecker, 8-09-2012


"Hello again from the Indy," said the report for August 8. "Today we did not see quite the sign we saw yesterday, although what we did catch was good grade. We had about 40 tuna 30 to 45 pounds and 30 or so yellows and Dorado for the effort. The weather remains very good, so we have high hopes for the rest of the trip. We are giving it another go for tomorrow, thanks for checking in on us, and good night."

Photo is from Indy's August 4 jackpot weigh-in.

ISLAND STYLE YELLOWTAIL.....

by Indy Crew, 8-09-2012


Today we went for some scenery, as well as yellowtail. We had a good day on 15 to 28 lb. fish and it was a toss up, Salas 6 x on the Yoyo, or a 7 x long rod action, or the old reliable sardine pretty much did the trick for us today. We are going to make a move for tomorrow's destination. Wish us luck, the Indy crew

Independence has a good day on 15 to 28 lb. Yellowtail

by Bill Roecker, 8-10-2012


"Today we went for some scenery," noted the report from Independence for August 9, "as well as yellowtail. We had a good day on 15 to 28-pound fish and it was a toss up. Salas 6X on the Yoyo, or a 7X long rod action, or the old reliable sardine pretty much did the trick for us today. We are going to make a move for tomorrow's destination."

Indy Returns

by Indy Crew, 8-10-2012


The Indy will return at 5:30am on Saturday Aug 11. The trip leaving will begin sign in at 7am. Thanks for checking in..

ITS A WRAP...

by Indy Crew, 8-10-2012


While we have been blessed with great fishing the last 5 days today was on the slow side with 14 tuna making it on the boat. We are grateful for the catch we have in the 2-r s w tanks, and many thanks to all who made the trip this year. Also thanks to Matt Salas for all his support, and Roger for the goodies. We will dock in San Diego tomorrow at 0530, sea yaw then, Jeff and the Indy crew

HERE WE GO AGAIN....

by Indy Crew, 8-11-2012


After a great 7-day trip with Tahoe tuna club, many thanks to everyone who made it happen this year, Jackpot winners for Tahoe Tuna Club were as follows: 1st place was: Tom Pierson 49.8 yellowfin, 2nd place Jayson Lisenko 47 lb Yellowfin, and 3rd place was Peter Lorman 43.4 Yellowfin. Great job guys, looking forward to having you all return next year.... we are back out with rusty hook tackle, on another 7-day extravaganza. With great weather and a few options and some very eager fishermen we hope to piece together another banner trip. We will report any and all activities related to the pursuit of happiness and the killing of fish. Please wish us luck, Jeff and the Indy crew

Photos for 8-11-2012

8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012
8-11-2012

The Tahoe Tuna Club got'er done aboard the Independence

by Bill Roecker, 8-12-2012


Jeff DeBuys docked Independence at Pt. Loma Sportfishing August 11 after a good seven-day trip with near-limits of tuna for 26 anglers. The trip was sponsored by the Tahoe Tuna Club. "The Tuna Club got'er done," said DeBuys. "We saw a lot of seiners, big ones from down by Matzatlan. We had great weather."

Tom Pierson of South Lake Tahoe won first place for a 49.8-pound yellowfin he got with a sardine on a 1/0 91450 Mustad hook and 25-pound Blackwater fluorocarbon. He told dock reporter Bill Roecker he used 60-pound Izorline spectra on an Avet SX reel and a Super Seeker seven-foot rod custom-wrapped by his son.

Jason Lisenko of San Diego was second, for a 47-pound bluefin tuna. Dr. Peter Lorman of Rolling Hills Estates won third place for a 43.4-pound yellowfin, but let his processor have the fish before the jackpot shot was taken, so he posed with a small rockfish instead.

A conversation at the scales with scientist Ed Everett of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission indicated those seiners might not be in the area much longer. "There's a new quota on tuna now," said Everett. "When they reach 5,000 tons they're done. Last week they had 3,053 tons. I believe all the pen boats (supplying live tuna for pen-raising) are all in."

MIXED BAG.......

by Indy Crew, 8-12-2012


We started off the trip with some offshore action , and caught yellowfin, bluefin tuna, nice dorado, and a few yellowtail for our efforts. We are sliding in a southern direction at the moment. the weather is still great, and looks to be that way for the next few days. With 80 or so fish in the bag, we are on the hunt for more. thanks for checking in , the Indy crew....


Photos for 8-12-2012

8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012
8-12-2012

TRAVEL TIME.......

by Indy Crew, 8-13-2012


Today was spent doing exploration on various spots while traveling. We saw good signs of yellows and even caught some in the process that were 18 to 25 lbs. We are going to try the southern sector tomorrow. We will report later on. The Indy Crew

Photos for 8-13-2012

8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012
8-13-2012

WOW, WHAT A FUN DAY WE HAD TODAY......

by Indy Crew, 8-14-2012


Things got started very early this morning before sunrise when the grouper attacked our baits on the bottom. After the sun came up big yellowtail made their way into the picture along with more big grouper up to 75 lbs. . It was a most memorable day to say the least. Some of the big yellows and grouper were caught on the old reliable Salas 6 x yo yo, and the rest were on an assortment of prime baits we had on hand. Some guys caught 2 or 3 grouper and their limit of yellowtail. We are going to do some more prospecting for tomorrow's activities, in hopes of more fun in the sun. Did I mention the weather being high 80's, and very light winds? The rest of the late afternoon was spent by the guys trading fish stories, about the one's that got away. Sea you all later, Jeff and the Indy crew

Photos for 8-14-2012

8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012
8-14-2012

WOW, YET ANOTHER STELLER DAY

by Indy Crew, 8-15-2012


We experienced another excellent day again today, as the weather was great and fishing was even better for us. We again had excellent fishing for big yellowtail, 25 to40 lbs. and Wahoo up to 45 lbs., and bull dorado, and grouper to 50 lbs. Action packed doesn't begin to describe today. Papa john says hello to Jordan, and jack, and I'll tell you what john put together a day today. Wahoo bombs, and raider jigs for the Hoo, and Salas 6X, and sardines for the yellows and Dorado. Everyone is feeling the heat, and heavy action, so the next day will be a travel day for us. We will sea ya all later, Jeff and the Indy crew

Photos for 8-15-2012

8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012
8-15-2012

WOW! WHAT A FINISH........

by Indy Crew, 8-17-2012


Today was spent looking offshore for tuna, and we saw very little fish for most of the day, until the bottom of the 9th, 2.5 outs. We got a good school and went to town on them. We ended up getting our daily limits of bluefin and yellowfin mixed. this sounds like a broken record, but the weather is just outstanding. We have had an excellent trip all the way around, we will be back to San Diego at approx 0530 tomorrow, sea yaw then, Jeff and the Indy crew

Photos for 8-17-2012

8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012
8-17-2012

Anticipation Of Fun In The Sun

by Indy Crew, 8-18-2012


Well, we just returned from a hugely successful Rusty Hook 7-day trip. Jackpot winner were as follows: 1st Place was Chingmuh Lee with a 46.8 YT, 2nd place goes to Jazzy Jackson with a 43.2 Dorado and 3rd place went Rick Johnson with a 39.2 YT. Thanks to everyone that joined us this year and with all hopes of having you all return again next year. Today we departed on yet another 7-day trip, this one Westcoast Marketing and Avet Reels as our sponsors. After a marginal trip to the bait receivers we were off and running. There were some huge tackle give-a-ways, as well as reel, and rod raffles for all to enjoy. Today we started the trip with a 5-hour drift on yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and dorado, just a great way to jump-start the trip. We plan on more action for tomorrow, so tune in and see what we come up with, thanks for checking in, Jeff, Mark and the Indy crew

The Gods Are With Us

by Indy Crew, 8-21-2012


THINGS ARE WORKING OUT FOR US ....... today was just one of those days that you dream about. The weather was outstanding, and fishing was even better. When the dust cleared we had 70 nice grade wahoo, and all the 20 to 40 lb. yellowtail one could want. Needless to say everyone is over joked right now. We are going to see if things are still in our favor tomorrow. Thanks for checking in, the Indy crew

Photos for 8-21-2012

8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012
8-21-2012

MORE FUN IN THE SUN.....

by Indy Crew, 8-22-2012


Hey now, today was like yesterday in the weather dept., and in the fish dept. we had a good day as well. We had good yellowtail fishing as well as 15 wahoo, and a few grouper. It is time to start the long trek back up the line, so we are traveling for a day to get back in position for some offshore fishing our last day. We will see where we end up. Good night from the Indy crew

Photos for 8-22-2012

8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012
8-22-2012

Arrival 8/25 5:30am,

by Indy Crew, 8-24-2012


The Indy will arrive at Point Loma Sportfishing 5:30am Saturday Aug 25. See you all in the AM

EARLY ARRIVAL.....

by Indy Crew, 8-24-2012


EARLY ARRIVAL..... Today was spent offshore in pursuit of tuna of any kind, and things were on the slower side. We saw fish, and caught fish, so it was not a complete wash. We have been very fortunate this trip having the great fishing we all enjoyed in flat calm seas. And so to sum it up, again a GREAT time was had by all. We will be back to San Diego at approx 0530 tomorrow, sea you all then, Jeff and the Indy crew

West Coast Marketing/Avet Reels 7-Day

by Indy Crew, 8-25-2012


We returned today from our West coast marketing/Avet reels 7-day trip with a great catch of Wahoo, Yellowtail, Tuna and Dorado. The big fish honors when to Ben Mihm with his 51.6 Wahoo, 2nd place fish went to Doug Townsend with his 42.5 yellowfin tuna and 3rd place fell to Cindy Norred with her 41.2 Bull Dorado. We want to thank everyone on this year's trip for all the great fun. We also need to thank all of the generous sponsors who gave sooooo much gear away, Rick Ozaki from West coast marketing, Harry Alajajyan from Avet Reels, Bill Roecker and Leif Backie from Oceanic productions. Matt Salas from Salas jigs, Aftco, Mustad hooks, Raider jigs, pelagic clothing. Seaguar fluorocarbon, Zuker lures, Fishing videos.com, AA plastics and Peter J art works. Thanks very much for all your products that were given out during the

An unforgettable Dorado fishing experience from the Independence for Cindy Norred

by Bill Roecker, 8-26-2012


When the whopper bull dorado started jumping it was a long way off from the stern. It never stopped, even when it was in gaffing range. Montanan Cindy Norred had never been long range fishing, but by the fourth day of her seven-day trip aboard Independence she'd pulled in numerous yellowtail, along with some bluefin and yellowfin tuna as well as a couple of wahoo.

Shortly after lunch that day the Emergency Medical Technician and mother of two was flylining off the wide stern when the bull took her sardine and some serious excitement began. The leaper took her from port side to starboard , cruising the 32-foot width of Indy's stern several times, as it continued a great series of jumps, each followed by whooping from the 29 anglers watching the fight.

Every time the big bull jumped it came down on its flat sides with a flapping clap heard over the hoots and shouts of the anglers watching. Tension soared when she pulled it boatside between the gate and the corner some ten minutes into the scrap. Then the stubborn mahi dived under the boat and came up on the port side, to the surprise of the fishermen there, and showed off its brilliant yellow with another series of leaps. When the gal from Big Fork tried to follow her fish around the stern her line was hung up under the hull, while it continued to perform its antics.

That brought skipper Jeff DeBuys down from the tank in a hurry, and with crewman Doug Brink on the end of the fork (a metal Y on the end of a gaff handle, meant for such situations) the pair managed to free the line connected to Cindy's dorado. The mono was badly frayed for several yards.

With a dexterous series of moves, DeBuys cut and spliced the frayed portion, and Cindy went back to work, following the obstreperous critter back and forth from starboard to port again. At last she coaxed it back to the boat, but it eluded the gaff once more with a rail-high jump.

The unforgettable scrap ended when the bull was gaffed aboard, videoed above and below the waterline. Cindy posed with Brink and DeBuys for a series of photos with the gorgeous mahi, a fish and an experience she isn't likely to forget. Her first sizeable dorado weighed in at 41.2 pounds on the scales at Pt. Loma Sportfishing when Independence returned August 25, and won third place in the jackpot.

Anglers aboard the Indepedndence get a primer lesson in Wahoo fishing at the Rocks

by Bill Roecker, 8-27-2012


Independence motored the last few miles to Alijos Rocks on water now warmed to 77 degrees. We saw very few birds working. That was a bit of a concern, and after we put out the trolling jigs just a couple of miles away the only fish we saw were needlefish. Skipper Mark Pisano and I were watching from the outside bridge when a big needle jumped out and "flew" like a flying fish. Neither of us had ever seen that before.

Arriving near the rocks from the north, we trolled around for nothing for 20 minutes or so. Skipper DeBuys saw little on the sonars, and we worried that there might be no fish at all around, and we'd have to make another long move. He put the boat through a pattern of zigzags, and when we came around to the south side, shouts from the stern indicated we finally had a strike.

Shooting photos from the upper afterdeck, I saw that we were in a bingo stop, with biters on all the trolling rigs and most of the jig fishermen who made casts before the boat was stopped. The bait fishermen were nipped off or hooked up before the boat settled, so we had fifteen minutes of mayhem before the wahoo backed off. Anglers cursed and shouted as they stumbled over one another trying to follow the crazed skinnies, and the crew was busy gaffing the fish that made it all the way boatside. No one had been here for a week, noted skipper Jeff, since the last time he fished the place for 30 wahoo. We hooked more than that on our first stop, but as is usually the case, two-thirds of the biters found a way to freedom, by biting the line or even the wire leaders off; or by tangling with other lines and releasing themselves with the ensuing friction. Wahoo bit on live bait and heavy jigs, some of them right at boatside, adding to angler's problems.

Some wahoo made long runs, and came up thrashing and jumping 100 yards or more from the Indy. Others ran up and down the length of the big boat, and a few slugged it out down deep. The most active of the game fish long rangers normally encounter, wahoo offer thrills and problems and high losses, since their mouths are mostly serrated razor-sharp teeth and bone. A wahoo can throw a hook with a millisecond of opportunity, as our rookies discovered.

"Keep winding, keep grinding," admonished the harried crewmen walking about with hooked-up anglers.

After the smoke cleared and the last fish was on deck and the ship's hoses cleaned up the mess, the fresh-caught skinnies were put down into a refrigerated seawater hold and skipper DeBuys got us underway on another troll.

We didn't make 200 yards before another round, another bingo bite, went off. This time we were almost ready, although many anglers were caught trying to replace terminal tackle or frayed lines. It was a replay of the first bite, with the majority of the fish coming on Raider jigs or other large irons like the Salas 6X, with single hooks. Few makers recommend treble hooks on wahoo, though I've seen some good anglers like Brandon Hayward of WON taking skinnies repeatedly on the light Salas 7X with trebles, winding in at the same slow speeds used for yellowtail.

Bait anglers who used single strand wire did just about as well as the jigcasters. Some were using a double leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon, I noticed, on their jigs. Rick Ozaki was one. Harry from Avet also accounted for numerous wahoo, showing a knack for getting his jig to the right spot for a hookup. Raiders got a lot of skinnies, in both the large and small sizes. The next morning, Ozaki told me he was down to his last five Raiders, which says something about jig losses during good wahoo bites. Some of the fish were big, but most were the usual type found at The Rocks: 20 to 40 pounds. Ben Mihm of Monrovia had never caught one before, but he took three that morning, all large, on his Raider jigs. The best wahoo was the first one he ever landed, and weighed 51.6 pounds at the dock, where he took first place on our return.

Our crew on this trip was a good one: Paul Medina, Jesus Companioni, Oscar Marroquin and Doug Brink. They were helpful, prompt to assist and polite as any you'd find elsewhere. Some anglers would have had few fish indeed if not for their assistance with tackle and casting. You could tell they were valued highly, because the tips they were left at the trip's end looked to be better than usual. The chefs in our galley were Ed LaCombe and Michel "Frenchie" BuHagiar. We ate better than well (you could say copiously, as I put on five pounds), on excellent dishes like Eggs Benedict, Prime Rib, chicken, pork chops, fresh sushi, and at one lunch, XL hamburgers with lettuce, tomatoes and all the fixin's, served at our booth tables. We had morning soups and afternoon snacks, and wonderful deserts featuring home-made ice cream with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and fancy sauces and a couple of kinds of cheesecake.

After those first two bingo stops we had several more, each with fewer hookups. No matter, there were 50 or 60 nice skins reposing in the wells, so skipper DeBuys anchored on the southwest side, where biting yellowtail of the larger persuasion entertained us for the rest of the bright, sunny, hot afternoon. Most yellowtail were 20 to 35 pounds, big enough to bring on a hard sweat from anglers fishing the Salas yellowtail jigs in 6X and 6X Jr. size, and from those dropping to the bottom with 12 to 16-ounce torpedo sinkers and dropper loops. Tackle for that chore was mostly 40 and 50-pound stuff, though I saw a couple of fishermen going to the 80-pound gear.

"They sure have big shoulders here," remarked one sopping angler after he'd seen his 35-pounder decked.

We tried for wahoo just before sunset without much success, so we anchored for the night on seas so calm it was almost like being tied at the dock. The next morning was a bit cooler under the overcast of the marine layer, though the water had warmed to 78 degrees. We trolled again, making several stops for another 20 or so wahoo. We had obviously thinned out that bunch yesterday, so skipper DeBuys and owner Mark Pisano ran us out to the bank, some ten miles to the southwest, to try the deep 300-foot-plus bottom there.

Some very large Patina obliged us there, and a couple of tan grouper of 25 pounds or so. There were whopper yellowtail on that bottom, and young Mark Pisano, the owner's son, used the dropper loop to get the best one of his 14 years, which caused a bit of a stir. It had spawned, or would have been a bit larger yet. He and his dad posed with the Alijos Bank mossback.

Whitefish and sheephead added to the mix of bottomfish we found there, but little to keep the whole group entertained, so DeBuys headed us back to the Rocks for one last chance at the skinnies before we had to head north. Wahoo fishing at midday was better than we any right to expect, but it was mostly on the anchor after we trolled a bit. Those big pesky yellowtail bit as though they'd missed us while we were gone, but we didn't need many more.

That's when Cindy Norred found her whopper dorado. It was nearly twice as large as any we got on the rest of the trip. A marlin was hooked, too, but it threw the hook after 15 minutes of showing its stuff, with no chance for me to shoot the release. Ted Crane got one of the two or three best yellowfin of the trip then, the only tuna we got at The Rocks. It might have won second place, but Ted doesn't enter the jackpot, for which we teased him. The Red Rooster III showed up about the time Cindy had her dorado adventure. Out of time, we pulled anchor and headed northward for the tuna grounds about a day and a half north, under overcast again that lasted all the way home.

Things had changed during the week we were gone. The heat wave was broken, the air and water up toward San Diego were cooler. The next morning, as we searched for the tuna that bit like crazy the day before, numerous land birds found the boat to be a spot to sit down. They may have been early migrants, lost under the cloud cover. Two white winged doves, a mourning dove, a pair of song sparrows and a gorgeous black, white and orange finch of some sort sought refuge with the Indy. We collected almost as many birds as tuna. We found a couple of dozen, but they were small yellowfin, pretty but not much desired. Most were trolled up on the Zucker's, but a couple of stops produced a smattering of baitfish. Much of the long range fleet seemed to be nearby as we headed north, and 30 miles uphill we found the dayfleet. Some of them, like Markus Medak aboard his New Lo-An, had found good biters and made limit catches, I learned when we arrived at Pt. Loma Sportfishing. We were good, as they say. We had all the fish we needed: limits of yellowtail, 90-some wahoo, the bottomfish and a decent catch of bluefin and yellowfin tuna. I believe the wahoo catch we made at The Rocks was the best of the new season. At the weighing, Ben Mihm's wahoo of 51.6 pounds took first place, Doug Townsend of Sierra Madre won second place for his 42.5-pound yellowfin, and Cindy Norred won third place for her remarkable 41.2-pound dorado.

Thanks to all my sponsors, including AA's/Optimum swimbaits, whom I forgot to mention in yesterday's first installment, to chartermaster Rick Ozaki of West Coast Marketing and Harry Alajajyan of Avet for their contributions. Kudos to skipper Jeff DeBuys for working his behind off getting us on the fish, and to Mark Pisano for the invitation to shoot video and photos on his very special boat. And for the crew? Good on you, boys, good on you.

Annual Steven's Charter

by Indy Crew, 8-27-2012


Hello from the Independence, We are out on our annual Steven's Brothers 6 day adventure, our first day here has been a success on the nice grade yellowfin and bluefin tuna. The fish are mostly 25 to 45 lbs. with the best fish right at 50 lbs. we barely missed our daily limits today by just a handful of fish, the gang is stoked to have this type of fishing on the first day of the trip. The weather is OK with about 12 to 15 knots of wind and a mild sea state to work with. We are planning to try this again tomorrow. We have a few openings for the next trip departing on Sat. 9/1 for 7 days, with the way the fishing has been it's time to play hooky and do a Little hooking. Give us a call if you want to go this coming weekend.

Excellent YT Fishing

by Indy Crew, 8-27-2012


Today we had excellent yellowtail fishing on 18 to 30 Pound fish in great
Flat calm weather. Sardines and both the yo-yo and surface iron were all
working. We are now headed up to try our hand at the tuna and dorado. The
Weather is forecast to be a slice of heaven.


The Tuna Grounds

by Indy Crew, 8-28-2012


Today was slower for us here on the tuna grounds, we still caught some very nice bluefin in the 30 to 45 pound range as well as yellowfin tuna to 40 pounds, the dorado also flashed us from time to time and we tagged about a dozen or so up to 18 pounds. we are planning to look at some new area tomorrow so wish us luck. the Indy guys

Independence lands, Bluefin, Yellowfin, & Dorado at the tuna grounds

by Bill Roecker, 8-28-2012


"Today was slower for us here on the tuna grounds," wrote owner-skipper Mark Pisano August 27, "we still caught some very nice bluefin in the 30 to 45-pound range as well as yellowfin tuna to 40 pounds, the dorado also flashed us from time to time and we tagged about a dozen or so up to 18 pounds. we are planning to look at some new area tomorrow so wish us luck."

The Independence sees slower action at the tuna grounds

by Bill Roecker, 8-28-2012


"Today was slower for us here on the tuna grounds," wrote owner-skipper Mark Pisano August 27, "we still caught some very nice bluefin in the 30 to 45-pound range as well as yellowfin tuna to 40 pounds, the dorado also flashed us from time to time and we tagged about a dozen or so up to 18 pounds. we are planning to look at some new area tomorrow so wish us luck."

Open Action

by Indy Crew, 8-29-2012


We found ourselves today in the right area just after daylight, the result was wide open action on Dorado to start the day, fish in the 10 to 20 pound range put on an incredible show for us biting everything in the water. The guys also got in the fly rods and landed a butch on the fly. After catching our limits we then turned our attention to tuna and had a good day on tuna up to 47 pounds. The weather remains as good as it gets and we plan to target bigger tuna on our last day. Wish us luck, the Indy crew.


Indy Returns

by Indy Crew, 8-30-2012


The ETA for the Independence for Friday 8/31/12 is approximately 6am.

Great Ending For A Great Group

by Indy Crew, 8-30-2012


Hello everyone, today was our last day of fishing and it was fantastic, we stopped the boat yesterday at 6 pm and did not move the boat until 11 AM this morning as the yellowfin tuna got on us in force. Limits of 15 to 50 pound yellowfin tuna for us, about 60 percent of the fish were 25 to 50 pounds. The weather has been flat and beautiful the last two days as well. We are headed home and should be in at 6AM. We have some spots open on the next 7-day adventure if anyone wants to get away and join us. Thanks for checking in the Indy crew.

Indy Returns

by Indy Crew, 8-31-2012


The ETA for the Independence for Friday 8/31/12 is approximately 6am.

The Independence has a great last day fishing before heading for home

by Bill Roecker, 8-31-2012


"Today was our last day of fishing," wrote Mark Pisano for Independence August 30, "and it was fantastic, we stopped the boat yesterday at 6 pm and did not move the boat until 11 AM this morning as the yellowfin tuna got on us in force. Limits of 15 to 50-pound yellowfin tuna for us, about 60 percent of the fish were 25 to 50 pounds. The weather has been flat and beautiful the last two days as well. We are headed home and should be in at six a.m. We have some spots open on the next seven-day adventure if anyone wants to get away and join us."