DEC 14

Written by Shogun

Friday, 14 December 2007 21:35

Today was another beautiful day fishing the waters offshore of Clarion Island. We had some breeze but little swell. Our morning was a little bleak but then two good stops changed everything. The same grade of tuna began to jump on the hooks, the key was a torpedo sinker attached with a rubber band to get the bait down to the fish. These are tough fighters once again averaging around 180# with a few taping out over 200. Tomorrow will be our last day in the area as we are a long way from home. All on board the Shogun have had a great time testing our skills against these husky yellowfin, we hope to come back soon. Fishing for a living Capt Pat and the Shogun crew

December 13

Written by Shogun

Friday, 14 December 2007 15:57

A fine day today fishing the waters around Clarion Island. Its great to be back here once again, we don't fish tight to the island but there are plenty of opportunities offshore. Big tuna, 180# average were found looking under birds and black dolphins. Bruce also located a few on sonar alone. We had 3 fish over 200#, the largest taping out at 245. At sunset the Shogun came close to the Island to report in to the officials on shore, and now all on board are enjoying a peaceful nights sleep anchored in the lee of the island. Tomorrow Bruce is heading back offshore to fish big yellowfin once again. The photos feature Capt Kurt of Sure Strike Lodge, Dave Brewer with the big fish, and Jeff, Brad, Mel, and Greg during a better stop. Fishing for a living Capt Pat and the Shogun crew

Dec 12

Written by Shogun

Wednesday, 12 December 2007 19:47

Today started off with a BANG! An early morning bite had all aboard busy with several hooked fish going at once. Big fish boils close to the boat and quick hook-ups kept the energy level high for several hours. A personal best or two was achieved. The current kept cooperating pulling the lines straight back from the stern and for reasons known to the fish a hot bite was on. By mid morning the fish quit biting. We have had consistent action but no long sustained bite here at Hurricane Bank so after lunch Bruce pointed the Shogun to an new location. We'll be fishing waters outside Clarion Island arriving tomorrow morning. The seas have come down as we travel inside and tomorrow promises new fishing opportunities. Fishing for a living Capt Pat and the Shogun crew

Dec 11

Written by Shogun

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 16:07

Big tuna and wahoo continued to come over the rail today at Hurricane Bank. The day started out fine with several nice yellowfin landed and big boils were seen close to the boat. Todays pictures feature Jack Hill and Dave Stoltz bent side to side on big tuna, David Brewer holding his fish that taped out at 184#, and our man in action "Chachi" swinging on a nice wahoo. The current then decided to turn fickle and Capt Bruce went looking throughout the bank for a good position. The fish are here, we are hoping that tomorrow 's current straightens out a bit. Bruce had some advice for the anglers to insure success. Fishing short top-shots the fishermen have to be in touch with their baits at all times, failing to do so leads to those nasty spectra tangles. And don't go in with light gear. A 30W reel might get it done on many of the fish but there is a point where you become under gunned, better to go in prepared. Thats it for today, we have some great bait on board and are going to put it to use tomorrow!

Dec 10

Written by Shogun

Monday, 10 December 2007 13:18

Well its game on here at the Hurricane Bank. We had a great spaghetti dinner and they are still biting...JIGS! Bruce had the Shogun trolling up a dozen wahoo and then we anchored up on the Northeast corner around 2pm. Momentum slowly built and in the last hour fishing for tuna from 80 to 240# was pretty damn good. Fly line sardine, the kite with squid and toward sunset chunk fishing really took off. As I write this there are fish still biting. We hope to double our score tomorrow, as we fine tune techniques. I can hear hoots out on deck, must have boated another one. Its going to be an interesting night.

Dec 9

Written by Shogun

Sunday, 09 December 2007 16:16

Just a few more hours to the bank. The hook goes down tomorrow at noon. Those poor fish don't know whats coming, a boatload of Shogun anglers all charged up, rigged up and ready for action. This morning Bruce concluded his tuna fishing seminars with fish fighting tips. Using the rail, in and out of a harness, preparing for gaff and communicating with the crew were among many topics covered. Now that you've got that big tuna on the end of your line how to get it IN THE BOAT! We hope for some great action on tuna and wahoo as no one has been to Hurricane Bank for several days now. As always the cooks are maintaining high standards as the meals have been excellent. I try to stay away from dessert but they always serve my favorites!

Dec 8

Written by Shogun

Saturday, 08 December 2007 16:35

The mighty Shogun keeps on rolling south as the water temp slowly edges up. Right now its 69.7 and climbing. We'll be on the bank Monday. Today Bruce went over many aspects of tuna fishing. As techniques, rigging, and equipment continue to evolve he gave us his insights on getting that big fish to the boat. The sardines are holding up great, quite a difference from late summer when overnight fleet demand and high bay temps led to bait rationing. After dinner we fished for kite bait, managed a couple dozen pieces and then quickly resumed the travel south. Crew an passengers alike are finishing up rigging and anxious to have at the Hurricane Bank! Fishing for a living, Capt Pat and the Shogun crew

Dec 7

Written by Shogun

Friday, 07 December 2007 16:02

Well Bruce came to the fork in the road and chose the path less traveled and we hope it makes all the difference. The Shogun is headed for Hurricane Bank. The wahoo are going to be schooled up and the tuna eager. Looks like we'll have the bank to ourselves at least for the first few days and the fish haven't seen a hook for a few. Lets hope they forgot what one looks like. The photos show Tommie discussing wahoo techniques and Chachi rigging topshots for the kite rods. Tomorrow Bruce will go over the finer points of boating a big tuna. The weather is holding as we continue to roll south, a light drizzle this evening. You all soggy in the Southland? We got out of town just in time! Fishing for a living, Capt Pat and the Shogun crew

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