Sportsman's Quest

Tuna running at San Clemente

Local mortgage broker Cosby Watson fished this past weekend off the south end of San Clemente Island, with long time friend Larry Marble and Larry's son Michael.

They left Dana Point Harbor at 9 p.m. Saturday and arrived at their destination at dawn the following morning. The 100-mile trip was a pleasant cruise in Larry's 27-foot, diesel -powered sport craft, aptly named "Dawn Pursuit II." It didn't take long for the action to heat up once they wet their lines.

They fished the warm current where it interfaces with the area's cooler water using trolled Cedar Plugs and Mexican Flag lures, on 30-pound test line, dropped in the boats wake.

Rapala Magnums were also dynamite on this day. Large tuna began hitting these teaser baits right away. The boys then dropped their 15-pound test fly lines, with a sardine bait, over board and got some real exciting action.

The bite was on, as the shouts of "Hook up!" were heard. Line would smoke off the light reels, as tuna sounded or headed straight for Japan.

The resulting salt spray would coat one's glasses, but the smell and taste would only add to the experience.

Fish were brought aboard, but many were lost as they threw the hood or power-dove, breaking the line. The final count of fish boated was three albacore, in the 25-pound class; six yellow tail; and a 35-pound blue fin tuna caught by the skipper.

Cosby, acting as the "deckie," got a lesson on belly gaffing this heavy weight. As it broke loose he quickly got a clean hook in it, saving the fish and his pride. They say practice makes perfect: the trick is to get enough water time to practice. I'm sure he will.

By the early afternoon, it was time to head back, but with frequent stops at the many coastal kelp paddies to add some rockfish to the locker.

The trick to their rockfish success was attributed to some chumming activity by an unnamed crewmember, following an overindulgence of junk food on a rocking boat. Some call this seasickness.

On the way home, as we all know, the work began. The fish were filleted, the dock was scrubbed and all the gear washed in fresh water.

This is ocean fishing the way it should be done, and we should be out doing it. If you're not fortunate enough to have your own deep-sea boat, do as I do.

Give H&M Landing in San Diego a call at 619-222-1144 or go to www.hmlanding.com and begin a tradition, which will become an annual event. Whether it's a bunch of guys, gals or the family, this will be an event to mark the year.

What's New

When trolling in deep water or along the coast, it's hard to beat Rapala's Salt-Water Magnums. This is the world's No. 1 salt-water hard bodied lure and comes in floating or sinking models.

According to the IGFA, more world record fish have fallen to Rapala's than any other artificial lure, more than 220 in the most recent record book. Rapala records are recorded on every continent in the world, except Antarctica.

One of these belongs in every tackle box. For more information contact www.rapala.com.