Tuna 2022, let the games begin!

[Evan B]

I have Friday off, if you need a boat buddy... lol

hah, well I have my two guys who went on last week's failed mission going with me if I do it.

 

[ThatGuyRyRy]

hah, well I have my two guys who went on last week's failed mission going with me if I do it.

Well if they bail, you know who to call

 

[Nick Clayton]

So what was the count for the day?

40 but only halfish were on fly rods. We kinds ran a mixed program yesterday.

Plugged with 46 today. At the end I pulled out the bug rod and stuck a toad immediately. Landed that fish then gave the fly rod to my deckhand who couldn't really cast and kept getting rejected lol

 

[PhilR]

I’m getting stoked to get out there.

 

[Bruce Baker]

First trip of the season with bug rods onboard.


Oh boy, what a day!

View attachment 26580

Nick, is he using a Mirage reel?

 

[Evan B]

Monday is looking like my next window... pleeaaaaaaaase let this one work out

 

[Kfish]

Nick, is he using a Mirage reel?

Looks like it to me, used to have one.

 

[Nick Clayton]

Nick, is he using a Mirage reel?

Yep thats one of my setups. I bought two of those reels last year

 

[clarkman]

Yep thats one of my setups. I bought two of those reels last year

Those are bomber reels. I actually used the 8wt version on one of my setups (crammed 300yds if PP 50lb onto it but barely had room for a slightly shortened line)--ended up selling it since it was a little small for my needs. Buuuut, yeah they're sweet reels.

 

[Bruce Baker]

Yep thats one of my setups. I bought two of those reels last year

Cool! Your reel is the new made in USA version, correct? What are your thoughts of the reel?

 

[Nick Clayton]

Cool! Your reel is the new made in USA version, correct? What are your thoughts of the reel?

Ya thats correct. I've been very impressed with them. Super smooth reels that are tough as hell. Nothing bad to say about them at all.

 

[SilverFly]

Kingston Safeway sells the mag, but as of today they don't have the August issue yet.

All our local Safeway and Fred Meyer had were July issues. Would like a hard copy at some point but bought the digital version for now.

Very good article. Not really surprising how the interviewer asked "Why fly fish for tuna" as "the elephant in the room" question. Basically confirmed my thoughts that the average tuna fisher thinks why bother with "less efficient" fly gear and expressed concerns about back casting, mechanics, etc...

You did a great job of dispelling the idea that fly fishers are somehow "handicapped" on the tuna grounds. Prior to 2020 we both knew solid crews could do well out there but we even surprised ourselves. Crazy how those first few trips changed everything.

 

[Nick Clayton]

First full fledged fly trip was damn good.

Even my deckhand caught one casting and stripping.

 

[Cabezon]

If you want to try this unique fishery, I have one seat available with Nick on Saturday, September 3rd. We will have extra rods/reels/flies available. Send me a PM.
Steve

 

[Bagman]

First full fledged fly trip was damn good.

Even my deckhand caught one casting and stripping.

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Man does that water look great . I don’t think even I would get sick out there with you guys. So what did your deck hand think about getting a tuna on a fly

 

[Cabezon]

Flat does not begin to describe those conditions. [Note to others, it is not always that way when you are 25+ miles offshore...]
Steve

 

[Nick Clayton]

Flat does not begin to describe those conditions. [Note to others, it is not always that way when you are 25+ miles offshore...]
Steve

Facts

 

[Paige]

Facts

As a full on Puker, I agree with all my stomach

 

[SilverFly]

First full fledged fly trip was damn good.

Even my deckhand caught one casting and stripping.

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Judging from the grin I'd say he thoroughly enjoyed it! Those are respectable grade albacore!

 

[SilverFly]

If you want to try this unique fishery, I have one seat available with Nick on Saturday, September 3rd. We will have extra rods/reels/flies available. Send me a PM.
Steve

I shared Nick's article on the Australian saltwater fly forum, tagged onto a thread about our 2020 trips. Here's one of the responses:

Albies are an amazing fish to target and are stubborn as hell wit their extra long pectoral fin! I first encountered Albacore when I did a season as deckhand on The Constitution based at Point Loma, San Diego. It would be a dream to throw a fly at some of the ‘mosh pits’ I encountered!! You’re spoilt to have such an amazing tuna fishery and a charter prepared to fly fish!!