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Author Topic:   Bluefin Tuna Double Header

bluewaterpirate posted 12-20-2005 04:30 PM ET (US)
I wanted to share this experience with you because it was a once in a lifetime event and I know that some of u are trapped by winter weather. I am fortunate enough to live in a state, North Carolina, where you can saltwater fish year round. Here's the set up .....
I was invited to go Bluefin fishing on the Barbara "B", a friends 61' Sportsman, and what a day it was! We decided to fish the 240 Rock (about 24nm South of Morehead City) and at 8am we had a double hookup. At 11:30am we got the last fish on deck. Needless to say Bill, Chris, Al and myself were elated. It's hard enough to get one onboard but two was something special for all of us. Bill did an absolutely superb job driving the boat for the 3.5 hour battle and Al who was the mate did an unbelievable job of leadering and nose roping the tuna. BZ to all. I was real glad to get my fish onboard!
The fish weights/lengths 478lbs/95"/439lbs/90", mine was the smaller. Dressed out 719lbs. The two tuna will depart Wed morning for Japan.
A day to remember for sure! Enjoy the pictures and video.
http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf2.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf3.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf6.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf5.jpg
http:\\bwp.neptune.com

bluewaterpirate posted 12-20-2005 04:34 PM ET (US)
Here's a good link to the video clip ..... sorry
http//bwp.neptune.com
bluewaterpirate posted 12-20-2005 04:39 PM ET (US)
One more time ......
http://bwp.neptune.com
rtk posted 12-20-2005 04:45 PM ET (US)
Man, that is awesome. I just did my first tuna trip this year off New Jersey, it was a blast. Nothing over 80lbs or so though.
A North Carolina tuna trip for giants have been on my things to do list for a while. After seeing those photos it looks like it is going to have to become a priority!
Rich
WT posted 12-20-2005 05:54 PM ET (US)
Wow!! Awesome fish!! I know your arms hurt.
I wish we could get some of those in Northern California waters.
I went out for the first time for tuna earlier this year in my 170 Montauk. Here's a picture of our "baby" sized 25 pound albacore. Randy and I had a triple hookup but just landed two.
http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/First%20Tuna%20Run%208-05/ ?action=view¤t=DSCN1596.jpg

Once you land a tuna, you can't wait to get another. I am looking forward to the tuna run next year.
Warren
Riptide23WA posted 12-20-2005 10:35 PM ET (US)
Hey pirate, don't quote me on this, but does the boat's tuna permit allow the taking of two giants in one day? I am totally new to tuna fishing this year, having just gotten geared up this season (and then my baby daughter arrived almost two months early, so my boating season ended way early), but my recreational permit only allows one tuna per boat per day, and one giant per season.
I know this fall there was a guy bragging over the VHF how he slayed 'em, and had two in the boat, and the feds were there wating for him at the dock. I don't think they took his boat, but I heard something like a $10,000 fine was imposed.
Like I said, I'm new at the game, so maybe I'm off base...
Pat
k
bluewaterpirate posted 12-20-2005 10:44 PM ET (US)
Currently it is two large medium or giants per day for sale Mon thru Thurs. Believe me we know the rules!

http://www.nmfspermits.com/news.asp
The above link will keep you updated.
Tates posted 12-20-2005 11:01 PM ET (US)
Great report and congragulations on those Bluefin so close to Morehead City, Undoubtly this post will bring fisherman to that area next season, when do the fish normally appear and disapear?Merry Christmas
bluewaterpirate posted 12-20-2005 11:16 PM ET (US)
Mid November to Mid January ...... it can vary a couple of weeks wither way. Just great fishing year round.
Thanks .....
Merry Christmas to all!
bluewaterpirate posted 12-21-2005 09:19 AM ET (US)
Added another video named Bluefin Prep ... Enjoy
http://bwp.neptune.com
Tom
Riptide23WA posted 12-21-2005 10:31 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the correction, pirate. Happy hunting. I am going to target the smaller bluefins that pass near Block Island next year. I was scrambling to get my rigs spooled ( I bought a set of used Accurates) and skirts made in time, and all for naught. I had to endure listening to report after report about how good the fishing was this year from the jokers on my dock, while I was tethered to the house on a short leash...
Oh well. I will be ready for next season...l
DaveH posted 12-21-2005 11:02 AM ET (US)
Bluewater:
Very nice. I haven't gone tuna fishing since I left Long Island, NY 14 years ago. I think my priorities need readjusting!
By the way, not to be too nosey, but what's the going rate per pound these days from the Japanese buyers? If you do not wish to answer this in the forum I understand. I think it would be very interesting to those who live in the interior of the country, to describe the process to sell the fish.
I wish you tightlines, and a full cooler for the Holiday season.
bluewaterpirate posted 12-21-2005 11:25 AM ET (US)
It varies on the condition of the tuna (i.e. if it's been prepped right after bringing it onboard). Right now you can get $8 - $15 per pound and you want can choose to wait until it reaches Japan (hold out for more money). That's a crap shoot so most of the captains take the money and run. A technician (usually a marine biologist) will check the fish as soon as they come off the boat. They look at the condition of the meat from 3 sometimes 5 different areas and test for parasites. You have to show your Federal/State/ & Commercial Licenses and sign papers the process usually takes about 30 - 45 minutes (sometimes the USCG or Wildlife folks will perform an inspection of your boat). To fish commercially/charter u have to have all sorts of safety equipment (EPIRBS, Liferafts, Emerssion Suits (the list goes on) but the pay days can be good. There you have it.
Tom
HAPPYJIM posted 12-21-2005 04:49 PM ET (US)
Nice catch!! And great pictures to boot!!
The biggest bluefin that I landed was 90lbs and it flat wore me out. We caught our limit of yellow fin and the bluefin was in there with them. We gave the Capt the bluefin in trade for cleaning all the fish and tipping the mate. Everyone was happy and we were back at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center around noon. We didn't want to fish any more because our arms were hurting so bad. One of the rare "perfect" fishing days we all like to brag on.
tombro posted 12-22-2005 02:16 PM ET (US)
Nice catch. My largest tuna were a pair of 225 pound bigeyes, in the Hudson Canyon. Both hit simultaneously, on green machines, and took over 2 hours for us greenhorns to bring to boatside. Was more work than fun! I prefer 40 and under schoolies, landed quickly for more knockdown adrenaline. Although I would not say no to a 400+ bluefin like that, either.^_^
bforrest19 posted 01-05-2006 12:12 PM ET (US)
I've enjoyed reading about these bluefin catches. The pictures were great too. I do have a couple questions about bluefin and I was wondering if any of y'all could help me out.
I'm a writer from Eastern NC and I'm working on a short story about bluefin tuna. I was wondering if anyone could give me a detailed account on the proper way to catch and clean these fish to get the maximum profit from Japanese buyers--the 20-30K range. I have a limited understanding of how it works, but need more details to get the lingo right.
Here's what I've heard:
The fish is hooked brought up alongside the boat where you're real careful to make sure it doesn't swing its tail and bang it against the hull to protect the meat. It's gaffed in very particular places and brought on board. A certain gauge of fishing wire is pushed down the spinal column to stop the tuna from shaking. It's cleaned, maybe the stomach removed? Packed in ice, and then you hightail it back to Morehead. From there, a Japanese buyer sticks a tube into it and pulls out a length of meat the size of pencil lead. He smells it, tastes it, writes some numbers on the side of the fish and then an auction is held later in the day. And the big monsters are on the plane straight to Japan and on a plate of sushi that night.
Like I said, I have a limited understanding of the process. I really would appreciate your help with the how the fish is caught and sold. Lingo and other interesting details about what it's like to catch one of these things would be helpful too.
Thanks!

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Author	Topic: Bluefin Tuna Double Header
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-20-2005 04:30 PM ET (US) I wanted to share this experience with you because it was a once in a lifetime event and I know that some of u are trapped by winter weather. I am fortunate enough to live in a state, North Carolina, where you can saltwater fish year round. Here's the set up ..... I was invited to go Bluefin fishing on the Barbara "B", a friends 61' Sportsman, and what a day it was! We decided to fish the 240 Rock (about 24nm South of Morehead City) and at 8am we had a double hookup. At 11:30am we got the last fish on deck. Needless to say Bill, Chris, Al and myself were elated. It's hard enough to get one onboard but two was something special for all of us. Bill did an absolutely superb job driving the boat for the 3.5 hour battle and Al who was the mate did an unbelievable job of leadering and nose roping the tuna. BZ to all. I was real glad to get my fish onboard! The fish weights/lengths 478lbs/95"/439lbs/90", mine was the smaller. Dressed out 719lbs. The two tuna will depart Wed morning for Japan. A day to remember for sure! Enjoy the pictures and video. http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf2.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf3.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf6.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~bluewaterpirate/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/bf5.jpg http:\\bwp.neptune.com
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-20-2005 04:34 PM ET (US) Here's a good link to the video clip ..... sorry http//bwp.neptune.com
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-20-2005 04:39 PM ET (US) One more time ...... http://bwp.neptune.com
rtk	posted 12-20-2005 04:45 PM ET (US) Man, that is awesome. I just did my first tuna trip this year off New Jersey, it was a blast. Nothing over 80lbs or so though. A North Carolina tuna trip for giants have been on my things to do list for a while. After seeing those photos it looks like it is going to have to become a priority! Rich
WT	posted 12-20-2005 05:54 PM ET (US) Wow!! Awesome fish!! I know your arms hurt. I wish we could get some of those in Northern California waters. I went out for the first time for tuna earlier this year in my 170 Montauk. Here's a picture of our "baby" sized 25 pound albacore. Randy and I had a triple hookup but just landed two. http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/First%20Tuna%20Run%208-05/ ?action=view¤t=DSCN1596.jpg Once you land a tuna, you can't wait to get another. I am looking forward to the tuna run next year. Warren
Riptide23WA	posted 12-20-2005 10:35 PM ET (US) Hey pirate, don't quote me on this, but does the boat's tuna permit allow the taking of two giants in one day? I am totally new to tuna fishing this year, having just gotten geared up this season (and then my baby daughter arrived almost two months early, so my boating season ended way early), but my recreational permit only allows one tuna per boat per day, and one giant per season. I know this fall there was a guy bragging over the VHF how he slayed 'em, and had two in the boat, and the feds were there wating for him at the dock. I don't think they took his boat, but I heard something like a $10,000 fine was imposed. Like I said, I'm new at the game, so maybe I'm off base... Pat k
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-20-2005 10:44 PM ET (US) Currently it is two large medium or giants per day for sale Mon thru Thurs. Believe me we know the rules! http://www.nmfspermits.com/news.asp The above link will keep you updated.
Tates	posted 12-20-2005 11:01 PM ET (US) Great report and congragulations on those Bluefin so close to Morehead City, Undoubtly this post will bring fisherman to that area next season, when do the fish normally appear and disapear?Merry Christmas
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-20-2005 11:16 PM ET (US) Mid November to Mid January ...... it can vary a couple of weeks wither way. Just great fishing year round. Thanks ..... Merry Christmas to all!
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-21-2005 09:19 AM ET (US) Added another video named Bluefin Prep ... Enjoy http://bwp.neptune.com Tom
Riptide23WA	posted 12-21-2005 10:31 AM ET (US) Thanks for the correction, pirate. Happy hunting. I am going to target the smaller bluefins that pass near Block Island next year. I was scrambling to get my rigs spooled ( I bought a set of used Accurates) and skirts made in time, and all for naught. I had to endure listening to report after report about how good the fishing was this year from the jokers on my dock, while I was tethered to the house on a short leash... Oh well. I will be ready for next season...l
DaveH	posted 12-21-2005 11:02 AM ET (US) Bluewater: Very nice. I haven't gone tuna fishing since I left Long Island, NY 14 years ago. I think my priorities need readjusting! By the way, not to be too nosey, but what's the going rate per pound these days from the Japanese buyers? If you do not wish to answer this in the forum I understand. I think it would be very interesting to those who live in the interior of the country, to describe the process to sell the fish. I wish you tightlines, and a full cooler for the Holiday season.
bluewaterpirate	posted 12-21-2005 11:25 AM ET (US) It varies on the condition of the tuna (i.e. if it's been prepped right after bringing it onboard). Right now you can get $8 - $15 per pound and you want can choose to wait until it reaches Japan (hold out for more money). That's a crap shoot so most of the captains take the money and run. A technician (usually a marine biologist) will check the fish as soon as they come off the boat. They look at the condition of the meat from 3 sometimes 5 different areas and test for parasites. You have to show your Federal/State/ & Commercial Licenses and sign papers the process usually takes about 30 - 45 minutes (sometimes the USCG or Wildlife folks will perform an inspection of your boat). To fish commercially/charter u have to have all sorts of safety equipment (EPIRBS, Liferafts, Emerssion Suits (the list goes on) but the pay days can be good. There you have it. Tom
HAPPYJIM	posted 12-21-2005 04:49 PM ET (US) Nice catch!! And great pictures to boot!! The biggest bluefin that I landed was 90lbs and it flat wore me out. We caught our limit of yellow fin and the bluefin was in there with them. We gave the Capt the bluefin in trade for cleaning all the fish and tipping the mate. Everyone was happy and we were back at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center around noon. We didn't want to fish any more because our arms were hurting so bad. One of the rare "perfect" fishing days we all like to brag on.
tombro	posted 12-22-2005 02:16 PM ET (US) Nice catch. My largest tuna were a pair of 225 pound bigeyes, in the Hudson Canyon. Both hit simultaneously, on green machines, and took over 2 hours for us greenhorns to bring to boatside. Was more work than fun! I prefer 40 and under schoolies, landed quickly for more knockdown adrenaline. Although I would not say no to a 400+ bluefin like that, either.^_^
bforrest19	posted 01-05-2006 12:12 PM ET (US) I've enjoyed reading about these bluefin catches. The pictures were great too. I do have a couple questions about bluefin and I was wondering if any of y'all could help me out. I'm a writer from Eastern NC and I'm working on a short story about bluefin tuna. I was wondering if anyone could give me a detailed account on the proper way to catch and clean these fish to get the maximum profit from Japanese buyers--the 20-30K range. I have a limited understanding of how it works, but need more details to get the lingo right. Here's what I've heard: The fish is hooked brought up alongside the boat where you're real careful to make sure it doesn't swing its tail and bang it against the hull to protect the meat. It's gaffed in very particular places and brought on board. A certain gauge of fishing wire is pushed down the spinal column to stop the tuna from shaking. It's cleaned, maybe the stomach removed? Packed in ice, and then you hightail it back to Morehead. From there, a Japanese buyer sticks a tube into it and pulls out a length of meat the size of pencil lead. He smells it, tastes it, writes some numbers on the side of the fish and then an auction is held later in the day. And the big monsters are on the plane straight to Japan and on a plate of sushi that night. Like I said, I have a limited understanding of the process. I really would appreciate your help with the how the fish is caught and sold. Lingo and other interesting details about what it's like to catch one of these things would be helpful too. Thanks!