| Nyati Offshore Report
Port Aransas,
TX
September 17th, 2005
Report by Oz |
Mid September and Fall is starting to set in. Fish are beginning
to move with migratory patterns and weather is changing with water temps
in the gulf are slowly cooling off. YT invited us out once again on the NYATI
in search of billfish. The team consisted of mainly the regulars and we headed
out early Sat morning pre-sunrise. After a slow rough ride out we made it
to what appeared to be an optimal location despite the conditions. We pulled
up to a rip and started trolling. Through the course of the morning we had
at least 2-3 billfish come up in the spread and nail some lures without hookups.
We changed to ballyhoo and started hooking into and picking up several small
Dorado.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
After about 8 Dorado noon came around and the bite slowed down.
We remained on a good rip holding many Dolphin but after switching to plastics
and making about every change in the book we still couldn't hook into
anything.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
The bite remained slow and early in the afternoon we decided
to head south to where we were hearing of concentrated baitfish holding on
a prevailing weedline. Around 4pm we finally make our way to our destination
and get baits out just as we come up on a load of activity on the surface.
Our first pass and we have a quick double hook up as Brice stood by with
the gaff.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
I get in and land a Blackfin Tuna as Aggie lands a large Skipjack
Tuna (Oceanic Bonito). From this point on it was Game On.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
The Tuna were destroying bait on the surface and the action
only grew the longer we were there. Tuna and Bonito were going aerial on
the surface surrounding various pods concentrated around several Whale Sharks.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
Multiple hookups resulted in fun welcoming chaos. Quadruple
hookups had happened several times as we raced to keep lines clear of each
other.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
We would continue to reign hell on the Blackfins on every pass
YT made around the feeding Tuna. Scott Nate and Aggie would make Tred Barta
proud. Those of us that weren't hooked up would clear the other lines and
help land the fish.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
During one of the multiple hookups, Nate hooks into a solid
fish that starts emptying his reel. After a short time Nate is able to turn
it and quickly bring it in to find a dead crushed tuna. The culprit.. a large
Marlin wanting a piece of the action, one deep slice as if it were done by
a razor sharp sword and skinning a portion of the back in the process.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
We then put some meat back out but still resulted in Tuna covering
the spread. Multiple hookups continued and was rare to be hooked in to only
one fish at a time.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
We make it in, around, and through the feeding frenzy and come
across the largest of the Whale Sharks in the area.. a massive gentle beast
25-30' long swimming along under the surface in the activity.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
There was no evading the tons of Tuna exploding on the surface.
It would really suck being a small baitfish in the vicinity of these torpedoes.
Sometimes we just watched in awe at the action we were seeing develop before
us.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
Rodney, Scott, and Aggie are once again hooked up. It got the
the point where we were regaining strength and stamina and passing the rod
on to another tired victim.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
With the sun setting and still 2 hours out, we had boxed close
to 3 dozen Tuna in a short time. Happy faces during these chaotic frenzies
make these fun times well worth the trip. We begin our journey back to the
dock with a supply of sashimi awaiting us.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
We get back and Aggie poses with his large Skipjack Tuna and here is a display
of the catch.
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
Click here for an EC Hi-Res Photo
While we didn't land and Billfish or Yellowfin, the non-stop
destructive action of the Blackfin Tuna allowed everyone to get their fill
of the action.. and then some. Thanks to a great bunch of guys and as always,
thanks to YT for another fun trip aboard the Nyati.
- Oz
POST your comments
about this Report in the EC FORUMS!!
[BACK to Reports]
|
