Hi Gang,

I have been anxiously awaiting the first marlin trip of the year on the Parker.  A few marlin have been showing on the local banks this week.  Rock Cod Rick and I left the Fisherman's Landing slip Thursday, 7/31 at 6:30 am.  We had a few mackerel and we got a couple more at the receiver along with a tank of sardines. We headed for the 500 fathom line outside north Coronado Is. and headed South toward the 101.  We found porpoise and yellowfin outside South Is. After running a few spots Rick hooked one on a Mega Bait.  Dinner is served.  We continued South to the 101 and turned West toward the 425.  A few miles outside the 101 the long rigger goes off and we are wired. 

 Rick was the angler and fought the fish for 25 minutes.  I leadered the fish and after a couple of pictures the fish was released in great shape. 


We had barely finished high fiving when a spot of 40 lb. tuna blew up behind the boat.  We gave it a try with no luck.  We worked the area for a while and then continued to the 425.  Again we saw spots of tuna.  One mile inside the bank the same rigger goes off and we are on again. 
This time I am the angler and Rick is driving. 

We were thrilled to be hooked up again.  After 30 minutes the fish was tired and nearly at the boat.  Unfortunately we were not able to grab leader before the fish unbuttoned.  Still, we felt quite fortunate.  We worked the area for a while and then headed North.  Inside South Island we found a very lively paddy with terns and breaking tuna and leaping dorado. 

Rick hooked a 25 lb. albacore that fought more like a 40 lb. tuna. 


 I hooked 2 dorado which we boated and that was it.  

We headed north again and for over an hour witnessed the most amazing show of local tuna and dorado that I remember. 


We were truly blessed to have such a memorable day on the water.  I hope you all are fortunate to have a day like this sometime this year. 

See you on the pond,

Doug