Well, I finally got out for my first real tuna trip. Several friends and I fished on the Northern out of Ilwaco and had a great time. Left at about 3AM, fishing at first light and had a fish on the hand lines in about 5 minutes. Then it was live bait over the side. What a kick that is! I brought my own gear and I think it helped having a little lighter flourocarbon line than the boat rods. I think I boated 3 on the first stop, and from there it was short runs to find birds or jumpers, sometimes trolling, usually not, and anchovies over the side. The last bait stop was the best of the day. Several time we had 5 or 6 on and everyone was catching. I think I brought 4 in myself and had the hook pull out on one. I would never have thought you could catch a tuna on a size 4 hook.

Weather was perfect. Cool temps and the seas were flat. A great day fishing.