2019 Summer Albacore Tuna Trip 8

Ship's Log September 29-October 16 2019

Another Anniversary at Sea

I did the fish catch totals for the year to date. I was at 72,230 pounds for the season. Just over 36 tons. That’s a little more than last year’s total on my first season with the James Lee, but over 4 tons less than Reuben and I caught on my little ice boat the Manatee II back in 2016. I am dissatisfied. My goal for the year was originally 60 tons. That shrank down considerably after trips 1 and 2 gave only 2 tons for 20 days. Then the blown genset setback which created a week at the dock during prime time. 50 tons was the new goal. I’m thinking I can nail that if the weather allows it. Reports are still great in certain areas, and those areas were close to my home port. I’ve just got to stay focused and not get sucked into land with some sort of problem. It will all boil down to me. I just need to prove to myself that I got what it takes to be a single-handed tuna fisherman in a 54 foot vessel.

While throwing off the lines to run over and get bait and fuel, I set my mind with all the power and strength I could muster up. Just Do It. Drive that boat over there, and use the wind, the current, and the exact handling of the vessel so as NOT to cause embarrassment. Slow like a pro, fast like an ass. That is the line I heard Johnny from the Two Fishers use. I agree. So, if you are going to mash everything up at least do it really slow so there is limited damage. Keep your calm.

2019 Tuna Trip 1

Ship's Log June 28-July 7th 2019

Too Early

This year my deckhand is Travis Lively. That last name says a lot. He and I were working together during Dungeness fishing on the Brandy and Travis performed excellent during that season and I was pretty happy to have him join me on this year's adventures. Seanna was a constant onboard presence as well.

We began boatwork on June 14th. I had in mind the basics. Get both engines running (they had new oil, filters, etc from proper winterizing previous season end), get refrigeration system up and running, and all electronics checked out. Add subscriptions to Sirius Satellite for weather, and music/entertainment, etc.

2019 Tuna Trip 2

Ship's Log July 13th-23rd 2019

Big Trouble

Travis and I did routine projects on the boat during the little break. I kept calling out to the guys at sea and getting reports of similar slow fishing scores. At this point (Mid July) most of the boats were prepped and either standing by or trickling out to sea for the hunt. I was very eager to get back out.

So, on 7/13/19 at 4pm Travis, Seanna, and I headed out of Winchester Bay with fresh supplies and a new attitude. I put my heading to the 46W and the 128N. Right about 200 miles to go... On day 2 we got a big zero fish score and kept going..Day 3 we got 7 fish. I was reflecting about the struggle in my log book. Questioning EVERYTHING including the purchase of the boat in general. Mid July and no fish nearby?? SCARY!! Away from my family is one thing when the gettin is good, but away from my family and going bust is another feeling entirely. My sons are 12 and 14. My dream is to have them with me here, so I am WITH my family. We will see about that. I cannot force it on them, and end up blowing them off the boat for good. So, I am all brain twisted in fear and worry and whatnot. We finished this day 4 with 3 (three!!) fish, but were on a spot with a big fleet and many reported good scores here so tomorrow will be IT!!

2019 Tuna Trip 3 Part 1

Ship's Log August 1st-4th 2019

Wyatt Comes, Travis Goes

With the blown genset engine in mind I immediately (at sea) called my banker first. I needed a little reassurance and got that. Then I called my mechanic, Nate Hudson, who luck would have it was available. I remember hitting the dock in Winchester Bay and within a few hours the genset was tore apart, and the next day removed from the vessel. I brought the fresh one in from my shop and we did the job in 7 days total. The season was in full swing by the time we had re-supplied and ready to go.

My son Wyatt made the commitment to the 20 day trip, and Travis was still pretty up-beat about it, but had not earned any $$ yet, so was getting apprehensive.