Posted by Whitey on April 21, 2002 at 12:49:27:
Hi, all. Launched at the 76 station about 7:00. Wind was blowing cool and up the coast (wrong direction). Headed north trolling for nada. Turned back around Esco and tried the edges of the kelp for more nada.
Moved inside off Latigo and started getting into the mud-marlin. I actually had three poles going at once! Try that for some excitement. Ended up catching 5 or 6 'marlins and one Mantis Shrimp. Caught a small Sandie on plastic, then another two bigger ones (all released). Wind settled down and the day became very nice. Finally got a BIG hit on a sardine-colored FT. Big head shake, all the correct signs, but I was still surprised to see a big 'Butt come to color. With pounding pulse I proceeded to blow the first gaffing attempt, sending the 'Butt back to the bottom with a hole in it's head. Got it solidly on the second try. About 30" and 10-12#s. I don't know the weight because my digital scale went over the cliff at La Bufadora for being untrustworthy. Anyway, a great ending to another beautiful day on the water. BTW, I caught a similar-sized 'Butt in Sept. in the exact same spot and depth. A hole, perhaps? Details on the exact location are a little unclear...
Tight lines, Whitey