Day Fished: 9/30/2000
Bait / Lures Used: Sardines, Trolling lures
Water Temp.: 67
Weather: Clear
Seas: Flat
Report: We fished the Kona Kai tuna tournament this weekend, our team of six consisting of Skipper Joe Bowen and his wife Suzie, Barracuda Bob, Frank Lentz, John Cory and myself. We fished an area around 32.20 / 118.15. We found numerous jig strikes on the small yellowfin and they would also hit the bait and iron well if thrown back fast enough after a hookup. We also found one good paddy for a single dorado and several yellowfin. Also present were lots of baby blue sharks that we couldn't seem to keep away from our sardines and even the iron. Started to head towards the 302 because of reports of Bigeye being caught up there. We trolled all the way without a single jigstrike. Once we got on the mark, we had one short-bit strike that came unbuttoned. Lots of meter marks on the 302 but no hookups reported by anyone except for those with bigeye. Headed back to weigh our fish and re-fuel and bait. We ended up with 20 yellowfin and 1 dorado for the day with the biggest at 13.5 pounds. Headed back out in the early am to the 302 for a bigeye. As soon as Joe slows the boat down, there is a terrible rumble from the engine compartment. We pulled the hatches open and discovered the u-joint going to the transmission had blown out. We radioed Vessel Assist and they arrived after a couple of hours and towed us in. We trolled all the way in while in tow but no biters. After docking and washing the boat, we went to the awards ceremony and had a very good bbq lunch along with a huge raffle with tons of prizes. I took home 4 passes to Lego Land for my kids. (Thanks to Barracuda Bob, who won then in the raffle and gave them to me) First place went to a gal with a #116 bigeye. This derby was a lot of fun and the best thing is that all of the proceeds ($20,000) went to the "Make A Wish" foundation. We will definately be back next year.
Rating: Good
