Just got back from an awesome 1-day on the Conquest. This was hosted by JES Sportfishing's Jamie Spencer. Since I hadn't open party bluewater fished in about two years, Yutaka gave me some pointers as well as a 2 speed 50# outfit as there had been some bigger bluefin popping up. As usual, Mr. Green manifested and I was over the side yakking by 8 am. I recovered and landed the first of my bluefin for the day soon after. I hooked one on 20#, a 32#, that took over an hour to land! The bite was never wfo, but enough to keep the excitement going. Fish were off both jig stops and meter marks as several spots of breaking fish. Bait was a mix of 5 inch 'chovies and 'dines with many 8-9 inch 'dines as well. The first fish bit the heavier string (25-30#) well with the larger 'dines on 3/0 hooks. A switch to the smaller 'chovies and sardines w/ small egg or splitshot worked better on the later fish. I personally got all my fish on 15 and 20# with careful bait selection (thanks to Yutaka's pre-trip instruction). We only went out as far as 48-50 miles and the fish seemed to be over a large area based on how spread out the boats were. I ended up with 4 bluefin (my first of that species) 22-32#, 2 albies (my first of those also) 18-20#, 1 yellowtail 12#, 1 dodo 12#. The boat got 3-4 yellowfin to 30#ish as well (sorry I don't have the boat's count). What a mix of species!

Highlights: First of two new species for me
Jackpot winner with 32# bluefin

The lighter string was definitely getting bit better. A great group of folks. Trip was topped off with a killer porterhouse steak dinner!