Polepole La Paz update

Got a short report texted from Sansano.

They fought a mystery fish for over 3 1/2 hours.  Companion handed off to Allen after 3 hours, and Allen promptly BROKE THE ROD.

Successfully tied off onto a second rod but the fish broke the line soon after.

They never saw the fish.

Probably a big Yellowfin?  If it ws a billfish they probably would have seen it jump, right?

Ata any rate, sounds like these guys are having a blast down there this week.  I begged for more updates, but nada mucho yet.

Allen is replicating our trip from last Spring with a mothership, private sportfisher loaded with yaks, good food and great companions (Including TallPaul, who is really getting around this year!) Difference is, this is tuna season down there now.

Hope to have more news before their return, and be sure Polepole and Paul will regale us on their return.

I hate those guys!!!

Allen

I hate those guys!!!

Amen.....

what a rush. the scenery . battles. and some great memories. maybe a beer or 2. bang! . hope ta see some great photos. and good luck 2 those guys!!!!

                             Bulldog

Bummer that the line was broken!  Must be a heck of a sleight ride...

I hate those guys!!!

Amen.....

Ditto.

Thanks for the update Allen, I think we're all jealous of PolePole and TallPaul. But good success brothers, keep on banging!!

I know Sledge is down there too, and I am sure he is keeping everyone entertained and fueling the fire to GET SOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Sounds like a great time and I can't wait to see the pics and read the reports!!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

 See what happens when you feed a Filipino corn! That boy just don't know his own strength! haha.
 Randall

This trip sounds awesome, gonna try for one like it around my bday in spring.  Anyone for late march/early april.  What is the fishing like down there around then? weather?

I hate those guys!!!

Amen.....

Green, very green with envy!

KV- We will  put together a trip in April, like last year.  When Allen gets back he and I will figure dates.

We had a blast last spring Yellowtail, dorado,amberjack, rossterfish, cabrilla up the yin yang.

Nice boat great skipper really good food, and on our trip tons of beer haha.

WE'll get a lst going soon.

Allen

would have loved to have seen some pics of that monster

Sitting in an internet cafe in Lapaz, returning home in a few hours.

I won't do a trip report now, but just a teaser...

wonderful weather, a some dorado around, and a few nice wahoo. I picked up a nice pargo on the iron, and there was a big grouper on the boat, maby 30 + pounds.

We couldn't find th eyellowfin tuna, except for the one that got away:

Struck a large plug trolled from the mother ship. I put on the fighting belt immediately, and settled in for a good battle on 40 lb with good gear: an Okuma three piece rod with some backbone, and a Progear reel. 30 minutes in, and I was gaining lots of line on the fish, and predicted he would be at gaff in another fifteen minutes. Then the first hour passed. Then two. The fight was straight up and down now, and the fish started the death circles. The battle slowed, and I was making little progress for the third hour. Gained a few feet at a time, but the tuna just took it back, just a few feet at a time. I couldn't turn his head, it was just a static fight. Just tailbeats, and power. I resisted the temptation to button down the drag, but after three hours of a stand up fight, I was getting really fatigued. I felt sure the fish was within 150 feet of the boat, but I could'nt move him any more.

What a strong fish!  So, three hours and twenty minutes in, I surrendered the rod to Allen Sansano, with a fresh set of arms. He laid into the work, but five minutes later, the rod broke at the ferrule with a huge crack!  But the line was intact...

The captain, Raoul, hand lined the fish while we spliced the line, cut away the broken outfit, and put a boat rod in service. I was pooped and just watched and hoped for the best. A few minutes later, with Allen still pulling on that pig of a fish, the line snapped. Hung my head. Silence on board. Bummer.

I have to believe it was a BIG yellowfin tuna, maybe more than 150 pounds, but we never saw color. It was tantalizingly close, but we were beaten.

Ah, but that's fishing!

More to follow later, with pictures...not home for a bit.

Tight lines,

Paul

That could be the fish of a life time!  Sorry for the loss and thank you for the pre-report Paul.  Looking forward to read the full report and see the pictures.

Oh no!!! Paul, I'm sorry to hear that big one got away after hours of battling it. We all woulda loved to see ya land that cow. I'm quite certain that you'll have many opportunities with all the recent fishing outings ya have gone

Most importantly, I am glad that you and others had a fantastic time catching various fish!! Thanks for the lil suspense, as I can't wait to read the full report from you both.