Trip Reports

Trip Reports
May 302007

SEARCHER’s Memorial Day Kickoff Provides "Tales of Tailî" (Yellowtail, That Is)

May 30th, 2007|Categories: Uncategorized|

By Dick Uranga, AKA Capt. Potatohead

Fishing tackle has been bought, reels have been filled, reports have been spread: Memorial Day weekend has actually arrived. All of us have been ready to board our favorite sportfisher to pursue the early season’s gamefish. What will it be this year?

This year started with a real surprise, the first hookup came when Capt. Potatohead arrived to find all passengers and crew members wearing specially adorned Searcher tee shirts celebrating the 10th annual Capt. Potatohead Memorial Day Charter aboard the luxury sportfisher "Searcher." This of course set the mood for kudos and an appropriate roasting of the "Ol’ Captaín Spud!"

Our 3-day hunt started with a galley meeting conducted by owner/operator Art Taylor briefing 26 expectant fishermen about safety, weather conditions and our game plan. Our destination would be 200 miles S.E. from Point Loma; a bit of a stretch for a 3 day, but not untypical for a motivated Art Taylor. He informed us that we could expect catches of Yellowtail and possibly Bluefin Tuna. It was his intent to spend our 1st day fishing the paddies in this area targeting

Yellowtail, with the possibility of encountering Bluefin Tuna. For the 2nd day, his plan was to explore an area to the west, having perfect Terrafin temperature conditions that might hold early arrivals of Albacore. He then turned the meeting over to 2nd Capt. Aaron Remy for informative tackle tips and proper boat etiquette while fishing the decks of the Searcher. To get the fun going, Capt. Potatohead and staff members Terry Onishi and Mike Wicen proceeded to fill reels with fresh Izorline"Blue" to all interested fishermen. Capt. Spud and his team provided tips and techniques on the use of trolling feathers by Zuker, fishing Kicker and Ironman jigs and the use of hi-tech Owner hooks. In order to spice the trip up, Capt Potatohead offered chances to play "at the Dealer" to win tackle generously donated by the above mentioned sponsors. Anglers were also awarded tackle prizes for special catches; i.e. most fish caught in a day, 1st and second fish caught on a stop, etc.

Our first day started at day break to the sound of engines slowing down and Artís voice calling out the first trolling team. Although still enroute to our destination, we stopped on several paddies to yield catches of Yellowtail in the 7# to 10# class. Jig strikes throughout the day added to our action providing catches of Yellowtail and Bonita ranging up to13#. This combination of live paddies and jigs being hit provided hook-ups and high spirits throughout the day.

Our tally for this dayís fishing yielded 66 Yellowtail and 14 Bonita with many fish released less than 28î in length; not to mention pranks on Capt. Potatohead to include the reversal of his reel on his "go- to" rods, and lines being pulled through the head window and attached to the showerhead. Oh yes, let us not forget the timely pulling down of his pants during a hook-up! All in the name of fun, and that it was!

We now have traveled and fished to a point of being 217 miles from Point Loma. Art then informed us that we would head in a Westerly direction during the night to explore an area having ideal temperature indications provided on Terrafin maps. As we all know, it is this type of exploration that yields the first catches of Albacore every year.

Upon arrival, we found conditions to be as predicted. We, as on the previous day, stopped on several paddies and experienced jig strikes to put an additional 2 Yellowtail and 20 Bonita on the decks, but unfortunately, no Tuna. Not as productive as day # 1, but certainly worth the try during this time of transition that can potentially payoff bigtime!

Our crew was outstanding, and the cuisine superb. Our special thanks to Aaron, Joe, Jordan and Galley master Randy and assistant William. Thank you again Art, for a fun filled "Searcher" adventure!

Congratulations to Jack Pot winners:
1st Place Mike Mayes 13.0# Bonita
2nd Place Mike Mayes 10.4# Yellowtail
3rd Place Mark Seals 10.2# Yellowtail
May 292007

New 1.5 day trips in June!

May 29th, 2007|Categories: Uncategorized|

We’ve added a few 1.5 day trips to our schedule at the end of June. Join the tuna hunt! Check our schedule and call the landing to book.

May 282007

Memorial Day Special

May 28th, 2007|Categories: Trip Reports|

This 3-day trip had 25 anglers and they caught 70 yellowtail and 20 bonito. Photo by Jonathan Jones. The jackpot winners are: (right to left)

  • Mike Mayes, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — 13# yellowtail
  • Mike Mayes, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — 10.4# yellowtail
  • Mark Seals, Cambria, CA– 10.2# yellowtail
May 212007

Need a passport?

May 21st, 2007|Categories: Uncategorized|

No, not for our fishing trips into Mexican waters. As usual, we will ask to see your photo id (driver’s license, military ID) upon boarding the boat, but a passport is NOT required. There is one minor change: We are asked to supply Mexico with a list of our passengers’ name, address, phone number AND citizenship and birthdate. So we’ll be asking for a bit more information at check-in time. Call if you have any questions or concerns!

Apr 262007

PRICE SLASHED!! Offshore Delights: Searcher Recipe Book

April 26th, 2007|Categories: Uncategorized|

We sat Chef Randy Fickes down long enough to compile recipes so you can make our great Searcher meals at home. This photo-illustrated cookbook is a great memory of your Searcher Adventure. Email Celia to get a copy reservations@searchersportfishing.com. Cost is now $10!

Apr 252007

Searcher’s first 2007 fishing trip: Memorial Day weekend

April 25th, 2007|Categories: Uncategorized|

Don’t miss out on sharing rail space with this guy–our very own Capt Dick "Potatohead" Uranga–for the annual Memorial Day 3-day tuna hunt. Tackle giveaways and prizes will include Owner hooks, Kicker jigs, tshirts and more. Fun and games and lots of fishing will be on tap! Call the office to save a spot — 619-226-2403.

Feb 82007

Captains Art and Aaron to be at Long Beach Fred Hall Show

February 8th, 2007|Categories: Uncategorized|

The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat show will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center from March 7-11, 2007. It’s a great opportunity to get prepared to fish this year. Stop by the Searcher booth to chat with Art and Aaron and ask your fishing questions. Sign up for a trip while you’re there!

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