Captain’s Blog

Good evening,

Searcher set out early Friday morning on the Penn Reel-sponsored trip. We arrived on the scene around 8:30 PM last night and managed to catch a few fish throughout the night, with weights ranging from 40 to 60 pounds, before moving to the daytime fishing area. Today, we’ve had a steady pick of 18 to 30-pound fish using fly-lined baits in nice weather. We’re preparing to pull anchor and head back to the night zone for this evening’s fishing.

Captain Mike and The Boys

Good afternoon,

Searcher drove out Labor Day morning on trip #35, 2-day offshore, September 2-4, 2024.  Last night we had a couple good opportunities on 80-200+ pound fish. Today, we’re on the anchor in beautiful weather, scratching away at 20-80lbers with a few big yellowtails mixed in.

Captain Mike and The Boys

Good evening,

Monday was an epic day here at the bank. We’ve had nice weather and good fishing. Made two stops that paid off. Had good action on 20-40lb bluefin. Today, we kept the momentum going at the bank and rounded out our trip catching our limit of bluefin, along with a few yellows, a seabass, and some more variety for good measure.

We’re headed back. It’s been a trip to remember!

Captain Mike and The Boys

Good afternoon,

Searcher left Sunday morning on trip #32, 3-day offshore. Last night while driving out we ran into some 40-80lb bluefin tuna and they acted right. Landed a few good opportunities before midnight.

Captain Mike and The Boys

Good morning,

Searcher is returning Sunday morning from our 3-day limited load. Friday, we experienced steady fishing on one of the offshore banks after our bumpy ride out. Fly lined baits worked the best as we plunked away on 15–50-pound tuna throughout the day. Saturday, we woke up too much slower fishing and decided to make a couple hour move. Our move paid off and we were able to pick up where we left off Friday on the same grade of tuna with a nice plunk on 14–25-pound yellowtail as well.

Gear used: Fly line 30-pound and 40-pound, 50-pound yo-yo setup and an 80-pound dropper loop setup.

Captain Mike and The Boys

Good afternoon,

Searcher left Friday morning on the first of two Lady Anglers trip, and these ladies have been killing it! It started with a night bite on the big yellowtails, which kept biting until breakfast. Any way you like it, a dropper loop, fly line, or yo-yo, the bites kept coming until things dried up around 10am.

We stopped the boat again around 11am and have been drifting ever since plunking on 30lb bluefin. Fly line, 30lb test, and small circle hooks are the key.

Captain Mike and The Boys

Good morning,

Wednesday was another epic day here on the bank. In the morning, we had great yellowtail fishing, and the big ones were biting. We had easy pickings all day with the tuna. Camped out for the night and with any luck we’ll be back at it today chasing those yellows again. Hoping for another solid haul.

Good morning,

The Searcher set off Monday morning for our 4-day Izorline-sponsored trip, joined by pro-staffer Norm Fujimoto. Tuesday brought a great day at the bank, anchored and reeling in 20-40lb bluefin and yellowtail. We scratched almost all day, with plenty of time at the rail and lots of bites. After camping overnight, we’re ready to give it another shot today.

Captain Mike and The Boys