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Trip Log December 9 Thru December 14, 2006
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This
marks the first week of our new upcoming 2006 season and WOW, what a first week
it was! Joining us for the week were Gary and Audrey Lapka, Jeff Bartusek, Larry
Kolton, JJ Rukavina, Billy Orlando, Mike Buechele, Phil McCarthy, John McCarthy,
John Stein, Joan Kelley, Kevin Hunter, and Sherri Wilson-Kornahrens with her
husband David Kornahrens. Anyone who has dealt with the Coral Star are well aware of Sherri and Joan Kelley. I must admit having both of these girls on board (together - and that would be two against me being ONE), are DEMANDING. Well girls, I certainly hope I fulfilled your expectations. And if I didn't, I know the FISH did! Sherri and David decided to take the hike on the ship from our initial anchor at LaDrones to Montosa, located 20 minutes near World Renowned Hannibal Bank. In the beginning, she and her husband David fished off the back of our 115 foot ship. From the wheel house (because I have a speaker) she yells "FISH ON"! Ok, so we stopped and waited for her to catch a really nice sized Dorado while trolling plastics on the back of the ship. So MAYBE that was the first fish caught but we're not quite sure because the rest of the group on the smaller boats were out "CATCHING", as well. While the first half and first full day of the charter found some rain (as we were coming out of the rainy season) the fish didn't seem to mind. The "CATCH" was on and continued for the entire week. There were too many fish caught to report everything, so here are some of the highlights! Gary and Audrey had a well rounded week with catches including Albacore tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Cubera "Dogtooth" Snapper, Rainbow Runner, Jack Carvelle, Yellowfin Tuna (tons I may add with the biggest Gary caught at 120 lbs.), and then............MARLIN! Audrey started with a 350 lb. Blue Marlin (YEAH!), with Gary catching a 450 lb. Black Marlin (DOUBLE YEAH!). But of course Audrey (who is a great fisher woman) fought a Black Marlin in the estimated 650 lb. class which was unfortunately lost about 30 feet from the boat. Rumors were spreading about their boat traveling backwards ......... most of the week! Now let's talk about John Stein. In his words, "I caught the first Blue Marlin of the season estimated at 400 lbs., the first Black Marlin of the season estimated at 250 lbs, two Yellowfin Tuna in the 130-140 lb. class, along with a few Tuna in the 60-80 lb. class, several Wahoo, Dorado, a Snapper, a Jack, a Barracuda and a BIG Roosterfish (Sorry Joan, I was simply closer to the rod!). I caught everything except a Sailfish to round out a Slam for the week! I think both Marlin were my best fish. We were in a school of porpoise fishing for Tuna. We just finished putting the baits out, when all of a sudden the 400 pound Monster explodes across the top of the water, less than 30 feet behind the boat and just devours our short bait. It just plain out crushed it. That was one of the most exciting things I have ever seen. It was just too awesome! One more magic moment...........seeing another Marlin swim by the boat and chase a Yellowfin Tuna we were using for bait! OR OR OR, and the BIGGEST OR, watching Captain Kevin Hunter (out of Louisiana) jump an 800 pound Black Marlin!" Personally, I think John said it quite well. It was a nice week to fish with the Coral Star! Speaking of that 800 lb. Monster Marlin, you must admit that many have searched the world looking for them and we have proof that they swim here.......right on Hannibal Bank. So when you get that chance to experience that thriving moment and it happens........all you have to do is CATCH it........... As to that estimated 800 lb. Monster Marlin which rose from the depths of Hannibal Bank right behind the sport boat, ALL ANGLERS on board (as well as the other Coral Star fleet in the area) simply STOPPED and watched in awe as this fish emerged, shaking his head, rising, rising and rising and rising some more.........then GONE. No pictures available (no one had the presence of mind to click, heck who would?)........All that could happen was to stare.................with mouths wide open!!! Next time Kevin! Another Black Marlin was spotted swimming right next to one of the boats, then dive under to nail the Yellowfin Tuna bait which FREAKED the bait soooooooooooo.............into the prop he went.......then into the Marlins mouth..........leaving only line in it's path and an empty handed angler. BUMMER! Speaking of Kevin and remember he owns a charter operation in Louisiana and in his spare time, builds boats, has been fishing for YEARS. You may imagine not wanting to be at work while on vacation and in his case, just catch any old fish. Other anglers would testify, that when there was just a little bitty 'ole Wahoo, a few Sailfish at 100 lbs. each or whatever tugging at the end of the line, he just puts one leg over the side of the boat and reels, sitting down! No fighting chair required! Like it's just nothing to this catch stuff! He's strong and knows a lot about fishing AND catching. It was a real pleasure to meet you Kevin and we certainly enjoyed your company and knowledge! John, Mike, Billy and Phil were fishing together and had a rough start "Catching" on their short trip. They were all super great guys and I really had wished they could have stayed for the whole week, but WORK, WORK, WORK! Hey, we all have to make money to support our expensive habit! By the end of their trip they hooked up on a nice sized Yellowfin Tuna and took turns at the rod. I was told......and became quite humbled by the experience..........Tuna one, anglers zero (he got away while a landing was being attempted). They did manage some Snapper action ALL while on their last half day of fishing, as they had to return to the mainland. I know they will be back and will stay for the entire week. Jeff Bartusek, a frequent guest aboard our vessel only wanted to fish inshore and cast until he dropped......Joan, Sherri, David and John Stein joined him on different days throughout the trip. All of them tried to outcast Jeff or at least out last this casting fool! Lots of Blue Jacks were snared, but the Roosterfish were on strike! A few were seen and some even chased the plugs, but none landed by Jeff. With the persuasion of John Stein, Sherri and David, Jeff decided to go for the BIG ONEs! Let's face it, with the number of times Jeff has fished with us, he's already caught all the Billfish he cares to catch, but when he caught 2 MONSTER Yellowfin Tuna he has regained the "itch" to fish for ALL species that the Coral Star has to offer. So many fish.........so little time! JJ and Larry had their own great catch stories. Larry landed a Black Marlin and lost another estimated at 700 lbs.! Adding to that, he also caught Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna. Of course JJ had the record Tuna for the week at 220 lbs.! Way to go guys! I hear you two are coming back to see us next year! I can't wait to see you! This week was full of action and packed with every species you could ever imagine. The Marlin were all over the Hannibal Bank like we have not seen in years! In fact, there were 4 boats fishing and they were all hooked up on Marlin at the same time.........SEVERAL times. I don't care where you are or what you do, if you like to fish and were NOT here this week - YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN! From what this week looked like, it's going to be an UNFORGETTABLE season! |
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Until Next Time.... The Captain Somewhere off the coast of Panama |
      
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