Bamfield Tuna Shootout

[Johnnybear]

Just got back from another great weekend tuna fishing. Not as good numbers wise as the other trip but it's not about that for me. I just like getting out there and playing with the spread and seeing all the awesome marine life and scenery. The albacore's are just icing on the cake really.

Here is a link to the shoot out thread on SFBC

http://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/showthread.php?19984-Bamfield-tuna-shootout!!!-September-22-october-1

Here is my report from the SFBC forum FWIW.

I just want to start by saying this was a great idea right from the get go. Kudos to OBH, the Mills Landing crew, and whoever else is helping out. It is a good way for folks to experience this fishery for the first time and a great way for folk from the forum to finally meet in person. If the weather looks good later this week or weekend I highly suggest folks give this a try. TOTAL BLAST!

I headed up later than I wanted to but this fishery is not cheap and I had to stay and work. I went with the 7P principle (proper previous planning prevents piss poor performance) on Friday and got all my ducks in a row. I bought a shite load of ice because of the reports on Thursday and wanted to be ready. I made the mistake of stopping at PNT for some last minute things too (I hate that store lol).

Anyways I went solo up to China Creek and launched there. I knew I was meeting firelight up there and he would come out on my boat in the morning.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2869_zps3b9dc8bb.jpg

It was a nice ride out with a bit of wind on the canal and probably the roughest I would see all weekend. There was ton's of bait, sea lions, and whales everywhere. Very alive.

Arriving at Bamtown.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2872_zps5abf90e7.jpg

I stopped to meet up with firelight and make plans for the morning then headed over to MacKay Bay Lodge to replace the fuel that I burned getting there. Met Brian the owner as it was late and OBH had phoned him to let him know I was coming. Thanks again Brian for the fuel.

I finally made it to Mill's Landing and the party was already on. I had to get settled in and Finished Business and his buddy Darren offered a bed in there cabin (sweet....way better than sleeping on the boat)! We wondered up to OBH's place and had some fresh albacore sushi and tataki that Crabby made up. One word to describe it.........DYMOMITE!!! Some of the best sushi I have every had. After a few beers I headed back down to the boat to get some tackle ready.

I guess I was still in the 7P mode as it was well after midnight when the boyz showed up back at the dock after a few wobblies and I talked them into jumping on board in the morning with firelight and myself ha ha. I finally finished getting all the tackle ready by 1:30 am.



Up in the morn and out on water. WE'RE GOING TUNA FISHING!!!

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2874_zpsd34dfd35.jpg

Heading out on Lake Pacifica lol. Wow is all I can say about the conditions. Should have brought some waterski's.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2877_zpsb8bebcff.jpg

Continued.......

[Johnnybear]

On the way out I asked FB to take some shot's. The guy almost filled my card ha ha and is quite the camera man. He took more than quite a few awesome photos during the day. Thanks buddy.

The sunrise on the way out was spectacular.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2890_zpsa9dc4ffa.jpg

This ones for Birdsnest.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2897_zps73a09162.jpg


On the fishing grounds with firelight and Finished Business just before getting ready to deploy the gear.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2902_zpsdcd65901.jpg

We're fishing............and fishing................and fishing................seven hours of pain.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2906_zps3245fb8d.jpg

We trolled around for 7 hours, moved once, changed colours, and covered a shite load of miles before the first one hit.

Continued..............

[Johnnybear]

Hooked up!!!!

Todd why don't you tell us how you feel lol.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2910_zps012296f9.jpg

We finally found a nice little pocket of them and caught 7 in 40 minutes. We radioed the info to the other boats and they ran over and a couple or few of them picked up one or two there as well. It was a long wait but that 40 minutes saved the day. Oh yeah did I mention.......TOTAL BLAST!!!!

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2913_zps01148e28.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2914_zps9e154eef.jpg

Nice to see some fish in the slush bucket finally.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2915_zps4bfafaec.jpg

Continued.....

[Johnnybear]

More hook up's.......

Darren, how are you feeling right now? lol.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2919_zps65a69e12.jpg

Firelight on the leader.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2918_zpsc90aef9d.jpg

We were hanging them off the rail to let gravity help with the bleeding.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2917_zps52d224a3.jpg

After being in the slush for quite a while we started putting them on ice.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2920_zpsc0d99914.jpg

Continued......

[Johnnybear]

And that was it. 7 hours of pain then 40 minutes of bliss. All in all it was an incredible day on the water and the 7 albacore was definitely the icing on the cake. We packed up and headed for the barn.

Emptying the slush bucket (gotta get a bloody shot in here somewhere lol).

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2923_zpsd48163ab.jpg

Some of the other boats out fishing with us.

Trophy Hunter's totally kick azz Luhrs.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2921_zpsad4b6721.jpg

Fifth Elements nice 28 foot Grady.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2935_zps85a13620.jpg

Here's Kelly saying hello to everyone lol!!!!!

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2932_zps29356ba5.jpg


Continued......

[Johnnybear]

Here are a few awesome sunset shots that FB took on the ride in.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2951_zps78d429ff.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2970_zpsf669a61d.jpg

The king of reels lol. (I love this one Nick).

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_2961_zpsf18e51f7.jpg


It was great meeting everyone that showed up this weekend and it was great to see so many tuna virgins pop their cherry. I think Kelly is hooked big time. Jeff thanks for putting the event on and I may see you again next weekend if the stars align. Jerry and his wife are gracious hosts that never seem to stop working and it was very nice meeting them. Thanks FB and Darren for letting me stay with you guys and for putting up with my snoring lol. I'm really glad you guy's came out with us as it made it that much funner. Todd thank you for coming out and it was great getting to know you better. You are a really great guy that I hope to see land some big yellow fin's this November when we go to Cabo. Cheers buddy.

Cheers everyone and if the weather co-operates I highly suggest getting your butts out there later this week or weekend. This fishery is a total blast and way different than any inshore fishery. It is something more folks should try. There should be lot's of boats with room on them or bring your own ocean ready boat.

Be safe,


John

[Johnnybear]

This is just my report of my experience this weekend. The other boats got an early start and someone changed the date on the board hmmmmm lol. It's all just for fun and a start to something bigger next year. This was all about getting folks out there and their was quite a few cherries popped in the last few day's.

Oh yeah here is the board as of this morning.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/IMG_3007_zpsbb7857ec.jpg

We added the PMO's to the key lures section. Thanks Birdsnesthttp://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.png. They were FM as usual.

[silvertipp]

great thread,boy did you guys ever get the weather,how long does it take to get out to the fishing grounds

[Johnnybear]

Here is a shot of us heading in taken by the guy that was saying hello to everyone lol.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/nuck43/A4A48FFB-6E87-43E9-836D-207CEC4EBAA3-328-00000011AF8495D4_zps53c9c818.jpg

I will try to post some more photos as they come trickling in of other boats catches and experiences.

Cheers,
John

[coach]

Wow! wow! Wow!! Outstanding pictures and story, Jonnnybear. Thanks for sharing this unique fishery with us. You've got me pretty inspired. One day I'll find a way to get out there. Looks like a "bucket list" fishery for sure! Looks like you guys couldn't have had a better day as far as weather. Incredible.

[tomahawk]

WOW, that looks awesome. Got to add that to the bucketlist as well.

[fester]

Something I want to do!! Great pics!!

[Johnnybear]

great thread,boy did you guys ever get the weather,how long does it take to get out to the fishing grounds

It's a two hour run approx if your averaging 25 mph on the way out. We were averaging 29 as it was so smooth so a bit quicker. At one point in the day we were down by the Nitinat Canyon and was approx 59 miles from Cape Beale!!! That's the farthest I've ever been with my gal. No problem with the weather window and conditions that we had and I have a large enough fuel tank to stay within the thirds rule. Another thing that is different and one should take into account is that your trolling around 8 mph on your main not sipping gas at 2.5 mph on your kicker and need to calculate that into your fuel burn. I forgot to set the trip again and I'm kicking myself for it as I would have liked to know how many miles we covered that day. I'm estimating around 170.

Cheers,
John

[pescado]

Seems to be getting more popular and I can see why. Great info, thanks.

[Rodd]

Thanks for sharing! I'd love to go do that one day..

[kennyj]

Very, very cool!! I'd love to try that one day.
kenny

[Sitkaspruce]

Awesome John!!!

One day I need to get that fix....been thinking about it for a few years, but hunting always seems to get in the way........

Thanks for the picts and taking us on a tuna trip!!!

Now put the tank away and go chase some mowich.....

Cheers

SS

[Johnnybear]

Here are a few more shots that have been popping up since the weekend.

The host Osama and Crabby Chris were out on his 26 Osprey and loaded up if you look at the board photo previously posted. They were using some Deadly Dick's apparently hmmmmm.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/P9200702.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/P9200704.jpg

Osama the rabbi himself.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/P9200709.jpg

[Johnnybear]

Fifth Element's crew were total cherries including the captain and they managed a few fish and are totally hooked. They went out Saturday night late and stayed overnight solo so they could catch the morning bite.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna11.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna13.jpg

My buddy Kelly was on board with this crew and is a part time guide in Bamfield during the summer months and this was his first tuna trip. He and the rest of the crew are totally hooked and some more addicts are born! This guy loves the ocean and fishing and is a great shit. Congrats Kelly and crew for stepping over to the dark side.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/1-1.jpg

[Johnnybear]

Some more shot's of the boats out there taken by Kelly (oh yeah he is a great camera man too).

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna15.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna17.jpg

These crazy guy's again lol (my crew). Double header.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna18.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna20.jpg

[Johnnybear]

On the ride in after Kelly pulled his pants up lol (see previous picture) he managed a few shots of us while enjoying an Island nectar.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna28.jpg

If you zoom in on this photo you can see the silly smiles on our faces. I hear you get that from tuna fishing and it takes day's for it to go away http://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/tuna27.jpg

Back at Mill's Landing the next day we had a small ceremony for the first wave of angler's with prizes given out to everyone who showed up. Like I said this first one was just for fun and to try to get as many cherries popped as possible. They have bigger plans for next year.

Here is a line up of about half the folks that showed up.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202012/2-1.jpg

There is a second fleet heading out either tonight overnight or tomorrow morning and I will try to post up the results of that crew later.

Cheers,
Jb

[Gateholio]

I was in the grocery store today and walked by the fish counter. Tuna steaks were $15 a lb. I thought of this thread. :)

I really must try this some time, it just looks too cool. :)

[Amphibious]

A question for the Tuna guys: Ever encounter Albacore balling bait? or is this all trolling? a few of us have been toying with the idea of a spearfishing trip for albacore. Would probably involve a fair bit of chum....

[tomahawk]

Sweet pictures Jb.

[MB_Boy]

I was in the grocery store today and walked by the fish counter. Tuna steaks were $15 a lb. I thought of this thread. :)

I really must try this some time, it just looks too cool. :)

Gate....mark it in your calendar for late August through Sept.

I will be sorting something out heading from this side to hopefully do the "shootout" this year in late Sept/early Oct but may also plan another trip like I did on Sept long weekend. When I went on Sept long weekend....we were sitting and waiting for the "thumbs up" if conditions look good; it worked out for me as I was already going to be in Tofino but sometimes you have to be ready to drop everything and make the run with a couple of days notice.

I will tell ya.....this tuna is damn fine! We've had it on a few occasions now for dinner and had some of the belly sashimi last Saturday night; VERY good!

[MB_Boy]

A question for the Tuna guys: Ever encounter Albacore balling bait? or is this all trolling? a few of us have been toying with the idea of a spearfishing trip for albacore. Would probably involve a fair bit of chum....

Hey Amphib....I think between the trek I did and when JB went we were mostly trolling but in saying that we were chumming especially if we hooked up one fish. When you get one on....you keep trolling trying to entice more to bite and chum definitely hits the water then.

One of the other boats that was out there was casting to jumpers so it may be something that would be possible to slip into the water in that sort of a scenario.

I am NO expert as this was my first time out......and with us hitting 22 through the day I am definitely hooked.

You may want to check out over on SportfishingBC as there are a few Tuna threads with a ton of info and some of the more experienced guys may be able to add a little insight. I think somewhere earlier in this thread there may be a link to one or two of the tuna threads.