James Ludovina didn't catch a 25 pounder yesterday. He did catch a 22 pound and 20 pound halibut for a 42 pound limit before 10:00 AM. That'll do. He seemed happy. Live jacksmelt were eaten by these fish in about 28 feet of water about an hour before the high tide. He was fishing off of the parking lot at Dillon Beach, but the bite was short (but intense). Good work, James. See you Sunday.

    Ed Parsons caught his personal best halibut on the bar yesterday. He put his tiny faithful boat, Pooter, over this 31 pound slab. Gage and I called him in to a couple of bites off of the parking lot earlier, but while others were catching poor Ed couldn't get a bite. We were trying to call him in to regular sized fish, so I guess it worked out. Gage and I caught our four pretty quick (to 20 and 21 pounds) and released one keeper intentionally and one at least as big as Ed's unintentionally. Sorry, Gage. There's some fish biting, when they're biting, and when they're biting, well, it's good. 

    The Coastodian sent me another report from Fort Bragg: "The albacore store is still well stocked. Had to stop at 12, no more room. Larger than last week." The fish are close at Bragg. Case in point, here. But, Monterey to Bragg there are fish. It turns out that I missed out yesterday, as there were some closer tuna than 70 miles out. Who knew? Probably nobody, but optimists are the guys that find fish. Thanks, positive thinkers! 

    Out of Bodega today. I don't have numbers, only this: "Kaare had a BF and 8 albacore today" Gage says not a bluefin, as the pectoral fins are a bit long and the eye is large. Gage says Bigeye. Could be. Either way, hot damn.  Game. On. Let's go!