Rail Time in May

As the date approached for our second Rail Time trip in 2023, text messages flew sharing information about recent catches and proper tackle for success.  The recent successful catches of seabass were out of the Channel Islands.  Reports included statements such as: “Don’t even think about coming out fishing without Flukes.”

What the heck are Flukes?  And will we need them to catch seabass at Catalina or San Clemente Island. Research revealed that Flukes are a plastic bait which has an action that the seabass seem to like.  Apparently the 7-inch white Flukes on a Gitzem leadhead was ideal. 

Since I have a trip out of the Channel Islands in June, I figured it best to try to find some and take them on this trip too – Just in Case!  Thanks to the internet, I was able to purchase a few packages of Flukes, enough for all of us to try.

 

Fluke

I reorganized my tackle to reduce the weight so I could carry all my tackle to and from the boat in one trip.  I managed to get all my tackle prepared and packed up a couple days before the trip, leaving the last day for coleslaw and cookie preparation.  I had just finished packing when the text came from Cathy (our Chartermaster) with a message from Gary (Rail Time Captain): “Stand by – Gary said bluefin is an option … Bring a 40 pound for day bluefin and a heavy for night flat fall. The fish are close and behind San Clemente Island.”

What?  Bluefin in May?  Repack?  That meant I needed to pack my harness, crimping tools, leaders and various knife jigs; change my 40-pound outfit to a reel with lugs (to use the harness) and pack a 130# outfit for night jigging.  So much for lightening my tackle.

By the time I met Cathy at the landing, I was exhausted but very excited as tuna fishing is my favorite.  We had a bite to eat at Pelican Isle before boarding.  Then it was the normal boarding chaos of loading and putting away food, tackle, rods and stowing our clothes.  A quick headcount - Crew:  Gary, Jake and Andy; Passengers:  Cathy, Jeff, Steve, Fumio, Jim and me!  All here – and we were off.

 

Gary advised that we have our dropper-loop and sliding sinker rigs ready for morning seabass fishing saving the bluefin night fishing for the following night. That was OK with me because I hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before and was exhausted.  It was due to a coyote trying to get to our cats in our bedroom during the night.  He almost succeeded too; managing to get the bedroom screen door open.  Fortunately, our cats screaming for dear life woke us in time to prevent a catastrophe.

The bait receiver provided us with some beautiful sardines, and we took a few scoops of squid as well.  We were on our way.  Crew would also look for squid along the way.

Fumio brought Pizza for everyone to eat while setting up gear (thanks Fumio).  After getting my gear ready, I decided to hit the bunk early.

To give you an idea how spectacular trips on the Rail Time are, imagine sleeping peacefully in calm waters and fishing at the same time. How is that possible? Our Captain installed a Seakeeper on the boat to stop the rocking and rolling motion.  Then, once we reach our destination, he baits up and sets all our dropper-loop outfits in rod holders with the clicker on.  I’ve been awakened more than once hearing a screaming clicker.  That wakes you up quicker than a strong cup of coffee.

Unfortunately, the seabass were uncooperative the first day.  However, Gary found us a productive spot where a variety of fish kept us busy most the day. Cathy and Jim each caught 2 halibuts, and Steve and Jeff caught one as well.  When the yellowtail started biting, we had almost as many casualties as landed fish. I only scored in the casualty column.  Fumio caught 3 yellowtail, Cathy and Gary caught 2 yellowtail each and Steve and Jim each landed one.

We had overcast skies and calm seas all day.  There were many By the Wind Sailors floating all over the ocean surface.  We even scooped a few and tried them as bait but nothing seemed interested in eating them. 

 

In between the yellowtail and halibut bites, we had plenty of released sheepshead, calico bass, whitefish, Blue Perch and a sculpin.  The only fish I landed for the day was a white seabass.  Definitely a surprise and one that brought optimism for the following days’ fishing. 

When the bite slowed, we moved to another area getting us closer to the area we were headed to try night fishing for bluefin tuna.  It didn’t take long to realize it was the wrong place for us as the military was practicing bombing the island.  There were at least 3 Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters doing the bombing runs.  Around the same time, Gary got info that the bluefin had left the area and we wouldn’t be chasing them after all.  No-one was upset after such a spectacular day of catching.

Jake and Andy decided to filet our yellowtail rather than leave them until the next day.  That gave us photo opportunities. 

Gary spent some time looking for squid as we prepared and ate our BBQ Ribs, Fettuccine Alfredo, Asian coleslaw and ice cream sandwiches. Another early bedtime for me.

I had just poured my coffee the next morning when Fumio’s clicker went off.  I ran out to take my rod out of his way and by the time I got there, I was bit too.  Right after I got bit, so did Cathy.  My seabass was strong and pulled as if it were a yellowtail.  We all three landed our fish.  We hooked a few more before they quit biting. Cathy and I each caught another seabass and Jim caught one too.  Classic white seabass fishing.  Early morning bite that was over as fast as it began. 

 

The Fumio Look

Gary had us fish a couple different coves working our way back to where we got our fish the previous day.  Conditions were similar with slightly rougher seas but the fish either weren’t there or weren’t hungry.  We worked our way back to where the military had been bombing the day before.  The helicopters were there again, and one circled us until we left the area so they could continue their practice bombing runs.

We fished hard and long but the gamefish eluded us.  Jeff did catch the biggest calico bass I've ever seen.  Gary, always optimistic, kept us fishing until almost 4 pm, sure that we would catch something else. I love his optimism!

I’ve left out the entertainment aspect of the trip which included Check Mark Andy as well as other cameo roles because I couldn’t do justice to them.  You just had to be there to understand what a check mark is or fluke off and duck off are and “You know what they say?” means. 

Crew filleted the rest of our fish on the way home.  Cathy won star angler this trip with two each of halibuts, white seabass and yellowtail.  So appropriate for our fabulous chartermaster to have good fishing.  Jim and Fumio had 4 fish each taking second place honors.  Our total catch for the trip included 7 white seabass, 10 yellowtail, and 6 halibut.  It was definitely a trip to remember. 

 

Of course, we all know none of this could or would happen without our incredibly knowledgeable captain, Gary, and his professional crew, Jake and Andy.  And Cathy, you put together an incredible charter!  No way I can thank you enough. 

At the landing, we each took a share of fish.  As much as any of us wanted and still  left some for Gary, Jake and Andy.  I shared mine with Shig.  Shig and his wife, Yuko, were excited to receive fresh fish.  I was pleased to be able to do so especially since Shig recently had a stroke and spent a week in the hospital recovering.

 

After we returned home, we all shared photos from the trip.  Looking at this photo of Jeff and Steve holding up their halibuts, Fumio educated us a bit more.  

He said: “I noticed something interesting in this pic.  The halibut Sheepie is holding is right-eyed, one Jeff’s holding is left-eyed.  About 40% of CA halibut are right-eyed, even though they belong to the left-eyed family of flat fishes.”  Thank you, Fumio, for the education.