Jeff with a Tuna in Newport, OR
Clark’s friend, Grant, had two open seats on a Tuna fishing trip out of Newport, OR, and invited Clark and me to go along! As you can see by the picture above, we had some luck and brought back some fresh tuna for the barbecue! We woke up early in the morning and headed to Newport and hit the ocean just after sunrise. It seemed like a long trip to get out to the tuna fishing grounds, but once we got out there, everyone was ready to fish!
The Blitz of Captain's Reel Charters
We went out on the 53-foot Blitz, which was one of two boats in the Captain’s Reel fleet. It was pretty rough and disorienting getting used to the motion of the boat, but we were all dramamined up, and ready for action!
Tuna Hook up for Clark
Since it was a Copeland Lumber fishing trip, Clark and I let the lumber guys go first, but then it was our turns in close succession! Wham fish on for Clark!–oh wait, it was “Hook Up!” on the Blitz!
Jeff catching a Tuna!
Next, was my turn. Hook up! Tuna on! Those tuna were really strong and fought like hell! Note the excitement and confusion as everyone got their lines out of the way and wanted to watch the catch!
Bleeding the Tuna
That is Carl, bleeding a Tuna. He’s the oldest deckhand in all of Newport. He said he was 80 years old and he’s been a deckhand for 60!
Clark posing with his Tuna! (Sorry Clark, I couldn't resist!)
Clark got his tuna (by his account, probably the biggest one in the next picture), and took a nap. For some strange reason, he dreamt of tuna…
One Boat-Load of Tuna!
This is what a “boatload of tuna” looks like. Two of them are mine and one is Clark’s. Between the two boats in the Copeland Lumber trip, there were 39 tuna total!
Jeff's Tuna Trophy Shot
Here’s my trophy shot! These tuna were about medium-sized, there were a few tuna that were way bigger!!
Jeff and Clark Tuna Trophy Shot
Clark and Jeff with about 70 pounds of fresh tuna!! Thanks again, Clark and Grant for the Tuna Trip!
I love cooking with Tuna, you can create a vast diversity of dishes. However I am concerned about illegal fishing specially in areas such as the Atlantic Ocean. I only buy from sustainable fishing sources these days. I hope the trend will go in this direction so that future generations can enjoy outstanding Tuna meals.