I boarded the RANGER 85 Friday night at about 8pm after a grueling day at work. I was going on a 1.5 day trip out to sea. I was excited and somewhat nervous, not really knowing what to expect. After some mingling and some quick briefing by the Captain, I shuffled off to bed. I was surprised to find that I actually slept quite well.

We were warned that the fishing might be scratchy and it was. The numbers were rather low. I personally contributed nothing to the counts, but Mr.Fishtricks, with his cool curves and dark eyes, and a way of digging all the beauty and hippness of this world, having been on the scene for more than a day or two, knows that catching is but a same fraction of this particular fishing experience. The visual splendor of this ride was more than I could have hoped for. Blue water and sunshine abounded. At one point we chased down a large whale to see if he had any catchable companions. He did not. I found myself laughing a lot on this trip. I was pleasantly surprised to find the deck help to be friendly and knowledgeable on this boat, most of my encounters with deckhands are quite the opposite. Quite the opposite indeed.

I got to see a large dorado explode on lure that I made myself. That my friends is something I won’t soon forget. At one point in our trip, after just breaking off a large yo-yo iron fish, believed to be a yellowtail jack, I was retying and I looked up…..I saw 3 anglers battling marlin complete with surface breaking glory, I saw a dorado in the air connected to mono, I saw a nice lingcod squirming at my feet on the gaf, I saw a big red rocker in the water waiting to be gaffed, I saw yellowtail at deep color, all at the same time. Such chaos, pandemonium, and utter glee could only be found here. I was so taken back that I put my rod back into the holder and watched the show. When only one marlin was left hooked the Captain, lit the boat up and tried to tilt the scales on the side of the lucky angler while the rest of us watched. My newfound friend was the only angler still fishing(for all practical purposes) and after about 45 minutes, several near landings, and a zillion snapped photos the 30lb test finally broke, mere feet from the bow.

We were sitting on Sport fishing heaven. I saw it with my own eyes. If one could’ve been there in private vessel, it would have been the ultimate score, but marlin do not fill the sacks of the men, so the Capt pressed on in search of other fishes.

The ride home was spanky. I literally felt like I was trying to sleep on a roller coaster. I loved every minute of the whole experience and whole heartedly recommend this boat to everyone. The food was YUMMY, and constant. Everyone on board was joy to be next to. There were 2 reps from PRO GEAR on board who added greatly to the trip with their “field test” new equipment for anyone to use, and plenty of free shwag.

I have added 2 pics with the intent of causing deeper ripple in the tissue of your mind. The first shot of the visual nature and the second of the audio variety.

This was shot by the boats cook, who’s very into photography, and given to me as a gift. This fish jumped out of the water and snatched a chum tossed sardine out of the air before it hit the water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/fishtricks/Mahijumper.jpg
This was one of many album that I found at the Miramar landfill one day in great condition. I’m going to play it now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/fishtricks/100_0963.jpg

OI!

Ps, thanks again Sir.