Had a full load of squirts so didn't have to make 'em like Rob, Brian and Brian. Got to the fishing grounds and started after the whites at 2:30 a.m. Got lots of log cuda, big bat rays, and whites right away. I bagged one 3-ft white and one that was legal but small I released. JP winner was a 4-ft white. 46 whites for 26 anglers. I had several more on but pulled too hard and lost them. Hot rod got six WSB using a white iron jig with a squid on each point. Jig users were hooking 'em good in the jaw while mine was hooked in the throat (not the hard parts) so I suspect that's why I lost so many. Looser drag and more limber rod woulda helped too, no doubt. Next time, I'd think about using a treble hook instead of the 6/0 live bait hook. By 7:00 a.m. when the sun came out, the squid went down and the whites left, too. Putted around and the patrons got some kelp bass and a few rock fish (and one nice ling) but no more whites. My 1st time on the 'Hawk and overall a great time. The deck hand mighta been having a bad day but he left me with a bad impression. Pulled the "no change" on the cleaning tab and burned himself out of a tip. They're out there and if anyone wants a shot at an adventure, go now.

Undoubtedly the deckhand was Chaz. He's like 18 or 19, black guy... Yeah, I agree, he's not my favorite deckhand because of his attitude toward the passengers but if you think about it, he's only trying to run an efficient deck. I bet if you recall the times he was being anal, it was only to get fish gaffed or on the boat or avoid tangles or losing fish. He is very skilled and once he's got a gaff in his hands, that fish is as good as caught. He could be a little more courteous however, but I can't argue about his abilities. Was Merit driving the boat or was it that other guy? When we went it was some guy I had never seen before.
-Brian

Couldn't tell who was at the helm, but Merit gaffed my fish for me. Yeah musta been Chaz since your description fits. Nah, he was griping all day about his job, long hours, more pay, yada, yada. He did nothing for me; no gaffing, untangling, nothing. There were some rookies aboard who might have been hooked for life, if they would have gotten some attention. Family of five who spent some money on the trip needed help riggin up but it didn't come. I tied up their set-ups and coached them some during the hot bite. Didn't mind helping but that's the crews job. The Dad dropped $500 on this trip and took home a few rockfish and cuda. Where do steady clients come from? Beginners who had a great time, that's where. The galley gal was great!

I'm coming down from northern California and wanted a good overnight tuna or wsb trip. I'll be able to go out July 30- Aug 1. Any help for a charter would be appreciated.
thanks

TO BAD TO HEAR THE TALK ABOUT CHAZ. I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED HIM, AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS BAD SIDE. I KNOW ONE THING, THAT YOUNG MAN TRULY CAN FISH. I HAVE WATCHED HIM ON TRIPS WHEN HE IS OUT FISHING AND HE HAS TRUE TALENT.

Yeah Chaz is a cool guy.
He knows how to gaff fish, chum, make bait, and take care of tangles as well as anyone. He's a young guy but he's been doing that deal for at least 5 or 6 years, probably more.
Like anyone he gets burned out sometimes especially when they run a lot of trips in a row. When we were out on Wednesday he was up from 2:30am until at least 6 or 7pm. That's one long day. People are people.

In case it was missed, I said he mighta been having a bad day and that this was my first time on the 'Hawk. Perhaps I'll see another side on another trip. I tip the galley gal and the deckhands even if I only buy a cup of java and no fish were caught (or cleaned). They work for low wages and tips make up a good part of their income. What gave the bad impression was what appeared to be "self tipping" by claiming no change.