75# toothy Bluefin on the Eclipse - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FlyFishinYakr · 08-22-2014, 10:11 AM

Like everyone else,...thanks for the heads up! I've never heard much about "the Eclipse" and I guess now I know why.
I'm amazed that one who relies on passengers doesn't try to educate rather than berate. That's why skippers/owners who came up through LoPreste and Poole succeed where others don't!
When fishing gets tough again (unless word of mouth travels faster) this guy won't be around long. I know I'll do my part by not recommending this boat to anyone in the future

!
btw: That was a nice fish. At least you still got most of it

.
FFY

makobob · 08-22-2014, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyFishinYakr

Like everyone else,...thanks for the heads up! I've never heard much about "the Eclipse" and I guess now I know why.
I'm amazed that one who relies on passengers doesn't try to educate rather than berate. That's why skippers/owners who came up through LoPreste and Poole succeed where others don't!
When fishing gets tough again (unless word of mouth travels faster) this guy won't be around long. I know I'll do my part by not recommending this boat to anyone in the future

!
btw: That was a nice fish. At least you still got most of it

.
FFY

Real nice fish, you got all the good parts. Most good and all great skippers nurture their crews and ALWAYS treat the customers with respect while schooling them in the finer points of our sport. That is what skippers, crew, and guides do to succeed and keep our sport growing. All hats off to all you hard working gentlemen.

AND THANK YOU ALL for what you do everyday for OUR sport.

Dirty Curti · 08-22-2014, 10:34 AM

Obviously this guy has been doing this for a while and it's apparent Seaforth doesn't care or he'd be gone. There are plenty of good Captain's out there that would love his job and take care of the customers so they would be more willing to tip the deck hands.

I know the deckhands work real hard out their for the tips but when a Capt. acts like that then a bad vibe goes around the boat like cancer and people wont feel like paying out the pocket for a trip that had a dickhead for a Captain.

That's too bad.

Good on you for a good haul and that fish is worth a whole lot more than the jackpot.

Aaron&Julie · 08-22-2014, 11:05 AM

Congratulations on your fine score. I worked albie boats before and never heard of a shark bit fish dq'ing somebody from the pot. I could understand in the case of 100lb bigeye or bluefin cut in two, during the middle of a fight, and outweighing another whole tuna that was 30 or 40 lbs. But, a quality fish, losing it's tail at gaff shouldn't be dq'd, IMHO.

That captain is a douche, and doesn't deserve to be a skipper. I feel sorry for the other passengers on your trip, who's day was ruined by him.

I hope you copy and paste this trip report to ALL the other boards, especially BloodyDecks. Seaforth and the Eclipse will lose customers. People need to know.
Even if it was limits of 75lb bluefin going on, I wouldn't board a boat with an asshole like that.
BTW, you have great patience and an outstanding attitude. I hope you contact the landing as well as your post here, to let them know of your experience.

TCS · 08-22-2014, 11:46 AM

Funny about the spro swivels. I've had the same thing happen multiple times. I have never had one fail, and the only knot I really know how to tie well is a san diego, so I use them too. I can retie without assistance in the middle of a bite, at night, or whenever. If you compare size and weight of my connection with albrights or RP knots there just isn't that much difference.

Technically he was correct that a sharkbit fish can't win, but he should have made the call in your favor if the gaff was in the fish.

steveooo · 08-22-2014, 12:38 PM

I've ridden the Eclipse with Mark at the helm plenty of times. I must have just missed you, as I was on the trip prior to yours. All of my experiences on the Eclipse have been different than yours, and each time I have found the capt and crew to be very customer service oriented.

That is a nice BFT. I bet it was a hell of a fight. Bummer about it being sharkbit, but I bet it tasted good regardless.

Scoot · 08-22-2014, 02:01 PM

Happen on an 8 dayer shark bit right at gaff.
Gaff, disqualified him and it was big
money like 500. bucks! Captins call
sad to hear Mark is an ahole, was
looking forward to fishin that boat,
not no mo!!

crazywakeboarder · 08-22-2014, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoot

Happen on an 8 dayer shark bit right at gaff.
Gaff, disqualified him and it was big
money like 500. bucks! Captins call
sad to hear Mark is an ahole, was
looking forward to fishin that boat,
not no mo!!

Whats the reasoning behind disqualifying fish that are bitten by a shark? If it still weighs the most even after having a chunk removed I dont see why it shouldnt qualify

rossman · 08-22-2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazywakeboarder

Whats the reasoning behind disqualifying fish that are bitten by a shark? If it still weighs the most even after having a chunk removed I dont see why it shouldnt qualify

The theory is that if your fish gets chomped, your last x number of minutes of the fight is with a fish with no tail or dead from a chomp out of the middle, did you really win the fight with that fish or did you have an advantage over someone whose fish was a pound lighter but unmolested by a shark. I don't have strong feelings either way but it is pretty much a standard rule on every boat I have been on.

RK · 08-24-2014, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveooo

I've ridden the Eclipse with Mark at the helm plenty of times. I must have just missed you, as I was on the trip prior to yours. All of my experiences on the Eclipse have been different than yours, and each time I have found the capt and crew to be very customer service oriented.

Bummer on the shit session but I gotta say this is one of the best sporties Ive been on, I believe we had Mark and Chris and the service was nothing short of top notch.
At least you got a nice fish...

Tandem Assassin · 08-22-2014, 02:55 PM

Sorry you had to experience a first class prick. Try the Cortez. Rambo runs a tight ship and makes sure everyone gets treated fairly. I have never heard a complaint and always see people smiling at the end of a productive trip.

Dan · 08-22-2014, 03:23 PM

#1 that sucks. i've had great trips on that boat.

#2 sad for the newbs or tourists that get picked on for sucking or being clueless.

#3 ditch the spros, learn an albright

kobra · 08-22-2014, 06:54 PM

Congrats on the quality fish.

Widgeon · 08-23-2014, 07:17 AM

Sounds like an awsome experience and life long memories.

I fished a 3/4 day on the SD last week and spent a lot of time on the bow. Caught an average sized YFT on a shimano colt sniper and a couple on bait. We ran into a couple hammer heads also. There was an older gent that out-fished everyone. He caught about a dozen on a huge, pink popper.

Good times

Zfish03 · 08-23-2014, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the comments fellas. Hopefully most of you have gotten a stab at the tuna action. I was very stoked to have such an awesome kill box. There was some positives about the Eclipse too, the deckhands rocked, food was good, and we caught fish. The other captains of the boat might be great guys. Just my personal experience, along with a few others, could have been better. As far as gear goes, use what works for you and be open about sharing ideas/equipment.
Go get 'em.
-Zac

Smthtnnr · 08-26-2014, 08:09 AM

Too cool. Beautiful fish, I'm way jealous. Bummer about the captain, but hard to complain when you have 70lbs of bluefin!!!

T-Rex · 08-23-2014, 10:41 AM

Nice fish! Sorry to hear about your bad experience! I've been buying the Fred Hall 10-day packages for the Eclipse the last few years and have never had a problem. Capt. Mark and the crew have always been great and I've really enjoyed my trips on the Eclipse. One of my favorite boats to fish on.

ctfphoto · 08-23-2014, 10:49 AM

Awesome fish and report.

I was on the San Diego out of Seaforth yesterday and had the absolute best captain and crew ever. Ever!

Plus it was WFO and we had a boat limit of YFT, 5 per rod.

My best off shore trip ever.

JarrodMc · 08-25-2014, 08:29 PM

Nice report and awesome haul man. I also know which boat I'm NOT going on. Thank you!

Rufus · 08-26-2014, 05:12 AM

"That's why skippers/owners who came up through LoPreste and Poole succeed where others don't!"

Ain't that the truth!!

08-22-2014, 11:05 AM	#4
Aaron&Julie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Valley Posts: 1,400	Congratulations on your fine score. I worked albie boats before and never heard of a shark bit fish dq'ing somebody from the pot. I could understand in the case of 100lb bigeye or bluefin cut in two, during the middle of a fight, and outweighing another whole tuna that was 30 or 40 lbs. But, a quality fish, losing it's tail at gaff shouldn't be dq'd, IMHO. That captain is a douche, and doesn't deserve to be a skipper. I feel sorry for the other passengers on your trip, who's day was ruined by him. I hope you copy and paste this trip report to ALL the other boards, especially BloodyDecks. Seaforth and the Eclipse will lose customers. People need to know. Even if it was limits of 75lb bluefin going on, I wouldn't board a boat with an asshole like that. BTW, you have great patience and an outstanding attitude. I hope you contact the landing as well as your post here, to let them know of your experience. __________________ "Never say die"

08-22-2014, 02:01 PM	#7
Scoot Scoot Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Menifee Posts: 164	I saw it... Happen on an 8 dayer shark bit right at gaff. Gaff, disqualified him and it was big money like 500. bucks! Captins call sad to hear Mark is an ahole, was looking forward to fishin that boat, not no mo!!

08-22-2014, 02:55 PM	#11
Tandem Assassin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 290	Try The Cortez Sorry you had to experience a first class prick. Try the Cortez. Rambo runs a tight ship and makes sure everyone gets treated fairly. I have never heard a complaint and always see people smiling at the end of a productive trip.

08-23-2014, 10:41 AM	#17
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	Nice fish! Sorry to hear about your bad experience! I've been buying the Fred Hall 10-day packages for the Eclipse the last few years and have never had a problem. Capt. Mark and the crew have always been great and I've really enjoyed my trips on the Eclipse. One of my favorite boats to fish on. __________________

08-25-2014, 08:29 PM	#19
JarrodMc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vista Posts: 411	Nice report and awesome haul man. I also know which boat I'm NOT going on. Thank you! __________________

08-22-2014, 10:11 AM	#1
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	Like everyone else,...thanks for the heads up! I've never heard much about "the Eclipse" and I guess now I know why. I'm amazed that one who relies on passengers doesn't try to educate rather than berate. That's why skippers/owners who came up through LoPreste and Poole succeed where others don't! When fishing gets tough again (unless word of mouth travels faster) this guy won't be around long. I know I'll do my part by not recommending this boat to anyone in the future ! btw: That was a nice fish. At least you still got most of it . FFY

08-22-2014, 10:34 AM	#3
Dirty Curti Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 419	Obviously this guy has been doing this for a while and it's apparent Seaforth doesn't care or he'd be gone. There are plenty of good Captain's out there that would love his job and take care of the customers so they would be more willing to tip the deck hands. I know the deckhands work real hard out their for the tips but when a Capt. acts like that then a bad vibe goes around the boat like cancer and people wont feel like paying out the pocket for a trip that had a dickhead for a Captain. That's too bad. Good on you for a good haul and that fish is worth a whole lot more than the jackpot. __________________

08-22-2014, 11:46 AM	#5
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	Funny about the spro swivels. I've had the same thing happen multiple times. I have never had one fail, and the only knot I really know how to tie well is a san diego, so I use them too. I can retie without assistance in the middle of a bite, at night, or whenever. If you compare size and weight of my connection with albrights or RP knots there just isn't that much difference. Technically he was correct that a sharkbit fish can't win, but he should have made the call in your favor if the gaff was in the fish.

08-22-2014, 12:38 PM	#6
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,922	I've ridden the Eclipse with Mark at the helm plenty of times. I must have just missed you, as I was on the trip prior to yours. All of my experiences on the Eclipse have been different than yours, and each time I have found the capt and crew to be very customer service oriented. That is a nice BFT. I bet it was a hell of a fight. Bummer about it being sharkbit, but I bet it tasted good regardless.

08-22-2014, 03:23 PM	#12
Dan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,053	#1 that sucks. i've had great trips on that boat. #2 sad for the newbs or tourists that get picked on for sucking or being clueless. #3 ditch the spros, learn an albright

08-22-2014, 06:54 PM	#13
kobra Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: oceanside Posts: 880	Congrats on the quality fish.

08-23-2014, 07:17 AM	#14
Widgeon Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Clairemont Posts: 175	Sounds like an awsome experience and life long memories. I fished a 3/4 day on the SD last week and spent a lot of time on the bow. Caught an average sized YFT on a shimano colt sniper and a couple on bait. We ran into a couple hammer heads also. There was an older gent that out-fished everyone. He caught about a dozen on a huge, pink popper. Good times

08-23-2014, 10:27 AM	#15
Zfish03 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oceanside Posts: 197	Thanks for the comments fellas. Hopefully most of you have gotten a stab at the tuna action. I was very stoked to have such an awesome kill box. There was some positives about the Eclipse too, the deckhands rocked, food was good, and we caught fish. The other captains of the boat might be great guys. Just my personal experience, along with a few others, could have been better. As far as gear goes, use what works for you and be open about sharing ideas/equipment. Go get 'em. -Zac

08-26-2014, 08:09 AM	#16
Smthtnnr Fishing Addict Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County Posts: 202	Too cool. Beautiful fish, I'm way jealous. Bummer about the captain, but hard to complain when you have 70lbs of bluefin!!!

08-23-2014, 10:49 AM	#18
ctfphoto Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 901	Awesome fish and report. I was on the San Diego out of Seaforth yesterday and had the absolute best captain and crew ever. Ever! Plus it was WFO and we had a boat limit of YFT, 5 per rod. My best off shore trip ever.

08-26-2014, 05:12 AM	#20
Rufus Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Ocean Beach Posts: 90	"That's why skippers/owners who came up through LoPreste and Poole succeed where others don't!" Ain't that the truth!!