Solstice tuna

The morning sky was starkly divided between day and night as we approached Wachapreague Inlet. The brilliant red of the coming sunrise contrasted with the blackness of a dark sky that started at about 20 degrees above the horizon and continue to western line where sky meets land.

When we reached the inlet, a sliver of the Sun was showing at precisely 65 degrees east of north. This will be the furthest north Sol will be seen this year because it was Summer Solstice. From this day on until Winter Solstice, the Sun will rise at positions further and further south.

Though the inner passage was dead calm, the outgoing tide combined with the residual seas from the strong NE winds from the day before, really kicked up the inlet. Even considered returning to the dock. However, once past the inlet entering our Atlantic wilderness, the choppiness subsided and we found ourselves in a gentle roll, though the predicted 2-3 foot seas, were more like 4-5.

The Seacat took the waves well and we were escorted to 26 Mile Hill by a pod of dolphins, arriving at about 7:15. As we were putting lines over, the boat next to us had a strike and though it was lost, fought the fish for a long while. The action was slow for us while others were getting hits. About 8:30 we had the first hit. Our friend Jesse from West Va. who is used to catching sunfish, was designated to handle the first hit.

Of course, it was on the way-way back line and the critter ran off another 300 yards before Jesse was able to turn it. The action was a give and take fight to the boat where the bluefin was bluefinny and dove straight down as soon as it became visible in the water column. This went on for at least 15 minutes. Then the line went limp. Tough on anyone especially a pond fisher from an inland state.

But the second hit came soon after and our friend brought in a lovely mahi. The third strike occurred maybe 10 minutes later. It was obviously a bluefin and Ruta took the rod. The fight was a repeat of the first one, except that this appeared to be bigger. Again the fight was furious at the boat but Ruta refused help. A half hour later, she brought the fish close enough to the surface, where Martin was able to gaff it. Not sure who wore who down more: Tuna fish or fisher for tuna ?

The bluefin measured out at 44 inches fork length.

Since our BF for the day and a nice dolphin were already in the box and we didn't want to hurt any fish we couldn't keep, it was decided to head to 21 Mile Hill and see what was there. 20 minutes later we were putting the lures over. Shortly a hit. Line screamed off the reel and we thought it was bluefin. It was Martin's turn. He fought the fish for 15 minutes before bringing it to the boat. It was obviously not a BF but we thought a yellowfin. We weren't sure if it was 27 inches, so Ruta netted the critter. Upon close inspection, it was determined to be a blackfin, 28 inches.

A short time later, Jesse brought in another dolphin and we decided that was enough fish for this trip.

What a great trip with Sun, waves and the blessings of the fish gods and three firsts: Ruta's first ever bluefin, Martin's first ever blackfin and Jesse's first ever dolphin. The ride home was quick and we were mostly lost in our thoughts of a Summer Solstice that will not be soon forgotten.