The October Treat
                                by Dave Dolan
  At the beginning of every new year, like most anglers, I would always look forward to those first trips of the season I could do. For those big trips I will now be looking ahead to October to fish aboard the Liberty out of Fisherman’s Landing.
  This year’s trip departed from Fishermans on October 16. Unfortunately, the first of these annual two day trips in August was cancelled due to Hurricane Hilary. I’ve been lucky enough to go on these Let’s Talk Hookup trips the past seasons. And these trips have never disappointed.
  Leaving the dock there were plenty of raffle gifts to go around for the 24 anglers. Shimano, AFTCO and Gamakatsu added to everyone’s arsenal. We then prepared for the 10 hour run outside to the Tanner Bank.
  On the first morning we had a three hour stop on a beautiful grade of 30 to 50 pound bluefin tuna. These were almost all caught on fly lined sardine bait. The captain did a great job keeping us on the spot. After this bite slowed, we made the hour run over to the Cortez Bank.
  As evening approached, the big boys moved in. The grade of tuna went up to a 40 to 70 pound range. After dark, the jackpot was hit. Two tuna came over the rails at 210 and 205 pounds. About eight others came in at the 100 to 180 pound slot. This is the kind of fishing one would have to do a long range trip on in the past to get into this grade of fish. And all this was within 100 miles of San Diego.
  I have to hand it to the operation and the crew aboard the Liberty. One thing that always impresses me is the cleanliness and upkeep of this boat. So much of the boat looks in an almost-new condition. The crew works hard during those chaotic bites to land as many as possible. And I have to give a big shout out to Sarah in the galley. She has been aboard the boat several seasons. This lady is a one person crew. By herself, she keeps all the anglers and crew VERY well fed on top notch food. And there is no other burger in the fleet quite like a Liberty Burger.
  Let’s Talk Hookup has been sponsoring two of these fall  two day trips the past few years. You can book these trips thru Fisherman’s Landing at 619-221-8500. As soon as next year’s schedule is out is never too early to book this trip.
  This has always been an October Treat !