In some circles they call it an addiction, for those of us who have it, it's called TUNA FEVER!

Saltwater sportsmen in New England are truly blessed.  The wide diversity of marine life provides every sportsman the ability to connect with nature in a special way.  As a steward of the sea, each and every outing offers a unique experience.

Most serious fisherman will confirm the ultimate prize in our surrounding waters is the pursuit of the big boys, Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna.

Five friends had the opportunity to make the ultimate journey this past Monday, August 11^th.

 The day began at 1:30am when the alarm clock sounded.  I didnt need the snooze button since I was wide eyed and ready to go.

The plan was to meet in Plymouth and make the journey to the Tuna promise land, Chatham, Massachusetts.  A 3am dock departure aboard Captain Jim Pechie's 42 Foot Down East Style Fishing Machine, apply named "The Little Rascal."  Jim and his son Joseph work together to provide a charter service second to none in these waters.

The day began at the dock at 3am at the Fishing Pier in Chatham, Mass.  As we arrived, the captain and mate were there to great us bright eyed and bushy tailed.  It was obvious they were well prepared and ready for departure.

 The cool morning air and dense precipitation gave way to a solid fog bank that sent us off the dock.  Making our way through the Chatham passage we encountered the rough waters and chop that give the area its reputation.

As we make our way in the darkness, the captain informs us we are heading out 20-25 miles and the trip out should take us 2 hours all things staying the same.  We were content with that and hung out and exchanged pleasantries as we anxiously await our final destination.  At the back of everyone's mind were expectations of glory, and the thrill of what may lay ahead of us.  Since we all know it is called fishing and not catching, we knew our chances of success in this game come in small doses,boy, were we wrong.

As we embarked on our journey eastward, we put five numbers, one for each angler, in a hat to determine each persons slot in the rotation.  Number 1 takes the first fish hooked, better or worse, number 5 goes last, better or worse.

Wouldn"t you know, I draw the 5^th slot. On most trips that would be a death sentence since to catch 1 tuna is a blessing, to catch 5 on one trip is statistically challenging to say the least.  Considering I have made three trips on my own boat this year and the only I came into the dock with was a large American Express Fuel Bill, I was counting on humble pie before tuna steak.

As the organizer of the trip, I had to stay optimistic that the fishing gods were on our side.  One of the anglers, Steve Cleary of Plymouth had yet to catch a tuna of his own and drew slot 1.  We took that as good karma and continued our eastward voyage with Capt Jim Pechie.As we approach the 2 hour mark, the sun began its westward passage and greeted us with grand beauty.

Alas, we begin to assemble our rods, outriggers in position, 6 rods at the ready and in under full tow.

As we approach the desired fishing grounds, Humpback whales were all around us as close as 20 feet from the boat doing what they do best, putting on an amazing display.

We began to troll squid bars as the feeding frenzy happened all around us.  Fifteen minutes into the first troll it happens.

Snap&&&..ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  Fish on!!!

Steve Cleary takes his position and on goes the harness.  Rod in the harness, locked and loaded, the fight begins.  The fish takes a turn and travels with the boat, for a second we thought we lost it.  Then the moment of truth comes and the fish takes off on a run, peeling line off the reel in rapid fashion.  Steve tames the fish and we get it next to the boat for inspection..  Just below the water line we see color and bright flashes of silver coming towards the boat, and there next to the boat is a 120lb Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna ready to be brought on board.  After a round of high fives and several Kodak moments, we were back at it with lines at the ready.

One by one, each angler hooked and landed fish in the 100-120 lb range.  Only one angler was left without a fish,,,me.

Suddenly the deck became quiet and my comrades slowly abandon my side as if a pitcher going into the 9^th inning with a no hitter.

I take a moment to ponder the possibility that we may leave this special place and be the only angler not to hook up&.

I sat in the lucky deck chair and said a prayer,it was answered.

As I sat there looking off the back of the boat, I catch a glimpse of two or three tuna coming up the rear and striking at the lures we had disguised as bait.  One, two, three misses.  Look, here they come again..

No misses this time, snap,,,,,  off go two rods,,doubles we call it on the deck.

We land the last two tuna of the day, numbers 5 and 6 and the day goes down in the record books as a success.  Another day of days.

To book the trip of a lifetime, make sure you reach out to Capt Jim Pechie for a special day of your own on "The Little Rascal".

Sweet Tuna Dreams aboard The little Rascal with the Pechie's

They can be reached: 

Joe Pechie:  joe@onthewater.com  

Or

Capt Jim directly:  Cell Phone 508-410-9112

Jeff White is the owner of Rockland based, Harbor Insurance Group. Be sure to check out this excellent company on the Rockland Page or by clicking the banner below