Greetings to all.
Summer is long gone however both Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna were caught in decent numbers throughout October and even now into the 1st week in November. Some Bluefin schools returned to the local banks while a steady bite has developed at the Tanner and Cortez Banks along with a fairly consistent bite on Bluefin, Yellowfin, Yellowtail, and the rare Dorado 70-90 miles below the Border. In fact there were a couple of days in mid October where the Bluefin were found just outside the Upper 9 and 2 of the ½ day boats each caught a couple of Bluefin up to 100 pounds. News of the catch spread like wildfire and many boats scoured the offshore area between the 178 and Coronado Islands hoping for a catch.
The Doghouse was lucky enough to score Bluefin limits the next day on a Spreader Bar; Chris Meeker fought the 1st one and landed a 92.6# Bluefin while I was able to bring in a 37.6 and a couple of 15-18# tuna by mid morning. We were looking pretty good for the FOM rewards until Adi Ljubovic hit the scales a couple of days later with a nice 131# BFT.
Even though we extended the Monthlong Marlin Tourney into October, no fish were caught or released although Mark Henwood of the Southwestern Yacht Club was trolling a spreader bar inside the 371 looking for tuna when a 562# Blue Marlin inhaled the trailing squid lure and found itself on Mark’s swimstep after a 60 minute battle on 100# test. However the real excitement began at SD Marlin Club dock when they tried to raise the fish up to the scales when the boom lift pole snapped and came crashing down on the stern of Marks boat. 2 of Mark’s crew were injured, one seriously and fortunately no one else was hurt. This incident reminds us to mention to all MBMC Members the Mission Bay Marlin Club no longer has the IFGA Weigh Station at the Dana Fuel Dock; Dana Landing Bait and Tackle has the full responsibility of manning the Weigh Station and maintaining the Hoist and Electronic Scales. Please be sure to tip the Dana Landing employee who sets up the scale and helps you record the catch.
This month we have the November Month Long Rockfish Tourney with separate Lingcod division ($250 for largest ling). Tournament entries will be accepted through 11/29/25 just remember to submit your new or updated entry to info@missionbaymarlinclub.org before you go. Click for Entry Form and Rules.
Adi Ljubovic takes the October Fish of the Month Award with his butterball 131# BFT and that’s one less reel to be given away at the Awards Banquet; Date and Time TBD.
“Sadly, it seems that every month I am writing a story like this. Robert (Bob) Smith has died. He was a charter member and our third president. I first fished with him in 1975 and did so until the last few years when he was unable to do so. Bob was an active member of MBMC for over 20 years. You may remember that he was the guest speaker at the club’s 50th anniversary party at Bay Park Fish Co. Bob’s boat was Alexandra III at that time. I believe that it was a Luhrs. Later The Alexandra IV was a Trojan. Bob was also a frequent skipper on the Alliance. He will be missed.” – Paul Himmelberger
Our Final Seminar for 2025 is to be held @ Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Saturday November 15th @ 11AM however local commercial Swordfish and Marlin Fishing expert Maurice Smith will not be able to attend due to minor medical issues so we were able to get MBMC member Dan Muslin to stand in and recount his recently completed Mag Bay Fishing trip giving us insight to the action and the logistics he encounters year after year and it will be a meeting you don’t want to miss if you are contemplating an extended trip down south. Includes a free lunch to all members in attendance and a $30 charge to all non-members. Get your reservations in early as seating will be limited to the first 40 who sign up; email to: info@missionbaymarlinclub.org. This might be your last chance to pick up any leftover MBMC T-Shirts from the last tournament and any of the other past events so keep that in mind and remember Ray Fear will produce another fine and final raffle for 2025.
WE STILL HAVE SEATS AVAILABLE SO PLEASE GET YOUR RESERVATIONS IN FOR THIS LAST FREE EVENT! See attached flyer. I hope to see you at the Seminar! See email flyer for details.
2025 Tournament Schedule:
November 1-30 Monthlong Rockcod (With a separate Lingcod Division)
2025 Mission Bay Marlin Club Final Awards Banquet – Date & Time to be Announced