FISHING / Dan Stanton : New Shogun Hits Paydirt in Albacore

With the prospect of a nearby albacore migration failing to develop and the longfins staying 100 to 200 miles from Los Angeles, the new Shogun made ready to go after the big fish.

Twenty-five anglers picked the right time to go on the first multiday trip on Norm Kawaw’s new 90-foot sportfisher out of L.A. Harbor Sportfishing.

On the first day out, 80 miles south of San Diego, the albacore hit the jigs on a slow troll. They were small, in the 5- to 8-pound class.

Kawaw headed farther south, fishing kelp patties, and found big yellowtail and yellowfin tuna. These jigs stops lasted for hours, with most of the fish going from 60 to 70 pounds.

Bending rods and reels and overheated lines made no difference, Kawaw said. Anglers came prepared to catch big ones with heavy tackle.

As fast as the fish came aboard they were put in the refrigerated hold with the anglers’ numbers attached.

Bobby Rundell, a deckhand on sportfishing boats for 17 years, said he had never been in action where all the fish weighed nearly the same. He added that it has been about four years since the albacore were in reach of the South Bay fishing fleet.

It took 2 1/2 half hours to unload the 581 fish consisting of albacore, tuna, yellowtail and dorado.

The jackpot winners were Greg Miller of Gardena, 79 1/2-pound tuna; Mel Mitchell of Long Beach, 77 1/2-pound tuna, and Paul Gesio of Redondo Beach, a 73-pound tuna.

Kawaw was asked by an angler how he chose the name Shogun for his boat. He explained it means “ultimate leader” in Japanese.

For now, after its first long-range trip, the new Shogun is the leader on the fish count scoreboard.

Marlin continue to be brought in at Avalon, with more than 100 weighed since the run started.

Three Avalon residents caught big ones last weekend. Mark Bray used 30-pound mono line and took two hours to boat his 142-pounder. Bill Meister weighed in a 139-pounder, followed by Eddie Burr and his 123 1/2 pounds of fighting marlin.