grand bayou Fishing Report 2025

Gualalupe season is right around the corner.....

~~Sep 13
 Thank goodness for slow speed.  Even though we got a really good jump yesterday, we weren't going to be getting anywhere down below till late tomorrow.  Our speed was horrible.  1.5 knots below average.  But we sped up this morning.  Yup.  This morning we were only making .75 knots below average.  That all costs a whole lot of time when you're traveling great distances so we decided we'd have to be stopping short.  So that's what we did this afternoon, arriving at 4:30.

 Wow!  It didn't take long before everyone had a tuna on.  And they weren't those 8-14 pounders either.  There were some of those, but the majority of them were those 20-30 pounders.  I say again, "wow".  It bit steady the whole time we which is a couple of hours.  During the stop, I had tied a few hooks and cast a few baits out, you know , like we do, and quite a few times the hook would fall off and I would scratch my head and ask myself, " are my knots failing"?  They weren't.  It took crew member Justin to spot a wahoo flying out of the water to figure it out.

 So we wound them in and threw back the marauders.  Before dark, which wasn't long, we had a little binger for 5 and then one for 1 50 pounder.  Say it with me now.  "Wow"!  We aren't going anywhere tonight.  We'l just kick back and see what the day has to offer.

 My buddy Glen caught the 50 pound wahoo today.  Every year for a while now he has been the last member of the little troll team that I like to call, " the troll of shame"  That's the last few people on board who have not yet caught a wahoo.  He will not be joining that team this year.  Nope.  This year he can join the heckling party.  He get's to see what it's like from the other side.  Way to go Glen.
       

 

Incredible sunsets are just another day on the office. Not much traffic on the commute either. 

Polaris Supreme Update 8-5-11

Hello everyone. So here we are again as we wrap up Dr. Jim Prigmore's 4 day fishing trip. I must say, the fishing gods made us work this week and weren't quite as rewarding as we would have liked. Our first day out there was nothing short of perfect conditions, water temp, color and choice bait to choose from. We weren't graced with the counts that we were after, but the fish holds did get some company from the 3 pelagic species that wre being hunted. The anglers got a taste of what it was like to get blind jig strikes from yellowfin tuna and tuned up on offshore kelp patty fishing for dorado and yellowtail. Anytime the deck hatches are being opened and fish are sliding in, that's a good thing. Making sure to beat feet south in time to wake up to a cow yellowtail bite is exactly what we did. A few lunkers were already in the box well before the sun rose and continued into the post dawn hours. Things were looking up for the day, but as the morning progressed our conditions did not prevail. The current was not with us and we all know, you need current to catch fish. All of the grounds were covered, sometimes 2 and 3 times over until we did drop in on a couple spots that were holding some quality halibut. I believe one that was around 30 lbs hit the deck that day with a couple more just shy of that were soon to follow. As the day came to a close and the grounds were more than covered, Captain Tommy had to point the Polaris Supreme north to get us up the line for our final day of fishing. By daylight were sending bait to the bottom only to be bringing up a nice score of lingcod, vermillion reds and some miscellaneousottom dwellers. We only had til about lunch time to keep the lines wet before the trip was called from the bridge. Time to head for home.

Team Galley, as usual came through day after day with one superb meal after the next. From breakfast anyway you wanted it, to the sushi/sashimi spreads and the dinners that would rival any 5 star gourmet resteraunt. Chef's David Schooler and Barry Benson never let us down. Look for the Polaris Supreme tomorrow at Fisherman's Landing about 7 am to depart with Eric Rogger and his fine group that he brings year after year. Be sure to check back in with us as Captain Richie takes over the keyboard with has always entertaining fishing reports. Thanks for checking in and talk to you tomorrow!

Jed and crew

Jackpot winners were as follows:

1st Place: Sean Arbunich 37.2 lb Yellowtail

2nd Place: Dave Smith 35.8 lb Yellowtail

3rd Place: Steve Larsen 33 lb Yellowtail

Congratulations Winners!!

Polaris Supreme Update 8-4-11

Good afternoon and thanks for stopping by faithful Polaris Supreme followers. This morning we once again woke up to beautiful weather at the seriola lalandi grounds (yellowtail for those of you that aren't up to speed on scientific names). At o'dark thirty we already had two premiums in the box. 30 pounders. As Mr. Sun showed his face, we continued to plunk away at a few more in the upper 30 pound class. Knot too long after breakfast was done, the bending of the rods came to a hault and it was time pull the pick and go looking. South bound we headed to locate the school grade yellows. About 45 minutes into the journey, we found the right conditions and started chasing down the breezing forktails. The anglers picked away, a few here, a few there, but then the fish decided to get a nice case of lock jaw and eventually were nowhere to be found. That led us on an hour and a half tour to drag some sardines along the sandy ocean floor.Some success was had as we hauled 3 halibut over the rail, one being about 30 pounds! Congratulations Tom! After about another 2 hours of searching, it was time to switch gears and get back into travel mode. Have to make sure we cover plenty of ground the rest of the afternoon to get us into position for a few hours of wet lines tomorrow as we get ready to wrap things up and call it a trip.

This evening Team Galley is going to be serving up a delicious grande veal chop with risotto and mixed veggies. Certainly one of my favorites. Well folks, until tomorrow with my final trip undate and I turn the reigns back over to our trip reporter extraordinaire Captain Richie Elias, I say good night and check back tomorrow.

Jed and Crew

P.S. Richie, only one CB order

 

 

Polaris Supreme Update 08-03-2011

Good evening friends. So to start our offshore adventure today, the morning was surprisingly warm. We all rolled out of bed just as the sun cracked and right into shorts and t-shirts. The seas weren't quite so friendly, but very workable. Our coarseline prevailed for most of the day and gave the crew some descent looking conditions for spotting those kelps and any other activity on the water that might lead us to find a score. The kelp patties were fairly plentiful for a good portion of the day, but we just couldn't find that right boomer to shut down on. However, we were able to gather up a couple handfuls of dorado and just when we thought there might be a lull in the day, the beautiful sound of 4 clickers screaming at once got us right back in the ball game. Although nothing of size came, we did get the guys on some yellowfin tuna in the 12-15 lb range, with a couple anglers landing their first ever! As the sun closed the distance between itself and the horizon, we got on a string of smaller kelps that produced plenty of just below keeper size yellows. Those stops gave the anglers a real idea on working together at the rail in some fast paced action here on the Polaris Supreme. We got the blood flowing and gave'em a small taste of what's to come.

Tomorrow is a brand new day as we head south to the yellowtail grounds to target big numbers on 18-25 lb forktails and go in search of those mighty 30-50 lb cow yellows! The weather forecast looks great and we are excited. Just as I'm typing up the evening report, I smell the aroma of Chef David's famous seafood alfredo pasta seeping it's way into the wheelhouse. With shrimp, giant scallops and an A alfredo clam sauce, it's always a gormet delight! If there's one cure to a rough day of fishing, it's to sit down to an amazing meal prepared by none other than the Polaris Supreme's "Team Galley". So on that note, I'm going to head downstairs to enjoy a tasty dish myself. Until this time tomorrow my friends, I bid you a good night.

Jed and the one and only Team Supreme

Polaris Supreme Update 08-02-2011

Good afternoon sports fans! Reporting to you live from the bridge of the Polaris Supreme, we departed today on Dr. Jim Prigmore's 4 day fishing extravaganza. We have an ample load of beautiful sardine on board with us and are anxious to get them over the rail and let the feeding begin. Where we end up isn't set in stone yet, but where ever we do end up, we are going to show this eager group of anglers how we do it Baja California style. The weather is gorgeous rolling down the line and let's hope that holds up for us over the next 4 days.

We were lucky enough to have our lunch plates graced with Chef David Schooler's Polaris Supreme style cheese burgers that had to weigh at least a half-pound sided with some awesome maccaroni salad. As always on our departure days, the group will be putting down a more than healthy portion of the always delicious prime rib. So our hopes are high and our fingers are crossed to go get the job done Supreme style. Well, it's about time to head downstairs for the fishing seminar to get the guys all tuned up on fishing for the days to come. Make sure to check back with us tomorrow after dinner for our day 1 report. Talk to you tomorrow!

Tight lines and bent rods,

Jed and Team Supreme

P.S. We would like to send out one last thank you to Mr. Tom Chapparo and his fine anglers with and extra special thanks to Mr. Herb Yamanaka and his beautiful gifts that he so graciously brings us every year. A big congratulations goes out to our jackpot winners: 1st Place goes to Joe Gigliotti with a 39.6 lb yellowtail, 2nd place was Charter Master Tom Chapparo with a 38.8 lb yellowtail and not very far out of 2nd place was Dr. Steven Gammer with a very nice 38.2 lb yellowtail.

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Hi friends. Final day here at Isla de Guadalupe on our Great White shark diving/research trip was a fantastic day. We had two sharks around the boat for most of the morning and sign of that Yellowfin tuna once again. Only a handful of people got in the cages today as today we were on one mission; get tissue samples for Omar and Cesar. After trying to get a good sample from one from the Supreme we knew what we had to do. Put Omar, Cesar, and Chugey in the skiff. After having several good looks at the animal, she was just too far out of reach on every pass. But the last pass, it was go time. All or nothing. Chugey cocked the dart back and got her. A beautiful display of aim and strength and wouldn't you know it, we got the sample. After two days of patience, Omar and Cesar were rewarded for their perseverance and it paid off. They now are all smiles, ear to ear. In the name of science; booyah.

Today was also a day for a little crew cage-time as well. Drew H. and Drew C. got a couple looks at one and it was time for the birthday boy, Chef David Schooler, to get his turn. The picture of Schooler in a full wet-suit was enough for most of us to call it an awesome day but after only about five minutes in the cage, Schooler got out for, as he said "fear of not living to see another birthday". Well, I figured I'd go join Scootch in the cage as he filmed the action and I'd like to spend a couple minutes talking about my experience.

First off, that was the coolest thing I have ever done in my life. The next coolest thing isn't even close. Petting Grey Whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon was a unique experience but that was nothing in comparison to being underwater and being a fingertip away from touching one of the deadliest creatures on the planet. Scootch, myself, and galley assistant Jamie, had probably one of the best shows in the cage in the three days down here and it's one we won't soon forget. Looking this creature in the eyes will humble any person and Shark Week on an HDTV does the Great White shark no justice. at all. I found myself having to put down the camera for a few occasions as trying to get a good shot was taking away too much from just admiring the presence of this majestic creature. Aside from being inches from this beast, on the next pass, we got to witness Chugey lunge the dart into the shark from the skiff as we were underwater. Game over. Sample acquired. After the sample, all we saw was a white flash as the best propelled itself from our viewing and we propelled ourselves out of the cage and the chores of closing up shop began to prepare for the ride back to Ensenada. I'm sure we'll have an accumulation of all of our photos and underwater footage from Scootch on our website and our Facebook page in the next few days. Be sure to take a peak. All in all, it was the experience of a lifetime. Everyone on-board, especially the crew of the Supreme would like to issue a major thanks to Tom and Honey Pfleger, Chugey, Scootch, Cowboy, and everyone at PIER for allowing us to be apart of this adventure. Hopefully, it won't be our last.

So that is all. Our crossing from the island to Ensenada is a tad windy but we're aren't rolling around too much so we're happy with our ride at the moment. We're scheduled to arrive to Ensenada tomorrow morning and our ETA back to San Diego is sometime tomorrow in the early evening. We'll be tying up the Supreme for Thanksgiving and we'll return to fishing for our 12-day departing on the 29th of November. We have a few spots still available so if you're interested in being apart of the big tuna chase, give Susan a call at 619-390-7890. Speaking of Susan, tomorrow (the 22nd) is her birthday and we all would like to wish her a very happy birthday and thanks for being the glue to our operation. Happy Birthday, Susan! Good night everyone and we'll chat with you on the 29th.

-Team Supreme-

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Hi friends and happy Sunday y'all. Day two of our Guadalupe Island Great White shark adventure started off the same as it did yesterday. A couple of viewings for the folks in the cages and a decent sign of that 60-100 lb. class tuna swimming but it wasn't as consistent as it was yesterday, atleast on the tuna end of things. We had sporadic shark viewing today with the majority of our views being of the "smaller" sharks. A while after lunch, "Large Marge" showed up and boy, did our viewers get the thrill of their lives. Up close and very personal cage-time as this creature really put on a good show for our party of three inside the cage. Even seeing her from the boat, it was a sight that we all won't soon forget. Aside from that, our next best viewing went to Polaris Supreme crewmen, Jed and Ensenada scientist, Omar. After hanging out in the cage for a while and without seeing a shark for a couple of hours, patience paid off and they were both treated to a nice showing on about a 15 foot shark. Most everyone had the opportunity to get a nice viewing and we're looking to finish up tomorrow with a banner day. Our weather today was much better than yesterday's wind, cloud-cover, and light rain showers that would most definitely wash off our bronze. Today, we had premium bronzing for most of the day and great visibility for our divers. Let's hope for a repeat manana. We'll chat with you tomorrow evening and wish us luck.

***2015 hours update***

At the conclusion of Chef Schooler's delicious seared Ahi dinner, the battle ensued. A singing battle between classically-trained Riley McGuire versus relief crewmember, co-owner of the M/V Pacific Queen, and my roommate, Drew Card. Early on, It looked like a sure runaway for Riley but with a some expert coaching from Drew Henderson and myself, Drew rocked a lovely rendition of Neil Diamond's classic "Sweet Caroline". After a vote, it was decided that both Riley and Drew would ultimately have to share victory as no winner could be decided upon. If I personally had to pick a winner it would be Riley on every level except for two; singing most out of key and crowd participation (you just can't help belting out the words to the chorus of "Sweet Caroline"). Those two victories definitely went to Drew. A little post-dinner fun lasted for only a few minutes as rain squalls bombed through and the wind began to howl. It only lasted about an hour or so and we're now sitting comfortably as we get rested up for our final day tomorrow. So that is all. Just thought it would be fun to send out a little bit of an entertainment report to hopefully, well, entertain you. Reports aren't always about fishing and bronzing conditions. We'll chat with you tomorrow. Good night.

-Team Supreme-

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

Hi friends and good evening from Guadalupe Island. We cleared Ensenada customs at 0100 on Friday morning and traveled all throughout the day to arrive to the island last night at around 2200. We got our bearings straight this morning and got the cage in the water around mid-morning. While eating breakfast and awaiting the cage briefings, we had a friendly juvenile shark swimming right next to the boat for an hour or so. When we got our divers in the water, it wasn't long before this little guy was giving our divers a nice little opportunity for some up-close and personal views. While in the cages, our divers saw Yellowfin tuna in the 50-100 lb. range all throughout the day, which made for some excitement from us fishermen and fisherwomen on-board. Although the "smaller" shark was a sight to see, we had been hearing rumor of a giant female lurking around these parts. In the afternoon time, we saw her, Large Marge. Not necessarily the longest shark seen but my goodness, she is one of the girthiest sharks our scientists have ever seen. In all honesty, this beauty of a shark is as wide as a school bus. Only a few of the divers were able to see her from the cages but the folks who viewed her from the boat were in shock by the size of this animal. Hopefully, everyone gets to witness this behemoth from the cage.

With our shark viewing and tuna viewing all day, we're hunkered down in the cove and the guys and gals are enjoying some Prime Rib before they hit the racks. It was a successful first day of "getting our feet wet" and tomorrow, we're hoping for a full-day of sharks and tuna and hopefully some time for a little research for our PIER guys and our scientists from Ensenada, Omar and Cesar. Omar and Cesar are hoping for some tissue samples so we'll hopefully make their wish come true. The female we saw today has plenty of tissue to give and hopefully, they can get a sample from her and not the other way around. We'll report with you tomorrow.

-Team Supreme-

July 2

It turned out it was a travel day today. There wasn't any fish in the water we looked at today. On the way down we went through an area in the dark loaded with fin bait so we thought we'd look at it on the way back to see if any game fish found the area but they hadn't. The weather was fantastic today and we got a lot done. All and all we had a great time this trip. Most the passengers on board had never been on a deep sea fishing trip before and they all had a blast pulling on those beautiful yellows at Cedros. Thank you Mr. Tom Pfleger for making this trip possible. We all appreciate you and all our charter heads and all our passengers for that matter.

We're leaving on a 2 day trip tomorrow morning. That trip is designed to fish a full day at 200 miles if need be. If that's where the best fishing was we could get there on a 2 day where on a 1 1/2 trip you'd be limited to within about 110 miles for a full day of fishing. The best fishing is within 100 miles of San Diego so the cool thing about tomorrows trip is we'll have time to fish a handful of hours before dark tomorrow. There is still 2 spots available so let's go fishing!

Captain Mike Pritchard called in from the Tribute this afternoon. We have had very good Yellowfin Tuna fishing. We have over 130 Yellowfin Tuna and a lot of Yellowtail and Dorado.
To book a spot on the Tribute Call Seaforth Sportfishing at (619) 224-3383 or book online at www.tributesportfishing.com.