Genesis of a Long Range Trip
1st Step "The Deposit"
WHY?
So why would an East Coast fisherman travel 3000 miles to get on a boat and travel for another 1000 miles into Mexican waters? One word "OPPORTUNITY" there is no other place on earth that has Yellowfin tuna in the numbers and sizes. When these fish go on the feed it can be "EPIC", to use a west coast adjective, and appropriately so! So much so that one trip spoils you for life and no East Coast Canyon Trip can compare, seriously 100lb yellowfin are used as chunkbait!!!
The 10 Day from 2008 Monatge
1st Step "The Deposit"
The first thing I did today was to send $500.00 deposit to the Excel to lock in a spot on next years 15 day leaving Jan. 22, 2012. You can mail the deposit or use your credit card. They also have a website that will allow you to book online. My total fare is about $4000.00 for a 15 day fishing vacation. They have 10 day trips that are about 2500.00, check thier webiste or call the office.
It is now coming up on 4 years since my last trip, which was December 2008, a 10 day, that trip was actually the EXCEL's best big fish trip ever, we had 6 over 300lbs 25 from 200-299lbs and 150 from 100-199lbs. On that trip I caught my first cow 221lbs, which earned me the coveted "Cow" patch for my jacket. We were fishing the lower banks off of Mag Bay, we set the anchor and never left the spot. 5 days of straight cows "EPIC" too say the least.
It is now coming up on 4 years since my last trip, which was December 2008, a 10 day, that trip was actually the EXCEL's best big fish trip ever, we had 6 over 300lbs 25 from 200-299lbs and 150 from 100-199lbs. On that trip I caught my first cow 221lbs, which earned me the coveted "Cow" patch for my jacket. We were fishing the lower banks off of Mag Bay, we set the anchor and never left the spot. 5 days of straight cows "EPIC" too say the least.
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Cow Patch |
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| 221lbs Yellowfin |
THE NEW EXCEL
Since the passing of Long Range legend and pioneer Bill Poole the Excel has been sold to new owners who have started upgrading her to be more marketable to new customers. First and foremost it is only the boat in the San Diego fleet with WI-FI, which enables passengers to communicate and send pics via the Internet as well as skype calls with family and friends back east. In fact I was facebook messaging with friends while they were fishing just a couple of weeks ago. Here is a link to Noreast.com where the trip was followed day by day via the boat's connection.
The new owners have also added Satellite TV, so us East Coasters won't miss the Jets or Giants winning that playoff game or possible Superbowl!! There is also a second Sat Phone in the galley so you wont have to go up to the wheelhouse to make a call and in the salon there is a new 5 head soda fountain machine. Soda is now complimentary! Beer is on the honor system and still a 1.50 per can.
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| Galley looking forward |
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| 5 Head Soda Fountain |
The Excel has also invested in some serious loaner tackle. If you are coming from the East Coast the Excel will allow you to use thier loaner gear for free. The Gear is now Accurate Reels spooled with Jerry Brown Hollow Core Spectra and Super Seeker Rods. Obviously this is top shelf tackle, especially for loaner gear!
Here are some of the East Coast Invaders on the EXCEL
TFT
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| 80 years old Captain Peanut Butter Austin Egan |
Jimmy The Cop
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