Offshore Reporting Large Numbers of Bluefin

Chris Weiner reports fishermen have been killing them offshore. Like nothing anyone has ever seen before. At 170 miles offshore, on the Northern Edge. Anywhere from 800-1000 big ones have already been taken this month. Guys are getting out there, catching their limit in no time- only limit is how long it takes them to fight the fish. Fish are coming up right next to the boat and guys are just tossing the baits to them. Enormous body of fish out there, and all the Canadian spots are full of fish too. Quite a few boats are making the 15-17 hour trip out but just about everyone who goes comes in with their 3 fish. Stories of guys getting them on bare hooks.

Inshore Gulf of Maine has some fish, but the lack of bait is making it tough. Guys are hooking them decently in a few spots- Ipswich Bay, being the best spot, and a few coming in from Stellwagen and off the Portland area. Nothing special though.

The harpoon fleet is not even going because of the weather. Its been windy every day, totally frustrating. We have not had any weather all season. If we get some weather we will go, but its getting late in the season now.

Prices are pretty good. Guys were doing really well a week ago, but once all the fish hit the market the prices went down a touch, but still doing well.

All in all, the landings are rising fast and people are very optimistic about the state of the fishery.