Finally got $EA $ICKNE$$ back to the coast after a prolonged factory visit and a quick stop-over for some tower & electronics work. Our plan for our 1st trip of the summer, an overnight sword trip at the spur.  After checking the latest forum reports, we decided we'd head to the 131 hole, stopping on the way out to bottom fish the Trysler Grounds, then some blueh20 trolling as we make our way to the Spur.  We'd overnight at the Spur, drift fishing for swords until daybreak, and then basically reverse our course fishing on the way back in as time & fuel allowed.  We'd fish with Doug & Dave, taking advantage of  their  combined billfish experience.

With 1-2' sea's, we made a quick ride out to the Trysler Grounds and found fish on our first drop:

We boated numerous snapper in between king bites, like this small king for starters:

and later, a fat 24 lb'er:

Daniel was on fire adding various species to the day including this short gag grouper:

We saw a dolphin dash by the boat, so we chummed while Doug free lined a live bait and hooked up immediately.  The fish spit the bait, but eventually came back and bit again, a 7 lb'er:

Here's Dave with one of several legal snapper:

Doug soon hooked up big.  We were sure hoping for a sow snapper or a nice grouper, here watch what almost surfaces, but thankfully releases itself:

The bite slowed, so we put up the rods to head to the 131 hole to see what kind of blue water we could find.  Thanks to Dave for prepping a fine lunch for our ride out.

Warning, a full stomach, long days of sun & seas can cause sudden and overwhelming fatigue, and result in a dangerous syndrome known as "Sleeping at the Reel":

We didn't find much along the way except scattered weeds, so we trolled along towards the Spur hoping to stumble on something.  The afternoon was hot & quiet.  Just before dusk, Doug's spread produces another nice dolphin, this time a 14 lb. fish:

Here's a nice sunset in the background w/Dave fighting the fish:

Soon the moon rises and reflects the setting sun:

As light fades, we switch over to swordfish mode and enjoy another fine meal by Doug who has brought along his stove so we can all enjoy a rare hot meal on $EA $ICKNE$$. 

Around 11 pm, we had set out three lines with squid rigs,  staggered at 325', 200', & 100' depths.  We watched, waited, & dozed off.  There were several boats on the horizon with the same intentions as us. At 1 a.m., the sound of a drag screamin' had everyone (except Daniel) scrambling out of their bean bags.  It was a cool sight, as a sword was in a scorching run just under the surface with our light sticks and flashers leaving an illuminated trail behind it.  The fish was taking line so fast I had to adjust the drag as a bird nest was forming on the Tiagra 50 wide.  The swordfish took line & pulled drag at an incredible rate for several minutes, and then absolute silence.  The hook had pulled..... %$#@*^% !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We reset the baits and drift, but had no more bites.  We did hear one boat landed a 70" fish, so at least we were in the right area.  

Doug puts out the spread at sunrise.  Before he even got the 1st line in the outrigger, its slammed by a cow dolphin: 

Here's a still of Dave's fish:

We continued to troll and picked up a nice 30# hoo:

and Doug rastles the final dolphin of the trip:

We spent most of the second day dragging a billfish spread. Doug worked hard tending lines, pulling weeds, and changing back & forth from dead baits to artificials, but we never did find a pointy fish.  

It was a great trip.  I think we ended up keeping  four dolphin three of which were 14-18 lbs., two kings (one 24 lb.), a 1/2 dozen snapper, and a 30 lb. wahoo.  Hope next time we add a billfish to the report.  Thanks for Doug & Dave's help with the spread, food, & clean up afterwards.  Hope to fish with everyone again. 

Captains Notes:  32.5 hr trip, 151 miles, 202 gals burned, 768/782 eng. hrs