2016: Trip #1 on the Thunderbird (1.5 Day)

5/19/16 - 5/20/16

Download the PDF here.

Scribe: Bill Hammer

Crew

Jeff

Mike

Bob

Goofy

Bryan

Steve

Club Members

Roy Patterson

Ryan Burson

Andy Woodfill

Brian Upcraft

Andy Sienkiewich

Stewart Finley

Gary Thompson

Mike Trunk

Chris Ramsey Jr.

Cody Kelly

Luke Burson

Mike Quest

Bill Hammer

Mike Zinniker

Tony Beall

Bob Wheeler

First time as a scribe and wondering if there will be second time. Sorry to disappoint, I don’t possess a nautical vocabulary, but can be naughty-ical. Port/starboard let me think about it too long.

Arriving at the dock 6:30pm sharp I was graciously greeted by Luke and other early arrivals. While waiting dockside the Thunderbird pulled in around 7:40pm. The news had spread rapidly regarding the catch of some quality WSB. Sure enough as the T-Bird unloaded the large WSB we all got pretty excited. Based on the WSB/YT count and availability of squid the decision was made to fish Catalina. After the TB fueled and loaded the essentials we were on our way at 9:09pm. We stopped a few minutes in the harbor to pick up more bait and then on our way to Catalina.

On Friday, we anchored at West Cove (Planet of the Apes) sometime around 2am (I was sleeping). We were not the only boat in the cove. I believe we had at least 10 boats bobbing around in the moonlight in close proximity anticipating that WSB bite. Folks started rolling out of their bunks around 4:00am (ok, some earlier).

We tried early morning for WSB in mostly darkness with no success. Jeff announced a few YT were showing up on the scanner. Most of us started using dropper loops and at 6:30pm yours-truly was first to hookup on YT. We were off, one hookup after another for about the next hour and a half. It was extreme fun! By around 8:00 am we had put 34 high quality yellows on deck and later transported by the crew to that brand new brine tank. Our overall loss ratio was very low with significant contributions from the Jeff, Mike, Bryan, Steve and Goofy untangling. Thanks, guys and we will do it again soon!

I believe Bob Wheeler was 5 for 5, the Burson’s, Gary Thompson and Andy Woodfill were in that close range. Some great pictures on the website! Andy Woodfill he had a “big one”. Later that night when official measurements were taken Andy really had the “big one” at 27lbs and took the jackpot.

As the morning went on Jeff moved to try spots around West Cove and we picked up a few much smaller YT. Around Noon Jeff positioned the TB into a spot at West Cove in around 37 feet of water where we tried for WSB with no success. Leaving that location around 2pm Jeff worked his way around the backside, East End and completed the trip on the front side with a few more fish. All these fish were just starting out in business on a very small scale. We caught a varity of fish YT, bonito, barracuda, sheep head, perch, calicos, white fish and an eel. Final count was 50 YT, not a bad day. Goofy cooked up some bonito for the group and it was a delicious treat. It’s worth noting that Gary Thompson got unusually excited when he caught a small perch?

I was very concerned for my own safety a couple times on this trip. Roy told me to go “under” and I went “over” resulting in a massive pile up. Didn’t go over well, but thank goodness I got MY fish! Went to use men’s head and was tramatized by the “Californiacation” wall paper. Had to “sit it out” in the women’s head for the rest of the trip.

Dinner bell at 8:30pm. Goofy and crew prepared a tasty meal for the hungry bunch. I think we can all agree it was a great first trip. I think everyone caught a fish or two. Great captain, great crew and a great group to spend time with. I wish I could remember and mention all of you by name with a specific happening. Not going to happen!

Returned to the pavilion around 4:20am.

Until next time.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Latest Posts

Two men on a boat deck hold a large fish on a cloudy day.

2026: Trip 7 - Thunderbird 2 Day

By Michelle Burson • October 7, 2026

Trip #7: Boat: Thunderbird 2 day Departs: Thursday, September 24th Fishing: September 25th and 26th Returns: September 26th pm Why can’t we be friends? Cast of Characters: 1. Bryan Upcraft 2. Ryan Burson 3. Tony Beall 4. James Harris 5. Oscar Ochoa 6. Luke Burson 7. Mike Allen 8. Mike Higa 9. Tom Hill 10. Paul Morgan 11. Frank Monzon 12. Bill Parks 13. Shelby guest of Tom Hill 14. Rick F guest of Frank Monzon 15. Jimmy guest of James Harris 16. Mike L guest of Mike Allen 17. Chris N guest of Paul Morgan 18. Lucas N guest of Alex Arthur 19. Mark G guest of Mike Higa 20. Saif Liswi 21. John Simmons guest of Frank Monzon 22. Chet Prak guest of Frank Monzon 23. Patrick Thunyakij Thunderbird Crew: Capt. Chris May, Capt. Steve Raby, Goofy, Jared, and Austin