It is 1:30 in the morning, The boat is fueled and ready.  Capt. Steve and Capt. Bob ( A.K.A.Captain Killsh%t) because when folks ask what we will do today, Bob’s answer is,” We’re gonna kill sh#t and get the boat bloody.”  We have 2 boats and if the fish are south, we run the Full Ahead out of Cape May.  If they are to the North, we run the Free Spirit out of Margate, NJ.

Having this option allows us to save an hour or more running time each way and so gives you more fishing time. Between these 2 captains, they have over 50 years of experience in these waters.   By 2:00 A.M., everyone has set their rods in the rod racks and we have checked to see who will need tackle since we have Fin Nor trolling and jigging rods on board for your use.  We slip the lines and the engine purrs as we slide out into the channel and out the inlet.  Now is the time that veteran anglers have staked out one of the Vee berths forward or found another comfortable spot to catch some shut eye.  Of course, as we run of many guys just want to be part of what we are doing and so watch with interest the different displays that light up the console.  We are very happy to explain what we are doing , and answer any questions they may have.  It is all part of the excitement and we all love it.  As we get closer to the grounds, Steve and Bob check everyone’s gear and make sure that their tackle is ready to go.  We keep wind on leaders and jigs of all the good colors on the boat and are very happy to help you rig if you need help.

Before you know it, we are where the fish are and the sun is just rising.  Steve sets the boat on course, and Bob sometimes runs out a few lines to troll the big Bluefin.  We only troll to find the fish.  We figure it is better to have some baits in the water and perhaps get a shot at some fish than to just run around looking.  We also catch other fish like Dolphin, Wahoo, and Marlin, as well as Yellowfin tuna on occasion when trolling.  Of course, if you have tackle suitable to troll with, we welcome it and will use it so you catch fish on your own rod.  As we troll, Steve is constantly monitoring the Radio, and the Fish Finder gathering information as to just what is happening.  Many  days, especially if we had the fish jigging over the past few days, we run to where they are and start jigging immediately and skip the trolling.  Every day is different.

Suddenly, Steve shouts out,” There they are.  Down 120 feet.” and Bob has everyone ready to drop their jigs. If you have not done this before, don’t worry because we will be happy to show you the ropes.  As soon as the jigs hit the right depth, there are shouts of “Fish ON” and the fun begins.  The cockpit on the boats is 13’x13’.  There is a load of room to move when the fish does.  When these big tuna eat a jig, they often just stop it as it is falling.  When you feel that, you reel like hell to get the slack out and set the hook while keeping the line tight.  All of a sudden the line screams off your reel and it seems like it will never stop.  Don’t worry, he won’t take all 600 yards of braid. It just looks that way.

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Bob or Steve will be there to guide you and any harnesses or belts will be supplied if you don’t have your own.  These are big fish.  Most last year were 60”+ and weighed from 120-190 lb.  They are , in my opinion, the hardest fighting fish we catch and you will be a while.  While you are hooked up, others will still be jigging and multiple hookups are not unusual.  When the fish gets near the boat, he often will be straight down doing circles.  This is when the work gets harder because  you will have to lift him to get line.  Just about when  you are ready to give up, someone shouts,”Color” and there he is!  Bob and Steve get ready and when he gets close enough, they will gaff him and hoist him into the boat.

You will be amazed how tough these fish are and after you have done battle, it will be time for a cold drink and a rest.  Don’t be proud, often, 1 person just can’t whip these beasts without help from his friends.  Often, several anglers will be in on the fight on the same fish.  If all goes well, we will have great action on the jigs.  We will also be ready to chunk these fish if we need to.  A very important point is that we follow the laws as to size and number of fish absolutely.  We love to catch these fish and after we have the limit, we can release them to catch another day.  Sometime in the early afternoon, we pick up and start home.  By then, most of the folks have had a shot or 2 at these great fish and are quite happy to flop down and sleep on the trip home.  They need to rest because, most likely, they will be back and do it again.

If you would like to see some videos of these trips, please go to the website (http://freespiritsportfishing.com/Free_Spirit_Fishing_LLC/Welcome.html) and enjoy.  Be sure to make your reservations early for these trips because when the action starts in late June or early July, it may be too late to do so.

Capt. Steve Bent can be reached via email at the following address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .