06-11-2002, 09:42 PM
We in Whakatane (New Zealands Tuna capital) have just finished our poorest Yellowfin Tuna season ever.<br>Usually in March, April, May. Tuna up to 60kgs well up in the area, Our best day 6 years ago on live baits and cubes was 36 Tuna up to around 47 kilos, most released.<br>This year there was none. The baitfish were so plentifull that on occassions the sea was black, patches up to 10 acres. The bonus was that we had more kingfish than ever.<br>Where are the yellowfin? rumour has it that they are being caught up in the Pacific by bulk methods. I recently heard of 2 huge factory ships commissioned just for the purpose of capturing juvenile fish..... this is a worry.<br>could it also be climactic or geographic?. could the poisoness plum from some huge erupting undersea volcano have diverted then elsewhere, I have been told that this is a distinct possibility. one could sleep easier if that was the case.<br>Phil<br><br>