The excitement was running high as we boarded the boat in the predawn darkness. It was tempered somewhat by the nagging fear that my breakfast might go over the side somewhere in the long trip out to warmer waters.

We were headed after tuna off the Oregon coast. Tuna follow the warm water currents that typically flow too far out to sea to be easily reached. However, during late summer and early fall, they flow close enough that sturdy souls willing to make the 30- to 40-mile trip out can experience some amazing fishing.

Luckily, the Bonine I had taken did the trick and I felt fine on the rolling waves. The captain looks for tuna jumping or seabirds diving for baitfish and trolls through the area. We were instructed by Capt. Shannon to yell “hook up” whenever a tuna hit a rod.

Early in the day we hit the jackpot and several times had four or five tuna on at one time. They average about 10 pounds but are great fighters. After reeling in a couple you are ready for a break.

In addition to great fishing, we also saw a couple of humpback whales and a pod of dolphins.

In the afternoon the fishing slacked off and we were only catching a few here and there, so I was ready when Capt. Shannon said it was time to head in. Between 10 fishermen, we had caught 66 tuna. A good day. I am told that boats usually average around 50 fish per day, and the catch is divided equally among everyone.

We went with Yaquina Bay Charters out of Newport. Trips usually take around 12 hours, and it typically takes about two hours to get out to the fish, so it is a long day.

There are charter companies up and down the coast, and the cost of a trip is around $400. You need to be looking because they tend to fill up fast.

Every time I have gone, we fished in shirtsleeves, but you should be prepared for colder temperatures and rain. You also need to know that tuna smell bad, and it sticks. Rubber boots and rain pants will save your clothes.

To stave off seasickness, take a Bonine the night before and the morning of the trip. If you’re really worried, you can ask your doctor for a scopolamine patch. Just remember to put it on the night before you go, or it isn’t going to work.

Besides a fun experience, you get to take home some of the best fish there is. I like to barbecue and smoke some of it, but most of it gets canned for later in the year. Next year, when you’re getting tired of the hot, dry weather, head over to the coast for a tuna fishing adventure.

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