Strong Winds Put Slight Damper On USA Albacore Seasonff

Source: KCBY

Tuna season kicked off a few weeks ago here on the South Coast, but even though there is a ton of tuna to by caught, mother nature is putting a slight damper on things.

“It looks like there’s plenty of tuna within striking distance but unfortunately, the northwest winds seem to be blowing strongly,” says commercial fisherman Jeff Reeves.

And that’s been the story for many commercial fishermen over the past few weeks.

As tuna season gets underway, the weather just doesn’t seem to be cooperating.  â€œWe’ve had gale force winds, small craft advisories. For tuna fishing, you have to cruise at about six knots or a little less,” says Reeves. “The heavy wind chop just makes it extremely difficult.”

Reeves is just one of many fishermen that are relying on the tuna season to make a living.

He says with a limited salmon season, many have turned to tuna. “It gives folks a little bit of hope, right now tuna is the hottest thing going on.”

And it seems the tuna are cooperating too.

Reeves says there are plenty out there, and they’re looking good. “They’re beautiful fish. I’ve eaten a bunch myself, the quality is there.”

The fish are also in high demand.

At Chuck’s Seafood, they’re processing about 6,000 pounds a day. “We’re seeing pretty good prices for the fish that’s been brought in. The demand seems to be there.”

Once the winds begin to cooperate, Reeves says the season is going to be on a roll. “As soon as the winds calm down, it’s going to be gangbusters.”