Special Assignments

The Fisherman publisher, Mike Caruso along with videographer Tim C. Smith just embarked on their journey to Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica. This Special Assignment ties into White Water’s annual Costa Rican Shootout and represents the beginning of what should be a thrilling fishing expedition!

Tournament fishing has officially commenced for the White Water Costa Rican Shootout at Zancudo Lodge and by day’s end Tim C. Smith and Mike Caruso’s boat go 4 for 4 on marlin.

A hot blue marlin bite continues for the second day of tournament fishing in the White Water Costa Rican Shootout. Owner of White Water Sportfish Boats, Anthony Vaccaro explains why he and his partner, John Bauman, first organized this event in 2014.

Saturday, January 17, 2015 marks the fourth and final day of The Fisherman’s special assignment at Zancudo Lodge. Offering the proper sendoff, marlin fishing remained outstanding for the last day of the White Water Costa Rican Shootout.

Multi-media specialist Tim C. Smith is on the fishing adventure of a lifetime aboard the long-range California fishing vessel, Excel. For 18 days starting Feb. 1, he’ll be sending daily reports – including video recorded by a drone camera. Catch the action exclusively at TheFisherman.com.

The fishing trip of a lifetime is approaching fast. One of the tools we will be using for capturing video from outside of the boat will be this Phantom II quad copter. We now have the ability to get camera angles that, at one time, could have only been possible with another boat or helicopter. Let’s hope we don’t fly her into the water! Remember, starting February 1st visit the TheFisherman.com to follow all the action on the Excel fishing Trip.

Having arrived safely in San Diego, Tim Smith, John Nappo and the boys from Trophy Tackle board the Excel and prepare for the epic long range fishing expedition ahead.

With everyone aboard and gear loaded, the crew of the Excel stocks up on live bait and departs San Diego Harbor for the tuna grounds.

Steaming south to Cabo San Lucas, the tireless tackle preparation continues but this didn’t prevent the boys aboard the Excel from enjoying a traditional Super Bowl tailgate party.

Continuing on their way to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and the land of monster yellowfin tuna, the Excel stops for a hot yellowtail bite and Tim announces the winner of the Super Bowl pool!

Day 3 at sea and the Excel finally arrives in Cabo San Lucas to pick up the remaining anglers. The quad copter is deployed for a few overhead shots and the long steam to Clarion Island begins. Cow yellowfin lay just around the corner!

Locked, loaded and ready for action! As the Excel nears the fertile waters of Clarion Island, Tim takes us through the last of the crew’s tackle prep and gives us a tour of the boat’s engine room and mechanical systems.

Arriving at the fishing grounds off Clarion Island, it wasn’t long before the sound of screaming drags and thumping tuna tails reverberated around deck.

Although multiple yellowfin exceeding the 200 pound mark have already hit the deck, Capt. Justin Fleck knows there are bigger fish to be found. The anglers aboard the Excel wrap up another day at Clarion Island before proceeding to Hurricane Bank.

Capt. Justin Fleck made the right call moving to Hurricane Bank and less than a day after arriving, jumbo yellowfin are flying over the rails and tuckering out anglers all around the Excel.