Folklore Films: Year of the Bluefin

The very fish that ushered in sportfishing was gone off California’s coastline for nearly a century. The large bluefin returned again, this time, rivaling the golden era of the past.

With pacific bluefin populations still well below historic levels, every angler on the west coast is wondering if this fishery is here to stay or if the golden years are now…

Folklore Films by AFTCO Presents: Year of the Bluefin.

A story told with a whisper of the past, something only Greg Stotesbury could manage. Stotesbury is a bit of a legend around these parts. Seasoned, just like you’d imagine. A man who’s seen a few hard days and spent his best ones offshore somewhere in the Pacific chasing sails, marlin, tuna — you name it, he’s caught it.

Stotesbury pulls out a weathered rod, getting everything in place to stretch some line, preparing for a trip of his own. The rhythmic click with each turn of the handle and the smell of salt wafting through the air sets the scene for the richness of his tale.

aftco.com/folklore