The easiest way to sum up our July 20-21 overnight canyons trip with captain Willy Hatch of Machaca Charters was captured perfectly by one of our fishing crew: "This is what Ryan had in mind when he started My Fishing Cape Cod." We all agreed wholeheartedly.
The Journey to Get Here
The planning for this trip began well over a year ago. It was rescheduled several times before ultimately being canceled in 2024 due to weather. Brett Blaisdell and I were scheduled on those original trips and were fortunate to make it onto this one as well. Fast forward to 2025, and our MFCC team consisted of:
- Paul Aldrich (CCSonarCoach)
- Brett Blaidell (Brettblaidell123)
- Brian Blair (Bigbere44)
- Brendan Geggatt (Bgeggatt)
After exchanging hopeful emails and weather reports throughout the week, we connected at 4:00 a.m. in Falmouth and started our adventure with Captain Willy Hatch aboard the Machaca.
Departing Falmouth Harbor before sunrise, under some ominous looking clouds. The weather would prove challenging during this trip, but ultimately the crew would persevere and the fish would cooperate.
Day One: Weather, Fish, and Teamwork
The seas were sloppy as we headed south, but we made it to the canyons successfully. Brian was first up, and we managed to land a beautiful yellowfin on the troll. Soon after, the weather took a turn for the worse.
Storm Challenges
Captain Willy had been tracking a front that developed near New Jersey and was heading our way—and it found us. Conditions became serious with thunder, lightning, and building seas. Everyone remained calm while Willy expertly navigated us around the storm as best he could, and we continued fishing. The seas were running about 6 feet (Willy's assessment, not mine), and the rain was coming down hard.
The Action Picks Up
After several hours of challenging weather, conditions improved and the bite picked up significantly:
- Brendan nailed a nice yellowfin
- I landed one as well
Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory, navigating vast oceanic distances in pursuit of prey like squid and other baitfish, often found along the edges of warm water eddies. Their presence in the canyons signals a healthy ecosystem supported by the convergence of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current, creating optimal feeding conditions. Pictured here is the author, MFCC member Paul Aldrich.
- Brett was on deck when a marlin blasted through our spread but missed everything. Then, in an incredible display of skill, Willy jumped into the back, grabbed a rod, and teased the marlin into biting. "Fish on!"
Willy handed the rod to Brett, who had a fantastic fight and closed the deal. If you've never seen a white marlin fresh out of the water, they are truly spectacular. I took a moment to admire how beautiful this fish really is—it was my first white marlin experience. After a quick release, we were back to fishing!
Captain Willy (left), Brett Blaisdell (center) and Brendan Geggatt (right). White marlin are a highly sought-after game fish thriving in the Northeast canyons of the Atlantic Ocean. White marlin are recognizable by their streamlined bodies and long, spear-like bills. They are apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Multiple Hook-ups
The excitement didn't stop there. We tripled up on three big-eye tuna, losing one at the boat but successfully landing the other two. Those big-eye were another first for me. We then achieved a triple on yellowfin, going three for three on those fish.
There was additional miscellaneous action throughout the day before we shut down the trolling and started night drifting for swords.
Bigeye tuna, easily identifiable by their proportionally larger eyes compared to other tuna species, are prized for their firm, flavorful meat, often favored for sashimi. These highly migratory fish can be found in the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Bigeye tuna are known for their large eyes, which are adapted for hunting in low-light conditions, and their impressive dives to depths of up to 1,600 feet. Pictured here is lifetime MFCC member Brett Blaisdell.
Hydrographer Canyon
During this trip we were fishing the area of Hydrographer Canyon-a prominent underwater canyon system located approximately 65 miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, along the continental shelf edge. This submarine canyon cuts dramatically into the seafloor, creating depths that plunge from around 600 feet at the canyon head to over 6,000 feet at its deepest points.
Hydrographer canyon's steep walls and complex bathymetry create unique oceanographic conditions, including powerful upwelling currents that bring nutrient-rich deep water to the surface. These conditions support an incredibly productive marine ecosystem, with the canyon serving as a critical habitat for various pelagic species and a feeding ground that attracts everything from baitfish to apex predators.
For sportfishing enthusiasts, Hydrographer Canyon represents one of the premier offshore fishing destinations in New England waters. The canyon's upwelling creates ideal conditions for targeting prized gamefish species including bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, white marlin, blue marlin, mahi-mahi, and various shark species. The convergence of warm Gulf Stream waters with cooler continental shelf waters near the canyon edge creates temperature breaks that concentrate baitfish and attract predatory species.
Many charter boats and private sportfishing vessels make the journey to "Hydro Canyon" during peak season, typically from late spring through early fall, when the warm water species are most abundant. The canyon's reputation among anglers is built on its consistent action and the possibility of encountering trophy-sized pelagic species in the productive waters above this underwater geographical feature.
Night Fishing for Swordfish
We had one hit while setting the bait—literally within seconds. Unfortunately, that fish never returned for a second helping. Willy suspected it was probably a tuna rather than a sword. We had no further action overnight.
Day Two: The 3.5hr Stand-Up Fight
I had a severe disagreement with my stomach overnight but answered the call at 4:30 a.m. when fishing resumed. We were trolling and got a hit in the spread at 6:00 a.m. Brian jumped on while we cleared the rods and deck.
The Marathon Battle
Since I wasn't feeling up to par yet, the three other guys took turns fighting that fish stand-up on a 50W reel. The battle lasted until 9:34 a.m.—a testament to incredible teamwork. We passed the rod nine times before Brian and Willy finally closed the deal.
Bluefin tuna, renowned for their incredible speed and strength, pose a formidable challenge to anglers, especially when engaged in stand-up fighting. This method, involving a harness and fighting belt, shifts the strain from the angler's arms to the legs and back, enabling them to apply sustained pressure on the fish. However, even with this advantage, battles against giant bluefin can last for hours and require immense physical endurance and skill.
The coordination was impressive: unbuckling harnesses and belts, getting the next angler set up, strapped in, and ready to continue the fight. Each pass of the rod was primarily due to strain and muscle cramps rather than anyone giving up. Let this serve as a warning for those considering stand-up fights with commercial-sized fish.
Bluefin tuna are highly migratory and powerful predators that are drawn to the canyons by the abundant food sources and unique oceanographic conditions. Pictured here is MFCC member Brian Blair.
You wouldn't want to mess with Brian, Brett, or Brendan, which gives you an idea of how powerful these fish are. I fought a giant virtually solo a couple of years ago, so I feel confident in that department. For the record, my fish received a safe release.
Safety and Teamwork
Throughout the trip, we all did an excellent job looking out for each other. When someone had a big fish on and was strapped in, there was always someone nearby, just in case. If anyone was moving around the deck, everyone kept watch—true teamwork at its finest.
Captain Willy Hatch: The Ultimate Professional
I cannot finish this story without highlighting Captain Willy Hatch. This was my fourth trip to the canyons and my second with Willy—it won't be my last. When it comes to canyon fishing, he is simply "The Man."
Why Willy Stands Out:
- Calm under pressure: Three hours into the tuna fight when the crew was wearing down, Willy matter-of-factly said, "If you stay calm, we will get him." And we did.
- Fish whisperer: He teased that white marlin into biting with incredible skill
- Weather expertise: Cool as can be when conditions deteriorated
- Boat handling: I watched the spread while Willy drove through rough weather—we never crossed lines despite multiple course changes
- Equipment: Top-notch gear throughout
- Work ethic: Never stops working to put clients on fish
Taking the extra steps to care for your tuna immediately after the catch makes all the difference in the final taste and texture. For the best quality sashimi and steaks, proper handling is key. Bleed, gut, and get that catch on ice quickly to ensure a delicious meal.. Pictured here is captain Willy Hatch of Machaca Charters.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of other stories to tell, but Ryan asked me to keep this relatively short (and I still went over!).
The short version: If anyone asked me whether I would do this exact trip again with the same crew and same everything, I would say 100% YES! I'm already looking forward to going again.
Fish on!
Respectfully submitted,
July 22, 2025
Paul Aldrich, Cape Cod Sonar Coach
"This photo in particular made me think, this is a perfect example of why Ryan created this group. Just some strangers sitting in the back of the boat creating fishing friends for life." - Brian Blair
Wow. That is one Awesome trip!!
Paul, thanks for sharing. Felt like I was in the battle with you while reading. Went out with Willy to the Sword last year and agree he is the man. Cheers Jeff
Great fish story Paul! Congrats on an epic trip. Really nice read.