There may finally be a crack in the dark cloud that's been hanging over San Diego's offshore fishing for several weeks. Albacore went on the bite during the afternoon of the last day of July, about 180 miles south of Point Loma. Royal Star skipper Randy Toussaint got 'em going, and the Searcher jumped in to stay after the Star had to boogie for port.

There've been too many disappointments lately to make bold predictions, but this bite has great promise, and other boats in the code group should arrive on the scene today. Jeff DeBuys of the Independence was one who said he was on his way. Watch this for fast-moving developments.

The Royal Polaris and the Excel are also on their way to a bite, but that one's at Alijos Rocks. Frank LoPreste reported breaking fish and whales at 200 miles, another indicator that the longfin/bluefin bite is going off. It may spread north; like wildfire, we hope.