| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Johninaustin
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 03 Jun 2007
Posts: 1110
|
 Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 12:27 pm Post subject: Want to take an extended tuna trip, need advice. |
 |
|
I have the charter pretty much decided on, I just need help on the gear I should take. At the moment the only stuff I have that qualifies would be a 4/0 Penn Senator on a 6' roller rod or a Penn 7000 spinner on a 6' boat rod. I'm thinking of using 40lb braid on both. Spare reel and line will be taken.
I'd also like your input on such things as sleeping gear, weather gear, and any little things that would make 60 or 80 hours on a party boat bearable. Plus I'm not sure how they handle the sleeping and bathroom accomodations so I need an expert's advice about that too.
Any thoughts? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ratherbefishing
Member White Shrimper Boot Club
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Posts: 868
Location: Arlington, Tx
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 1:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Contact the charter and ask them for the specifics. Or, you could go this route and name the company to see if someone here has used them.
_________________
| SailBad the Sinner wrote: | | What isn't located behind a What-a-burger in Corpus? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
deputydawg
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 1991
Location: Humble
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 2:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Which boat you planning on using? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bulldog1935
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 07 Feb 2017
Posts: 1061
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 2:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| some charters won't let you use your own tackle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
deputydawg
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 1991
Location: Humble
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 7:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| bulldog1935 wrote: | | some charters won't let you use your own tackle |
Every multi day trip I've been on has let you bring your own gear. I've probably been on 20 or so long range trips on the Port A boats. It's not cheap but I I definately recommend doing it at least once. A big ol yellow fin dumping your reel is hard to forget! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
awesum
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 1089
Location: El Rancho Jones
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 8:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
Depending on which boat you go on some have better tackle than others and will allow you to use it.
As far as your own gear goes the 4/0 will be OK for chunking (freelining chunks of blackfin or sardines while the boat drifts) but 40# braid won't do. Most folks use 80 braid with a top shot of at least 25 yards 50 - 60# mono to which you would attach a length of fluorocarbon leader. I use 80# for chunking.
The spinner might work for blackfins but not for Yellowfins. I am not familiar with a Penn 7000. Could it be a 7500? Again 40 is not enough IMO. Using anything under 60 increases your risk of prolonging the fight and having things go wrong. Also think about the others fishing near you.
The typical Yellowfin we catch here in Texas waters weighs between 50 - 70 lbs but you have to be prepared for something much larger.
I've been doing these trips for 20 years now and have done 35 or so and have seen many a heartbroken fisherman for being under gunned. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mike_D
Finger Mullet
Joined: 30 May 2017
Posts: 36
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 12:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Awesum, not to highjack the original post, but maybe you could share your opinion on the best boats to take since you have so much experience. I for one would like to know which have usable gear. I have a garage full of offshore and beach gear that has hardly been touched in the last decade since we have started fostering and time is limited. I would be more inclined to take one of these trips if it was an easy getaway.
| awesum wrote: | Depending on which boat you go on some have better tackle than others and will allow you to use it.
As far as your own gear goes the 4/0 will be OK for chunking (freelining chunks of blackfin or sardines while the boat drifts) but 40# braid won't do. Most folks use 80 braid with a top shot of at least 25 yards 50 - 60# mono to which you would attach a length of fluorocarbon leader. I use 80# for chunking.
The spinner might work for blackfins but not for Yellowfins. I am not familiar with a Penn 7000. Could it be a 7500? Again 40 is not enough IMO. Using anything under 60 increases your risk of prolonging the fight and having things go wrong. Also think about the others fishing near you.
The typical Yellowfin we catch here in Texas waters weighs between 50 - 70 lbs but you have to be prepared for something much larger.
I've been doing these trips for 20 years now and have done 35 or so and have seen many a heartbroken fisherman for being under gunned. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
awesum
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 1089
Location: El Rancho Jones
|
| Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 8:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Mike_D wrote: | | Awesum, not to highjack the original post, but maybe you could share your opinion on the best boats to take since you have so much experience. I for one would like to know which have usable gear. I have a garage full of offshore and beach gear that has hardly been touched in the last decade since we have started fostering and time is limited. I would be more inclined to take one of these trips if it was an easy getaway. |
Mike, besides several trips I did on the Big "E" out of Freeport all of my floater trips for tuna have been done out of Port A. And most of those out of deep Sea Headquarters on the Pelican. My last trip (in November 2019) was on the Gulf Eagle. I've done the Scat Cat 56 hour many times too. All of these boats have their pluses and minuses. But I wouldn't hesitate to do any of them.
The Dolphin Express is another real good one. But weather cancellations, etc. have prevented me from getting out on that boat. But Doug (Deputy Dawg) can fill you in on that one.
As far as "usable" tackle is concerned I haven't kept a list but I know both the Pelican and the Gulf Eagle have Accurates stowed that I have seen them allow others to use. It may take a tip to a deckhand though ... 
All of the above mentioned boats have bunks, The Scat cat's are much better of the bunch. But if you are choosing a boat by sleeping accommodations then your priorities are askew. Those who sleep the least usually catch the most fish. 
The Scat Cat, Gulf Eagle and Dolphin Express all have showers.
The OP mentioned 60 - 80 hr trips so reading into that I think he is looking at going on either the La Pesca or Dolphin. I have no input on those trips/boats but have always been of the opinion that they are not serious Yellowfin tuna floater trips.
Also to another OP question ... taking rain gear is always a good idea if it is possible in the forecast. I only do these trips between late October and mid December and 90% or more of the time I fish in shorts. And in all of my trips I have been rained on one time.
Another viable option .... I always take a backup for each reel I use the most. I take a reel for chunking and a backup. I take a spinning reel for throwing top waters and swim baits and a backup. Same with a conventional jigging reel. So I have gear I can and often do loan to others. I have loaned tackle for these trips to others here on this board in the past.
The first trip or two should be for learning. Watch what others are doing. Emulate the successful ones. Make friends with the deckhands and captain. If they are casting stay close by .... you may get a rod thrust into your midsection that has an angry YFT on the other end. And there is no shame in
taking a hand-off.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Johninaustin
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 03 Jun 2007
Posts: 1110
|
| Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 11:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
| awesum wrote: | | Mike_D wrote: | | Awesum, not to highjack the original post, but maybe you could share your opinion on the best boats to take since you have so much experience. I for one would like to know which have usable gear. I have a garage full of offshore and beach gear that has hardly been touched in the last decade since we have started fostering and time is limited. I would be more inclined to take one of these trips if it was an easy getaway. |
Mike, besides several trips I did on the Big "E" out of Freeport all of my floater trips for tuna have been done out of Port A. And most of those out of Deep Sea Headquarters on the Pelican. My last trip (in November 2019) was on the Gulf Eagle. I've done the Scat Cat 56 hour many times too. All of these boats have their pluses and minuses. But I wouldn't hesitate to do any of them.
The Dolphin Express is another real good one. But weather cancellations, etc. have prevented me from getting out on that boat. But Doug (Deputy Dawg) can fill you in on that one.
As far as "usable" tackle is concerned I haven't kept a list but I know both the Pelican and the Gulf Eagle have Accurates stowed that I have seen them allow others to use. It may take a tip to a deckhand though ...
All of the above mentioned boats have bunks, The Scat cat's are much better of the bunch. But if you are choosing a boat by sleeping accommodations then your priorities are askew. Those who sleep the least usually catch the most fish.
The Scat Cat, Gulf Eagle and Dolphin Express all have showers.
The OP mentioned 60 - 80 hr trips so reading into that I think he is looking at going on either the La Pesca or Dolphin. I have no input on those trips/boats but have always been of the opinion that they are not serious Yellowfin tuna floater trips.
Also to another OP question ... taking rain gear is always a good idea if it is possible in the forecast. I only do these trips between late October and mid December and 90% or more of the time I fish in shorts. And in all of my trips I have been rained on one time.
Another viable option .... I always take a backup for each reel I use the most. I take a reel for chunking and a backup. I take a spinning reel for throwing top waters and swim baits and a backup. Same with a conventional jigging reel. So I have gear I can and often do loan to others. I have loaned tackle for these trips to others here on this board in the past.
The first trip or two should be for learning. Watch what others are doing. Emulate the successful ones. Make friends with the deckhands and captain. If they are casting stay close by .... you may get a rod thrust into your midsection that has an angry YFT on the other end. And there is no shame in
taking a hand-off. |
Thank you! Sorry about not getting back to this thread earlier, way too much work drama these days.
Yes, I was looking at the Dolphin docks trips, they have always delivered on the day trips I've taken over the years and I like the folks there. The rain gear is a good tip, I'll add that to the packing list. I'm quite happy with blackfin trips, to be honest I don't think I have it in me to fight a yellowfin. I have had both shoulders rebuilt from injuries and just landing 3 or four 30 lb fish would more than likely end the day for me. I'll also upgrade the braid to match your suggestions. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ratherbefishing
Member White Shrimper Boot Club
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Posts: 868
Location: Arlington, Tx
|
| Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 12:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks to all you experienced gentlemen, this thread gave out a lot of good information.
This forum at its best...
_________________
| SailBad the Sinner wrote: | | What isn't located behind a What-a-burger in Corpus? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
HungerBuster
Flour Bluffian in training
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 371
|
| Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 12:11 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Man, I miss those super long range trips with Captain Elliot's. Fun stuff.
_________________
Fish ON! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jetty Bandit
Member White Shrimper Boot Club
Joined: 04 Sep 2013
Posts: 609
Location: Corpus Christi
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 1:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Johninaustin wrote: | | I'm quite happy with blackfin trips, to be honest I don't think I have it in me to fight a yellowfin. I have had both shoulders rebuilt from injuries and just landing 3 or four 30 lb fish would more than likely end the day for me. I'll also upgrade the braid to match your suggestions. |
They should have a harness available to use, which will save your shoulders and arms by using your whole body to fight the fish. And I second the 80lb braid.
_________________
"I never had an Easter, but I've always had a bunch of speakers" - Beardo |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
deputydawg
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 1991
Location: Humble
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 2:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Jetty Bandit wrote: | | Johninaustin wrote: | | I'm quite happy with blackfin trips, to be honest I don't think I have it in me to fight a yellowfin. I have had both shoulders rebuilt from injuries and just landing 3 or four 30 lb fish would more than likely end the day for me. I'll also upgrade the braid to match your suggestions. |
They should have a harness available to use, which will save your shoulders and arms by using your whole body to fight the fish. And I second the 80lb braid. |
A harness would be great but they dont really work well on the big boats from what I've seen. Some of those big yellow fin will run you all the way around the boat repeatedly. Things happen quick and you may need to hand the rod off to get around something or somebody and can't do that all hooked up in a harness. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
deputydawg
Full Grown Flour Bluffian
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 1991
Location: Humble
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Johninaustin wrote: | | awesum wrote: | | Mike_D wrote: | | Awesum, not to highjack the original post, but maybe you could share your opinion on the best boats to take since you have so much experience. I for one would like to know which have usable gear. I have a garage full of offshore and beach gear that has hardly been touched in the last decade since we have started fostering and time is limited. I would be more inclined to take one of these trips if it was an easy getaway. |
Mike, besides several trips I did on the Big "E" out of Freeport all of my floater trips for tuna have been done out of Port A. And most of those out of Deep Sea Headquarters on the Pelican. My last trip (in November 2019) was on the Gulf Eagle. I've done the Scat Cat 56 hour many times too. All of these boats have their pluses and minuses. But I wouldn't hesitate to do any of them.
The Dolphin Express is another real good one. But weather cancellations, etc. have prevented me from getting out on that boat. But Doug (Deputy Dawg) can fill you in on that one.
As far as "usable" tackle is concerned I haven't kept a list but I know both the Pelican and the Gulf Eagle have Accurates stowed that I have seen them allow others to use. It may take a tip to a deckhand though ...
All of the above mentioned boats have bunks, The Scat cat's are much better of the bunch. But if you are choosing a boat by sleeping accommodations then your priorities are askew. Those who sleep the least usually catch the most fish.
The Scat Cat, Gulf Eagle and Dolphin Express all have showers.
The OP mentioned 60 - 80 hr trips so reading into that I think he is looking at going on either the La Pesca or Dolphin. I have no input on those trips/boats but have always been of the opinion that they are not serious Yellowfin tuna floater trips.
Also to another OP question ... taking rain gear is always a good idea if it is possible in the forecast. I only do these trips between late October and mid December and 90% or more of the time I fish in shorts. And in all of my trips I have been rained on one time.
Another viable option .... I always take a backup for each reel I use the most. I take a reel for chunking and a backup. I take a spinning reel for throwing top waters and swim baits and a backup. Same with a conventional jigging reel. So I have gear I can and often do loan to others. I have loaned tackle for these trips to others here on this board in the past.
The first trip or two should be for learning. Watch what others are doing. Emulate the successful ones. Make friends with the deckhands and captain. If they are casting stay close by .... you may get a rod thrust into your midsection that has an angry YFT on the other end. And there is no shame in
taking a hand-off. |
Thank you! Sorry about not getting back to this thread earlier, way too much work drama these days.
Yes, I was looking at the Dolphin docks trips, they have always delivered on the day trips I've taken over the years and I like the folks there. The rain gear is a good tip, I'll add that to the packing list. I'm quite happy with blackfin trips, to be honest I don't think I have it in me to fight a yellowfin. I have had both shoulders rebuilt from injuries and just landing 3 or four 30 lb fish would more than likely end the day for me. I'll also upgrade the braid to match your suggestions. |
Awesome is dead on with everything he has said. Great information!
I've been on a lot of the port A boats except the Scat Cat dock (they will never get my business)! My favorite is the Dolphin Express. The boat is comfortable and fishes well and Capt Timmy will put you on the fish. I've never seen anybody madder at fish and more willing to help you catch one than him! Our last trip this December we limited and put 54 yellowfin on the boat the first night. Then we left and filled the boxes with limits of huge beeliners and other stuff. Great trip!
You may want to look at going on a good shrimp boat trip for blackfin. I did that a few times and the blackfin seem to be bigger than at the floaters. A lot closer and easier too.
I'm definately no expert but like awesome have been out there quite a bit. I'll be glad to help a newbie anyway I can. A multi day floater trip is definately worth it and something you'll never forget! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
