Who wants to learn tuna fishing and buddy boat?

rogerbum

All,

I'm thinking about arranging a C-Brat get together (CBGT) at Neah Bay (or perhaps Westport) this year for tuna fishing. I did a CBGT a few years ago at Neah and it was only attended by one other boat, so I realize it's a bit of a hike to get to Neah Bay. HOWEVER, the salmon fishing is excellent there and the bottom fishing is pretty damn good also. With a Canadian license you can even catch halibut most of the summer there. But the best damn thing ever is running off shore to catch albacore tuna. This past year was my learning experience for albacore fishing and I think I've gone from bad to mediocre at it. By the end of this summer, I think I'll be good at it. I'd be happy to show others where to fish for them, introduce you to the tackle you need and the methods for catching them etc. I'd also be thrilled to have a few "buddy boats" with me when I'm 40-55 miles off shore. So is anyone interested in giving this a try?

To do this right, you'd need to have 4-5 days in Late July/early Aug so that you could be reasonably assured of a couple days in a row with flat water off shore (usually 3-4 out of 5 days are good out there that time of year). For a 22 with the 25 gal tanks, you'd probably need to carry an extra jerry can or two of fuel. Alternatively, you could leave early on a very calm day and motor out at 6kts to get good fuel mileage on the way out. A 25 or a TomCat can do it no problem, just fill the tanks before you leave.

For those afraid to wander off shore, I realize it's not for everyone. However, if you go at the right time of year, the waters off shore are often very calm (many times better than in the Strait of Juan de Fuca). You just need to monitor the weather/swell predictions and pick your days. It's safer to go with a buddy boat or two and that's the reason for suggesting a CBGT tuna fishing excursion. Also, if you have a few boats out, you can spread out a bit and increase the odds of finding a good school of fish. By sharing info, you increase the odds of success.

If you haven't fished for albacore before, I can tell you it's pretty darn addicting. They run fast and fight hard. Once you find them, you often get double or triple hookup. Also, a properly cared for and cleaned albacore tuna is a great tasting fish. So... is anyone interested in joining me out there this summer with your boat?

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:13 pm Post subject:

While I live too far away too make it, a trip like that sounds awesome. I hope you have a great time. In the summer, I go out in the open ocean all the time to fish for halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and salmon. You're right, it isn't for everyone, but it isn't as bad as most people imagine it is. In fact, as you pointed out, it is often calmer out in the open ocean than it is in the bays and fjords - that is when the area is influenced by high pressure.

For those with CD 22s, I have found that the max doable range of the CD 22 with 18 gallon tanks is 140 miles with no reserve when running to Montegue Island here in SC Alaska. I have two red 18 gallon tanks I run on my stainless rack when fuel/range is an issue - which is often.

The only issue I would see CD 22s and CD 25s going to the fising grounds with tomcats is being able to keep up. I envy the speed of your boat.

Sunbeam · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:16 pm Post subject:

What a great idea and opportunity Thumbs Up

rogerbum · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:34 pm Post subject:

Sunbeam · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:36 pm Post subject:

ShellBack · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:42 pm Post subject:

Just faxed my fishing partner the thought. They are in Barkley Sound for New Years so we will see the response. Sounds great for me but must admit a weeeee bit scary.

rogerbum · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 12:37 am Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 3:39 am Post subject:

Roger,

I am a long way from deciding to go but am curious. (Maybe with a friend.) Are you talking an overnight at sea or would this be out and back on the same day?

Just remembering from your trip last summer.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

rogerbum · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:44 am Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 12:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks Roger. Something to consider. I'm not that far into fishing, but the trip sounds challenging and fun. I will keep following for now.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

neblig · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:10 pm Post subject:

Love the idea. I'll be up at Nootka Sound the last week of July, but after that... and if I can find an alternate crew (braver), count me in.

Darkwater · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:16 pm Post subject:

Roger- If you can't get many C-Brats to join you, or even if you do, suggest you try to network with the local Washington coastal sport fishermen as well.

Due to coastal topography and consequent upwelling patterns, tuna water tends to be farther offshore in northern Calif than in Oregon and Washington. But here in our northern Calif ports of Noyo Harbor and Humboldt Bay, the local tuna chasers are especially friendly in buddy-ing up, and in keeping in touch with other boats on a common radio channel (10) and sharing lat-lon's and lure colors where the bite is hot. A key tool in this networking and buddy-ing is the "Humboldt Tuna Club" forum. On a good tuna day there are dozens of boats out as far as 40 miles, and I agree a good day of tuna fishing makes salmon fishing seem pretty tame!

Also, a good source of offshore water temperature/chlorophyll conditions is tempbreak.com. And you can also check any NOAA weather buoys in area of interest (few buoys, but not affected by cloud cover)

I don't know if any similar fishing forum exists for coastal Washington. Good luck! Doug

amy and karl · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:10 pm Post subject:

I would be interested if it is out of Westport. I would likely only be able to make the weekend. If the weather was right I would be down with heading out super early Saturday and coming in Sunday. What kind of gear do you reccomend?

Thanks,
Karl

rogerbum · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:47 pm Post subject:

amy and karl · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:04 pm Post subject:

Well, I've got the gear for one setup so that's good. Is a pattern nessesary or will a couple lines out due? I'll start reading some threads on bloody decks too.

Thanks.