redbaronace
New member
PM Sent
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Who wants to learn tuna fishing and buddy boat?
- Thread starter rogerbum
- Start date
If the stars were to align just right we may be interested. I have fished for Yellow Fin a lot in Mexico, and have fished out as far as 70 miles in the TomCat. We have never fished Albacore, but have the gear and lots of Tuna lures and feathers.
Rick, Good to hear from you again.
Rick, Good to hear from you again.
Wandering Sagebrush":136ucz4s said:I have always used non-level wind reels for tuna and halibut. Whether or not it is true, I don't know, but I have heard stories of level winds blowing up when a big fish is on a run. I have a Shimano Calcutta (700?) and a Penn that I use on halibut rods. Sorry, but the reels are at the beach, so I can not give exact model numbers.
For albacore, I don't think level winds are a huge issue - especially with a better made one (e.g. Shimano, etc). IMHO, a bigger concern than them "blowing up" is that one needs to be careful to keep ones fingers away from the front of the reel lest you get your fingers pinched in the level wind mechanism. I've used Penn GT320's, shimano tekota 500's and a shimano tekota 700. I think the latter is about perfect for tuna while the 500's are a little under sized.
sounds like fun and if on a weekend should be able to make it. we tend to go out of la push though when we go. this will be the firs year taking the dory out. and I have the 18 gal tanks and will be putting an extra 15 or so gallons on board as well.
the 22' cruiser is not an Ideal tuna boat but it is doable. for la push there is no live bait so there is no need for a bait tank( although I am still looking for ideas on this). so for me westport is out. even with a bait tank there just isn't enough storage capacity to justify a trip there. I will crew up with buddies for those trips.
storage is tuff but I turned my port hatch into a kill station last year for bleeding and it dumps into the splashwell. for ice I will use coolers up in the cuddy. and poss a big garbage can(used that on a buddies boat last year and worked good).
rod holders take care of most gear. I Run 4 rods and 4 hand lines(2 hand lines on planers and two top water) just have to make wide turns. and it helps to have a crew that knows the game to make the most out of the small cockpit.
post bleed kill bags are about the only way I will want to go they can be stored just about anywhere and keep things cold for a good time. if fishing gets hot you can de head the tuna. in the end I figure I will be stuffed with 20 or so. but given no live bait I would be happy with that. we averaged 12-15 a trip last year with my wifes uncle killing it one day with 50 on the troll.
last year was my first year really "going" for these fish. and we had a great season and it will ruin salmon for you.
that being said the idea of a meet is cool but you are talking about taking a big group of potential "first" timers out 30-50 nm offshore and I don't know if i would want to take on that.
and a final note to those that make it out. I would take all pads out of boat that are not being used and do your best to keep the blood out of the cabin. these fish bleed a ton and the blood does not come out of clothes ect. and stinks to high heaven.
the 22' cruiser is not an Ideal tuna boat but it is doable. for la push there is no live bait so there is no need for a bait tank( although I am still looking for ideas on this). so for me westport is out. even with a bait tank there just isn't enough storage capacity to justify a trip there. I will crew up with buddies for those trips.
storage is tuff but I turned my port hatch into a kill station last year for bleeding and it dumps into the splashwell. for ice I will use coolers up in the cuddy. and poss a big garbage can(used that on a buddies boat last year and worked good).
rod holders take care of most gear. I Run 4 rods and 4 hand lines(2 hand lines on planers and two top water) just have to make wide turns. and it helps to have a crew that knows the game to make the most out of the small cockpit.
post bleed kill bags are about the only way I will want to go they can be stored just about anywhere and keep things cold for a good time. if fishing gets hot you can de head the tuna. in the end I figure I will be stuffed with 20 or so. but given no live bait I would be happy with that. we averaged 12-15 a trip last year with my wifes uncle killing it one day with 50 on the troll.
last year was my first year really "going" for these fish. and we had a great season and it will ruin salmon for you.
that being said the idea of a meet is cool but you are talking about taking a big group of potential "first" timers out 30-50 nm offshore and I don't know if i would want to take on that.
and a final note to those that make it out. I would take all pads out of boat that are not being used and do your best to keep the blood out of the cabin. these fish bleed a ton and the blood does not come out of clothes ect. and stinks to high heaven.
Jake,
Lots of stuff we agree on. Tuna fishing will ruin you on salmon fishing (or at least make you want to do tuna fishing more than salmon). A 22 is a bit marginal for tuna fishing mostly due to the limited fuel capacity. To get 20 tuna on a 22 would probably require cutting the heads off and one would be pushing the load limits with the amount of ice necessary to keep them appropriately chilled.
As for taking "newbies" way offshore, everyone's a newbie sometime ad it's much safer to have a buddy boat (or two or more) than to be a newbie all on your own (which is how I did it). Again the key is to pick a very good weather window (in the middle of 2-3 days of calm water).
Lots of stuff we agree on. Tuna fishing will ruin you on salmon fishing (or at least make you want to do tuna fishing more than salmon). A 22 is a bit marginal for tuna fishing mostly due to the limited fuel capacity. To get 20 tuna on a 22 would probably require cutting the heads off and one would be pushing the load limits with the amount of ice necessary to keep them appropriately chilled.
As for taking "newbies" way offshore, everyone's a newbie sometime ad it's much safer to have a buddy boat (or two or more) than to be a newbie all on your own (which is how I did it). Again the key is to pick a very good weather window (in the middle of 2-3 days of calm water).
starcrafttom
Active member
We had a c-brat with a 22 angler that was fishing tuna out of Oregon a few years ago. Him, two friends, a large fish tote and 35 tuna coming back from 40 miles out at 16 knots. if I remember he was about 240 lbs and the others where as big. You can do it in a 22 but you have to watch and pick the weather. I would be interested in going maybe from west port. Easier to get to from my place. No ferry ride. When your over 40 ft of boat and trailer plus a long bed truck it can cost a lot to take the ferry.
sounds good roger the bigger kill bags hold 15 tuna with ice in them before de heading. 2 of those packed with ice and a few nice coolers with ice and your good to go. as for fuel capacity spare fuel tanks will be on board till I dial in the fuel burn and even then I have a feeling 2-18 gal tanks will do the trick(on one day outings) but I feel better having the extra. a 22' boat will be the biggest boat we have taken out to date. last year we went in either my wifes uncle 20' trophy or my buddies 19' arima and they both handled the job fine. (we try to keep it at or below 7' combined). I agree with the buddy boat as well we typically are paired up as well. and it does deff. help for finding the schools. hope to see you out there this year :smiled
I remember reading your post both here and other fishing forums of your overnighter and both me and my buddies thought that would be a killer trip to throw together. :thup
I remember reading your post both here and other fishing forums of your overnighter and both me and my buddies thought that would be a killer trip to throw together. :thup
beermanPDX
New member
I might be very interested in this type of trip. I'm planning on taking my boat up to the Port Ludlow area that time of year anyway. What's another ~100 miles to Neah Bay? I would love to get my boat offshore.
I've fished for most of my life, but it's all been on the East Coast / Mid-West. I've only lived on the West Coast for a few years so I know absolutely nothing about salmon / tuna fishing, but would love to learn more.
This is probably a stupid question, but is it possible to get a rod/reel combo that would work for salmon as well as tuna? Given that there are quite a few less tuna in the Portland area, the first rod(s) I buy should probably be geared more toward salmon. But if I could get something that could handle both, that would be great.
I've fished for most of my life, but it's all been on the East Coast / Mid-West. I've only lived on the West Coast for a few years so I know absolutely nothing about salmon / tuna fishing, but would love to learn more.
This is probably a stupid question, but is it possible to get a rod/reel combo that would work for salmon as well as tuna? Given that there are quite a few less tuna in the Portland area, the first rod(s) I buy should probably be geared more toward salmon. But if I could get something that could handle both, that would be great.
Rob,beermanPDX":8uabbo3e said:<stuff clipped>
This is probably a stupid question, but is it possible to get a rod/reel combo that would work for salmon as well as tuna? Given that there are quite a few less tuna in the Portland area, the first rod(s) I buy should probably be geared more toward salmon. But if I could get something that could handle both, that would be great.
I've certainly caught some fraction of my albacore on salmon rods so it can be done. However, I think it's better to buy one rod for halibut/albacore and a separate rod for salmon. You can move the reel between the two. Neither the salmon nor the tuna rod need be that expensive - about $100/rod will do the job. If I were to buy one rod that fits the bill for both, I'd go with a medium heavy Okuma rod like an SST 1062MH. This is a 10.5' rod that has a lot of backbone so it holds up to tuna and enough flexibility to be used as a downrigger rod for salmon. I'd buy a Shimano tekota 600lc reel and spool it with 65# power pro. The rod is about $75 from amazon and the reel will be about $180. It's a bit long for putting the wood to a BIG fish like a good size hali, but you'll not have a problem bringing in an albacore or a salmon. It's so stiff, it will take some of the fun/fight out of smaller salmon. The long length is good for when you have 6' or longer leaders as it lets you get the fish close to the boat by raising the tip.
Personally, I like a 5-6' long, fairly stiff rod for tuna and halibut as the long rods give the fish more leverage and tire me out. I like the longer rods for salmon trolling since they have more flexibility, let me get the fish closer to the boat when I use long leaders and the longer length tends to better telegraph light hits or shakers caught on the troll.
beermanPDX
New member
Thanks for the excellent info Roger. Even though $280 for a rod/reel combo certainly isn't cheap, I was expecting much worse.
What else would you suggest for minimum fishing gear required for a trip like this? I may as well use the next few months to slowly acquire some equipment.
What else would you suggest for minimum fishing gear required for a trip like this? I may as well use the next few months to slowly acquire some equipment.
For tuna -
1) You want a gaff - but you can land them by grabbing the leader with a gloved hand and tossing them into the boat (as an aside, it's amazing how well the works for salmon when your net has blown out of the boat).
2) The most productive lures I've tried so far are Rapala X-rap 20s in the purple and black pattern.
3) Some 130-150lb monofilament leaders plus the crimps and crimping tool.
4) Some high quality 65lb or better Sampo ball bearing swivels.
5) A collection of 4-6 tuna clones (for example these - http://eatmelures.com/shop/7-offshore-jet-heads). The green and or purple ones seem to work work.
1) You want a gaff - but you can land them by grabbing the leader with a gloved hand and tossing them into the boat (as an aside, it's amazing how well the works for salmon when your net has blown out of the boat).
2) The most productive lures I've tried so far are Rapala X-rap 20s in the purple and black pattern.
3) Some 130-150lb monofilament leaders plus the crimps and crimping tool.
4) Some high quality 65lb or better Sampo ball bearing swivels.
5) A collection of 4-6 tuna clones (for example these - http://eatmelures.com/shop/7-offshore-jet-heads). The green and or purple ones seem to work work.
Gene Morris
New member
The Rapala's are a great lure for close to the boat. You will have to be careful when you troll or put them out, they are all over the place and will cause tangles if they get too close to other lines. Another staple is the cedar plug. My normal set up is two Rapala's close in at 25 and 35 ft ran from the transom. These lures need to be tuned and are very sensitive. If not tuned properly they will run wild and pop out of the water. My next set is two black/purple cedar plugs running about 75 to 150 ft on 7.5 ft rods off the sides. Then I put a fish trap on a good 20lb to 30lb rated salmon rod ran about 200 to 300 ft back in the middle of the pattern and place the rod in the rocket launcher. Putting this lure that far back doesn't require you to clear that rod when you stop on a troll fish. Just let the fish trap sink and sometimes it will get hit while fighting other fish. An important reminder is to have the clickers set on the reels. More than once we have come out of the pilot house and wondered why there wasn't any line on the fish trap rod,
that's embarrassing when you are the one that set that rod up. The fish trap way back is the only rig that I've caught Bluefin on but, it's great for albacore also.
I also have a collection of tuna clones and Zuker feather jigs. If the Rapala/plug pattern is not working well I'll switch with some jigs. The last few years the dark colors have worked the best. However, you need some zucchini, Mexican flag and dorado colored lures.
When all is said and done after you get your first tuna. You will find a way to spend thousands on all the new gear, and maybe even a bigger boat.
Gene
that's embarrassing when you are the one that set that rod up. The fish trap way back is the only rig that I've caught Bluefin on but, it's great for albacore also.
I also have a collection of tuna clones and Zuker feather jigs. If the Rapala/plug pattern is not working well I'll switch with some jigs. The last few years the dark colors have worked the best. However, you need some zucchini, Mexican flag and dorado colored lures.
When all is said and done after you get your first tuna. You will find a way to spend thousands on all the new gear, and maybe even a bigger boat.
Gene
tokelandpete
New member
Hello
my dory is way small for the event. I have spent much time on blue water and if anyone needs a capable deckhand that is what I am willing to share. Oh willing to chip in on fuel, etc. Good Luck on your adventure. If someone wants help halibut fishing the same offer stands.
Sincerely,
Peter
my dory is way small for the event. I have spent much time on blue water and if anyone needs a capable deckhand that is what I am willing to share. Oh willing to chip in on fuel, etc. Good Luck on your adventure. If someone wants help halibut fishing the same offer stands.
Sincerely,
Peter
tokelandpete
New member
Hello
How about we start with a halibut trip first. I have a 16ft c dory has anyone had luck say off posession pt or inside that my dory might be able to handle. If anyone needs a deckhand I am a pretty decent fisherman and would help share costs If going to more open waters.
Thanks,
Peter
How about we start with a halibut trip first. I have a 16ft c dory has anyone had luck say off posession pt or inside that my dory might be able to handle. If anyone needs a deckhand I am a pretty decent fisherman and would help share costs If going to more open waters.
Thanks,
Peter
Just came across this thread today. Did this Tuna gathering ever happen and is there a group that still goes out. I would like to go after one of these fish, I have never tried it. My boat is not set up for it but could be doable. I would not try it without a buddy boat and someone who knows what to do. I would really like to go out with someone else for the first time to show me the ways. I would be willing to pay my share for gas, gear, bait and all the other little things that go with it.
redbaronace
New member
Roger is this something you would consider doing this year.
We plan to fish Salmon From Neah Bay and Bottom fish from Canadian Swiftshure Bank this year.
But Tuna from Westport is also high on the want to do list.
If you were doing buddy boats with the brats, we would be interested.
We plan to fish Salmon From Neah Bay and Bottom fish from Canadian Swiftshure Bank this year.
But Tuna from Westport is also high on the want to do list.
If you were doing buddy boats with the brats, we would be interested.
Here in So Cal. we have to run out 80 miles at times. I've always wanted to spend the night "embedded" in a kelp patty. We use 4-5 inch soft plastics in a sardine color rigged on a heavy head. We troll pretty fast 7 -9 mph and a big head keeps the bait in the water. The single hook allows the fish to be quickly unhooked. More time fishing , less time avoiding being hooked.
I wish we could get up there this year, but I doubt it.
I wish we could get up there this year, but I doubt it.
I will definitely be tuna fishing this year and I'd be happy if others want to buddy boat. With the changing climate, tuna are starting to show up earlier and earlier and many have already been caught this year about 30 miles off of Charleston OR. Given the satellite images I have been seeing, it wouldn't surprise me if people start picking them up off the WA coast this week or next.redbaronace":283ysx7w said:Roger is this something you would consider doing this year.
We plan to fish Salmon From Neah Bay and Bottom fish from Canadian Swiftshure Bank this year.
But Tuna from Westport is also high on the want to do list.
If you were doing buddy boats with the brats, we would be interested.
My schedule is to have my boat at Neah Bay from June 24 - Aug 13 with fishing happening most weekends. On Aug. 13, we move it to Ilwaco and will fish from there for a full week and then weekends there after into late Sept/ Oct weather and fishing dependent. I've given up on Westport since the fuel dock isn't open on Sundays and after 5PM. That means if you run the tanks down on Sat. your options for fishing on Sunday are limited AND you have to get back down before 5PM on the following Friday if you want fuel for an early Sat AM departure. Mooring at Ilwaco is much easier in that regard.
Tuna fishing requires fairly good offshore conditions to do it safely and to really enjoy it so it's hard to schedule a tuna trip very far in advance. However, if there are flat seas on a weekend day and 61 degree water within reach, I'll likely be out on the hunt for tuna. If anyone is interested in buddy boating and sharing tuna intel, I'd be happy to help.
joechiro30
New member
I would love to join a tuna trip. We are doing a 4 day trip to Neah bay at swift sure bank for the king run and get some Canadian halibut. Would be great to buddy boat it with you then if you are fishing. We are planning to fish Thursday to Sunday. Let me know if anyone wants to join us. You would need a Canadian license bought at a vendor in bc not online.