Guadalupe 1st timer

[popx5]

Hello:

Been lurking for some time and got a question. Im going on my 1st 5 day at the end of August, and anticipate fishing Guadalupe island. Im taking a 25, 30, (2) 40, and a 60 pound set up. I hear from some who have been there that typically it is a slow pick on the long soak, and the Yellow Fin Tuna are somewhat line shy. Im also told most of the yellows are from the dropper loop or yo-yo.

What have those here who have been there found, and is there any special techniques you have discovered while fishing Gualalaupe that you can share. Typically, what size lead for the dropper loop? I was thinking of 6oz to 12 oz.

Also, I hear there is an outside chance at whaoo that time of year, however most are jig fish. Do I need to bring steel leaders and bombs?

[fleetcarmanager]

Personally, I'd take the following:

25# / 30# / 40# / 50# /80# That's just me.

If you tie into a monster yellow on the dropper, you will thank your lucky stars you have the 80#. Not only that, but you will have a better chance of avoiding the tax man.

If you get into the bigger yellowfins (over 40 - under 110) you're not giving up much leaving the 60# and home and using 50#, plus you might get bit bigger. Of course, bring some fluoro.

I would also imagine that when you're offshore the 80# is a fine trolling rig as well. Also, on the off-chance that there will be some wahoo in the area the 80# rig will help you sink the hook into the bony mouth.

I'd bring at least one or two black/purple CD18 or yo-zuri hydromagnum (b/p). Probably won't use them, but you never know. Black coated wire leaders about 12" long should do the trick.

JMHO...

[sbr66]

bring a 50 lb rig. hoo in aug might be a long shot

[eightmd]

Probably no whoo but you can check the reports and with the boat the week before and see what they think. You just don't usually see wahoo at the Lupe. On the dropper its going to be at least 12oz and probably 16oz. You can usually buy the lead on the boat if you don't want to lug it around. I usually use 60 on dropper but if you are fishing at night why not use 80. The heavier the better to pull them out of the rocks.

On the yo-yo I use 50 and you want as fast a real as you can get. They seem to like the speed better.

The other thing on those trips is you will be going to Cedros or Benitos for yellowtail. They are usually in the 20 - 35 lb range and taken on bait surface iron or yo-yo although at times you can do the dropper there depending on where you are. Lots of time you are fishing right around the kelp forest so you need as heavy (40 or 50) string that you can use, because you have to pull them out of the kelp, or hopefully pull them away before they get there.

Good luck. It is always a great trip and something to see.

[eightmd]

Oh on the tuna at the lupe you will probably be using 40 to soak your dine. You wouldn't want to go lighter, unless the tuna are small.

What boat are you going on? Many of the boats will loan you gear if you don't have it. Some charge and some don't. So you could get a 50 and an 80 on the boat if you want. If I were you I would go with what you got but maybe borrow a 50. You can always use the boat gear for trolling. If there are wahoo around then the boat will be trolling marauders or the like and you won't have to worry about buying them.

[M/V Santa Rosa]

bring a camera, take photos of the island. also go buy a pair of binos to check out the rocks. There is way more then fishing going on at that rock.

early sunrise with fog rolling over the top is very cool...

[Slater]

Pray that you bypass the Lupe & get some variety at Cedros!
Feeding whitey at Lupe is heartbreaking!

[FishStalker]

I wouldn't use anything less than 10-12oz for the DL....and I'd use at least 80#. Otherwise you rig is going to be scoping out and tangling everyone else, especially if there is any current.

If the 'lupe is anything like Alijos, you are going to be fishing 40-50# for the most part.

[scorch]

If you fish dropper's for Yellowtail you will be needing some 16 oz lead. Wouldn’t hurt to take some bigger than that, the current can really rip through there. Nothing less than 80lb. A few feet of Florocarbon for the abrasion resistance factor.

[ifishinxs]

I fished the Lupe several times.

1-30lb, 2- 40lb, 1 -50lb, 1- 80/100lb.

You will use the 30lb stick for bait fishing at night. It can also be used to fish light when the smaller tuna are around or when fish tuna and yellowtail on the way down.

The 40lb set ups are your main stay. I have one rod set up for throwing jigs and the other set up for bait fishing. The bait rod is setup with Hollow spectra backing. I loop to loop top shots so they can be changed out quickly..Take some Blackwater floro in 40lb and 50lb just in case. When your on the long soak and the Big boys come out to play have that 50lb set up and ready to go.

I have caught all my personal best Yellowtail at the Lupe, all on the Dropper Loop set up. 80lb test is minimum with 100lb being better. The Ideal set up is a 2 sp reel with the drag set to kill. 16oz of lead and a big circle or J hook. This is straight combat fishing.

The upper end boats offer up gear you can borrow at no cost other than replacing the line.

Good luck on your trip..You may catch that fish of a life time.

[Steve K]

Tom, lots of opinions here on the way to outfit yourself for fishing that fiver at Guadalupe. Some really good stuff. Take it to the next step and contact the office of the boat you're fishing and ask to talk to the captain. If unavailable at the time of your call, somebody will return your call. Have this discussion with whomever you speak with and be sure to tell them what you have, what you need to borrow, and that it's your first time on a five day. They will be most helpful on the specifics of your trip. And don't forget, most of what you'll need can be purchased on the boat at the same price you'll pay for it at the Fisherman's Landing Tackle Store. No need to go overboard on terminal tackle.

Don't do as I do, do as I say.

[boomboom213]

How many days at the LUPE would a 5 dayer get anyways?