1st Long Range Trip-Any Suggestions?

SpongeBuddyX182 · Nov-16-2009, 10:30 PM

Hey everyone

Im hoping to go on my first long range trip this summer. Im currently looking at 6-8 day trips in June or July? Does anybody have any suggestions as to what boat i should take, or what I should be looking for when i schedule my trip? I have plenty of experience on 1/2 and 3/4 day boats, and ive been on a few overnighters, but im really looking to go out of San Diego for the larger fish! Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Luv2Fish · Nov-17-2009, 12:09 AM

PM Sent

rnorwood · Nov-17-2009, 03:13 AM

Buy WMD custom bombs and catch wahoo!

chuwbaca · Nov-17-2009, 08:20 AM

I would try the Intrepid. They have back to back eight day trip in July. One is a Catchy Tackle charter and the other one is Wahoodad and Willy trip. Either one of those trips would be great to get on. Fishing with Wayne or David is great and both have a lot of knowledge and experience. Just my two cents.

mcrae · Nov-17-2009, 08:33 AM

Use the search feature and find old threads on this. July seems to be the month everything starts to go off.

Yellowtail Dan · Nov-17-2009, 09:10 AM

Spring 8 day trips are a great way to get your feet wet. Any of the big boats are a good choice. I like the Shogun with Bruce and Tommy or the American Angler but thats just my opinion and is worth next to nothing. You don't need any of the heavy gear 100lb or higher so it's a little cheaper out of pocket ( you can use the boats kite set up or rent a heavy dropper loop rig) especially since you cut out the top shots and rigging needs. The yellowtail fishing is of the hook at the stones and at Cedros and you will get into some quality tuna although not usually above 125lbs. Dropper loop fishing at nite as well as heavy yo you jigs work great for the tails and learn to use flurocarbon and you'll increase your bites on tuna. you also will want to be patient at the stones as the long soaks pay off.

Most importantly have fun

Nov-17-2009, 09:18 AM

American Angler. PM sent

TorG3 · Nov-17-2009, 11:18 AM

All of the dedicated long range boats are great fishing platforms and have great crews, so you really can't go wrong. First, I'd figure out the best time to go (narrowing down your choices). If you can go any time during June or July, later is probably better. If you can afford the time/cost of an 8 day trip, you should get a lot more shots at more and bugger fish. Second, I always go on the trip with the lightest load. Cost may factor into your decision, so you'll have to balance out how much you want to pay vs. how limited a load you want. Third, check the archived reports here and on the boat's site for the trips you're considering. Particularly on the longer trips you get a lot of the same people returning year to year and you can sometimes get a sense for what the vibe is on a particular charter (up to you what type of group you want to fish with, although as said earlier, you definitely can't go wrong on that Wahoodad/Willy trip). You're going to have a great time on any of the boats out of San Diego. The hardest thing will be waiting for July to roll around.

JJONES660 · Nov-17-2009, 05:14 PM

LIke just mentioned seeking out the group is a great way to go. being a new guy and fishing with a group of 20 other guys that have fished year after year together is great because they usually all have the experience and work around each other well. A group also will be accepting of a new fishing buddy and really help show the ropes if your an easy guy to get along with. Many open party trips are every man for themselves and I dont see the teamwork necessary for max efficiency when shit goes wide open. If I was planning a trip im a sucker for the spirit of adventure because of Mike Keating and Brian Evans...but if that boat was unavailable Id probably hit up the Red RoosterIII or American Angler...Also very intrigued by this new Intrepid boat!

rjgoal · Nov-17-2009, 05:38 PM

The Spirit would be my choice too....A great fishing boat and crew for a good price per day. The charters usualy have openings, and if there is an open party trip you will need to book early. Just call Anne-marie will help you. The 5 day trips usually target early for Albacore, but will go to Cedros to pull on Yellowtail.

I fished the SOA last year 8 days in Oct was outstanding at the Rocks....Got 3 100lb tunas and few 40 lbs. Most boats go 7 day to rocks, but having the 8th day give you added value fishing on your way back up the ridge.

Have fun..

boomboom213 · Nov-17-2009, 06:35 PM

If you've only been on overnighters .. you should try a 2-3 day trip to get a feel for longer trips..

if u want to catch a bigger fish, i would definitely do 5days+.

whats the biggest fish you've caught?

TorG3 · Nov-18-2009, 09:41 AM

With all due respect, I would not put off the 5-8 day trip to do a 2-3 day trip first. On summer tuna trips, the 2-3 day trips are, essentially, just extended overnights. On the longer trips you will not only get into more variety and bigger fish, but it is also more likely that you'll be fishing with a group that is interested in sharing information and a crew that has more time to help you and pass along skills. The full long range experience -- high quality meals, having time to get to know the crew and passengers, stateroom accomodations, seeing the islands, etc. -- is hard to beat. Just one opinion though.