this is an inshore trip.

[Ron Jones]

Looking at what this trip is supposed to be I think your fine without a 2 speed. I wish I was going, more than I can tell you all.

If I was going I'd bring: my bait rig, which is a built 180 on an old Ocean City 15# rod, a 112HN with 5:1 gears set up as a 30# general purpose, a regular 112H set up as a bait rig and my Newelled YTS with all the goodies loaded with 80# braid and 40-80# top shots. I'd probably use the boats gear for "trolling prison" as I just don't have enough oportunities to justify a purchase of a big reel.

For an inshore trip, I am of the opinion that you can't do any better.

Ron

[George4741]

If I was going I'd bring: my bait rig, which is a built 180 on an old Ocean City 15# rod, a 112HN with 5:1 gears set up as a 30# general purpose, a regular 112H set up as a bait rig and my Newelled YTS with all the goodies loaded with 80# braid and 40-80# top shots. I'd probably use the boats gear for "trolling prison" as I just don't have enough oportunities to justify a purchase of a big reel.

Thank you for the info, Ron.  I like your minimalist recommendations. 

[Wally15]

  I like your minimalist recommendations. 

Being a true Southerner, I'm not bringing ANY fishing gear. I'll show you guys (and gal) how to "noodle" for calico bass 

[Big Tim]

[/quote]
Being a true Southerner, I'm not bringing ANY fishing gear. I'll show you guys (and gal) how to "noodle" for calico bass 
[/quote]

Bring a big knife for the sharks and you should be able to noodle away

[sundaytrucka]

Is there WiFi on the SOA?

Just wondering.

[alantani]

only a sat phone for emergency calls.  call the office first.  http://www.spiritofadventurefishing.com/news/contact

[Aiala]

Is there WiFi on the SOA?

Nope, and I'm actually a bit surprised that there isn't, since most of the other premier boats now offer it. On the other hand, from what I've experienced, the signal reception is usually pretty iffy and slow, so you're not missing out on much. Besides, part of the mystique of a sea voyage is being cut off from landlubberly concerns. I find it quite liberating.

~A~

[sundaytrucka]

Is there WiFi on the SOA?

Besides, part of the mystique of a sea voyage is being cut off from landlubberly concerns. I find it quite liberating.

~A~

Completely agree,. Not an intense phone or Internet person, I spend most of my time on here anyway, and will be living the site for five days. This will be the longest time I have been away from the family, literally have not been more than 48 hours without seeing them, and she is 14 months now. Five days of no contact, it will be a bit of an adjustment.

[Aiala]

Five days of no contact, it will be a bit of an adjustment.

You'll do fine, and so will your family. Five days will go by very quickly... and I'll bet that before long you'll start thinking about longer voyages. Eight days... ten... fourteen! (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.)   

~A~

[Dominick]

Five days of no contact, it will be a bit of an adjustment.

You'll do fine, and so will your family. Five days will go by very quickly... and I'll bet that before long you'll start thinking about longer voyages. Eight days... ten... fourteen! (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.)   

~A~

Aiala... That is funny.  Dominick

[sundaytrucka]

Five days of no contact, it will be a bit of an adjustment.

You'll do fine, and so will your family. Five days will go by very quickly... and I'll bet that before long you'll start thinking about longer voyages. Eight days... ten... fourteen! (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.)  

~A~

Aiala... That is funny.  Dominick

X2 Dominick.

Thank you for the words Aiala, you are right, just a new experience for me, the trip and life that is.

-Scott

[Wally15]

FWIW, my dog will miss me a lot more than the wife will. And probably the reverse is true. Must mean the honeymoon is over!
What should be my next step in prepping for this Big Adventure? I've never fished for calico bass or WSB before. Is there a UTube section on the type of fishing we'll be doing? Underhand casting, overhead casting, jigging, trolling, etc.? With this many people, the east coast and GoM charters/head boats mostly vertical drop. But most of their patrons don't have anywhere close to the experience level of this group. I plan on spending most of May on the GOM, and I might as well use the time to hone a particular skill so I won't embarrass myself too much in June.
Mike

[Aiala]

FWIW, my dog will miss me a lot more than the wife will. And probably the reverse is true.

You'll miss the dog more than your wife?? Oh, my. 

Actually, you're not alone. I have a funny story about that... remind me to tell you in June. 

~A~

[alantani]

yeah, well, try locking both in the garage for 3 hours and see who's happy to see you when you open the door.....   

[Keta]

Yup!  Cats are somewhere between the two.