San Diego Back 2 Back trips prep and report on the Horizon and Tomahawk

[pjstevko]

As most of you know I'm doing back to back trips on the SOA starting July 3rd through the 8th. I'm taking a new approach this season and running my jigging setups with wind-ons only and no xtra heavy bite leader.  The mak 16 & 20 will get 200# mono wind-ons and the daytime speed jigging setup will get 100 or 130# flouro wind-ons. I like the simplicity of this system and it will reduce the number of items that snag other people's braid. The lack of terminal tackle in this system also means I should be able to get out of tangles quicker. I bought quality wind-ons from Basil, Diamond Fishing Products and Captain Harry's out of South Florida so I have full confidence they'll hold up.  Does not having a extra heavy bite leader mean I'll lose fish? We shall see...

I also starting making my own assist hooks this year as well.  I like being able to make custom lengths to match the jigs.  My nighttime jigs will have double hooks on the bottom only as it's safer for the crew.  My daytime jigs will have hooks in a variety of configurations.

A new technique I'm gonna try is fishing a floating flying fish lure on the slide or long drifts.  The "backpack" rig works and has been successful several times this week on the Pac Queen. There's hasn't been much action during the day so why not?

I'm also limiting myself to 1 small tackle bag this year. It holds 3 3600 trays. I'll bring one extra 3700 sized tray in my reel bag.  Going from a bag that held 4 3700 and a 3600 sized tray and the jig bag to the jig bag is a big downgrade.

Today I tied on some leaders,  did preliminary drag checks,  crimped the solid ring to my 200# wind-ons, tied my first chain knot and verified the reels in my reel bag.  So gotta pack my clothes and inspect the rods and guides but I'm almost ready!

[Keta]

Last trip I went with 10' 150# flurocarbon windon topshots with no bite leader.   I was not happy with the knots in the heavy fluro so I crimped it.

I also put 600 yards of 65# JB solid (breaks close to 80#) on a Avet EX30 for fishing in high current and set the drag at strike to 22#.  We had  a extremely fast drift and the 65# cut the water better than 80#. I only caught a "small" 120# BFT but never felt like I did not have the upper hand.

[Bill B]

Go get'em PJ!  You have put a lot of thought into your trip.  Hopefully the bluefin cooperate and you max out the spr8ngs on your truck bringing home the fish.  Bill

[Keta]

It looks like the wind will not be bad for a lot of the first 1/2.

[pjstevko]

The landing called yesterday and asked everyone to be there earlier than scheduled to get a head start on the trip!

[Brewcrafter]

Good luck PJ!  Bluefin ARE bluefin and yesterday is not today or tomorrow, BUT seeing some good reports on the local "Vampire Bites" and it really only takes one of the current grade of local fish to wear out your arms, your back, and fill the freezer to the brim!  Looking forward to your reports! - john

[pjstevko]

According to MarineTraffic it appears the SOA is back in Port almost a full day early....They weren't scheduled to be back to the dock until 6am tomorrow. I hope everyone/everything is ok

[Crab Pot]

Damn, I was going to start a thread called PJ & Steve's Excellent Adventure!

[Brewcrafter]

According to MarineTraffic it appears the SOA is back in Port almost a full day early....They weren't scheduled to be back to the dock until 6am tomorrow. I hope everyone/everything is ok

PJ - I don't have specific intel, but I do know some boats have been reporting limit-style fishing, and having trips end early  Especially if it's a trip that advertises 'No Mexican Permits Necessary" that would kind of limit the ability to run south and grab some rockfish.  So I'm gonna cross my fingers and say they limited out!  Looking forward to your adventure! - john

[Hamachi]

Looks like the boat has damage and is in drydock for now. Our July 5-8 has been cancelled!

[pjstevko]

Our 1.5 day got moved to the Horizon and I just got a reservation on a 2 day aboard the Tomahawk leaving the morning we return from the 1.5 day.

Not the comforts of the SOA but at least I'll be fishing and maximizing my time in SD

[sciaenops]

Looks like the boat has damage and is in drydock for now. Our July 5-8 has been cancelled!

Wow that's a bummer! Was just on it a few days ago.

[pjstevko]

We're in line

[Bill B]

SOA is back at the dock.   

[Keta]

Any idea what happened to the SOA?