What gear should we start planning to take?
I know most of you are not worried as you have all of the stuff. I likely do as well but still want to prepare as early as possible.
I'm thinking of 35#-40#, 50#, 60# rigs. Do I need an 80# and 100# rig?
Probably 30 to 80 pound.
Sounds right. I'd assume you'll hit the Rocks and the Ridge and will be looking at school sized YFT, YT, Dorado and Wahoo. I'll let you know what size YFT are around when I get back on 10/3 from my 10 day.
10/9 is coming up fast. Everyone should think about dialing in their gear, nothing makes The Boss angrier than one of his minions with a sticky drag.
Seriously though, what should we be planning for. Maybe Isla Guadalupe and local bluefin, which I guess would mean 50,60 & 80 live bait gear and a bit heavier for dropper loop. The Rocks & The Ridge as previously mentioned? I guess that means 30, 40 & 50 live bait along with yoyo, popping and/or surface iron stuff. Inshore?
Rocks and ridge also probably means wahoo. Those would be a new experience for me. I know of bombs and jigs but have never rigged them for wahoo. Then there's the whole wire deal for bait, any tips would be appreciated. Oh boy, and hook types and sizes and knots and leaders.
Are things like chairs encouraged or discouraged. Which bottle(s) should I bring.
I'm basically just trying to drum up some excitement since no one here at the house wants to talk fishing.
Jack
I'm bringing a folding chair this time but will defer to the experienced fishermen regarding rigs and rigging.
Odds are the bait will be decent sized Sardines so a 2/0 hook works. With Wahoo, when in doubt fish bait. They take it readily and it will often work better than bombs, iron or raiders. They sell pre-made Wahoo bait leaders which are an easy way to go. I use the ones with 44# wire and 2/0 hooks. I take a couple of 8-9' rods with TranX 500's for throwing bombs as well as surface iron and poppers. If you want to pop for Wahoo, and they will hit them, use a wire leader and single hooks. Sharpen those hooks on your lures! If you don't want to bother with wiring your lures use at least 130# fluoro as a leader. Losing lures is a cost of doing business in Wahoo country. I've had them chew through wired bombs and wire bait leaders. I think I've lost Wahoo about every way you can... chewed through bait and bomb leaders, cut off, broken off, broke off rather than getting spooled (I think one is probably still heading south with a raider hanging from his lip). probably others too that I've managed to suppress. Wahoo fishing can be very exciting as well as frustrating. I've had days when I lost 10 throughout the day and finally got one just as the sun was setting. It was a good day after all! I've had 6 Wahoo days that were really fun too! Ya know, on Alan's trips there's always opportunities to drown your sorrow. I'm surprised your worried about tackle rather than what booze to pack!
Never pass up a trolling rotation in Wahoo country! On the Excel some of the guys call me Cowbell Mark because of the Cowbell I like to troll with that often stops the boat. I'm taking a Nomad DTX Minnow this year too that are supposed to be a hot lure.
Hey fellas, just curious; for leaders are you guys using L2L, inline with a knot/serve or straight knot?
Thx
Will
- For conventionals with solid braid main, straight knot...RP/John Collins
- For spinners with solid braid main, hollow connection with nubs + nail knots, and glue
My order of Daiwa Sealine 300H/400H sideplate screws arrived today, so those will be mechanically ready to go soon.
Once the stainless steel Penn 15-155 dog arrives from Lee, the Monofil will be complete, and all the reels for the trip will be ready for top shots.
Quote from: Porthos on August 30, 2018, 10:54:40 PM
My order of Daiwa Sealine 300H/400H sideplate screws arrived today, so those will be mechanically ready to go soon.
Once the stainless steel Penn 15-155 dog arrives from Lee, the Monofil will be complete, and all the reels for the trip will be ready for top shots.
ah, going old school!
Quote from: alantani on August 31, 2018, 12:10:42 AM
ah, going old school!
Yes, must walk before learning to run...
If there's any chance that you are going to take a shot at the local big bluefin, you probably want to be fishing a minimum of 100 lb. for the flat-falls and the heaviest gear that you have for the day-time kite. The boat probably has kite rods with 150-200 lb. so check with them before you bring one of your own.
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on August 31, 2018, 06:42:41 AM
If there's any chance that you are going to take a shot at the local big bluefin, you probably want to be fishing a minimum of 100 lb. for the flat-falls and the heaviest gear that you have for the day-time kite. The boat probably has kite rods with 150-200 lb. so check with them before you bring one of your own.
For the just-in-case BFT, have one Daiwa 600H with Bryan's 5-stack with delrins under gear and under star that is spooled with 700-800 yds of 100lb braid and mounted to a Daiwa VIPA6455XXH. Had it with me on every SOA trip since 2014 but this is the first year with TWO delrins (...all Sal's fault on the latter). :D
How many rod spots will we have?
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on August 31, 2018, 06:42:41 AM
If there's any chance that you are going to take a shot at the local big bluefin, you probably want to be fishing a minimum of 100 lb. for the flat-falls and the heaviest gear that you have for the day-time kite. The boat probably has kite rods with 150-200 lb. so check with them before you bring one of your own.
I was planning on a 80# for my heavy rig, now I have to bring a 130#.
As of now,
30#
40#
40#
60#
80#
130#
I might bring a 30# spinner.
I'm bringing:
30# - 50# braid
40# - 50# braid
50# - 65# braid
60# - 80# Braid
80# - 100# braid
Popper Rod 65# or 80# or both.
Im going to forgo my jigsitck this year and use spinners.
I think Ron used my joystick with my Newell 533 last time. Should I bring it?
I know, I'll bring the jug stick with a narrowed Newell 400 series reel with Aluminum sideplates for anyone that wants to use it. Maybe I should bring my second jig stick with my Newell 338 with aluminum sideplates for someone to borrow as well. Will anyone need a jigsitck to use?
Quote from: R46chevy on September 06, 2018, 08:01:40 PM
How many rod spots will we have?
I believe 8 spots. Plus upper deck for jig sticks. Center area are usually reserved for loaner rods and reels.
We're going to try six. :-\
I'm planning on throwing more iron this year than on previous trips. I'm better at tossing iron with spinners. Would a Quantum Cabo 100 be too big? My Penn Battle 5000 was a tad small for some of the bigger YT's at Cedros. My baitcaster choices would be an Andros 5 and/or 12. Thinking my Curado 300DSV is much too small for what I hope to latch on to.
I do have an old Diawa AG9000B graphite spinner I could respool?
I'm not planning on flying any rods cross country, so I'm hoping to borrow a stick in any case.
As Johnny 5 would say, "need input".
GA Mike
Mike,
I used my Fin Nor LT100 to throw 160mm/90g Toro Tamer poppers last year--it was a good fit with the 300+ yds of 100lb shock leader & braid main. The LT100 and the Cabo 100 are close in size and weight.
I will be downgrading the shock leader to 80lbs, though, for this year...
Wai
Quote from: Porthos on September 15, 2018, 12:34:20 PM
Mike,
I used my Fin Nor LT100 to throw 160mm/90g Toro Tamer poppers last year--it was a good fit with the 300+ yds of 100lb shock leader @ braid main. The LT100 and the Cabo 100 are close in size and weight.
I will be downgrading the shock leader to 80lbs, though, for this year...
Wai
Thanks, Wai. And if you don't think you'll want the Cabo 100, I'll spool it with 80 or 100lb braid and an 80# top shot and bring it along. I've had it over a year and never even put line on it.
Mike
Quote from: Wally15 on September 15, 2018, 11:58:38 AM
My Penn Battle 5000 was a tad small for some of the bigger YT's at Cedros.
I'm considering bringing my Battle 3000 for tossing iron, in the past the pelagic YT were not nearly as large as the Cedros ones and the rocks are much deeper. The 3000 has worked on albacore up to 28# and should work for YT and smaller YFT. If we get to Alejos Rocks I will not even try to use this reel.
I can bring the same spinning rods, but that is all I have. I had my fill of iron on this last trip. I'm sticking to bait!
The recent reports have YFT between 18 - 35# and YT that look to be up to 30#. A few Wahoo in the mix but not a lot.
Quote from: Wally15 on September 15, 2018, 12:55:57 PM
Thanks, Wai. And if you don't think you'll want the Cabo 100, I'll spool it with 80 or 100lb braid and an 80# top shot and bring it along. I've had it over a year and never even put line on it.
Mike
I think I'll pass on the Cabo...it's not in this year's budget. Thanks for the offer, though.
Oh, and l'll be bringing the Tsunami TSTBS-J 701XH as well as the Daiwa STJ70XHFS; can't fish both at the same time so one or the other will be available on the rack if you need to borrow one for your Cabo.
So what you are saying is bringing 6 sticks plus spinner, jig and kite right?
I'm going for six spots. Any extra long jig sticks will need to go up front.
Gotcha
http://www.balloonfisherking.com/
How about these? No more thinking about where your bait is...
I'm taking a Penn Battle 6000 with 300 yds of 50# spectra and a 40# leader on my 10 day this weekend. It'll handle 30# YT and YFT and Wahoo too with bait. I'll have it on a Major Craft 77 Hiramasa rod and will be throwing smaller poppers, stick baits and live bait. My main popper rig will be a Twin Pwer 14000 2/65# spectra and an 80# leader on a Black Hole S-801h. Of course you can throw poppers on your surface iron rod too which in my case is a big baitcaster. I'll have 3 baitcasters and the 2 spinners. I'll use conventional reels for fishing bait, probably 30-40# the most.
Having problems deciding what heavier outfit I should bring? Most people look like they may bring a 130lb outfit in case of bluefin. Thoughts?
Thanks
100lb is the heaviest I own, and it's a single speed at that. If need be, I clip a backup reel to a lug and send the 100lb overboard...
That would be fun to see, how often do u lose an outfit with that?
80 pound and 100 pound should work!
Alright, thanks
Quote from: R46chevy on September 24, 2018, 08:57:06 PM
That would be fun to see, how often do u lose an outfit with that?
Not often as a harness that clips on to the main rig has floats on it. But with the use of Spectra back up rigs are not needed as often as in the past.
Quote from: R46chevy on September 24, 2018, 08:57:06 PM
That would be fun to see, how often do u lose an outfit with that?
There's 700+ yds line on that Daiwa 600H...so not yet.
Alan,
Did you say 6 :'( or 9 :) spots for rods? I've made two rounds of cuts and am at 10 now.
Jack
I think we all bring 2, 40 spinner and 80 bait. Back up rod being a zebco 303
I think Alan said 6 in your spot. Remaining will be upfront or upstairs.
I'm down to 7 or 8.
Just got a text from Hank. They are just leaving the ridge 13 and he's got 8 BFT, 40#ers and 2 wahoos. They are heading for YT now. He will be getting back the day before we go out.
they'll be coming in right behind the storm.
https://www.windfinder.com/?utm_source=windfinder.com&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=redirect#7/27.1667/-111.7749
I'd like to fish my Mitchel 499, does anyone have a heave spinning rod I can use?
Ron
grab one of mine, but i don't think you'll find much use for it.
If anyone is coming south on the 101 and wants to borrow a 10' jig stick holler, Ulua,540,F100,100J mag. The ridge is usually a good place for skip jig fishing on those school size tuna. Real visual fishing watching the tuna blow up on a jig as it skip across the surface. You'll take a whoppin on the long rod but it's a fun whoppin. You can cut the hook off if you just want a show. I'm in Santa Barbara if you're passing thru.
PM sent Sheridan
Quote from: Ron Jones on October 01, 2018, 12:02:27 AM
I'd like to fish my Mitchel 499, does anyone have a heave spinning rod I can use?
Ron
I will have at least 3 "heavy" spin rods.
Ratings:
- 30-50
- 50-100 (braid)
- 55-120 (braid)
40 lb should be handled fine.
Quote from: Porthos on October 01, 2018, 02:09:57 AM
Quote from: Ron Jones on October 01, 2018, 12:02:27 AM
I'd like to fish my Mitchel 499, does anyone have a heave spinning rod I can use?
Ron
I will have at least 3 "heavy" spin rods.
Ratings:
- 30-50
- 50-100 (braid)
- 55-120 (braid)
40 lb should be handled fine.
I'm bringing my Cabo 100 (100 braid, 80 topshot). I'd like to put it on one of your heavy rods. We both can try it out.
Mike
Quote from: Wally15 on October 01, 2018, 08:34:47 AM
I'm bringing my Cabo 100 (100 braid, 80 topshot). I'd like to put it on one of your heavy rods. We both can try it out.
Mike
Done deal. The 55-120 Daiwa should be the ticket...
Quote from: R46chevy on September 29, 2018, 09:45:55 PM
I think we all bring 2, 40 spinner and 80 bait. Back up rod being a zebec 303
OK, craigslisted away everything but my Centaur/VSIX and heaviest spinning set up. Just waiting for Amazon to deliver my new 303 rig. What kind of line are you guys spooling on the Zebcos? Should I just keep the original stuff on to maintain the balance?
Jack
My reels are spooled with JB Line 1 (I sell it) and Power Pro "Depth Hunter" with 10'-20' Fluro topshots.
With all my "heavy" spin rods included on the go-list, I still have a 12-25 Daiwa Coastal "Heavy" spin rod that I can also bring along if someone was wanting to bring a spinning reel but not wanting to fly their own spin rod. Given the action, it feels to me the Coastal can do 25 and possibly 30 in a pinch.
Bringing up the possibility of having lighter gear (below 40lb) since a buddy just came off of the Searcher (9/23-9/30) and the Jackpot fish were 46, 40.8, and 37 lbs YFT... ::)
Let me know by 10/8.
Quote from: Porthos on October 02, 2018, 04:02:58 PMBringing up the possibility of having lighter gear
And I just got my rods down to 7 ;D.
I'm heavy on 30# so I can leave 1 of them and replace it with a 25#. I am having trouble leaving my most likely unneeded 80# roller rod and Avet 30 reel.
You can bring more if you want. Just leave the jig sticks up on the bow.
Quote from: alantani on October 02, 2018, 06:21:50 PM
You can bring more if you want. Just leave the jig sticks up on the bow.
I still would like to only bring 6 but so far in my life it has been impossible.
If you could bring the 12-25 Daiwa Coastal "Heavy" spin rod, I might have room to bring a Penn Battle 4000. I have it spooled with 30 lb braid.
See you guys SOON!
mike
Quote from: Mjg378 on October 02, 2018, 09:44:06 PM
If you could bring the 12-25 Daiwa Coastal "Heavy" spin rod, I might have room to bring a Penn Battle 4000. I have it spooled with 30 lb braid.
See you guys SOON!
mike
Good as done.
Thanks!
After checking out my penn battle, a little maintenance is needed that I won't be able to finish before we leave. Looks like I'll be leaving it my workshop. Thank you very much for the offer to use the rod though!
Mike
I got back yesterday from my Phenix rods 10 day on the Excel. Trip and weather were good, fishing was scratchy except for Skipjack! I understand that boats are reporting better counts now that the hurricane has passed through and we're further from the full moon. I think I had 7 YFT and 11 YT. I only had one 20# YFT and 2 YT processed after giving away the other YT and releasing the small YFT.
I took 13 rigs but ended up with 14 after winning a Phenix Axis rod in the raffle. 30-40# for bait (YFT, YT, Wahoo) and 50# for Wahoo bombs/jigs/Raiders and 100# for dropper loop, trolling and heavy night time flat falls. You don't need anything lighter than 30#... the YFT aren't finicky on the Ridge. I had 25#, 2x30#, 5x40#, 4x50#, 60#, 100#. I dumped the 25# (Avet MXJ) and switched the reel out to a TranX 300 w/30# for Colt Snipers and of course caught Skipjack. I mostly yoyo'd with 60# on an Avet HX Raptor. I did have 2 spinners and caught YFT and Skipjack on both. Standard poppers weren't too effective. I did better with stick baits and a Heru Skipjack. Surface iron and yoyo were effective. Skipping a surface iron worked well on the YFT. Bombs, bait and trolling all worked for Wahoo. When in doubt fish bait for Wahoo! We only got 38 for the trip but none for me. We found some willing YT just below Mag Bay and up at Canoas. San Pablo was supposed to be hot for YT but wasn't all that hot.
I did have a striped marlin and sailfish on for a little while and the aerobatics were pretty exciting until they broke off. I got sealioned twice and sharked 3 times.
We fished the Thetis bank,13 spot and San Pablo with the SoA until they had to head back from their 8 day.
Important-Need Cameras!
The last couple of years, I tried to augment Alan's trip report with some additional photos. I like photos that show me the trips I miss and to help remember the trips I make. I was all signed for this trip and putting together (more) gear over a year ago when I got the Bosses illness. Tomorrow will be the last day of 7 weeks of therapy (torture) for the same cancer in the same place as Alan last year. Pretty freaky!
Anyway, Alan does a great trip report but does like a little time at the rail! I'd like to suggest that those of you who have a small camera bring it and try to add some photos to the trip report. I would nominate Peaches since he copied my camera, but every time he's on deck he's either hooked up or having a turkey sammich. I also sort of doubt that Wes can hold a camera in one hand and a drink in the other. Maybe?
I want to wish all of you a great trip. I know, since I can't go, the fishing will be great. Let's see some bragging pictures!
Bill
yeah, we may be in for a rough trip. i saw a friend was headed out today. not sure where he's going, but no one wants to get caught by sergio. :-\
Quote from: Bill Karr on October 04, 2018, 05:32:47 PM
Important-Need Cameras!
Anyway, Alan does a great trip report but does like a little time at the rail! I'd like to suggest that those of you who have a small camera bring it and try to add some photos to the trip report. I would nominate Peaches since he copied my camera, but every time he's on deck he's either hooked up or having a turkey sammich. I also sort of doubt that Wes can hold a camera in one hand and a drink in the other. Maybe?
I want to wish all of you a great trip. I know, since I can't go, the fishing will be great. Let's see some bragging pictures!
Bill
You worry about getting healthy and I'll "focus" on getting some decent trip pics to add to Alan's report. I'm bringing both the Olympus and the GoPro. And hopefully Sergio won't be a factor. Sounds like I'm going to strike out once again on fishing the Rocks.
Peaches
Bill, just get healthy to fish another day. Besides, this trip may be a cat and mouse game where the cat is a huge lion and we are the tiny mouse.
Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the SoA thread with the most interest/feedback right now.
I'm arriving Monday at 3:15 on flt AA 491. Anybody else arriving around then that wants to share a taxi or Uber?
Mike Pate
Anybody got an extra folding chair they're willing to let me use on the trip? Or is there a place at the marina that sells them?
Mike
Hi Mike - I get in a little past noon, I'll see you at the hotel. Jimmer
I'm glad to see you are on this trip Jimmer.
I have my gear packed, and am only 3 rigs over my goal of 6.
I'd really struggle to only take 6. I guess I'd go with 30 & 40 for bait, 50 for yoyo and bombs, 60 for yoyo, big bait and light dropper loop, 100 for trolling, big flat falls and dropper loop and a 50# jig stick for surface iron, poppers, bombs/raiders/seastrike 33's. I like backups as your wahoo bait leaders get destroyed easily. I had 3-4 wahoo bait rigs and would run out before we moved again even without hooking a 'hoo.
Good luck gentlemen, God Speed and Calm Seas....Bill
Steve stopped by yesterday and picked up 3 10 footers and reels for 30,40 and 50lb. Please hang some fish with them and add a few notches.
Quote from: Swami805 on October 08, 2018, 09:43:10 PM
Steve stopped by yesterday and picked up 3 10 footers and reels for 30,40 and 50lb. Please hang some fish with them and add a few notches.
Thank you Sheridan!!!
I heard you loaned out one of your reels with my side plate kits installed. Thank you because I failed to actually put one together to demo.
Thank you,
Bryan