this will be the 10th "at.com" long range trip on the spirit of adventure. we will be keeping the same 8-day format. last year i had put in a request for an extension of this trip, increasing it from 8-day to 10-day, but that didn't happen for some reason. what did happen was the jim hart/grady white 10-day trip opening up. veterans of this trip will now have access to both trips.
all of you that have been on our previous trips will have priority on the 8-day, or the 10-day, or both. this 8-day trip will be open to 24 persons and the cost for the boat will be $77,510. that comes out to $3230 per person, or $404 per person per day, not including tip. i'm going to bump the tip (from 15% to 17.6%) and bring the total up to $3800 per person.
i will be sending out emails to everyone today. i will need to hear back within a week, followed by a 50% deposit check. the SOA office requires a 50% deposit check by february 1st. refunds for cancellations require that a replacement be found first. hope to hear from you soon. alan
the list (updated 9/28/2023)
2023 list
1. Alan Tani - Saratoga, CA (9 year) (paid in full)
2. David Hoffmann - Morgan Hill, CA (10 year) (paid in full)
3. Ed Tani - Hayward, CA (9 year) (paid in full)
4. Wes Tsutsui - Morgan Hill, CA (10 year) (paid in full)
5. Warren Hamachi - West Covina, CA (9 year) (paid in full)
6. James Libby - Hancock, WI (8 year) (paid in full)
7. Mike Pate (8th year)- Leesburg, GA (paid in full)
8. Lee Putman - Klamath Falls, OR (7year) (paid in full)
9. Tom McKinney - San Diego, CA (6 year) (paid in full)
10. Bobbie Haskell - San Jose (2 year) (paid in full)
11. Ed Hood - Mountain View, CA (paid in full)
12. Bill Barella - Crestwood, CA (2 year) (paid in full)
13. Paul Dennis - Eugene, OR (paid in full)
14. Todd Johansson - Port Hardy, BC (paid in full)
15. Ralph Carrasco - Santa Cruz, CA (paid in full)
16. Frank James - Hammond, OR (paid in full)
17. John Carriere - Hammond, OR (paid in full)
18. Mark Pavlsick - Waldport, OR (paid in full)
19. Jessica Elliott - Waldport, OR (paid in full)
20. Garrett Carney - San Luis Obispo, CA (paid in full)
21. Rick Berg - Alturas, CA (paid in full)
22.
23.
24.
I'm in. I'd rather do the 10 day but as usual funding will be tight.
I'm in for the 8 day. May not be able to respond to your email for a few days, I will be offline. We are leaving Hancock WI, in an hour bound for South Padre Island TX for a 2 !/2 mo. stay. Snow is coming down good right now, I've driven in it all my life, but never pulled a 21' travel trailer down the interstate in a snowstorm. Wish me luck !
I'm in! Bill
Wes and I are confirmed for the eight day trip... check going out tonight. Retired 12/20/22 and living up in the Sierra's above Buckhorn. Great trout fishing in three lakes within 1 hour drive :fish
Quote from: DCH on January 09, 2023, 07:22:58 AMWes and I are confirmed for the eight day trip... check going out tonight. Retired 12/20/22 and living up in the Sierra's above Buckhorn. Great trout fishing in three lakes within 1 hour drive :fish
Good to gear you retired Dave, I hope things are not too wet where you are now.
Going to FU tmr about getting on this trip
Quote from: R46chevy on February 03, 2023, 04:20:54 AMGoing to FU tmr about getting on this trip
ed, it will be great to have you back!!!!!!
Great. My deposit check didn't bounce! Wish the 8 day and the 10 day were a month or more apart. At least most of the "irregulars" are sticking with the 8 day.
GA Mike.
Check is in the mail. I apologize for getting it in so late. Bill
thanks, all!
Ok gentlemen, this trip will probably go to the ridge or possibly the rocks. If you look at the map of Baja, I believe this area is almost to Cabo. There is still plenty of room left on this trip for you and your buddies. A chance for catching wahoo, yellowfin, yellowtail and an assortment of excellent table fare fish for the taking. There is also room on the 10 day trip. Let's go! I don't think you'll regret it. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Quote from: Hamachi on March 05, 2023, 06:53:03 AMOk gentlemen, this trip will probably go to the ridge or possibly the rocks. If you look at the map of Baja, I believe this area is almost to Cabo. There is still plenty of room left on this trip for you and your buddies. A chance for catching wahoo, yellowfin, yellowtail and an assortment of excellent table fare fish for the taking. There is also room on the 10 day trip. Let's go! I don't think you'll regret it. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Yup, and it is a fun group to fish with too.
This is my 3 year and would never book on another long range. Best group of fishermen!
Alan as we discussed please put me on this. Looking forward to it
Todd
Quote from: Hardy Boy on March 12, 2023, 10:36:17 PMAlan as we discussed please put me on this. Looking forward to it
Todd
Good! Now I won't be the ugliest person on the boat. ;D ;D
GA Mike
Third though.
Oh shoot, there goes the neighborhood 😆. Bill
Quote from: Wally15 on March 12, 2023, 11:06:58 PMQuote from: Hardy Boy on March 12, 2023, 10:36:17 PMAlan as we discussed please put me on this. Looking forward to it
Todd
Good! Now I won't be the ugliest person on the boat. ;D ;D
GA Mike
Says who?
Good evening all
Me and my son (17) will be joining. This is our first long range. We fish regularly here in Centrla Florida and The Keys. But this is going to be all new (and fumbling:) 😂🤦🏽 )for us. Looking forward.
Quote from: gone2fish on May 07, 2023, 11:52:24 PMGood evening all
Me and my son (17) will be joining. This is our first long range. We fish regularly here in Centrla Florida and The Keys. But this is going to be all new (and fumbling:) 😂🤦🏽 )for us. Looking forward.
You're going to have a blast! Best bunch of fisherman anywhere. This is my 3rd year.
Bill
Welcome aboard.
List any rods and reels you need and someone here will have them for you to use.
Quote from: Bill B on May 07, 2023, 11:57:00 PMQuote from: gone2fish on May 07, 2023, 11:52:24 PMGood evening all
Me and my son (17) will be joining. This is our first long range. We fish regularly here in Centrla Florida and The Keys. But this is going to be all new (and fumbling:) 😂🤦🏽 )for us. Looking forward.
You're going to have a blast! Best bunch of fisherman anywhere. This is my 3rd year.
Bill
Indeed, I am looking forward to it. Alan has already answered so many question and has been very patient with me lol.
Quote from: Keta on May 08, 2023, 02:14:52 AMWelcome aboard.
List any rods and reels you need and someone here will have them for you to use.
Thank you
I'll list our gear soon, and see what you all suggest.
Thanks
Ok,
deposit has been sent out. Alan has given me advice on some reels. Rods, my friend is a professional rod builder and notified me of the insult to him if I used something else....so he is building them ..... ::) ;D :ct
so what tackle - hooks, weights, swivels, jigs / lures should I bring...? I assume spools of every weight class of Flouro leader from 20 - 60 and then jump 80, 100, 130#?
Thank you
For starters,
A few each 4-16 ounce torpedo sinkers
"C" hooks 4,2, 2/0 and 4/0
"J" hooks 2/0, 4/0 and 7/0
Line cutters
Comfortable rubber boots
Wide brim hat
Sun glasses
Sun block and/or UV resistant shirts
One or two each yoyo and surface iron
Flex Wrap/Vet Wrap for your fingers ( I usualy bring plenty to pass out)
Tequila to keep the gnomes happy...;0)
I missed some (lots of "some" and others will help.
Sunscreen
4 Roses Bourbon
Double up on Lee's irons
4 Rossses Bourbn
Double up on Lee's sinkers and egg sinkers 1/2 & 3/4 & 1 oz
4 Roses Boourbon
Zip ties,black electrical tape and rubber bands (handcuffs if your Ron's cellmate 🤣)
4 roooossses brbon
Basic tools too mount reels
Foor something boborn
Note book to chronicle your travels
Rozes something or other
Refillable water bottle, the boat has a filtration system for drinking water no bottled water, and sadly no bourbon fountain 😩
Anything else you need we will have plenty to share, except four flowers something something, yeah that too
Oh yeah, don't forget the bourbon 😆
Seriously don't sweat it, we have plenty to share, story be told of a member showing up with a duffel bag and fished the whole trip. When in doubt bring it. This is my 3rd year and I'm down to 3 tackle boxes. Bill
Quote from: Bill B on May 12, 2023, 03:26:59 AMSunscreen
4 Roses Bourbon
Double up on Lee's irons
4 Rossses Bourbn
Double up on Lee's sinkers and egg sinkers 1/2 & 3/4 & 1 oz
4 Roses Boourbon
Zip ties,black electrical tape and rubber bands (handcuffs if your Ron's cellmate 🤣)
4 roooossses brbon
Basic tools too mount reels
Foor something boborn
Note book to chronicle your travels
Rozes something or other
Refillable water bottle, the boat has a filtration system for drinking water no bottled water, and sadly no bourbon fountain 😩
Anything else you need we will have plenty to share, except four flowers something something, yeah that too
Oh yeah, don't forget the bourbon 😆
Seriously don't sweat it, we have plenty to share, story be told of a member showing up with a duffel bag and fished the whole trip. When in doubt bring it. This is my 3rd year and I'm down to 3 tackle boxes. Bill
:d :d :d
Flight booked. Now just booking room at Sea Harbor. Looking forward to drinking Mikes booze ! :d
Oh yeah I booked processing. They do it by text message.
Cheers:
Todd
Quote from: alantani on January 04, 2023, 11:43:17 PMthe list (updated 1/4/2023)
2023 list
1. Alan Tani - Saratoga, CA (9 year) (deposit)
2. David Hoffmann - Morgan Hill, CA (10 year) (deposit)
3. Ed Tani - Hayward, CA (9 year) (deposit)
4. Wes Tsutsui - Morgan Hill, CA (10 year) (deposit)
5. Warren Hamachi - West Covina, CA (9 year) (deposit)
6. James Libby - Hancock, WI (8 year) (deposit)
7. Mike Pate (8th year)- Leesburg, GA (deposit)
8. Jack Bradley - San Francisco, CA (7 year)
9. Lee Putman - Klamath Falls, OR (7year) (deposit)
10. Tom McKinney - San Diego, CA (6 year) (confirmed)
11.
12.
13. Bobbie Haskell - San Jose (2 year) (paid in full)
14. Don Scheel - Santa Clara, CA (deposit)
15.
16. Roy Qi - Santa Barbara, CA (3 year) (deposit)
17. Bill Barella - Crestwood, CA (2 year) (paid in full)
18. Frank Oclassen - Elk Grove, Ca (paid in full)
19. Todd Johansson - Port Hardy, BC
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Went to book processing at fisherman's and the number on their website does not accept text messages. Does anyone have one that works? Thanks - Jimmer
Sorry, the listed number works fine, I just entered it wrong. Nevermind - Jimmer
D'oh.
Thinking of signing up fellars!
What's the status? SPots available it seems on first page....but SoA site says waitlist?
--John
There are openings, contact Alan.
Come on John! Sign up, what ya waiting for an invitation? Ok, here goes John would you accompany us on an 8 day fishing trip on the Spirit of Adventure? 🤣. Bill
The 10 day leaving on Oct 20 has openings! Only downside to consider is that I'm on it!
Quote from: MarkT on June 29, 2023, 02:16:55 AMThe 10 day leaving on Oct 20 has openings! Only downside to consider is that I'm on it!
andthats the reason I'm on the 8 day .................................. :d
Damn, Tod is on the 8 day? I will have to brush up on my Canadian now.... Eh?
HAHAHA :P
Thanks fellers.
I gotta scrape up the cash. Just dropped $10k on 10 days in Hawaii with the girl. :d
You could send her by herself and save the $5000 for this trip....
One concern, does she have a Bobbitt knife?
This and the 10 day are getting close and we still have opening. The 8 day is a good first longrange trip with a great bunch of fishermen that are more than helpful. If you do not have the gear we can arange loaner gear for you.
Everyone on the 8 day needs to contact a few friends and get the seats filled. 10/2 is rapidly approaching.
The trip is just over a month away, check your passports. It is a PIA to do a expedited renewal.
Quote from: Keta on August 21, 2023, 02:51:39 PM... check your passports. It is a PIA to do an expedited renewal.
Lee, you speak the truth,
we noticed our passports were expiring and started the process 3 months ahead of time before an Alaska Cruise.
I received my new passport last Friday, but Jennifer has not.
We have contacted our Senior Senator here for California, Dianne Feinstein, and her staff is helping with an expedited processing time, plus we have enlisted a separate company that does just that.
We will see if I go alone on his trip or not.
Wayne
I got mine with minutes to spare at the federal building in SF. I exited the building with the new one, turned on my phone, took 3 steps and Alan called needing it NOW.
That was too close.
Overall my experience with the State Department went well but parking in the Tenderloin (country bumpken did not know better) and walking on the drug addict lined streets was not fun. I parked several blocks on the other side when I returned to pick it up and only had to step around 1 puddle of blood and one of vomit....plus it was not meetered parking.
Hey Wayne, I know this is news to you, but you don't need a passport for Alaska. Dominick
yea, I got an appt for the renewal on tues the 5th....hope I can rush process a passport in ~4 weeks...
Is there any information regarding bedding, fuel surcharge, etc? Bill
bedding has been provided in the past and it should be the same. we won't know about a fuel surcharge until we board. it's not likely.
And I am in on this trip!
What's the situation for fish processing? Every man for himself?
I'm coming, Alan. I just gotta get a passport uber rushed (set me back 800 clams...). But if it doesn't come in time I am hosed.
unfortunately, the processors are dictating terms. we will try to get back early to get first in line. call fisherman's, 5 star and mario's and see who can take a reservation. that's the best we can do.
So I brow beat 4 of my friends to join and no love. 1 almost committed but he is retiring end of October and couldn't make it work.
I met up with John (Brewcrafter) today to S.T.E.A.L. (Strategical Transfer Equipment to An Alternate Location) gear for Todd (Hardy Boy) and acquire enough 100# mono to make 2 wind on leaders to be made by Lee (Keta).
Getting close. So do you know where your equipment is? Bill
Quote from: Dominick on August 21, 2023, 06:15:20 PMHey Wayne, I know this is news to you, but you don't need a passport for Alaska. Dominick
Actually, we DO since our cruise begins in Vancouver, Canada!!! :o
Update on Jennifer's passport. Jen did contact Senator Feinstein's office, and 2 support staff have been in communication with the US State Dept. & Today, in the US Mail, Jen's Passport Arrived at our home!!!!!!
Friday, we will leave for Vancouver for a 12-day cruise to coastal Alaska and a few days in Vancouver when we arrive back. I spoke with Todd for a list of things to do while there. Thanks, Todd, for the local RECON.
I'll post photos when we return.
Wayne
Any idea who our skipper will be? Bill
nope. we never know for sure until we leave the dock.
Is anyone spending the night and heading north on the 10th or an easy way to ask is anybody getting stuck with their processing?
processing has been a mess in recent years. i will be driving down with lee putman. if lee's fish is ready on the 10th, we will be headed out on the 10th. hopefully, we will not have to wait overnight. they've sort of got you by the shorts.
we still need 3 more guys.
The SOA is on a 10 day right now. According to Marine Traffic it looks like they made a beeline to the tuna grounds.
I'm arriving Sunday 1 Oct into SAN (Terminal 2) at 1:15 on flight Delta 894 from ATL. Anybody going to be in the area that could pick me up at baggage claim around 1:30 or so? If not, it's only a short cab ride to the Sea Harbor motel.
Only 4 days away, I better start packing.
GA Mike
I am 95% packed now.
Plan "A" is drive to San Jose early Friday morning and do some yard work and other things around Bryan's house. Saturday more of the same plus help Alan. Early Sunday Morning we head to SD. Not sure of our SD ETA.
I will be driving down Monday morning as usual. Starting my packing now. I will be bringing gear for Todd loaned out by John and Shibs. Bill
Mike - I am picking up Todd at the airport but he doesn't land until after 4:30 - you could probably walk to the hotel and get there sooner. But if you want to sit in the airport for 3 hours we would be happy to accommodate!
Quote from: Brewcrafter on September 27, 2023, 08:09:15 PMMike - I am picking up Todd at the airport but he doesn't land until after 4:30 - you could probably walk to the hotel and get there sooner. But if you want to sit in the airport for 3 hours we would be happy to accommodate!
Did you decide to join us?
Lee - I wish!!!! Now that I am retired, next year is a GO! But SWMBO and I wanted to come down and visit with Todd (beer may be involved) plus he was kind enough to process and store the fish from when we visited him end of July. Since he is bringing down an ice chest to fly his fish back he is bringing mine down frozen. - john
Leaving Hancock, WI now, see you in 3 days. Sorry Mike, I don' think I'll make it to SD before 4 PM Sunday. -- Jimmer
Safe travels Jimmer. See you Monday. Bill
Quote from: Brewcrafter on September 27, 2023, 08:09:15 PMMike - I am picking up Todd at the airport but he doesn't land until after 4:30 - you could probably walk to the hotel and get there sooner. But if you want to sit in the airport for 3 hours we would be happy to accommodate!
there is so much construction going on at the airport that it's impossible to find a way to walk out of there.
Quote from: Keta on September 27, 2023, 08:20:58 PMQuote from: Brewcrafter on September 27, 2023, 08:09:15 PMMike - I am picking up Todd at the airport but he doesn't land until after 4:30 - you could probably walk to the hotel and get there sooner. But if you want to sit in the airport for 3 hours we would be happy to accommodate!
Did you decide to join us?
we are still down by three guys.
I tried to talk John into it also. Next year.
How is the weather looking ?? Windy seems to be looking fine but I'm a rookie judging weather down South there.
Todd
Got a call from the SOA admin today, besides the Mexican permit either $40 or $50 depending on how many days we will be in Mexican waters there will be a $10 per day fuel surcharge or $80 for this trip. So figure $130 to start the trip, but if your Canadian you'll have to figure that part out 🤨.
Man I miss Ron's load out count down. Anyway, stopped at the liquid store for libations today. Had a pow wow yesterday with Brewcrafter and Todd to finalize gear for Todd to use. Gathered most of the gear in one spot. Have youth football games to attend all day tomorrow. Still need to get all three hairs on the head cut and pack clothing. All in all I feel pretty good at where I'm at. (John I know you are laughing your butt off. Stop it I can hear you all the way up here on the mountain 🤣).
Guess we are at the 72 hr preload out. Bill
Finally arriving at our 1st fishing area S of Cedros (Natividad) for some first light fishing. Wx is good. Reports are good quality YT around. Tight Lines!
GA Mike
Does the SoA now have internet access?
I think Mike carries a portable satcom with him.
yeah Mark, I don't see Wifi on their website; doesn't mean they don't have it. Guessing you passed them sometime Tuesday? Looks like you really nailed some bulls down on the lower banks as well! Hopefully those guys are getting into some good stuff today! - john
End of fishing day 1. 100+ YT caught 20-30 lb range. Headed to the Ridge.
Mike
What a rogues gallery!
We spent Day 4 chasing schools of good grade YFT. Caught 150 in only 2.5 hrs all 20-30 lbs in the AM. Found several more schools throughout the day and limited out on even better 25-40 lb fish. 300 tuna for the day. 2nd best fishing day I've had on the SoA. 2015 YT fishing at Los Benito's still being the best.
We're still N of 13, wahoo have been scarce, may focus on grouper fishing. And a few BFT is still an option.
Tight Lines!
Mike
The YFT on the Ridge are definitely a better grade this year! I kept 2 that were a little over 30#.
Hell yeah! Great fishing!
Fishing is often feast or famine. Yesterday was feast, today was famine. No wahoo or grouper caught on 13. A few YFT caught on the troll. Now headed for Alijos due to high winds forecast for the BF grounds Monday. Will make a YT stop after AR. Might be a bumpy ride back to SD.
Mike
Thanks for the updates Peaches, I love living vicariously through your reports. Too bad the wind is gonna be up for BFT. Hopefully we'll get a shot in a couple of weeks. Hope the Rocks treat you well. It's really a toss up between Hoo and BFT in my opinion. Please say hi to all the folks, really miss them all. TommyD :d
Great updates Mike, thanks!
A rose between 2 thorns! ;D
Only got 6 Wahoo and a few keeper YT in 8 hrs at the Rocks Sharks were tearing up all bottom rigs. Heading toward Cedros/Natividad this PM to hopefully limit out on YT.
Mike
Great picture!
Conditions look good! - john
I hate those Bronze Whaler sharks at the Rocks! I've lost many Wahoo to them!
Good grade of YT coming over the rail this AM off Natividad. Last fishing day!
Way to go!
Homeward Bound! Almost everyone (except me) with a limit of YT and YF. A good time was had by all! Great Captain and crew.
GA Mike
You wanted more? I can tag you some on the 10 day... I only kept 8 fish on my Excel 10 day... 2 YFT, 2 Dorado, 4 YT... I caught a lot more that I gave away. I don't give away Wahoo and Grouper but then I didn't catch any :(. I have hopes for the 10 day leaving on the 20th :)!
I'd like to catch a keeper grouper as well.
Congratulations to all. Wish I was there!
An epic trip with great food (Guinness the chef is back), awesome boat and crew (Evan was the skipper), and the greatest bunch of fishermen and women around. Lots of familiar faces and some new ones too.
I will try to post a better report after I clean up some gear. This is my 3rd trip and each has been different.
Bill
What a blast getting all but one of my yellowtail on the yoyo iron and all but two of my tuna casting a small iron. Nothing like the hit when you are cranking in.
Todd
Iron was the hot ticket this trip, unfortunatly I can not fish it conventionally for long due to arthritis in my wrists. HOWEVER, slow pitch worked very well for me.
The 5 larger sharks at Alejos put the hurt to me too.
Lee - Never good when the Tax Man shows up - tonight Bill was telling me about some incredible "look, I have a head" type hits...serves to remind we are not the alpha predator out there. Glad you got hit on the slow pitch!..-john
Been there, had that happen. I totally hate those Bronze Whalers at the rocks!
It was that big!