I'm gonna go on another 10hr for my birthday. It's a toss up between going back on the same one I went on before, or heading east to go on one in the Atlantic. I'm thinking pros and cons here.
For the one I already went on, I already know exactly what to expect. It's not far from home, either. Last time I packed gear that was too heavy for what we actually found. This time I'd pack appropriately. Seeing others slaying it i already know these guys can put you on some fish. But red snapper season is closed in the gulf, and FWC just abruptly closed red grouper harvest as well (it was probably a good long term move for the fishery, is what i keep telling myself) but last time there was only one keeper grouper pulled up for the whole boat, and only a dozen or so red snapper for the whole boat. So it's not a major loss for that trip. Their longer trips are probably harder hit.
If I head east, the charter costs less (but it's close to the difference in gas cost so that balances out) and it leaves an hour later in the morning which is a big deal considering I almost slept thru the last one. Because it gets deeper closer to shore in the Atlantic and they claim their boat is quite fast, the end result is that trip will be fishing in 100'-180' when the one here didn't go deeper than 80' (their literature said they go deeper but I have metered braid and i have my doubts). This increases the odds of finding something big, I assume, but now it's sort of back to an unknown. And on the atlantic side grouper is still in season and red snapper is open year round. They also have no rules against braid and said i can bring as many rods as i want.
But it goes out Saturday not Sunday so i would have to leave immediately after work Friday to get to my parents house (20mi south of the dock) before i fall asleep from work-exhaustion. There's also the added difficulty of either packing to bring the family east or leaving the small children for my wife to manage alone for several days. And the with regards to the actual experience on the boat, the gulf is generally calm unless its stormy. The Atlantic is the Atlantic. But it's a fishing trip not a pleasure cruise.
So i can make an argument for either side. Does anyone with more experience have any insight here?
The closed fishery would rule out the gulf trip for me. Take the family to visit with your parents and have a fun, safe and productive trip. Is there any way you could take Friday off or leave early?
However I fish the North Pacific and Gulf of Alaska, rough conditions are more common than not so ocean conditions are not a big deal for me.
Which boat on the east coast are you considering?
It seems like either is going to be reef and wreck fishing exclusively? Probably tuned for guys who like to jig?
Restrictions on braid in 2023, as well as the possibilities of what may be out there in the Gulf Stream proper has me leaning towards the Atlantic Ocean party boat trip.
without knowing any of those places If I were you, I would take the Atlantic trip, just for the reason to fish in a new place, remember that half of the joy of fishing is the trip itself, knowing new places, new landscapes, the new adventure, if the end result of the trip is similar to the last trip well at least you now know two fishing spots and two fishing boats, that will give you "points" on your gained "fishing experience" and it will open your mind even more so you can be more prepared for the next fishing adventure.
if you repeat the same fishing trip it will be as you said, you already know what to expect which is not bad at all but in my case I will always chose the new spot if I had the option.
I'm booking the Atlantic option. It's "ocean obsession II" out of port canaveral. Booking for Sept 2nd. Correction though Its a 9hr not a 10hr
Have a safe and productive trip.
Quote from: Shellbelly on August 23, 2023, 12:46:38 AMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 22, 2023, 01:06:12 PMThis time I'd pack appropriately.
What are you gonna pack?
For sure my everol 12/20, my accurate 270 magnum, my spheros 4000 xgsw, and probably my fin nor lt100. I'm also considering building a 4/0 senator to take along. I've been talking about it for 4 months now.
Get your 349/349H together and take it rather than the 4/0. Let me know if you need the parts I have.
Is it customary to fish more than one rod simultaneously down there? I assume you need a 4/0 or something similar matched with a rod on the stout side to horse a possible lunker Grouper off of the wreck/reef bottom. Then a jigging setup for more active fishing - and the spinning outfit to be prepared for possible topwater/upper water column action like blackfin or dorado.
Do the party boats live chum on the reefs/wrecks?
Quote from: Keta on August 23, 2023, 02:17:24 AMGet your 349/349H together and take it rather than the 4/0. Let me know if you need the parts I have.
Good idea. I went ahead and did it. Steel gears steel sleeve and 5 stack drag. I have a tiburon 4/0 handle around somewhere. Are there any other spool options? I'm not a fan of this heavy 3-piece spool. Plus I think mine is a tad out of square. Definitely fishable but freespool sucks.
If I were you I would take a Penn 49, its a bit larger than a 349 & just as strong, good luck cheers Don.
Not true, the gears, gearsleeves, drag washers handle and posts are larger and heavier and the reels are about the same size but the 349/349H reels are much heavier.
Jason,
Aluminum spools were made but a bit hard to find and run around $80.00. I have aluminum spools, Penn and Newell Jigmaster 501 crossbars, SS 113H gearsleeves and both 7 and 9 dragwasher sets on the ones I fish.
https://berinsontackle.com/product/newell-spool-for-penn-master-mariner-349-reels-pre-owned/
I see a few newell spools on eBay but they all look to be the "wide" version.
Got a spare one you wanna sell? I can sweeten the deal with more of that green sauce.
I miss your hot sauce, it was first class.
Unfortunatly I do not have any aluminum 349/349H spools that are not on reels but I think I have a unwarped bronze one. I will check when I get home from Illinois on 9/1.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 23, 2023, 02:05:36 PMI see a few newell spools on eBay but they all look to be the "wide" version.
Got a spare one you wanna sell? I can sweeten the deal with more of that green sauce.
Can you tell me, what alum. spool you're looking for?
There's some of those 49/349 reels/parts over here by me. I actually saw one dirt cheap, all worked up, but I really have no use for this deep water stuff!
It was up on FBMP, but it was a cash pick up only, and I truly have no luck re-selling anything, at least for a profit anyway lol!
Can take a look for you again, might be taking a long ride, for a rod in the next day or two Jason
Just found this one, doesn't seem too bad with a best offer option and free 2-4 day shipping, out in Cali. Hmmmmm!
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 23, 2023, 12:24:27 AMI'm booking the Atlantic option. It's "ocean obsession II" out of port canaveral. Booking for Sept 2nd. Correction though Its a 9hr not a 10hr
Someone recommended it to me once but I never made it, looks like a good time. Alas I'm no longer physically able. Have a great time and give us a report. They have 12 hr. "jigging" only trips the next one being on September 7.
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on August 23, 2023, 09:20:33 PMJust found this one, doesn't seem too bad with a best offer option and free 2-4 day shipping, out in Cali. Hmmmmm!
Good price, I would jump on it.
I was looking at it but it looks like the wider version. To answer the previous question I want a newell aluminum spool in standard width or narrow. I was gonna contact them and ask, but I have no disposable income til after the trip.
"Standard" 349/349H are narrow, Jigmaster 501 width. If it is a YT special spool you can use it to trade for a 349/349H width aluminum spool.
Or you could ask the seller what the width is.
1 storm might not screw up a trip. 2 has me a bit nervous.
I'm looking forward to your trip out-I am looking at what the atlantic coast will be like in October, when I get to come down next.
So this is gonna be interesting. 3 named storms in the Atlantic as of now. Forecast is for 20mph winds day of the trip. So I'm expecting rough seas.
Reading what i can find, it seems the consensus is that trolling and other shallow types of fishing die after a storm but bottom fishing around structure picks up. So i guess we'll see.
My hope is that all the tourists and weak-willed locals get scared away, and just enough people remain that they don't cancel the trip but it isnt crowded. A fella can hope, right?
If im gonna reschedule, i need to do it today. So if anyone has any pertinent advice to add, I would love to hear it.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 31, 2023, 02:18:33 PMSo this is gonna be interesting. 3 named storms in the Atlantic as of now. Forecast is for 20mph winds day of the trip. So I'm expecting rough seas.
Reading what i can find, it seems the consensus is that trolling and other shallow types of fishing die after a storm but bottom fishing around structure picks up. So i guess we'll see.
My hope is that all the tourists and weak-willed locals get scared away, and just enough people remain that they don't cancel the trip but it isnt crowded. A fella can hope, right?
If im gonna reschedule, i need to do it today. So if anyone has any pertinent advice to add, I would love to hear it.
if I were you I would reschedule the trip, in my current personal position (family and job dont gave me as much time for fishing as few years ago) I like to have all the odds in favor when I go fishing but mostly a nice weather because of the reason you pointed out, not much action on the surface will make it a bottom fishing trip as the only option which is not that bad but its nice to have two or more spots to move and try different techniques as trolling, surface irons, jigging, etc.
check in your area and ask the boat capitan how the FULL moon affect fishing there, in my area full moon means a really strong currents which difficult the use of knife speed jigs, surface action remain good and if you want to try bottom fishing you have use a lot Weight to keep the bait on the targeted area.
To clarify: Spring tides (the big ones) happen on both the full moon and the new moon, incrementally ramping up and down as you get closer/ farther from the date. In an area with big tide swings where you want to avoid strong currents, you want to go closer to the neap tide (quarter moon) dates.
Time of day for the tides can matter too. If a big chunk of the time when your gear is in the water is happening on the slack (top or bottom of a) tide, the bite can slow, and drifts can get slow. My apologies if I am covering stuff that you are already familiar with.
On when to go, I am generally in the "just, go when you can" camp, but like Alex, I would probably make an exception here. If the fishery is pretty heavily pressured, and you are sharing a boat with 40 or so others, it is probably worth it to pick a day that might improve your odds a little if you don't get to go often. The day trip party boat bottomfish reports from FL coasts usually look pretty tough.
-J
Quote from: jurelometer on August 31, 2023, 06:23:33 PMTo clarify: Spring tides (the big ones) happen on both the full moon and the new moon, incrementally ramping up and down as you get closer/ farther from the date. In an area with big tide swings where you want to avoid strong currents, you want to go closer to the neap tide (quarter moon) dates.
you're right amigo, high tide have two big peaks on a month, one is on full moon and the other one on new moon :fish
I just called the charter. They say it's 50/50 right now whether they'll cancel. The Friday trip is already cancelled.
God at this point I'm not sure which option I'm rooting for.
I'm officially rescheduled for next Saturday. I think and hope I made the right call. Seems to be a theme.
Day after tomorrow is game time and I'm almost packed. And cant hardly concentrate on much else.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on September 07, 2023, 10:22:50 PM... And cant hardly concentrate on much else.
yep, thats fishing !! :fish
good luck amigo and have fun
Obviously not a local but even here in Kal-Unicornia the news is saying Hurricane Lee is a CAT 3 building up to what they say could be a CAT 4/5 this time tomorrow.
Looks like it's targeting the Atlantic side of the state.
Not trying to be a buzz-kill.
My trip two weeks ago was on the tail end of Hurricane Hillary and the winds were N-A-S-T-Y.
I guess it's a coin toss...
There is another one west of Cabo, Jova, but the prediction is it will go west.
It's still really far out. I'm optimistic. That's all i can be. The people in the cars behind me will be able to tell i have plans.
Quote from: Keta on September 08, 2023, 03:07:23 AMThere is another one west of Cabo, Jova, but the prediction is it will go west.
It's been heading west for awhile now. All of the eastern Pacific hurricanes have been going mostly due west this year, except for the one time I was heading down to Baja. That one ran due north, and right through Cedros.
Regarding the Atlantic and Hurricane Lee (no relation, I assume): The spaghetti charts show a wide range of possible paths. And at Cat 5, it could get scary.
Right now, I wouldn't be surprised if the sport boats tried to get a few more trips in. It looks like the big seas and winds are forecast to arrive closer to midweek nearshore on Florida's east coast.
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/marine/forecast/enhanced_atlc.php?text (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/marine/forecast/enhanced_atlc.php?text)
Good luck! If you don't pack any expectations, you'll have some fun. Hopefully you won't need to deal with Lee next week.
-J
I can hardly wait, I wanna see Jason come home with one THIS BIG!
Just one keeper but some really fun losses including a probably 5' or 6' barracuda.
Rave reviews for this company. I'm on the boat now, but in cell range. Also some gratuitous rod shots.
Looks like a Tuna Slider.
We're you using live bait?
Looked pretty nice out there.
Looks like a great day to go fishing-is that a schoolmaster snapper?
My first time ever going offshore fishing, I was 8 years old and went out with my grandfather. We only caught barracuda all day long and I remember it being so much fun-my grandfather caught a 60" and I caught a 44" cuda, and it's what hooked me all those years ago on saltwater fishing.
I think it's a Lane Snapper
Could be. Can't see a lot of yellow on the tail, but it definitely could be a Lane. Looks like a nice dinner to me!
It was a lane. I didn't realize their keeper size was 8" or I'd say i got 10 keeper fish yesterday. I only kept the one decent sized one.
It's funny how things change. This time I was the guy trying to give pointers to the guy on my right, who only caught one small fish the whole trip, because he was nowhere near the bottom.
Who was that, really happy guy, that photo bombed you lol?
I see a little smirk on your face, so hopefully, you just took it all in, and enjoyed yourself this time buddy!
Did you guys do any jigging at all?
I had 2 pics of the fish. Definitely decided to go with that one.
I don't remember his name but he was cool. I had a lot of great conversations on that boat. Far more so than the last trip.
I'll have to start saving some extra cash then-port Canaveral is only an hour north of where I'm staying and the full-day trips leave at 8AM, that's not bad at all for the whole getting-up-and-on-the-boat time.
I'm used to getting up at 4AM and driving an hour to be on the dock at 5 to 5:30AM, to be on time for a 6AM leave time. (And also paying MUCH more than the rates on their website!)
Quote from: Wolfram M on September 10, 2023, 05:03:40 PMI'll have to start saving some extra cash then-port Canaveral is only an hour north of where I'm staying and the full-day trips leave at 8AM, that's not bad at all for the whole getting-up-and-on-the-boat time.
I'm used to getting up at 4AM and driving an hour to be on the dock at 5 to 5:30AM, to be on time for a 6AM leave time. (And also paying MUCH more than the rates on their website!)
Their rates are extremely reasonable. I assume it's driven by local competition. That also includes bait, rod n reel (for those who don't bring their own) and surprisingly good food. They also have no rules against braid, unlike a lot of party boats. But you don't book your spot on the rail ahead of time. It's first come first served the morning of. I got there at 715 and got a decent spot.
When are you going? And if you decide to go out on a Saturday I may be able to join you. I'll sell another reel to finance my trip if need be.
Also, My parents live in indialantic, FL. You're likely not far from there if you're headed a n hour south of the port.
Rules against braid?????
Reserving your spot on the rail????
Unheard of here!
well amigo, that snapper looks 3x better than some of my "best of the day" fish.
I was using a MH musky rod with an unstoppable calcutta 400TE and that was the best fish for me for the entire trip. ^-^ ^-^
cool story about you being the one giving advices to the next guy on your trip
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on September 11, 2023, 01:50:11 PMQuote from: Wolfram M on September 10, 2023, 05:03:40 PMI'll have to start saving some extra cash then-port Canaveral is only an hour north of where I'm staying and the full-day trips leave at 8AM, that's not bad at all for the whole getting-up-and-on-the-boat time.
I'm used to getting up at 4AM and driving an hour to be on the dock at 5 to 5:30AM, to be on time for a 6AM leave time. (And also paying MUCH more than the rates on their website!)
Their rates are extremely reasonable. I assume it's driven by local competition. That also includes bait, rod n reel (for those who don't bring their own) and surprisingly good food. They also have no rules against braid, unlike a lot of party boats. But you don't book your spot on the rail ahead of time. It's first come first served the morning of. I got there at 715 and got a decent spot.
When are you going? And if you decide to go out on a Saturday I may be able to join you. I'll sell another reel to finance my trip if need be.
Also, My parents live in indialantic, FL. You're likely not far from there if you're headed a n hour south of the port.
I will be in the Vero Beach area from October 1 to October 8, and I am thinking I might go Wendsday and maybe Saturday, assuming that the others who are flying in and flying home aren't needing a ride to the airport on those days. I intend to know these things by saturday of this week, and I will DEFINITELY let you know if I can go Saturday the 7th.
I also plan to go down to Fort Pierce, to BoatBuilder Central and talk to them about some of their boat building plans. I own the set of plans they offer for the classic 19ft center console, and I am seriously considering the plans for the 23ft carolina sportfish style center console.
Only 27 more years till I can receive my retirement from the state, assuming I live that long. (I'm 36 now.)
Jason, unfortunately I can't go on saturday-I have to deliver people to the airport that saturday. I did book for wendsday, though!
I'll let you all know how I do.
Bummer. Good luck on the other day though. I guess I'll just have to book another gulf trip now that red snapper season is apparently extended.
Take advantage if and when you can, man. The only big perk to teaching-vacation time spread out through the year. So far, I have managed to hit the florida coast first week of october every year, and some years I can save enough money up to go in the spring as well. I'm going to save some extra money this summer and maybe 2025 I can go out for my first multi-day trip.
I gotta improve my workout regimen before I go for more than 12 hours though.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 23, 2023, 02:08:10 AMFor sure my everol 12/20, my accurate 270 magnum, my spheros 4000 xgsw, and probably my fin nor lt100. I'm also considering building a 4/0 senator to take along. I've been talking about it for 4 months now.
Jason, I have something for you to help you and "push you" to get your hands busy and build that penn 4/0 senator, its not too big and can be upgraded till make it a tank as you already know.