Finally,
I have some time to put this post together. Our man Ted (Maxed Out) has been fishing the Tornado for albacore and all other sorts of tasty denizens for years. I have had the pleasure of fishing albacore off the boat for the last two years. This year, and every year going forward hopefully, we have reserved the boat for Sep 23-25.
The Tornado is THE boat to fish in West Port, Capt Dwight is tops. Fantastic live bait (anchovies,) and plenty of space for 10 fishers. It is NOT the Spirit of Adventure. You bring your own food, and water (or other beverages,) and common berthing. I call it camping 100 miles from shore (way better than any submarine!)
The price is $825.00 per person. With a 20% tip and $100 for fish processing it rounds out to $1050.00 per head. I will collect the funds, $500.00 by 1 Feb and balance due 1 May 2024. I'll maintain a stand-by list here.
The boat has live bait gear (Shimano rods and single speed Accurate Boss single speeds,) but is happy for you to bring your own. For jigs, I have had luck with Salas 6x yo-yo and any small surface iron on 30# gear (typical 7-8ft jig stick.) Live bait is 20# fly line with #4 or 2 ringed circle hooks. Catching a 25+ pound albacore on 20# mono is quite the fishing experience...
I have a room in Ocean Shores (50 minutes away) for Sunday through Thursday to help out with travel. West Port is a couple hours from SeaTac (the airport,) we'll sort out transportation once anyone flying has their data. The boat leaves the dock at 7PM Monday, we steam out all night 70-100 miles out while we are asleep. Trolling jigs go out at first light, and we fish all day Tuesday until sun down. If there is room in the hold, we'll fish Wed until 10 in the morning or so and then get back home Wed afternoon. If we plug the boat, we come in early.
Its as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.
1. Steve
2. Wayne Deutscher
3. Juan Lazama
4. Ryan Wood
5. XXX
6. Nick Poppen
7. Wayne's friend Jim
8. Mike McGhee
9. The PROFESSOR!
10. Ron Jones
it's going to be too close to the SOA trips, so i won't be able to make it. :-\
RON!!!
I'M IN!!! Book me for this Sept. 23 - 25, 2024 Trip.
For those of you wanting to RECON this trip, here is the website:
https://tornadowestport.com/ - Quality Husband & Wife Team run this boat. He is the skipper, she is the Admin.
Are you open to opening this trip to non- AT.com members???
Huge Tomato growing contractor buddy of mine, Jim, is thinking about going.
let me know if I can give him the GREEN LIGHT.
THIS TRIP WILL BE EPIC!!!!!!
Wayne
Absolutely!
Any friend of yours is a friend of ours! (isn't that how the line goes?)
This should be a fun and productive trip, I wish I could make it.
Ron,
Just spoke with a LONG TIME Friend, Jim McManis, please put him on our list. He's going too!!!!!
Wayne
Ron put me on the list.
Mike McGhee
Ron, this sounds like a fun time. Put me on the list if there's still room.
Quote from: mikeysm on November 30, 2023, 05:22:02 PMRon put me on the list.
Mike McGhee
Will be a lot of fun, glad to have you!
Quote from: scrinch on November 30, 2023, 05:53:12 PMRon, this sounds like a fun time. Put me on the list if there's still room.
Wouldn't be a trip without THE PROFESSOR!!
I'LL BRING YOUR GLOVES!!
The Man
Sadly, I'll hafta step away from this trip. Wife will be outta town, so I'll be home babysitting. Hope someone can fill my slot
Chief,
I'd like to be put on the standby list
Or am I the tenth now that Ted can't go?
Love Me Some Longfin!
Thanks,
Steve
Amazing!!!!!
IN LESS THAN 24 Hours since Ron posted this Charter Trip - we have filled a 10-person roster.
That might be a record!!!!!
Boyz, this will be an EPIC TRIP!!!!!
Ted, please make yourself available to give us a Master Class lesson in Smoking & canning Albacore tuna. You are the Regional Expert for sure.
Sept. 23, 2024 Kids!!!!!! Let's start the planning ...
Wayne
Your in Steve!
Can't wait to get on the water.
The Man
Sounds like an awesome trip. Would love to have a loin or two of fresh Albacore for my family and me. Haven't had fresh albacore in years.
Bryan!
Your WISH is my Command!!!!
Your home will be my first stop when I arrive back in the SF Bay Area.
Are you SURE 2 loins are enough??? Any request for the Collars????
We will take care of you.
Wayne
Quote from: El Pescador on November 30, 2023, 10:33:45 PMBryan!
Your WISH is my Command!!!!
Your home will be my first stop when I arrive back in the SF Bay Area.
Are you SURE 2 loins are enough??? Any request for the Collars????
We will take care of you.
Wayne
Loins and collars? Will I be in heaven on earth? YES!!!
Bryan,
Your request list has been updated.
Wayne
Bryan,
you make an old man blush ^-^
Wayne
Quote from: Ron Jones on November 30, 2023, 10:19:34 PMYour in Steve!
Can't wait to get on the water.
The Man
Right On!
Soooo looking forward to it.
Bay Area Guys:
You flying or driving?
I'd prefer to fly but I also plan on catching a lot of fish. ;D
I am driving, so if anyone else is it will be good to share the road
Juan
Jim & I will be driving together, with BIG Ice Chests to bring our fish home.
Wayne
Quote from: jlezama on November 30, 2023, 11:26:19 PMI am driving, so if anyone else is it will be good to share the road
Juan
Juan,
If you'd like someone to ride shotgun with you pencil me in.
I say pencil because my wife thinks she ant's to go.
Which I will talk her out of!
Steve
Albacore, the unicorn of the Tunas, this sounds like a magic trip.
Quote from: steelfish on December 01, 2023, 12:39:07 AMAlbacore, the unicorn of the Tunas, this sounds like a magic trip.
Alejandro,
They hold a special place in my heart!
I'll send some home with my parents to give you next year.
Steve
Quote from: Crab Pot on December 01, 2023, 01:22:44 AMAlejandro,
They hold a special place in my heart!
I'll send some home with my parents to give you next year.
Steve
thanks in advance amigo, I will mark the dates on my calendar ^-^
not related note: my wife no longer buy canned tuna (mostly yellowfin tuna) since few years ago, specially after we saw the netflix TV show Battlefish, where the fishermen on the show fish for Albacores on the same place you are planning to go https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,26590.0.html
we try to eat only fresh fish, but from time to time my wife now buys canned ALBACORE tuna chunks :P
Quote from: steelfish on December 01, 2023, 01:46:13 AMQuote from: Crab Pot on December 01, 2023, 01:22:44 AMAlejandro,
They hold a special place in my heart!
I'll send some home with my parents to give you next year.
Steve
thanks in advance amigo, I will mark the dates on my calendar ^-^
not related note: my wife no longer buy canned tuna (mostly yellowfin tuna) since few years ago, specially after we saw the netflix TV show Battlefish, where the fishermen on the show fish for Albacores on the same place you are planning to go https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,26590.0.html
we try to eat only fresh fish, but from time to time my wife now buys canned ALBACORE tuna chunks :P
My wife is an expert canner Alejandro.
She'll hook you guys up.
I watched Battlefish as well.
A lot like Wicked Tuna, STUPID!
Kardashian's Go Fishing would have been a better title for both!
good hunting, gentlemen!
Our man jurelometer pointed out that the Tornado might not reimburse the cost if the weather blows the trip out. I just got off the phone with the boat and have confirmed that that is NOT the case.
A full refund will be provided in the event the trip is cancelled due to weather conditions.
Thanks for the due diligence, my friend.
The Man
Late Sepember is usualy OK.
Ron,
Given I now live in Olympia please put me on the wait list.
Pete
Ron when do you want the deposit and where do I send it. Can we pay in full also.
Mike
Just checking on how we can pay up for the trip.
Nick
Guys, Philadelphia has been crazy!!
I'll update the post and reach out with the plan this weekend.
Thanks!
Alright guys,
This is NOT a cancelation. The trip is on, and it will be a blast! I can't say unfortunately, because it is good news; but with business taking off the way it is I'm out of resources to manage this trip (Alan warned me this would happen :-\ )
Thankfully, our transplant and soon to be retired veteran Nick Poppen is going to stand in for me. He'll start posting regularly and figure out the game plan for collecting the fee.
i can't thank you enough, Nick; and I can't WAIT to see everybody in September. Remember, if you want to come in a day early, we have plenty of room at the resort.
FTC (SS) Jones, "The Man" Ronald L. USN (Ret)
Thanks for the hand off.
I'm in DC until May 20th and then driving back to Olympia, WA.
We'll get everything settled with those going on the trip as well as with the boat captain.
If I can get a quick confirmation from those on the list to go it would help me with the transition.
This stands to be a great time.
Nick
Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on April 18, 2024, 08:58:13 PMThanks for the hand off.
I'm in DC until May 20th and then driving back to Olympia, WA.
We'll get everything settled with those going on the trip as well as with the boat captain.
If I can get a quick confirmation from those on the list to go it would help me with the transition.
This stands to be a great time.
Nick
I'm 1000% still in Nick.
Juan, we still driving?
Thanks,
Steve
I'm still planning on going!
I can't wait to see everyone!
It will be good, Philadelphia is a bit much, the Ohana will help a lot.
The Man
Hey folks,
For those on the Tornado Albacore trip in September. I will need to collect payment of $1050 No Later Than (NLT) May 15th so I can pay the boat.
I'm looking forward to the trip and happy I was able to help out.
Nick
How do we pay you Nick?
Quote from: Crab Pot on April 22, 2024, 01:02:40 AMHow do we pay you Nick?
I sent an email to the Tornado to confirm the price. Once I get the confirmed price I will post it. I have Venmo, Zelle, PayPal. Please PM me if there are any questions.
Nick,
YES, both #7 on the list: Wayne's Friend Jim,
well, let's give him a name!!!
Both Jim McManis and Wayne Deutscher will be attending this Tornado Sept. 23 - 25, 2024 ALbacore trip.
Please confirm the price and both Jim & I will get you what is owed.
Nick, can't wait to meet you.
Wayne
Posting an updated list for the trip. Confirming price to avoid any last minute headaches.
1. Steve
2. Wayne Deutscher
3. Juan Lazama
4. Ryan Wood
5. Pete Young
6. Nick Poppen
7. Jim McManis
8. Mike McGhee
9. The PROFESSOR!
10. Ron Jones
Spoke with the fine folks at the Tornado today. To cover the boat, the tip, and fish processing I will need $1090.00 by May 15th. Please send me a PM so we can work out the payment method. I prefer Zelle, but I can work with PayPal or Venmo.
Can't wait for the trip,
Nick
Hey folks. After referring with the experts here is the updated price.
$825 + $140 (17% tip) = $965
The deckhand preps the fish and charges $4 per tuna to cut out the loins. Please have $100 cash to cover the cost of fish processing (this will be more than enough to cover the costs if we fill the boat).
Thanks for putting up with me.
Nick
For anyone using Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal: If you need me to send a request for payment with those systems please let me know in a PM what your account can be found with (phone, email, username, etc.)
Nick
Nick,
Full payment sent via Venmo (Kelly, my wife's account).
Please let me know you got it.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve,
Money received! Thank you
Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on May 02, 2024, 02:18:02 AMSteve,
Money received! Thank you
Whoop Whoop!
So looking forward to this trip.
Crab Pot
Nick,
Is there an open spot on the trip?
I have a friend who "may" be interested.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve,
We are fully booked. If something changes I will let you know.
Nick
What gear will everyone be using? Rod and reels?
I plan on using a Cortez Conversions 99 on a Shimano Trevala 6'6" Heavy jigging rod. I'll probably bring the Cortez/Tiburon T4NI on a Trevala XH jigging rod
The boat does have gear, but I can't remember what it is.
Ted or Ron, do you know what the boat rented equipment is?
The boat has 6'6" MH trevala rods with accurate boss reels....and there's no rental fee for using the boat gear. Anyone bringing their own rod and reel should have a good reel cover, cause the only storage is at the bait tank, and things get plenty of sea spray during 6-8 hour run out and run back in
Who is driving up and who is flying in.
Mike
Quote from: mikeysm on May 08, 2024, 04:24:22 PMWho is driving up and who is flying in.
Mike
Driving up with Juan.
At least that's the plan now.
Where do you live Mike?
I've seen all kinds of gear, but I think the 4/0 (even the extra narrow) is bigger than you need. 501s are awesome, The 146 sized Newell would be great, my ProGear CS 501s can't be beat. Of course, the same sized lever drag will work as well.
I would run whatever your 20 or light 30 pound long range rod is and you'll be fine. I bring a 6-6 fiberglass jig stick for bait if I'm not using the boats gear, and an 8ft graphite rod for throwing iron. Last year, a dude did real good with swim baits, so you might bring 3-4 of those in the 6 inch range if that is your thing. Sometimes a split shot a few feet in front of a live chovie is the ticket, especially if you don't know how to get your bait deep.
This is NOT a LR trip. Don't bring your SKB box with the kitchen sink. If you've been to Cedros, the Boss' rule works; everything fits in a gallon zip lock (I usually bring 3 medium Planos.) If you bring NO gear, you will fish bait with Dwight's gear and catch just as many fish as us gear whinnies.
I REALLY like 30# braid to floro, especially the thin floro where 30 is 20 diameter. The skipper is a 20# guy, and can catch fish, well like a Skipper. Ted has fished a lot of 30# mono, and the skipper has tied a lot of 20# top shots onto Ted's 30# mono (I watched him.)
Don't let the gear get in the way of having fun. Of course, I tell guys doing their first LR that too and they NEVER listen.
Wayne and I were talking, and it would be a great idea if we could put together a group bring list: Someone bring napkins, someone bring X,Y,Z. Water, lots of drinking water. For 10 guys I'd think a few of the big rectangles of water would work for everyone. If we could figure out dinner, that would be great. Normally everyone swaps whatever munchies they've brought, it isn't always satisfying.
Don't bring too many clothes, their is NOT a lot of room, it isn't the SOA. I bring fresh skivvies for the fishing morning, and put on the clothes that I wear onto the boat back on the last day because the clothes you wear on the whole day of fishing are going to be nasty. You can wear all the rubber from Grunden's you want. Bibs, jacket, boots, body condom, albacore blood is going to soak through your clothes and when you change your skivvies you are going to ask yourself "how did blood get there?"
Hope that helps
The Man
Thank you for the great rundown Ron! I'd be happy to start a text group for the trip. If everyone PMs me their number I will get it set up.
Nick
Quote from: Crab Pot on May 09, 2024, 12:16:38 AMQuote from: mikeysm on May 08, 2024, 04:24:22 PMWho is driving up and who is flying in.
Mike
Driving up with Juan.
At least that's the plan now.
Where do you live Mike?
I live in Atwater ca. I will be taking my van up. I lived up in Redmond before Microsoft ruined it. People from California moved in and prices skyrocketed overnight. I packed up and came back home. I guess you can't get away from the crazy people here. Just look at Colorado, Texas, Arizona and Florida. And now Tennessee all the crazy people ruining their states. You cant escape it. Maybe they will all leave california and things might change for the good.
I'm starting to think about the room at Ocean Shores. If anyone is coming, let me know and we'll start putting together a menu. I'm staying until Thursday, and it is nice to unwind off the boat for a day before you travel. I will bring my food saver (Ted will laugh at me)and will vac all my fish on Wed. Anyone who wants to is welcome to hang out ang get theirs sorted out. I will also eat a good bit of fish, and I'm certain everyone has their preferred way. Just let me know.
For those coming up North, remember that Portland is an absolute nightmare on Mondays right around when you'd get there if you are planning on getting to the boat at 6 (I wouldn't be any later.) There is some great places to eat in Westport, and they have really good ice cream. So getting there around 4 and eating ling cod and chips followed by an ice cream is a perfect afternoon right before you get on board, the boat will be cleaning up from the previous trip before that, and we will NOT try to come on board until their ready for us.
I'm getting excited!
Quote from: Ron Jones on May 30, 2024, 10:11:48 PMI'm starting to think about the room at Ocean Shores. If anyone is coming, let me know and we'll start putting together a menu. I'm staying until Thursday, and it is nice to unwind off the boat for a day before you travel. I will bring my food saver (Ted will laugh at me)and will vac all my fish on Wed. Anyone who wants to is welcome to hang out ang get theirs sorted out. I will also eat a good bit of fish, and I'm certain everyone has their preferred way. Just let me know.
For those coming up North, remember that Portland is an absolute nightmare on Mondays right around when you'd get there if you are planning on getting to the boat at 6 (I wouldn't be any later.) There is some great places to eat in Westport, and they have really good ice cream. So getting there around 4 and eating ling cod and chips followed by an ice cream is a perfect afternoon right before you get on board, the boat will be cleaning up from the previous trip before that, and we will NOT try to come on board until their ready for us.
I'm getting excited!
Juan,
You want to split a room?
Chief,
I thought our fish was getting processed on the boat?
Is that not the case?
Thanks,
Steve
My room can sleep 6, and plenty of space on the floor. It is basically a condominium, full kitchen. At a resort in Ocean Shores.
Fish will be filleted, not vacuum packed.
The Man
I stopped by Jim's home - the HUGE Tomato Grower - here in San Mateo, you all remember Jim, don't you????
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165850-38991766.jpeg)
Tomatoes so BIG, Sal had to have some seeds for his garden, which I glady sent to him.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165850-389912253.jpeg)
Well I stopped by last Friday to tighten up our trip planning, Jim will be driving his work truck, and fellow concrete contractor Joe, will be traveling with us.
NOT to say that Jim is excited about our upcoming Albacore trip, BUTT here are the reels he is planning to bring!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165741-38990192.jpeg) !!!!!
I told him, "JIM this is a ONE-DAY TRIP and a few hours the next morning!!!!" 5 REELS???? Will you be trading off each hour of the ONLY day of fishing?????
And he is bringing 5 RODS, a tackle box FILLED with Albacore lures, and another tackle box with more hooks and weights!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165731-389831550.jpeg)
I told him, "JIM!!! BUDDY BOY!!! Back it down, how about 3 rods and reels, that should get you thru the day!!!!"
IT's his truck, his travel rules, BUTT lets look at the reels coming on the trip.
PRO GEAR Albacore Special 542 reel!!! I told him THIS REEL will stay on my lap the entire time, I don't want ANY damage to come to the reel!!! A Perfect reel for Albcore.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165731-389831353.jpeg)
Penn 113H with AccuPlates - MORE than adequate for this trip as well.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165734-38986284.jpeg)
Trinidad Reel, ALMOST too pretty to bring and fish, but also well equipped for this trip.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165735-3898612.jpeg)
Shimano TLD 2-Speed 30 Reel
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165738-389881717.jpeg)
Penn 114H stock reel - I told him IN LESS we run into some BLue Fin Tuna, you can leave these last 2 weeks at home.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924165739-389881688.jpeg)
Either way, Jim, Joe and I are EXCITED for our trip, Kinda like THIS!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/7588-030924171417-38993195.png)
3 WEEKS from today, we will be 60 to 100 MILES West of Westport, WA FISHING for long-fin Albacore !!!!!!! I'll post every photo!!!!!
FISH ON!!!!!
Wayne
You will be pressed to find room for all of that gear... have fun.
Todd
good hunting, gentlemen!
So stoked!
Of course Long Fins are being fished all the way south to Monterey Bay this year but WHATEVER, I've never caught a Washington fish so this is a bucket list trip.
Can't wait!
Steve
Hi Wayne I worked for a tomatoe grower, who planted 196,000 plants, is that anywere near hugh, cheers Don.
Tight lines !
The jerky is on the marinade, clothes packed, wet gear packed, and one eye on the weather .... :cf
8)
Looking Good!
As an old Morro Bay lad, I have never known Albacore to not be a "Victory at Sea" type of experience. You lads give 'em heck, looking forward to great stories and great reports! - john
Wayne, all 5 of those reels look bigger than what's needed for Albies. How heavy of line do they use for Albies out of Westport? I thought it was a max of 30#?
MarkT,
The Reels have been paired down to Penn 500's & their variations and a ProGear 542 Reel.
50 lbs. braid backing and 30 lbs. mono topper with a short 25 or 30 lbs. fluro Tippet.
I'm bringing my Garmin inReach SE+ GPS communicator and will text Ted with updates and he can post how we are doing.
I'm heading to Alan's this AM to have a couple of reels laced up.
Wayne
Well I finally got on this page to look at bluefin/san diego stuff as I'm hitting my first trip ever in November and everyone is excited about albacore.
50-60 braid to a top shot of 30lb fluorocarbon is all you need for bait rods. Dwight may have a different program for you. Would maybe suggest you wait or ask to see how long he may want your top shots. I run a 6 pack (same float as Dwight)(you'll see my boat...it looks out of place in Washington). I don't mind people bringing their own gear but I try to match top shot lengths for when we start the tuna dance.
Wish you guys luck. We've been having some pretty great days on the water and if anyone is gonna get into the fish it will be the Tornado.
We've already clarified that Dwight uses 50# 8 strand (please don't bring a reel with 60#) and he will gladly tie on top shots for anyone bringing their personal rod/reel.
....and Dwight uses 25# flouro for his top shots. If anyone shows up with 30# top shot, expect it to be replaced with 25
I am just bringing my Albacore special with mono 30lb test. He can tie on the 25lb leader on to that. No need to have anything heavier.
Mike
Bringing loads of Karma for the trip.
Found a lady's wallet at the Safeway parking lot with multiple $100 bills in.
She was at the customer service counter hoping someone turned it in when I walked up.
Karma! That's the way the AT Ohana rolls! - john
Tight lines, gents!
Just landed in Portland.
I could get use to this flying over driving stuff.
Weather looks good, skipper says we are going!!!
The Man
Good luck. Weather does look good.
Todd
Fishing was great yesterday. You guys will have a blast.
If you walk by my boat...yes my engines are dirty. Just realized we forgot to clean them. Too busy trying to get all the tuna blood off the boat.
We arrived in Westport, WA - found pier 12 ( called a float here) & standing & waiting for us is YOU guessed it - The man himself - Mr Wonderful- Ted!!!!
I am looking forward to reading the post and hope you felas plug the boat!
Ah 3 Hour Tour...
Wayne sent this photo by text and asked me to post it on the site. He had just arrived at Ted Measor's place. You now have a face to put on one of the most knowledgeable and generous members on the site. Dominick
good luck everyone, nice photo Wayne, cheers don.
Looking good fellas, hope you find them hungry! Have fun!!!
No surprise this was another EPIC trip onboard the Tornado. Captain Dwight and his deckhands never skipped a beat. We plugged the boat with 175 nice grade albacore and came in early. Great bunch of Ohana guys that fished hard and kept tangles to a bare minimum. Our best 2 bait stops were 55 & 43. Proof is in the pudding...Tornado is a cut above the rest !! Thanks to Captain Dwight. He never brags about his boat or his fishing abilities, the results and the very happy clients speaks volumes !!
...and of course Cortez Tom's 99 jigmaster worked flawlessly to bring 22 albacore to gaff
This trip was a blast! We will do this every year. Maybe we can even get Alan to come on one. I know these tuna are much smaller than he's used to.
Here's a pile from one bait stop.
Boat was getting full
this year it was just too close to the SOA trips. glad you guys had a great time!!!
Good work guys.
Todd
Nothing like a frothing albacore bite. Sure wish they'd come south again. You guys killed it
Quote from: Crab Pot on September 22, 2024, 06:55:48 PMBringing loads of Karma for the trip.
Found a lady's wallet at the Safeway parking lot with multiple $100 bills in.
She was at the customer service counter hoping someone turned it in when I walked up.
Thank you Steve for the good Karma you brought to Westport !!
The world needs more people like you !! Had a blast fishing with you. Looking forward to fishing with you again someday !!
-Ted
Woo-hoo! WTG guys..... :d
Quote from: Maxed Out on September 26, 2024, 01:41:59 AMThank you Steve for the good Karma you brought to Westport !!
The world needs more people like you !! Had a blast fishing with you. Looking forward to fishing with you again someday !!
-Ted
Nice to finally share the rail with you Ted!
Your stories and experiences were inspiring!
I need to make room in the reel curio for your latest gift to me.
Thanks,
Steve
EPIC EPIC EPIC
This trip is what WIDE-OPEN-ALBACORE Fishing is all about!
It was nice to finally put faces to names!
You PNW Boys know your stuff! If you ever find your way down here to Kalifornia I'd like to return the favor. You ALWAYS have a place to stay, even if it's just an overnighter on your way to San Diego to split the drive.
Can't say enough about the crew, even though one of the deckhands got sick he powered through it. Sorry for you Ohana guys who got sick as well. It was pretty Disco out there to say the least, lots of dancing and grabbing. Thankfully no one fell down.
The provided gear was top notch, and the Anchovies were much larger than I could have ever hoped for, they all died well!
Special shout out to RyanW for picking Rick and I up at the airport and putting us up for the night!
Enjoy the photos,
Steve
You cannot beat a trip like that. Congratulations guys. Dominick
Like the Ohana shirt on that guy that looks like Kris Kringle, the one with no reel handle :)
Things started out a little foggy and bumpy Tuesday morning, but they settled down a bit by late morning.
When I went lots of people got sick, well over half. It was really sporty. even a couple of the Canadians went green.
Todd
Don't forget this guy! Cool under pressure
And who could forget this guy?
You could not use the word cool for Ron .... ::)
Todd
Epic... Another trip to add to the bucket list.
Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on September 26, 2024, 11:19:32 PMDon't forget this guy! Cool under pressure
Come on Nick, I made you look skinny! ;)
Nice sharing the rail with you,
Steve
Well posted-looks like a heckuva time! :fish
Awesome fishing trip guys, amazing, thanks for sharing the pics and reports
that video of the bumpy waters made me lost appetite, Dang!
Forgot to mention:
For those of you who fly, I basically flew as cheaply as possible on Alaska Airlines.
I had 90 pounds of Albacore loins and 50 pounds of luggage. I was going to check in 100 pounds and carry on the remaining. When I got to the counter, I knew I was going to have to pay a $80 bag fee, so I asked the gal if upgrading to first class, where two bags check free, was economically worth it.
It was, I saved $6.00 and flew first class!
Never hurts to ask,
Steve
Quote from: Hardy Boy on September 27, 2024, 12:16:34 AMYou could not use the word cool for Ron .... ::)
Todd
I resemble that remark!
Thanks to everyone who showed up!
It really was great to do this with guys who know how to fish. Just remember, it ain't over till its over...breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Can't wait for next year!
The Man
Ron thank God we packaged our fish on Wednesday. I do not have the energy to do it today.
Mike
Quote from: mikeysm on September 27, 2024, 08:17:11 PMRon thank God we packaged our fish on Wednesday. I do not have the energy to do it today.
Mike
It was a lot of work. I played Santa Clause on the way home. Have had 2 tuna dinners, and have the rest in the freezer.
The horse, the gun, THE MAN!
It was a blast fishing around all those Cali boys that know how to do the dance.
I hope we can all do this again next year. Thanks to Ron and Nick for making this happen
I only have 1 pic from the trip, and it was mainly to show my albacore killing Cortez 99 (posted on previous page). Thanks to Steve for taking the time to snap some photos.
Oh, here's a pic of Wayne and his 2 buddies after they got back home with a pickup truckload of 51 albacore
im thinking I want to do this trip next year! - john
Quote from: Brewcrafter on September 28, 2024, 03:48:35 AMim thinking I want to do this trip next year! - john
You were John!
We sure appreciated some of your fine craft beers while plugging the hold!
(Loved that IPA) :d
Steve
My penn albacore special worked flawlessly. You could here the drag working as the fish taking line. Smooth as glass
Good fishing with everyone! Glad everyone had a good time. All bites were on the chovies. Ron and I threw jigs for some short amounts of time and I didn't have a touch.
I even got to gaff an albacore with the rod in one hand and the gaff in the other. Always a good trip when the bite gets to that level. Even got to one point where we had 8 people fishing and all 8 hooked up.
Going with Dwight's brother this weekend if the weather holds. Right now looks about like what we had. Fan supposed to turn on sat afternoon
Forecast is getting better- sub 10 knots whole trip. Swells supposed to start at 9 @9s and drop to 5@ 10s. Not perfect but I will take it!
Space avail if anyone wants to jump on https://charterschedules.com/westport/requestTrip.php
Quote from: Ryan W on October 01, 2024, 11:34:03 PMForecast is getting better- sub 10 knots whole trip. Swells supposed to start at 9 @9s and drop to 5@ 10s. Not perfect but I will take it!
Space avail if anyone wants to jump on https://charterschedules.com/westport/requestTrip.php
BALLER!
Wish I was closer Ryan because I'd love to join you.
PM me your address, I'll send you the soft sided cooler back with some canned Albacore.
Good luck,
Steve
Alright Kidz, I finally have time to sit and post a few photos. After this post, I'll work on the Albacore canning with my Portuguese Friends!
My loving wife drives me to HUGE Tomato grower Jim's home - at 4:30 AM just a short 7 minute ride. Wait for JJ to get there, we load up and take off.
3 hours into the ride we drive past Mt. Shasta, slightly over 14,000' - and northeast about 70 miles is Lee's home (Keta) - we send our thoughts to you sir.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135254-390661982.jpeg)
I bumped into Ted while we were boarding the Tornado and he said we should all fill up with shaved ice. We didn't hesitate to get ice since Ted's done this trip for over 10 years.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135302-390681802.jpeg)
Here is our intended prey - Longfin Albacore.
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On the boat, checking out the gear - our ONLY point of contact with our pelagic prey is this... a #4 J-hook with an attached ring. This will catch 30+ lbs. albacore!!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135307-39070903.jpeg)
Rods & reels were 6 1/2' rods ALL with Accurate lever drag Fury 500 Reels with 50 lbs. braid and 25 lbs. mono. This worked perfectly on our trip.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135308-390701684.jpeg)
Here is our boat for the next 2 days and 2 nights - the Tornado - harbored in Westport, WA.
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A shot of a few of us. Foreground Mike McGhee (Mikeysm), Ted with a killer hat he would NOT sell me, Huge Tomato Grower Jim, Steve (Crabpot) and Nick Poppen (Reelfishing Problems) - our Chartermaster after Ron offloaded this trip onto his shoulders. Nick did a great job, and brought enough food on this trip to feed a local Coast Guard Cutter!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135314-39072972.jpeg)
This private boat arrived back at the dock while we were boarding, and they OFFLOADED 30" YellowTail!!!!! Yellowtail NOT Yellow Fin Tuna!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135318-3907412.jpeg)
Capt. Dwight gave us the Safely Talk, we set about to be underway, and here we are on the open ocean running out at 12 knots to look for the Albacore fishing grounds. The first night, I have to say it was a bit spritzy with some side-to-side wave action.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135319-3907463.jpeg)
I use the GAIA app on my phone to GPS our location wherever I travel. For most of our trip we were 50-70 miles offshore.
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First morning after fishing some, Ted breaks out his Smoked Salmon w/bagels and cream cheese. He forced one on me, and I enjoyed it!!!! Absolutely delicious fishing meal.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135325-390771900.jpeg)
here is a member of good standing, Rich, aka: scrinch, as he is known to Ron Jones, "The Professor" - I think you need to change your name to HOOVER, cause every time I passed him while fishing my fish, HE TOO HAD A FISH ON!!!! A true gentleman to spend time with.
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Fish caught after our first Bait Stop.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135338-39079674.jpeg)
Steve! You ARE holding the rod the right way, don't worry about it!!!!!!
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On this trip I took so few photos, like the rest of us - I WAS FISHING!!!! But for some reason my gear in the holder and took a few shots of Nick Poppen fishing.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135349-39081784.jpeg)
Something happened and Nick's Crank arm and handle CAME OFF HIS 500 Reel!!!!!!
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here's a close up
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135404-390831471.jpeg)
Nick, mentally prepared, threw the crank arm and handle on the deck, laid the rod on the rail, and HAND LINED this fish to the boat, where the deckhand gaffed his hard fishing fish!!!!! Nick, when you have time, we would LOVE to hear the Post Mordum on WHAT the heck happened here???? I looked at the crank arm, and the Handle Lock Screw (Set Screw) was screwed into the Crank Arm, but the Crank arm came off the reel!!!!
Yours truly with one of MANY fish I caught. LOVED this type of fishing, and we are all talking about booking another trip in Fall 2025.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135405-39084718.jpeg)
and a HUGE shoutout to John (Brewcrafter) for him making it happen for us to enjoy a case of the BJ's beer. TANK YOU so much for your work effort and generosity. And I've NVR met John, I PM'd him and he did all the heavy lifting. My only job was to drive 4 miles to a Local BJ's Brewhouse and have the GM hand me a case of FREE BEER!!!! Can life be any better???!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135406-39084774.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024151134-39095591.jpeg)
here is how we start trolling.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135413-390861615.jpeg)
4 rods out, the middle stern rods are out about 50' using hoochies or a cedar plug. The side rods are out about 80'. Once the reel clicker goes off, someone closest to the rod hooked up, plays the fish, 3 other guys bring in the other 3 trolling rods, and the rest of us, the 2 deckhands and the Capt. all jump into gear, doing a side gill hookset with the feisty bait, and throw it over the side and start feeding line to the fish. It's a thing of beauty to see.
Ron Jones is TRYING to do a rod test, and see if HE can get a 180-degree bend while fighting a fish. Ron, you are so close butt NO CIGAR!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135415-390861858.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135419-390871027.jpeg)
Bloody Decks is the name of our game!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135425-390891759.jpeg)
Our last bait stop, EPIC finish to a great day on the PNW waters!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135428-39089429.jpeg)
Ryan asked me to take his photo with our mess of fish. Ryan, you are another great guy to fish with, I'll see you next year.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135431-39090317.jpeg)
IN fact, fishing with experienced fishermen, we had SO FEW tangles, when we did the deckhand would cut the limp line, and it was back to FISH ON!!!!
Sunset of the first day of fishing, the Capt. called out for all gear to be brought up, we are DONE, the hull is filled with fish, and we are heading home.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135434-39091179.jpeg)
Custom (THINK Cortez Conversions) Penn 500 reels are what is needed. Again, Nick what happened to your handle????
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135441-390931093.jpeg)
We had 2 great deckhands. And Ted!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135441-390932015.jpeg)
Sunlight at the second day, getting past the bar into the harbor, good sized waves. And Yeah!!! Quite a number of jokes about "passing the BAR!!!".
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-061024135254-390662104.jpeg)
A truly great trip, everyone was prepped to fish and knew what they were doing. Thanks all, and the boat capt. - Dwight and the deck hands. See you all next year.
Your roving reporter signing OFF...
Wayne
Nice report roving reporter, good memories ay, cheers don.
Nice job on report and pics Wayne !!
Looks like the handle nut broke. Is the threaded half still in the gear sleeve?
I've done this once on the bench trying to get the nut aligned with the locking screw. The handle screw is brass and will stretch to failure. I replace them often, just for this reason.
Great report Wayne - stoked for you guys!
Quote from: Cortez_Conversions on October 07, 2024, 01:13:51 AMLooks like the handle nut broke. Is the threaded half still in the gear sleeve?
I've done this once on the bench trying to get the nut aligned with the locking screw. The handle screw is brass and will stretch to failure. I replace them often, just for this reason.
Tom, Is brass the only way to go on the nuts cap screws?
Good fishing with everyone, see you next year!
--RW
So there I was, a fish in the line with one hand and a disconnected handle in the other.
What happened:
The handle nut popped out of the gear sleeve while the handle lock screw was still in place. The inside of the gear sleeve was stripped and the outside was rounded. The inside of the gear sleeve hole on the blade was rounded out as well.
The blade was originally a very tight fit on the sleeve and I must not have done my due diligence in assuring a proper fit. My guess is I didn't seat the handle fully and the handle nut was not screwed in deep enough. While it was as tight as I could get it with the wrench it must have been the problem. Nothing else makes sense.
There was no damage to any of the other internals.
I chock it up to operator error.
Ahh, thank you for the postmortem and a good reminder double check all the connections. It appears that a SS selve would have helped in this situation.
May not have been an assembly issue. That gear sleeve to handle junction is the weakest link on a Jigmaster with a stock brass gear sleeve.
Once the handle/sleeve junction rounds out, that lock screw ensures that you will be continuously tightening the brass handle nut as you wind under load, so it would eventually break like this.
A stainless gear sleeve is the key upgrade. A stainless handle arm would be stronger (but heavier). A stainless nut would be nice too. Don't remember if it is an oddball thread side, so not sure how easy it would be to come up with something from an off the shelf bolt and a bit of grinding.
But the gear sleeve upgrade is the key. Might be all that is needed before you hit the new weak link (bridge post flex causes gear shredding). Making other parts stronger that are not the weakest link doesn't always buy you much.
-J
Thanks for letting us know what happened!
I'm guessing some other factors going on with that handle nut failure. Possibly worn out by previous owner of the donor reel, or at some point overtightened nut that bent some threads.
I have reeled in a few hundred albacore with a stock jigmaster gear sleeve without any issues. Lotta salmon too. Many fish above 100# have been landed on stock jigmasters, just ask Randy and the professor
Lotta aftermarket blades are thicker than stock Penn blades and overtightening the scalloped nut can mess up the threads or can also bend the pin on the gear sleeve.
Penn tightening instructions say tighten scalloped nut to where it is snug, then only tighten to the next setscrew cutout. I've found that it's easy to overtighten when using the Alan Tani custom wrench, so I'm always thinking of that when tightening the handle nut
Quote from: Maxed Out on October 08, 2024, 08:19:42 PMI'm guessing some other factors going on with that handle nut failure. Possibly worn out by previous owner of the donor reel, or at some point overtightened nut that bent some threads.
I have reeled in a few hundred albacore with a stock jigmaster gear sleeve without any issues. Lotta salmon too. Many fish above 100# have been landed on stock jigmasters, just ask Randy and the professor
Lotta aftermarket blades are thicker than stock Penn blades and overtightening the scalloped nut can mess up the threads or can also bend the pin on the gear sleeve.
Penn tightening instructions say tighten scalloped nut to where it is snug, then only tighten to the next setscrew cutout. I've found that it's easy to overtightened when using the Alan Tani custom wrench, so I'm always thinking of that when tightening the handle nut
This is spot on. I hypothesize that the significant problem solved by the SS sleeve is overtightening that leads to a loose handle eventually rounding off the sleeve. It can happen on anything; trying to take off an outer wheel from a Freightliner's drive axle on the side of the freeway at midnight sucks when the last guy got a little crazy with the 1 inch impact.
The Man.
Quote from: Maxed Out on October 08, 2024, 08:19:42 PMI'm guessing some other factors going on with that handle nut failure. Possibly worn out by previous owner of the donor reel, or at some point overtightened nut that bent some threads.
I have reeled in a few hundred albacore with a stock jigmaster gear sleeve without any issues. Lotta salmon too. Many fish above 100# have been landed on stock jigmasters, just ask Randy and the professor
Lotta aftermarket blades are thicker than stock Penn blades and overtightening the scalloped nut can mess up the threads or can also bend the pin on the gear sleeve.
Penn tightening instructions say tighten scalloped nut to where it is snug, then only tighten to the next setscrew cutout. I've found that it's easy to overtightened when using the Alan Tani custom wrench, so I'm always thinking of that when tightening the handle nut
I agree that fished within their limits (around 8 lbs of drag) the stock sleeves hold out OK, and lots of fish have been caught over the years on them. But this type of sleeve failure is a fairly common problem.
A healthy gear sleeve is unlikely to fail if all it was ever used for was live baiting albacore with 25 lb leader. But...
Back when I fished Jigmasters, I trashed multiple gear sleeves from rounding out. Mostly from fishing for yellowtail where the more drag you used, the less fish you lost. I would tighten the drag as much as possible. The junction design is a weak one, prone to failure. You have to be nice to it.
Going a bit tighter than recommended on the handle nut did not affect the problem one way or the other for me. But not a huge sample size.
-J
Let me interrupt your regularly scheduled Program....
My gardener - Jesus - his wife made me fresh Albacore Ceviche!!!! he dropped it at our home at 6AM.
Might I use 2 words??? Muy bueno!!!! (Very Good for you non-Spanish speaking folks!)
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(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/7588-161024200748-39102863.jpeg)
I divided the overflowing large bowl into 3 smaller bowls, one for Dominick, then neighbor Gil, lastly me. My wife Jennifer does not eat this high quality good, for her tuna is best packed in water with a LOT of Mayo!!!! God Bless you Dear!.
Never thought fresh raw albacore could taste this good!!!!!
I told Jesus, I'll mow my front lawn next week & he can sit on our porch and enjoy an ice cream bar!!!! :d
Wayne
Yum
wow. that looks amazing.
Wayne - Now THAT is a World Class landscaper! - john