the 10-day trip this year is scheduled for november 4-14 on the spirit of adventure. the total cost for the boat is $100,620. divided 24 ways, it comes out to $4192 per person. adding a 17% tip brings the total to $4905. i will need a deposit of $2452.50 sometime in the next month. thanks! alan
1. Alan Tani - Saratoga, CA (Deposit)
2. Warren Hamachi - West Covina, CA (Paid in Full)
3. Ed Tani - Hayward, CA (Deposit)
4. Bill Barella - Crestline, CA (Paid in Full)
5. Mike Pate - Leesburg, GA (Deposit)
6. Mark Thomann - Mission Viejo, CA (Deposit)
7. Jack Bradley - San Francisco, CA (Deposit)
8. Lee Putman - Klamath Falls, OR (Deposit)
9. Tommy Dembski - Santa Cruz, CA (Paid in Full)
10. Dan Puma - Campbell, CA (Deposit)
11. Tom McKinney - San Diego, CA (Paid in Full)
12. John Oliver - Jurupa Valley, CA ($3K Deposit)
13. Roy Qi - Santa Barbara, CA (Deposit)
14. Bobbie Haskell - San Jose, CA (Deposit)
15. Paul Seghposs - Scottsdale, AZ (Pending)
16. David Alexander - Cloverdale, CA (Deposit)
17. David Cry - Star, ID (Deposit)
18. Jerome Morris - San Jose, CA (Deposit)
19. Vince Outcalt - Scottsdale, AZ (Deposit)
20. Martin Alexander - Burlingame, CA (Deposit)
21. Jim Cureton - San Jose, CA (Deposit)
22. Dave Fortuna - Gilroy, CA (Deposit)
23. Patrick Koda - San Jose, CA (Deposit)
24. Mike Teng - Aromas, CA (Deposit)
wait list
1. Jim O'Connor
2. Sam Bird-Robinson
3. Joe Flores - Mike Teng's friend
Charter Contract Agreement
Departure Date: 11/04/2026
Departure Time: 11:00 AM
Return Date: 11/14/2026
Return Time: 6:00 AM
Charterer: Alan Tani alantani@yahoo.com (408) 219-1149
Charter Price: $100,620
up to 22 passengers (Mexican permits & CA licenses extra)
A 50% deposit is required to hold this charter. The deposit must be received by February 1, 2026.The price includes food, bait and Mexican Visas. The price does not include fishing tackle, Mexican fishing permits, gratuities or beverages. If the deposit is not received by the above date, the charter may be automatically cancelled by Spirit of Adventure Charters without notice. Please send your passenger list as soon as possible so we can send you any anglers on a waitlist or assist you with booking spots if needed.If the charter group does not appear on the above date and time, all monies will be forfeited. If the charter is not fully booked, or the charter price is not paid in full by time of departure, charter dates may not be granted the following year. Cancellation policy will be strictly enforced. If a passenger cancels 90 days or more prior to departure date, any payments shall be refunded less a $250.00 service charge. Cancellations within 90 days of departure will result in forfeiture of deposit unless the vacant spot is filled. Cancellations within 30 days of departure will result in forfeiture of ALL DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS unless vacant spot is booked. Travel Insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Please be aware, due to possible fuel price increases, Spirit of Adventure Charters reserves the right to implement a fuel surcharge. Spirit of Adventure Charters reserves the right to make changes in the trip that circumstances dictate, including cancellations, changes in the trip due to weather or fishing conditions, or substitution of boats as deemed necessary. Notification of any changes will be made in a imely manner.Please make sure your anglers make reservations with a fish processor if needed.
I understand and agree to the above charter provisions.____________________________________ __________________________Signature of responsible Charter Master
Date
Please Mail Deposit To:Spirit of Adventure Charters 2803 Emerson St San Diego, CA 92106 Denise Muller
Date: September 2025 admin@soasportfishing.com
(619) 549-8002
This contract will not be confirmed until a signed copy is returned to Spirit of Adventure. Thank you!
Are blue fin the target species?
Quote from: Jim O on March 16, 2026, 07:47:31 PMAre blue fin the target species?
No. Head below Cedros to the Ridge and Alijos Rocks for YFT, Wahoo, Yellowtail, Dorado. They've been known to stop for BFT either at the beginning or end of a trip.
I'm the only guy on the waiting list. Can someone here tell me what rod/reel combos I should have with me? My only gear are 4 custom wraps(Calstar blanks) from the 1980s, and 4 Shimano TLDs, 5,10,15,20.
Rod #1) 5'6". No indication of line test. What I can say is that the TLD 5 and this rod have landed #30 albacore, but that was with #15 mono fly lining anchovies. Same thing with YT.
Rod #2) CalStar T660. 6'. 20-50 lb test.
Rod #3) Calstar T670. 6'6". 20-60 lb test.
Rod #4) 6'6". This rod appears to be the same as the T670.
So, that's what I have, for better or worse. Are these outfits worthless? I understand without seeing them, it's just a guess.
Bottom line: Will 4 new outfits get me by? What outfits? Thanks.
I can not speak for Alan but if I can make it and you get on the trip Alan should and I will have gear to fill your gaps.
If you only had a 40# and 60# outfits that would take care of 50%-70% of your needs in a "normal" year. On the 2024 trip Even said no less than 80# for the YFT we were catching but 3 of us went to 30# and 2 of us did well, it was a workout but I did not want/need a bunch of YFT. The third "crazy person" had a smaller reel for his 30# and I think he did not land one of the 70# plus fish. Larger drag disks and line capacity helped.
Jim - I am going to speak in generalities here:
1. Whatever the Boss says - is gospel.
2. Another great forum member/supporter, Steve Carson from Penn (Tunanorth) has a really good breakdown on outfits to bring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHY5kmU7OTU&t=622s Now, yes it is Penn centric (nothing wrong with that) but the advice he is giving can be translated across the top brands with a little bit of research, it is NOT just Bluefin tuna based, and his experience in the field is rock solid - he's not just shilling gear he wants anglers to have success.
3. Most of the top Long Range boats have gear lists (both fishing and personal gear) that are tailored toward length of trip. Well worth it to peruse them, but I will say this: They all tend to have same variations of the same list, the information can be a little dated, and as I have gained experience in my world they are a little overkill (no I am not bringing 20# of lead in various weights, and I don't need 20 packs of Mustad hooks from 2/0 to 6/0). But still, there is good information to be learned there.
4. Your on the AT Forum - I learn from these guys everyday. You're gonna get a LOT of good advice, and you asked the right question in the right place.
5. If you have never Long Ranged before, and especially on an Alan trip, we all bring an abundance of gear (probably too much!) so don't be intimidated by those of us bringing 12 outfits. It's NOT necessary, it's just what I do. It also means that there is usually plenty of extra gear for odd situations (don't have any Sabiki rigs? Go grab one out of my bag!) and on an Alan trip there will be LOTS of support, don't be surprised if somebody hands you off one of their outfits if you are in need.
Hope you can make it on the trip (or any Long Range trip) and do not hesitate to ask questions! That is what this forum is about. - john
Thanks you guys. I'll do my homework on this. I hate like hell going into something like this without any gear at all. I intend to buy 4 outfits for starters. Maybe one or two of my rod/reel combos can fill a gap.
My first trip I brought 5 outfits. 2 never left the rack. The 3 used were: Penn Fathom 25NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 40# rig, Penn Fathom 40NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 80# rig, and a Penn Baja Special on a no name rod for 50#. You would do well with the 25N 40# and 40N 60#, a handful of irons, and assorted Mustad hooks (no need to bring the expensive designer hooks as unwanted fish are cut off or broke off and the fish don't care), and a half dozen torpedo sinkers. I'm that guy who brings 20# of sinkers, so will have plenty to share.
Beyond that, trollers will be in abundance to use, and we all will have extra gear for loan.
If you are in SoCal there are plenty of tackle shops willing to help. Charkbait recommended my first 2 Fathoms and they are the backbone of my quiver.
As we get closer and they fishing reports start coming in, we will be able to dial in the list.
Bill
Quote from: Keta on March 29, 2026, 01:23:06 AMI can not speak for Alan but if I can make it and you get on the trip Alan should and I will have gear to fill your gaps.
If you only had a 40# and 60# outfits that would take care of 50%-70% of your needs in a "normal" year. On the 2024 trip Even said no less than 80# for the YFT we were catching but 3 of us went to 30# and 2 of us did well, it was a workout but I did not want/need a bunch of YFT. The third "crazy person" had a smaller reel for his 30# and I think he did not land one of the 70# plus fish. Larger drag disks and line capacity helped.
Okay, if I had 4 new rigs, would a #30, #40, #60, and #80 make sense, for starters?
Which would be for jig casting?
You seem to like Penn reels. When it comes to the top reel manufacturers, are the drag systems all pretty similar, performance wise?
If those rig sizes I listed would be a good start, I just need to know appropriate rod lengths/power for each. Thanks.
(I just realized I have two separate accounts here. Weird. I need Alan to delete roguejim.
Quote from: Bill B on March 29, 2026, 04:15:16 PMMy first trip I brought 5 outfits. 2 never left the rack. The 3 used were: Penn Fathom 25NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 40# rig, Penn Fathom 40NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 80# rig, and a Penn Baja Special on a no name rod for 50#. You would do well with the 25N 40# and 40N 60#, a handful of irons, and assorted Mustad hooks (no need to bring the expensive designer hooks as unwanted fish are cut off or broke off and the fish don't care), and a half dozen torpedo sinkers. I'm that guy who brings 20# of sinkers, so will have plenty to share.
Beyond that, trollers will be in abundance to use, and we all will have extra gear for loan.
If you are in SoCal there are plenty of tackle shops willing to help. Charkbait recommended my first 2 Fathoms and they are the backbone of my quiver.
As we get closer and they fishing reports start coming in, we will be able to dial in the list.
Bill
I just noticed I have two separate accounts, roguejim, and Jim O. I see you're a moderator. Maybe you can delete the roguejim account? If I go into that roguejim account, it does not recognize me. It's like I'm looking at someone else's account. Or should I contact Alan?
Gone, kiss Roguejim gone. Dominick
Thanks
Quote from: Jim O on March 29, 2026, 06:43:07 PMQuote from: Keta on March 29, 2026, 01:23:06 AMI can not speak for Alan but if I can make it and you get on the trip Alan should and I will have gear to fill your gaps.
If you only had a 40# and 60# outfits that would take care of 50%-70% of your needs in a "normal" year. On the 2024 trip Even said no less than 80# for the YFT we were catching but 3 of us went to 30# and 2 of us did well, it was a workout but I did not want/need a bunch of YFT. The third "crazy person" had a smaller reel for his 30# and I think he did not land one of the 70# plus fish. Larger drag disks and line capacity helped.
Okay, if I had 4 new rigs, would a #30, #40, #60, and #80 make sense, for starters?
Which would be for jig casting?
You seem to like Penn reels. When it comes to the top reel manufacturers, are the drag systems all pretty similar, performance wise?
If those rig sizes I listed would be a good start, I just need to know appropriate rod lengths/power for each. Thanks.
(I just realized I have two separate accounts here. Weird. I need Alan to delete roguejim.
For tossing irons, the 40# & 60# would be my choice.
Surface irons then 30# or 40#.
If you are jigging for
night time bluefin then the 80# with a 100# bite leader. Night bluefin you cant go too heavy.
On long range I rarely use 30#.
Bill
30# would be for light bait which hasn't been needed for the last few years. Maybe for making bait? I don't bother with 30# any more.
40# for fly lining a sardine.
50# for yo-yo, bombs, surface iron. I use 3-4' of mono tied to my braid. I use a longer top shot of 50# for yo-yo. 50# is my go to on 10 day trips.
60# for yoyo and bait.
100# for trolling.
Are you guys using star drag reels for casting jigs? It's my understanding the free spool on a lever drag reel isn't as free as on a star drag, and makes for difficult casting. Is this true? This was the knock on TLDs when they came out in the 1980s. Guys were resorting to removing all the grease from the reels and replacing it with either brake fluid or tranny fluid. I can't remember which. It did seem to work, but I don't know what the long term effects on the reels would have been. I hear different stories.
i guess what I'm asking is when to choose/buy one over the other. Is the star drag reel designed better for a particular application over the lever drag reel, and vice versa?
I use TranX 500's for surface iron and bombs. Everything else is a leverdrag. Star drags like the Fathom 25sd, Trinidad/Torium 16/20 and Daiwa Saltiga/Saltist 35/40 are great for surface iron! Most die hard surface iron fishermen use them.
I use star drags for 50lb and below, lever drags for heavier line. Newer lever drags cast better than the older ones but I think a star drag still has a little edge for casting. Somewhat depends on the operator though
Quote from: MarkT on March 30, 2026, 02:24:03 AM30# would be for light bait which hasn't been needed for the last few years. Maybe for making bait? I don't bother with 30# any more.
40# for fly lining a sardine.
50# for yo-yo, bombs, surface iron. I use 3-4' of mono tied to my braid. I use a longer top shot of 50# for yo-yo. 50# is my go to on 10 day trips.
60# for yoyo and bait.
100# for trolling.
I see you use both a #50, and #60 rig for yo-yoing. Is there much difference?
Quote from: Bill B on March 29, 2026, 04:15:16 PMMy first trip I brought 5 outfits. 2 never left the rack. The 3 used were: Penn Fathom 25NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 40# rig, Penn Fathom 40NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 80# rig, and a Penn Baja Special on a no name rod for 50#. You would do well with the 25N 40# and 40N 60#, a handful of irons, and assorted Mustad hooks (no need to bring the expensive designer hooks as unwanted fish are cut off or broke off and the fish don't care), and a half dozen torpedo sinkers. I'm that guy who brings 20# of sinkers, so will have plenty to share.
Beyond that, trollers will be in abundance to use, and we all will have extra gear for loan.
If you are in SoCal there are plenty of tackle shops willing to help. Charkbait recommended my first 2 Fathoms and they are the backbone of my quiver.
As we get closer and they fishing reports start coming in, we will be able to dial in the list.
Bill
Thanks. Even though after speaking with Alan, and him saying that people will likely have rigs that I might use, I still feel that I need to buy a couple of rigs to show I have some skin in the game. Borrowing someone else's good gear who I don't even know is not a good feeling.
As for buying two rigs, initially, I was thinking that a #40 and #60 rig, like you mentioned would be a smart start since they are pretty standard rigs regardless of the trip, or am I wrong? I could fill in the gaps with rentals.
How do you feel about rental gear in my situation?
Quote from: Jim O on March 30, 2026, 10:16:04 PMQuote from: Bill B on March 29, 2026, 04:15:16 PMMy first trip I brought 5 outfits. 2 never left the rack. The 3 used were: Penn Fathom 25NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 40# rig, Penn Fathom 40NLD2 on an Okuma PCH a 80# rig, and a Penn Baja Special on a no name rod for 50#. You would do well with the 25N 40# and 40N 60#, a handful of irons, and assorted Mustad hooks (no need to bring the expensive designer hooks as unwanted fish are cut off or broke off and the fish don't care), and a half dozen torpedo sinkers. I'm that guy who brings 20# of sinkers, so will have plenty to share.
Beyond that, trollers will be in abundance to use, and we all will have extra gear for loan.
If you are in SoCal there are plenty of tackle shops willing to help. Charkbait recommended my first 2 Fathoms and they are the backbone of my quiver.
As we get closer and they fishing reports start coming in, we will be able to dial in the list.
Bill
Thanks. Even though after speaking with Alan, and him saying that people will likely have rigs that I might use, I still feel that I need to buy a couple of rigs to show I have some skin in the game. Borrowing someone else's good gear who I don't even know is not a good feeling.
As for buying two rigs, initially, I was thinking that a #40 and #60 rig, like you mentioned would be a smart start since they are pretty standard rigs regardless of the trip, or am I wrong? I could fill in the gaps with rentals.
How do you feel about rental gear in my situation?
If you're going to buy 2 set-ups get a 40# and 80#!
Hi Jim, I'm not a regular on Alan's trips but have been on a couple. Renting a 100 lb outfit wouldn't be a bad idea, hopefully it has metered line on it. Depending on your budget , Penn Fathom 2 speed reels are a pretty good value. A 40NLD2 with 80 lb braid (metered) with a 50-75 foot topshot of 60 lb mono would be nice for your 60 lb outfit. I am partial to an 8' UC Terminator rated 30-80 for my 60 lb rig. These are pricey rods though. They do have 2 options for guides and reel seats on factory rods, the rod with Fuji components costs a bit less than the one with all Alps components. I use the one with the Fuji components. Great yo yo and light sinker rig set up. As far as the 40 lb rig, another Penn Fathom model 25NLD 2. You could do a better budget option on a rod, the Okuma PCH 801XH 8' rod works nice for 40 and is a nice option for the price. I like the Black Fathoms better than the Silver ones, the high gear on the Silver ones is 6:1 opposed to the Black ones that is 5.1 :1 . The finish on the black ones seems to hold up longer. I have re tooled over the last several years all my offshore gear, and these seem to be pretty good rigs. You will have sticker shock when looking at Calstar rods now, but they are still great quality. The Penn West Coast rods can also be a great option. Good luck and tight lines!
60 lb is kind of a hybrid weight class. You can fish a 40NLD2 with 80, I would probably step up my rod to an Okuma PCH 741 3XH. If you are thinking United Conposites, a 7'6" Centaur is a good choice, I actually fish a Penn International 12VISX for my primary 80lb set up with a Fathom 40 NLD2 spooled with 80 metered braid 50'80 mono topshot for my daytime sinker rig. There are a couple ways to rig the sinker rig, the rubber band through the sinker style. Another way is the Bralla drop shot rig, you use a ringed circle hook tied to your leader, then tie a lighter line on the same ring that goes to the sinker, it only needs to be about 3-4 feet long. Pin your bait through both lips and lower slowly to the zone... the skipper will tell you how deep the fish are. Don't swing, just let the fish take the bait with a circle hook.
Quote from: MarkT on March 30, 2026, 07:14:17 PMI use TranX 500's for surface iron and bombs. Everything else is a leverdrag. Star drags like the Fathom 25sd, Trinidad/Torium 16/20 and Daiwa Saltiga/Saltist 35/40 are great for surface iron! Most die hard surface iron fishermen use them.
Mark you left out the Lexa and the Komodo! - john
Quote from: Brewcrafter on March 31, 2026, 12:57:33 AMQuote from: MarkT on March 30, 2026, 07:14:17 PMI use TranX 500's for surface iron and bombs. Everything else is a leverdrag. Star drags like the Fathom 25sd, Trinidad/Torium 16/20 and Daiwa Saltiga/Saltist 35/40 are great for surface iron! Most die hard surface iron fishermen use them.
Mark you left out the Lexa and the Komodo! - john
The Komodo and TranX 500 are going to Cedros this year!
More leaders. These are 400 pound stainless steel 7x7 wire leaders for wahoo trolling. Each leader was pull tested to a minimum of 75 pounds. Some were pulled to 100 pounds. I was getting curious towards the end. There is a 350 pound rosco barrel swivel at the front end. Half of these have a 270 pound stainless steel split ring at the back end for nomads, dtx minnows, and cow bells. The remaining leaders have a 150 pound McMahon snap and plastic covers for the more traditional marauders.
After all my posting, and subsequent responses here, I felt I should give an update as to where I'm at with my rigs.
I purchased an Avet HX, JX, and MXL, all Raptors. Alan did the preliminary greasing, added bigger handles, and loaded them with #40, #50, and #60 braid plus topshots.
He then matched them with 3 Fishing Syndicate rods. So far. I've been out practice casting the #40 rig.
I intend to buy one more rig before going on any LR trip. Obviously, a #100-130 rig is inevitable.
Some suggest a #30 rig, but I see here some don't use them at all.
Between the group here and some of the guys on Bloody Decks, I'll figure out what to buy next. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the almost daily texts from Keta patiently answering my questions. I can't believe he hasn't blocked me yet. ;)
You might be able to drop your 40# rigs leader down to 30# if need be...
Cool
Quote from: CooldadE on May 04, 2026, 12:40:43 AMYou might be able to drop your 40# rigs leader down to 30# if need be...
Cool
What I was thinking.
personally, i use 30 pound alot. i just never let the deckhands know. when there are bigger fish in the water, they will tell everyone to use 40 or 50, minimum. if we are having trouble getting bit, i'll drop down to 30 without letting them know. i'm ok with with it. pulling 15 pounds of drag on a 30 pound line class reel is not something that i worry about. i just won't say anything.
Quote from: alantani on May 04, 2026, 02:13:31 PMpersonally, i use 30 pound alot. i just never let the deckhands know. when there are bigger fish in the water, they will tell everyone to use 40 or 50, minimum. if we are having trouble getting bit, i'll drop down to 30 without letting them know. i'm ok with with it. pulling 15 pounds of drag on a 30 pound line class reel is not something that i worry about. i just won't say anything.
😂sometimes silence is golden even more so when you drop in w/25# in a pick bite
A 25-30# rig goes on all my trips short or long. A single speed on an 8' rod is pretty versatile (flyline, surface iron, even make bait).
Quote from: alantani on May 04, 2026, 02:13:31 PMpersonally, i use 30 pound alot. i just never let the deckhands know. when there are bigger fish in the water, they will tell everyone to use 40 or 50, minimum. if we are having trouble getting bit, i'll drop down to 30 without letting them know. i'm ok with with it. pulling 15 pounds of drag on a 30 pound line class reel is not something that i worry about. i just won't say anything.
:o Now I would never do that....
;D Great to see we are all guilty, so I guess I'll be safe bringing my TRQ15NLD in November.
Jim - As far as that "One more rig", all of the advice is sound (and downsizing your 40 with a lighter topshot totally doable if necessary). And while I am not trying to $pend your money, and if you think Long Range or even short multiday Bluefin trips (like that SOA 3-Day that Alan has) I would heartily suggest a United Composites Viper, paired with a Penn VISX 20, Okuma Mak 20, or Avet EX for a legitimate 100# rig. Bluefin jigging, tuna trolling, even dropper looping for monsters this rig will have you covered. Not only do I take mine on every trip, it is one of those setups that I actually USE on every trip. - john
I haven't taken anything lighter than 40# the last couple of years and didn't miss it at all! I've been trying to cut back on all the stuff I bring.
Quote from: MarkT on May 05, 2026, 12:21:00 AMI haven't taken anything lighter than 40# the last couple of years and didn't miss it at all! I've been trying to cut back on all the stuff I bring.
Even on short trips?
I dont think a 30 lb rig is necessary... put 30 on your 40 lb rig. I would also say that you can tie 69 lb leader on your 60 rig .... who would have guessed. When we first went to cedros everyone took five or more rigs ..... now its 2 and we catch the same amount of fish .... go figure.
Cheers
Todd
Quote from: Crab Pot on May 05, 2026, 12:35:32 AMQuote from: MarkT on May 05, 2026, 12:21:00 AMI haven't taken anything lighter than 40# the last couple of years and didn't miss it at all! I've been trying to cut back on all the stuff I bring.
Even on short trips?
On the 10 days. Cedros too... I only take 50# there!
Everyone talks about a 30 lb rig for making bait. Last year at the rocks, I used one of my 100 lb outfits with a 2 hook sabiki to make scads, it worked just fine. You don't need to play the bait, just winch them in so they get in the tank without too much stress.
I use 40# and a 16 oz sinker for making bait.
Quote from: CI_Seawolf on May 30, 2026, 07:48:02 PMEveryone talks about a 30 lb rig for making bait. Last year at the rocks, I used one of my 100 lb outfits with a 2 hook sabiki to make scads, it worked just fine. You don't need to play the bait, just winch them in so they get in the tank without too much stress.
Making bait by dropping down a Sabiki isn't finesse fishing! I've used 25# in the past but 80# would work just as well.