Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Member Fishing Reports and Photos => Topic started by: bill19803 on October 11, 2015, 04:59:24 PM

Title: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 11, 2015, 04:59:24 PM
Headed off  to  Belmar  NJ   thursday night   for   canyon  tuna on Golden Eagle  a   23 hour  trip.  Got to  canyon  anchored  up in  700   ft  or  so. things  slow  till   230   am  then  it began.  not  spurts  but steady  pick  then  500  boom my   rod  went  off   at   200   ft  down.  Set the hook   and  said  ouch. that bad  boy  was off  and running.  Pushed lever on  accurate   past  strike   and  slowed him  down    then  he came  at me.  then  the up  and  downs  for a  while   and   he  was  dinner.   Big  eye    appx    150-   160   Later  landed  a yellowfin    50-60.  Not bad  for an old fart like me.  Sure was tired  when i  got home though.

The   guys on  american  angler  gave  lessons on my  trips there   and i listened  Did the  rail  rod  thing  the   whole  time    and it  sure  paid off  big  time

equipment   custom  calstar  770h   rod   by   Kens   custom reel,    accurate  atd    50   (25 lbs drag),  130  cortland  spectra    100 izor   flouro   mustad   94151    9/0 hook

Back out there again  tonight
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 11, 2015, 05:04:01 PM
See ya in a couple hours Bill. Can't wait to put some steel to a forked tail fish. Weather gods are smiling on us. Travel safe.

Bob
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Steve-O on October 11, 2015, 10:13:48 PM
Great report!  Pictures! Pictures!....please and thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Newell Nut on October 11, 2015, 11:36:26 PM
Captain Al's old films of catching tuna in the canyon on the Betty W are amazing. Glad you had a good time.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 12, 2015, 01:06:43 AM
There were a lot of fish back then that were not Iced. You could see tails sticking out of the barrels.

The Brooklyn VI sails at 7AM Sunday for a 36 Hr. Trip

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: newport on October 12, 2015, 01:54:44 AM
That was a nice bigeye. I wish I was out there tongiht. Oh well, life sucks like that lol. Until then I'll see you around next year. And more than 1 trip that's for sure. Good luck on tonight's trip.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 12, 2015, 03:45:46 AM
I don't fish for Tuna. I'm waiting for Sea Bass & Cod. Those are long day trips.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: newport on October 12, 2015, 07:47:21 AM
Quote from: bluefish69 on October 12, 2015, 03:45:46 AM
I don't fish for Tuna. I'm waiting for Sea Bass & Cod. Those are long day trips.

Mike
are those trips generally pretty good? If they taste anything like lingcod, then I'm up for giving it a shot.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 12, 2015, 04:01:43 PM
Sea Bass when you hit the right wreck can fly over the rail for everyone with a mix of Jumbo Porgies. There is a limit of 8 Sea Bass at present going to 10 soon. Porgies are 30 limit at 12". Cod is 10 Fish & 22". I don't eat Cod. There is nothing wrong with them, it's just me. It is possible to get a limit of Sea Bass & Porgies. You will see Porgies of 3-4# on these trips.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BonitaBch on October 12, 2015, 11:55:05 PM
Great job Bill, good catch!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 13, 2015, 06:19:57 PM
back  at it again on Golden  eagle  belmar,  nj

For   27 years  ive   tried  for a  swordfish    Hooked a few  always   got  spooled  or broken  up.
went  sunday  oct 11   again.  Put a  giant   squid  out   500  ft   with  24 ozs  weight   on  drift,. Boom  bang  wham   and game  on.  Half hour  later  100  lb  sword on  deck.
Might have   brought a    howitzer  to a gun  fight  with my gear  but  it   got it   done    accurate   80w  1300 yds   130  cortland  spectra  on  calstar  770xxxh   rod  24/0   vmc  hook   200  lb  izor  flouro leader  and  top  shot.
The   search for the  holy grail is finally over.


Back  at it  again  this coming  sunday   same time  same place
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Steve-O on October 13, 2015, 06:34:30 PM
ALWAYS bring enough gun! ;)

Congrats on your grail fish.

My first one thus far was a monster Gator Gar. 7 feet, 200 + pounds. checked that box. ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Tightlines667 on October 13, 2015, 07:06:49 PM
Quote from: bill19803 on October 13, 2015, 06:19:57 PM
back  at it again on Golden  eagle  belmar,  nj

For   27 years  ive   tried  for a  swordfish    Hooked a few  always   got  spooled  or broken  up.
went  sunday  oct 11   again.  Put a  giant   squid  out   500  ft   with  24 ozs  weight   on  drift,. Boom  bang  wham   and game  on.  Half hour  later  100  lb  sword on  deck.
Might have   brought a    howitzer  to a gun  fight  with my gear  but  it   got it   done    accurate   80w  1300 yds   130  cortland  spectra  on  calstar  770xxxh   rod  24/0   vmc  hook   200  lb  izor  flouro leader  and  top  shot.
The   search for the  holy grail is finally over.


Back  at it  again  this coming  sunday   same time  same place

Nice work.  Perseverance pays off.  Any pics?
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 13, 2015, 10:11:53 PM
bmitch is gonna  try posting  pics of  sword  and big eye   hope it works
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 13, 2015, 10:27:00 PM
Ok Bill...here ya go. Fun fishing with you. Hope you get the weather and the fish.let me know about November.

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y502/MITSERVCS/A36B9A49-BF2D-420C-9E49-CA81DE148390_zpsxfnshpmr.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/MITSERVCS/media/A36B9A49-BF2D-420C-9E49-CA81DE148390_zpsxfnshpmr.jpg.html)

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y502/MITSERVCS/407D23C7-A370-4090-B759-7972CD9F8B51_zpsadj6kura.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/MITSERVCS/media/407D23C7-A370-4090-B759-7972CD9F8B51_zpsadj6kura.jpg.html)

Bill here is the real deal. He comes to the gun fight with a cannon. As my buddy Scott said he hunting monsters.lol
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: newport on October 13, 2015, 11:53:15 PM
Not fair. Fishing gets good when I'm off the boat   :(

Nice to see the pic of the sword. The fact that no one else caught one means you're doing something right.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: john2244 on October 14, 2015, 12:21:38 AM
Hello $Bill,

Thanks for the reports and congratulations on the sword fish !!!!!  The big eye is nice but I have seen you catch much bigger YFT.  If I don't see you at the docks in San Diego good luck on your next AA TRIP.
John
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on October 14, 2015, 12:49:22 AM
Very nice!...thanks for the report.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Shark Hunter on October 14, 2015, 04:56:38 AM
My Kinda Guy! ;)
The Big Guns get'er Done. ;D
I just wonder what those big fish are feeling when they realize they are not going to get away this time.
Its hard telling how many times they have until they meet a guy like Bill.
Great Job! :o
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Steve-O on October 14, 2015, 02:08:36 PM
NICE Sword and Tuna!  Glad we got to see the pics. 
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on October 22, 2015, 05:03:13 PM
Awesome to see the pictures and hear the tales.  Thanks for sharing.  Us young guns learn a lot from you older gentleman, we really appreciate your input and knowledge; keep it up!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Dominick on October 22, 2015, 05:49:41 PM
I missed this thread until now.  Congratulations.  Nice fish.  Dominick
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on February 28, 2016, 10:02:33 AM
Just returned   from  14  day  trip   to  clarion island, mexico    for  giant  yft  things  were  a  bit  slow in comparison to previous trips  fewer  fish  smaller fish (relatively)  and  tough  fishing  ya earned every one of them   3 cows  for the  boat  i  got  4  over  100  plus a hoo on   flouro  (no  wire) lost a lot of hoos  and couple  decent  or  more  yft   but thats fishing
great food  great group of  guys  so all in all  a  good  trip  just  not spectacular like in past- im  spoiled.

lots  of  sportsmanship--  handing off  100+ lb  fish  to those having a tough  day  sharing of  techniques, knowledge and sometimes  equipment,  getting out of the way of someone hooked  up was the rule rather then the exception.

as  always  amazing  to  experience  this  fishery   but the old  body  cant take the  constant pounding of  6  days straight fishing  anymore, so this was  my  last long  range

got to  handle prototype  reels  that  are in  r &  d stage  look  sweet  couldnt  find out what was inside them  but  they  did  perform well  for those that used them.  with  the  consultant who is helping with the design  it looks like these  will be the next generation  of big game goodies and be  very  successful.

will  stick to east  coast waters  from here on  and  hope  for the  big one  one more time

Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on February 28, 2016, 10:09:09 AM
Bill, sorry to hear it was a slow trip. Like you said..that's fishing. We will hook up as the season progresses here. Just think in another month will be stripers. Glad to hear you made it back safe.

Bob
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on February 28, 2016, 11:04:19 AM
I wouldn't call that a bad trip, yes sounds like you are spoiled  ;D.
Now lets see some pics if you have some.
14 days...wow!!

Good to have you back safe Bill.

Sal
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on February 29, 2016, 05:06:10 PM
Well done Bill!  Post up some pictures if you have any, or email them to me and I'll host them and post them.

Sounds like you've got enough meat to last a while, do you get it shipped home?
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 17, 2016, 05:45:22 PM
well  its that time of year again   to  give   the east coast  yellowfins  and  swords a jaw  ache.    Out on  Golden  eagle, belmar,  nj  on  Sunday/monday.  Did a  loooong boat  ride to one of the  canyons.  The weatherman  lied a bit on  winds   just  about twice  as   fast   as predicted.  Drift  was too fast   so had  to  go to  anchor.  5  hours into   fishing   got a bump  that took  about 2 feet    and   quit.  Nothing  nada  15 mins later   guy next  to me  lands   a    swordie  of  125-140.  i pull  in my    squid  from  600   ft out  yep  its been  slashed    by a  sword     but he  didnt like  it. same  fish   ???  who knows.
Move  an  hour   south   more   anchor   nada   Lines   running   from  stern  to  bow    and  seems like always  under the boat. Trying  to   fish  deep  and  away  from the  tuna   guys  means  i gotta let  out   some serious  line.  Was   going out   500   ft   with   16  oz  lead   and  2   giant hooks in   squid   so maybe   20  oz   total  to  get where i needed   to be.  Shoulda  stayed in  cabin instead  of   freezing in the   wind   for all  the good i   did.
Total  for boat one sword   and no  tuna.  The  saga  continues   Wednesday  again   
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on September 19, 2016, 04:35:56 PM
Thanks for the update Bill!  Looking forward to more updates over the next few weeks.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 24, 2016, 08:43:55 AM
well  after    2   trips  that  were  agonizingly  long  im  ready to pack it in  for the  season
First  trip --no   tuna   one   sword maybe   125   no other hits  but  did  have a  big  squid  get  slashed  at   300   down  but no  bite 
Second  trip    combo  mahi tuna --lots of  chicken  mahi  a few   gaffers     to maybe   15 lbs  one  sword  of  maybe  20  lbs.it was released    and  swam  away Did not hear of any other  bites   during tuna   portion of  trip.
I tried   deep 300-350   down   (600   ft out)  with  big   squid.   On  top  with  smaller   squid  no weight   and  from  100 down  to  200 down   with  many   weights  at one point    40  ozs   to  get   to  150   ft   DOWN.  Nada      zilch   zero   baits came back  looking like i put  them out.
Ya cant  catch  anything if  you dont have bait in the  water  so  ill try again  sunday but beginning to  wonder about  my sanity.
more  after  sunday trip
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on September 24, 2016, 04:33:20 PM
Bill

I just read the report from the Head Boats Pt. Pleasant N.J. to Montauk. All Tuna Fishing is dead slow. It's even hard to find bait that they would eat since the storm on Labor Day weekend. Also saw the temp. chart only warm water is South of Montauk.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 29, 2016, 09:38:56 PM
so i went  and  did it again   same results  nada. feels so good when you stop beating your head on the wall  lol   2  bites for the boat probably swords from behavior. quit early went pot hopping for  mahi  to  put meat in the coolers. lots of  them, but mostly chicken  size  few gaffers.
and we will  try again  sunday  3  more to  go   uggggh

Mitch  ya aint missing a thing.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 02, 2016, 09:43:08 AM
im gonna  find out  if reports  are good   or mostly fluff.  boat leaves  at  430 pm  sunday  report on  tuesday
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Newell Nut on October 02, 2016, 11:38:49 AM
Good Luck, Hurricane Mathew is headed North.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on October 02, 2016, 12:31:59 PM
Bill, there is always next time. If fishing was easy, we would quickly lose interest ;).
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 02, 2016, 03:07:14 PM
yep  it  aint easy  but   id sure like to see  someone catch a  fish  besides  mahi mahi.  but  rumor has  it  and fishing reports confirm  it that  fish are coming into the  area.  maybe this time is the time all  heck breaks loose.  the  eternal  fishing  optimist
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: STRIPER LOU on October 02, 2016, 07:12:41 PM
Bill, I have been fortunate enough to see some amazing fishing before a big storm. Don't know as if I'd do it again.
There definitely comes a time when your safety outweighs the chance of a monster.

If your fishing inshore it might not be too bad but if your out in the Canyons its a long, long, way from home.
GL and be safe,  ..  Lou
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 04, 2016, 11:55:47 AM
back  from  voyage   number 4  in the  2016  sword/tuna  quest. from  reports  i  was  passenger on hiliner in the fleet. if  you call  one  sword   3  60 lb yellows  for the boat  hilining.headed  out of  Belmar, NJ  sunday  afternoon.did  some  serious  traveling   but finally  got  there.  sut up  my gear   atd80/spectra and waited  and  waited. nada  for  everyone. finally boss  man  says  pull  em  in  we  are  going to make a  move. cranked  and cranked  but  when  you have  300  yards out  its a lot of  cranking.  boom  rod almost  yanked  out of  my  hand   but  nothing  there.  get  my  jumbo  squid  back   totally   destroyed  by a  slashing  sword.
and  that  was  my action  and all  the action  for  my  end of the  boat. 3  yellows  to  60  plus  sword  for the  bow.
i  guess  that  why they call  it  fishing  not catching.
discouraged   uh huh   disappointed  yep no ones fault  but the fish  gods  i guess. crew as  always  was  great  sorting tangles,  undoing  birds nests, chunking and  just trying to lighten  the  gloomy atmosphere.
beginning to  wonder  if  mid atlantic yellowfins  have found a  secret passageway and shortcut to  california.
so  for 9  days i get to rest and recuperate (needed badly)  before doing it all over again.  beginning to  think i  had  masochistic  tendencies when i made the reservations.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on October 04, 2016, 04:41:28 PM
Thanks for the update Bill...Good Luck!  Reading varying reports from the Voyager and Jamaica II...
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: newport on October 05, 2016, 07:13:15 AM
Again, I appreciate you lending me your gear--testing out the rod and reel. It's just too bad I couldn't test it out on any fish, and even though the bite was bad, it is also perhaps partly my own fault for not catching anything either (you know what I mean, lol). I must admit, the international was a bit too big and difficult to handle. Not quite ready to deal with spectra line either; that was a pain to reel back in. I wouldn't admit it at the time. Still itching for another trip. I will try to do one more.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Bill B on October 05, 2016, 03:54:12 PM
Good reports, enjoyed reading them.....Bill
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 07, 2016, 05:14:17 PM
yep  all the boats caught  tuna  one or two for the boat. we were within sight of  brooklyn  sunday in canyons. radio reports said they got 2  fish  not sure how  they finished  out. but  certainly  wasnt a good day for the fleet
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 16, 2016, 03:20:26 AM
so i  went  again  and i  got back  nuff said   one  more to  go
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Dominick on October 17, 2016, 03:02:46 AM
Hey Reuben he doesn't want to talk about. Dominick
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 17, 2016, 04:18:38 AM
The Capt. of the Brooklyn VI posted on FB. They had 32 YFT today.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 17, 2016, 11:54:41 PM
ok  Rub  it in  lol
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 18, 2016, 03:40:08 AM
Bill

If you knew me I wouldn't do that. I posted what the Capt. told me. I used to work on this boat in the Galley.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 18, 2016, 10:32:07 PM
Bill, sooooo sorry for the tuna bite this year, and or lack there of. It's been really hit or miss out there so far. Ya know when they start saying the blue fishing is good and shy away from the tuna reports....well, you know. It could still turn around . We've caught them as late as mid December. So ya never know.!!! Sounds like you'll be just about wore out by then. Good luck on any of the remaining trips you got and keep us posted. These are RELIABLE reports. Not just what the customers want to imagine.
Bob
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 19, 2016, 01:59:26 AM
bob

one  more  trip this sunday  and  thats the   end of this ordeal and saga.-you  know  how  i fish and the gear i use.
its been the  luck of the draw so  far   no  particular skill  involved  by those  successful.  this  past trip  fish  were  10 feet  down  and  it was sight fishing  for two minutes and  done.no other tuna  before or after grrrr. seems like  a  huge cloud of  squid  200  ft thick  are in  the area hard  to  compete with that
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 19, 2016, 10:10:07 AM
You'll get them this time...;-)
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 30, 2016, 05:56:00 PM
my  health  prognosis  just took a  giant  hit

so im selling off everything now to make less work  for son later.

rods reels   lines hooks  swivels the  whole thing even coolers   emptying the  house  out  so  if you are looking for gear  now is the time

bill
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on November 01, 2016, 01:13:20 AM
Again, so sorry to hear this Bill, seriously let me know a good night and I'll stop by to chat for a bit.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on November 01, 2016, 03:33:44 AM
Sorry to hear this Bill. If there is a little PeP left in the tank you can limit out on Sea Bass now.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on December 02, 2016, 07:52:04 PM
thanks    for  the best  wishes   there is hope   i guess
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Tightlines667 on December 02, 2016, 09:23:35 PM
Quote from: bill19803 on October 19, 2016, 01:59:26 AM
bob

one  more  trip this sunday  and  thats the   end of this ordeal and saga.-you  know  how  i fish and the gear i use.
its been the  luck of the draw so  far   no  particular skill  involved  by those  successful.  this  past trip  fish  were  10 feet  down  and  it was sight fishing  for two minutes and  done.no other tuna  before or after grrrr. seems like  a  huge cloud of  squid  200  ft thick  are in  the area hard  to  compete with that

Somehow I managed to miss this thread.  Those huge clouds of squid are the ticket to keeping the tuna in a tight area.  Conversely, when they are chasing mesopelagics, or Epipelagic fish species there daily and wedkly ranges expand, they feed less frequently, and are prone to move/migrate with moving water masses. 

Squid are good for the tuna fishermen.  Shrimp can have similar shorter-term effects.

Bill,

I am sorry to hear of your health woes.  Stay strong, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.  You may want to make a blanket gear posting in the fir sale section, and fellow members may be able to help with your liquidation process.

John
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: broadway on December 03, 2016, 03:32:00 AM
Bill,
   I've enjoyed reading your pursuit for the big one for the past two seasons, and with that passion and determination I'm certain there's no "give up" in you.  We need you better to continue inspiring more of us to get out there and live our lives to the fullest as you do.  I wish you all the best and will miss your stories and journeys, but I'm still hoping you pull a Michael Jordan and come out of retirement real soon.
Stay well,
Dom
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on December 03, 2016, 05:18:33 AM
things have gotten a bit better physically with a miserable  strict  diet.  i love  steak   its history   i love to eat lots  thats history tired  of  veggies  rice  and  1/3 portion of meat  and i feel like i will  sprout feathers soon.  but  fighting it the best i can  and getting  some results in  tests. maybe  just maybe  i  can  give  mr broadbill  another  run for  his life in the fall. meanwhile trying to pass on knowledge, techniques and equipment  to the younger  generation. and doing  some paying it  foreward to the members  here. But i  still  have my monster reels and rods in case i get the chance to join the chase again and  givem  _____ (12  yr  old rule) Thinking  about   a   top   shot  seminar  here for those local
thanks for the  kind thoughts
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: wallacewt on December 03, 2016, 06:56:00 PM
keep punchin bill  you may win on points
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on December 03, 2016, 08:33:38 PM
Hang in there Bill, I'm glad to hear things are moving in the right direction, you'll be on that boat in no time.
Listen to Mr Wallacewt, keep at it. Good advise, that man is the strongest man I know.

Sal
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on August 17, 2017, 03:35:28 PM
So another season about to begin. Made  reservations for  6 trips on golden eagle, belmar nj. Each  24 hrs to canyons on continental shelf. Started gear overhaul and found atd 50 with a couple bad bearings so off to California with it  no one here will touch atd with cals shifter. Checked line, waxed spools and cut out flaws and spliced as necessary. Let me tell you  80 wides hold a lot of line. Arm sore for a week after that.
Then the hunt for giant squid for bait. Nope we don't have any  but on a whim went to scotts bait and tackle (yes that scotts) and like penn parts they  had squid that weighed close to two pounds each. Got 8  might go get more but that should do it. Now all I have to do is get a couple of flats of local squid for the little fish and bait is taken care of.
Swords seem to want to come to the boat, go to the bow and run under the boat, so bought some 200 izor flouro for  75 ft top shot. That stuff resists cutting with a knife and has worked for me with sword and bigeye. Only reason I use that length is to protect against abrasion on bottom of boat.
We are ready loaded and locked and just waiting. More to follow after sept 9
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Bill B on August 17, 2017, 04:02:42 PM
Bill, sounds like you may have the health concerns under control.  Hope this is the case and good luck chasing the big'ens....Bill
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 01, 2017, 02:35:37 AM
doc   doesnt think health   probs  are under  control   but he  also  says  live   your life    so   swordfish  look out. Another trip   to   scotts   today  for  sword  bait. squid  that  have  tubes   up  to  a  foot  or  more   and  the   whole   thing  maybe   18  inches.Couldnt    find  them   anywhere   else  but   scotts      so i  bought  all  they  had. Ouch.  They  came  bagged   but ill  double  bag  in  2.5  gallon   zip locks    and  stash   them  away   maybe    for  next  year--who  knows   what   will happen  this   year  maybe   lots  of    big    fish  maybe  lots  of   sharks  stealing bait   and i  dont  want to be  without.  So  my personal bait   for a  trip  is  gonna be  3    big   squid,  4  mackeral   and   about  5  lbs  of   smaller  local   squid   for  yellowfins,   big   eyes   and  mahi. At  the  cost  of those  big ones  i  better be  bringing  home     dinner  if i use  all   three that i  take. But  ya  never  know  what   the  tax man  with  teeth  is   gonna  charge.   10  more  days   to wait   grrrrr   goal is  a   300  this  year.  Just    changed  out the  line  on    80stw  because i had   some  extra   130   hollow  spectra. I   sorta   forgot  how  much  line  that  critter  holds  but  my right  shoulder  is  reminding  me  of  that  fact  all  day  today. must be    1700  yards  anyway  on  there  . Its   done   now  though   just  have   to   put   end  loop  in  it    for  top   shots.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on September 01, 2017, 03:08:40 AM
Go Get'em $$$Bill! ...Good luck my friend.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Shark Hunter on September 01, 2017, 04:39:51 AM
Best of Luck Bill! ;)
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: conchydong on September 01, 2017, 11:36:22 AM
If you cannot find large Squid in a bait and tackle store, check your local Asian markets. I found they often have them. At a much better price too, although they haven't been brined for preservation as bait.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 01, 2017, 04:08:48 PM
thanks  for the   tip on  oriental markets.  I  dont use  brined   squid  just  big ones  for  fishing   sword  500  ft  down. thinking  about  inserting  light  stick into  squid  as  an  attractant.  has  anyone tried  that  and can  advise  ?
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: thorhammer on September 01, 2017, 06:11:03 PM
They use the glow sticks here in Nc.  Good luck!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 01, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
normal  longliner  practice  for  sword  is  to  hang   glow  stick  or  light  stick  a few feet  above  bait.  was  thinking  about inserting  2 inch  glow sticks inside the  squid, along  with the  6 inch  stick  hanging  from  line  above  bait about  7  ft.  sure  would like feedback on the  idea  from anyone  who  has  tried  it,  domestic  or   foreign  doesnt  matter..
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Tightlines667 on September 01, 2017, 07:20:14 PM
I tried trolling mold craft squid daisy chains with lightsticks inserted in them at night while steaming on longline boats.  I caught a lot if Silky sharks down by the equator, and 1 Mako up on the swordfishing grounds.

Not exactly what u were looking for.  Most of our longliners fish light signs on every other branchline, 5-10' above the hook.  They are not allowed to fish with squid bait, because sea turtles prefer squid to mackerel.

John
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 26, 2017, 01:49:07 PM
Bill,

It was great to meet you last night at Sal's and hear tuna fishing stories and techniques!   The kind of knowledge that you have needs to be passed on.   My grandparents used to go out for tuna out of Brielle, long before I was born, and it was my grandmother who got me into party boat fishing in NJ.   As a teenager I fished for blues on the Miss Barnegat Light, and I enjoyed hearing about your history with Capt. Larsen.

If there is anything I can do to help you post online, to share stories or techniques, I'll be happy to help!  Let me know...

Best,

Joe
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on October 26, 2017, 02:32:13 PM
Bill is a wealth of tuna knowledge...getting he and Sal in the same place is a special occasion.  Hopefully there was some Brandy passed around to take off the 40 degrees chill  :D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 26, 2017, 04:39:29 PM
a  word  to the  wise    if  you  are invited  to  Sals  place  expect  hospitality   the likes  of   which  you have  seldom   encountered.  talk  of  reels  and  fishing ,  a  chance to see   parts  of  Sals great  collection  and  two  chefs  of  great  ability.  great food,  great  conversation,  great  fellowship  with  "THE MAN"  and  his  wife. Thank you  Sal   for  a great  evening.
Bill
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 27, 2017, 03:44:17 PM
Without a doubt, Sal and his family offer unmatched old-world hospitality!  Good to see some East-coast Ohana.   

Dan has planned a bottom-fishing trip in for Nov. 30 but I won't be able to make it, unfortunately.  http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=23197   
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 27, 2017, 11:36:59 PM
I said that I would go on the trip last year but I have Med. Tests the day before Thanksgiving. I might not be going anywhere for a while.

There might be a 1 month season for Sea Bass in the month of Feb. Keep your ears open.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: coastal_dan on November 16, 2017, 12:24:50 PM
Thanks for the tip Mike - and good luck with all of your tests.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on November 17, 2017, 07:43:49 PM
mike
hope  your tests  come  out  well   mine  didnt
  will  be  selling  majority  of  my  gear on  here.  will  list  one  item at a  time later  to avoid  confusion   it  wont be cheap  but it will  be  good
a  summary  for  now more details later
80stw, 50 sw, 20, 30sw  baker  frame/cals All  except   20  with tib handles  and  clamps, cortland 130 hollow,16 strand,waxed spool  arbor all  service  yt  kens, oceanside ca
accurate atd 50w,  50 atd 30 t atd (cals) atd30t (cals) all  with   cals  shifter,  clamps, cortland 130 hollow 16 strand, waxrd spool  arbor, all  service  by  kens or cals
finnor 12  same size as  80stw old fashioned 2 speed built like tank  old dacron line
114h   by  sal ss gears ddog motive fab insert kit. lou  knob, special crank ss sleeve, keta dogs, springs  a  larger  tank
some  6/0   black and red   stock.
custom calstars all  graphiters  appx 10  all  with long butts  for rail long range prefer  pickup on  rods  as  i  dont have shipping  tubes anymore.(de/pa/nj/md
770xxxh, 770xxh,770h,7465h,765xl,760h 
all  have aftco  hd  seat and  gimbal,  fuji  bhpng ring guides, 3  or  more coats  flex coat light on  wraps and  more  guides  than necessary lol
my cost  was  over 300  each  just for  materials
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on November 17, 2017, 09:36:02 PM
The Sea Bass season for Feb. has been cancelled AGAIN.

My Tests are still pending. I will be eating Turkey.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on August 10, 2018, 03:22:02 AM
So  its  getting  to be that  time  of  the year again.  Tuna  trips   start    sept   10   for  me.  Goal  this year   200 lb   sword   true  stand up   style. No  chair  no  rod  holder   just  me  vs   fish on a anchored head  boat   with   24 other  guys. Was wandering   around    ebay  and  what  to my  wondering  eyes    should appear   but   an  atd  130   that  was   cheap. A  cuiple  of  bids  and deal  done. It arrived  and  it  was all it  was advertised  and then   some- no boat rash  one  small scratch  and  a      monster   winch. Cleaned    it up  waxed  spool  checked  all  screws  to make  sure  not  corroded in place  and  greased   the holes    to  seal  them  with  cals. Then  the  fun   putting on  line   without  a   line  winder. Took a week to  get it   done.   4275  cranks   in  low  gear   to  put on  130  spectra hollow   c-16.. Then  600  cranks   to load on  appx    200  yds   izor   135   first  string   and  then   75   ft of  izor   200   flouro. Still  got   room   for  maybe  200-300  yds  of  mono but not  gonna  put it on.  If  the 4000   ft of line is  not  enough  i need   to  grow  a much bigger pair. Fighting a  fish   thru all  that  line   would literally  put  an old  guy like  me in the hospital  or the  casket.
A few   trips  here  and there    to  get   HD   swivels   crimps  and hooks  and   all  gear  on  hand. Spent a few  nights   tying hooks, spraying   crimps  black,   crimping short leaders    for   bottom hooks on  2 hook  rigs.  Bait has  been in freezer  since last year   2  lb   squid  now  have  about    20  of  them from   scotts   B &  T (mystic   parts)
Back  up  gear  this  year    atd 80  loaded  with  spectra   and   80stw  loaded  with  spectra.  Rods  all custom  calstars   770 series xxxh,   XXH  and  xh  fuji   guides.

Yep im  ready   and   wanting  to   go   already.  Nothing like a bit  of   high  expectations  and  anticipation  but thats   fishing.  So  now  its  just  hunker  down  and  wait,  get on the boat  and  wait and hope. 

Next  report    sept  12   whether its the  good,  the bad  or the ugly
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on August 10, 2018, 11:39:31 AM
Ruben

Goldeneaglefishing.com     has  all  the  info
the    24 hour  trips  are  strictly   tuna/sword   the   31 hours   do  an  afternoon  of  pot hopping   for  mahi  before  anchoring   for  tuna/sword  for  the  night
no   guarantees   its   fishing .The  mahi   fishing  can be  fantastic  but there  are   some tricks   to getting the bigger ones.Seems most guys  concentrate  on  numbers  of   fish rather then   size Me ill take  1   20  lber   rather  then  5    3   lber  and there are  some hoos   at pots  too
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on August 10, 2018, 03:50:11 PM
Bill, glad to see you are feeling your oats!! 

I'm going to seriously consider going, especially if we can put together an East Coast Ohana trip.  ;D ;D ;D  I don't have the kind of tackle that this trip demands, but will work on it. 
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on August 10, 2018, 05:23:31 PM
Joe   if  you   can handle  using   atd reel  with  spectra  ive   got  all  we    could need,   atd 30,    50,   50 w.  Intl   30   50w   80w
all  we  need is   guys
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on August 10, 2018, 05:37:27 PM
Bill, thanks very much for offering your gear!  I see they rent too.   Can you round up guys?  Sounds like you plan on going out more than once...

https://www.goldeneaglefishing.com/schedule
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on September 29, 2018, 07:37:16 AM
and again  its that  time of  year  when  my blood  runs  hot, my back hurts in anticipation  and  the freezer has   a load  of  big    squid. Scheduled 3   trips   for  tuna/mahi   31  hours  from  Brielle  NJ.   First one  was cancelled -weather.  So   was lucky   enough  to  transfer   to    24 hour  the  following  week.  Trip  went,  2  tuna bites   for  the  entire  boat My   big  squid  came  back  to the boat untouched  for a  while. Then a   cloud  of   squid  moved  in  and   everyone  diverted   to  light  gear  to  catch  squid.  Better then nothing   but  not  what  we came   for.

  My  big   squid   got   eaten  by   squid   so   switched  to   live   fresh caught.  Fished    with   1/2  oz   weight  kinda  just  floating it out there. Nada    went    down  to  about   600  deep    nada  didnt  try bottom   cause   didnt  want tile fish  or   ling. Sword  tuna or bust   From bait  placements and results  looked like   squid  were at least 150  ft   thick. Capt  saw  the   writing on  the   fish   scope and pulled the hook and  went pot hopping   for  mahi.  Some  bouys  were barren    some  were loaded.  Guessing   150   fish   for the boat  but   only a  few  gaffers. If  you  didnt hook up on  your  first two casts  you were  pretty  much  toast  as the boat  drifted  away  from the bouy. Things  that  worked    small  hooks,   small  pieces  of   butterfish   and   small  metallic  minnows. Squid  tentacles  this  time were a   dud,  probably  cause  not many   fish  around  big  enough  to  tackle  them.

Didnt  break out the   atd   130   this  trip  used  atd  80  performed  flawlessly  but  weighs  about   2  tons less then   130.  !30 is gonna  be  an outfit   for   drifting  in  superdeep   and    fishing   WAY  DEEP  but  for   500-700 ft  the    80 is  just   fine.   500 ft out  just barely   shows  on   80   spool

So last trip is  scheduled  for 8-9  october    tuna/mahi supposedly. sure hope   it  gets better  cause   2  years   of  nada   aint no   fun.
Ocean  calm  but  heat  unmerciful.  this old man  went thru  8  bottles of  water  and begged a few more and  still  was    dehydrated  when i  got home,   dead  tired   and   squid  filthy.Then buggers  will  squirt   ya.   Only had a  couple   chicken mahi    so gave them   away   rather then  mess   with  them at home.  Sleep  was more important.

Trip   2    forecast   was   for 10-16   ft  seas    so   capt  pulled plug 2  days early  . That  would have been another trip  from hell

Tight lines
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on September 29, 2018, 04:21:11 PM
Bill

The Voyager had about the same report. Check his site for his report. He changed his trips around a little.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 01, 2018, 12:40:59 PM
Bill, thanks very much for the report.  I admire you getting out there, and am grateful for the account.   Interesting world out there.  Hope we can do an East Coast Ohana trip or two in the future.   Remind me, please when the time is coming in springtime to make reservations.  Good luck on the next trip!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 12, 2018, 04:03:18 PM
well the last  trip  came  and  went.    went pot hopping   for  mahi in afternoon     good  catches   and  then anchored  up   for  the night    water  71 degrees
750   ft. Squid    were  around  up high   and   down  deep  too. Put out   giant   squid    with    20   oz  lead  and   700   ft line. Nada  nada nada  Couple mahi mahi  caught  on   tuna  gear.  one    small  sword. That all  she    wrote   for  the night  for the boat.  back  to pot hoppin in morning  for mahi mahi.  Thats  it   for this year, probably  never   go  again  but  we  will   see  how  it  all  works out

Bill

out
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 12, 2018, 05:52:36 PM
Quote from: mrbrklyn on October 12, 2018, 01:42:16 AM
72 degree water temperature out of Brooklyn yesterday.  ... FWIW
http://www.brooklyn-living.com/fishing.html

Funny, the Sheepshead Bay party boats are only about an hour and a half drive from my house outside Phillly.   What is is about NYC that attracts so many fish?  ::) 

Bill, sorry to hear the trip was less than successful.  Hold on to some hope of an Ohana outing in the future...
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bluefish69 on October 13, 2018, 12:45:11 AM
THe last thing that I read from the Brooklyn VI in Sheepshead Bay is NO TUNA FISHING this year.

Mike
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 02:35:32 PM
Long time fellow AT members. I'm baaaaack. Lol. Got 4 trips to the edge planned in the next 3 weeks. Blown out of a 36 hour trip this week. Forecast was fo 20-30 knot winds and 6-12 footers. Glad that one didn't go. I'm getting too old to fish in those conditions. Not fun nor funny. This wind and weather has put a hurtin on the head boats even getting out there. Hope Mother Nature cooperates these next couple weeks. Will get back with reports..IF they go 
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 18, 2018, 03:16:08 PM
Quote from: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 02:35:32 PM
Long time fellow AT members. I'm baaaaack. Lol. Got 4 trips to the edge planned in the next 3 weeks. Blown out of a 36 hour trip this week. Forecast was fo 20-30 knot winds and 6-12 footers. Glad that one didn't go. I'm getting too old to fish in those conditions. Not fun nor funny. This wind and weather has put a hurtin on the head boats even getting out there. Hope Mother Nature cooperates these next couple weeks. Will get back with reports..IF they go 

Good luck and looking forward to reports.  Which boat are you going out on?   
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 03:22:34 PM
Queen Mary. Inshore 60 mile trip. Gambler and Voyager. To be honest..unfortunately I don't keep a log book, but I've been doing this head boat tuna thing since 82. I would have to say the majority of fish have been in November. Usually smaller specimens though. Mostly LFT's
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 03:26:05 PM
Decker, I see the grumpy's Sign. Maybe a sea bass trip in December when they open the season again? Voyager has heated hand rails.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Reel 224 on October 18, 2018, 04:04:09 PM
The Queen Mary Had a great Captain in the late 60s and 70s Me and my brother fished the boat every week and always Caught fish.

We stopped when my brother got a boat.Head boats are not my cup of tea anymore, It was fun in it's day though.

Joe   
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 04:11:15 PM
Hey joe, hope all is well with you and yours. Unfortunately this time of year the weather windows are sketchy at best so..... 90ft of boat works for me.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 18, 2018, 04:52:33 PM
Quote from: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 03:26:05 PM
Decker, I see the grumpy's Sign. Maybe a sea bass trip in December when they open the season again? Voyager has heated hand rails.

I've heard good things about the Voyager.  December is a tough month for me - two birthdays and my wedding anniversary.  But let me know.  I'd definitely like to get out on the water with some guys from this site.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Gfish on October 18, 2018, 10:30:34 PM
What's a "head boat"? I.e., what makes a sportfishing boat a head boat, relative to others that aren't?
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 18, 2018, 10:48:30 PM
I think it goes back a ways. Packed onto a boat like "heads" of cattle. Generally here on the east coast they run from 40 to 110 feet. In the fall/winter it's the only way to get to the fish
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 19, 2018, 01:47:22 AM
Greg, I'm tempted to give you a funny answer, but will tell the truth instead. A head  boat is one where each fisherman (each head) pays the fare to fish. This is different from a charter boat, where there is generally one group price. I usually call them party boats, but they're not for partying.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Gfish on October 19, 2018, 02:06:39 AM
Ok, thanks. I guess they don't use that term on the Left coast. Any humorous answers welcomed, just keep in mind I'm not that bright, so don't leave me hangin with only that as my answer.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: BMITCH on October 19, 2018, 11:57:28 AM
There ya go. I learned something new today.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 25, 2018, 04:47:31 PM
This isn't the right place for this post, but I don't know a better one...

Tomorrow 10/26 is supposed to be calm on the Mid-Atlantic coast (before bad conditions this weekend) and the porgy/sea bass/ tog fishing has lately been very good.  If anyone wants to join me on a party boat in the morning anywhere from Sheepshead Bay, NY to Lewes, DE, please PM me.  

If I go alone, it will likely be out of Belmar, NJ.  

Cheers,

/Joe
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on October 25, 2018, 06:01:23 PM
joe
you may  want to  check  fishing reports  goldeneaglefishing.com  out of  belmar Looks like   sparce   on a lot of  species.  The boats  from   belmar  all  fish  the  same  areas  pretty much  so  what one   gets they all  get   
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Reel 224 on October 25, 2018, 06:04:39 PM
I am very tempted to fish with you guys on a Head boat this fall season. I haven't wet a line this year...........................Joe
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 25, 2018, 06:31:14 PM
Bill,  I tend to focus on the bottom-fishing reports.  The Golden Eagle seems more oriented to false albacore, bonito and blues (I guess they chum).   The Big Mohawk has a good report lately.  I may go up to Atlantic Highlands.   The boats up there have been giving consistently good reports (when the weather allows) and I think they are generally closer to the fishing grounds.

Joe, you had mentioned before that party boats were tough to negotiate physically.   If you're willing to go sometime, let me know.  I'd be happy to help in whatever way I can.  

My status is, "Too many reels, not enough fishing,"  so, I'm working toward a better balance. ;)

Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Reel 224 on October 25, 2018, 07:19:25 PM
I need a rope to tie myself to the rail ;D I have a problem standing for any length of time because my left knee was damaged in the military, But I think I could sit and fish especially for bottom fish.................................Joe

I appreciate you willingness to help me, but I'm 6' 340Lbs and I don't want to give you a hernia  :o ;D.   
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 25, 2018, 07:47:04 PM
Quote from: Reel 224 on October 25, 2018, 07:19:25 PM
I appreciate you willingness to help me, but I'm 6' 340Lbs and I don't want to give you a hernia  :o ;D.   

I can still give lots of encouragement, and take the rod from you if the fish is too big ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Reel 224 on October 25, 2018, 07:58:30 PM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D That's a good one!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 25, 2018, 09:13:51 PM
The Marilyn Jean in Sheepshead Bay is posting pictures of pretty big tog on their reports page...  hmmm.  https://mj2fishing.com/category/marilyn-jean-iv-ny-fishing-reports/
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Reel 224 on October 26, 2018, 03:44:57 AM
Nice Tog, Is anyone doing anything in the Atlantic City area? They generally catch BIG tog!.....................Joe 
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19803 on July 13, 2019, 11:00:23 PM
Reuben 
Thanks  for the heads up on  boat  for tuna   brooklyn  is a bit out of my  travel  range  as its    2.5 hrs  to  GW  bridge   and  then  NYC   congestion.  Belmar  is  as  far   as  i  go  north   and  that pushing  it   a bit past limit. Seems  to be  some  action in  Baltimore  and poormans   canyon  but have not heard  of  anything    significant. 
Waiting   waiting   waiting  2  more months to  go
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Benni3 on July 14, 2019, 03:57:12 AM
This looks like it will be a great trip,,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on September 27, 2021, 10:55:20 AM
the  saga  continues , again


its that  time  of  year again  to  pursue  sword/tuna from  party  boaton  east  coast

off  to  barnegat light nj  for  another  try  for swords  on sept 12  had a  hard  time  findding  big  squid  for  bait. found a  few  but  not  really  big  enough  to  make  me  happy., but  dealt  with  it  first  trip  on  9/12 yielded  a  big  fat goose  egg.  a  few mahi   during a  session  going  from  bouy  to  bouy  and  then  settled   on  anchor  to  try  for  tuna/ sword. a  lousy  current  kept  boat  swinging  on  anchor  scope.  only  on  big  fish  caught on boat  a  50 inch  fl  sword  no tun  ugght

weather  cancelled trip on  sept  19. shucks

on  boat  again  sept 26  and off  to  the deep  water  lobster  bouys  for  mahi.  a lot  of  them  were  barren so  a lot  of  guys  have  been  fishing  them.  got  half  dozen  fish  but only one gaffer  on  boat  maybe  20  lbs  bull mahi.

then  anchor  up  for  the  night for  big fish.  slow  slow  and  slow. again  bad  current  but  thats  fishing.

finally  at  about  midnight  someone  landed  nice  yellowfin  maybe  60  lbs.  a  slow  pick  for  next  couple  hours  and  then  torrential  rain. thats  what  they  make  rain  gear  for  so  suited  up  and  kept  at  it.  most  chose  to  wait  out  storm  in  bunks.

maybe  4  am  get  hit  - nice  yellow  about 110  lbs  liked  to  kick  my  butt  but  it  didnt  work  out  well  for  him.  then  hour  later 50  lb  albacore  tried  same  stunt  with  same results.

half  hour  later  partner  and  50  lb  yellowfin  duke  it  out.   fish  now  in  freezer.

so  summary   three  fish  for  me  and  buddy.  no  sword  with  minimal  sword  fishing  time  cause  of  current.

at  it  again next  week  again.



Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: broadway on September 27, 2021, 01:18:00 PM
Awesome play by play!
I always love your passion for that elusive monster sword.
I wish you a safe and productive next trip👍
My best
Dom
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on September 27, 2021, 03:20:37 PM
Hi Bill,

Thanks for the report.   I admire your tenacity to get out there.  Hope you can put some big meat on the deck soon.

For my education, what are good and bad currents for tuna fishing?  Is it mainly the tide?  Do the tuna party boats typically anchor, and  is it possible for them to drift for tuna chunking?

Thanks,
/Joe
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: thorhammer on September 27, 2021, 05:57:54 PM
Bill, nice work even if no sword! I like YFT better on plate anyway :)


John
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Benni3 on September 28, 2021, 03:47:49 AM
Great fishing report,,,,,, ;)
Quote from: thorhammer on September 27, 2021, 05:57:54 PM
Bill, nice work even if no sword! I like YFT better on plate anyway :)


John
It time for me to come down your way to do a headboat,,,,,,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 07, 2021, 06:08:02 PM
so  this  past  weekend  up at  3 am  saturday  and off  to  the  boat  with  fishin partner  got  him  to  drive and  to  do lifting/toting  as  i really cant do it  anymore  we got to boat  530  half  passengers already there  but  got the right  spot to  fish  from, decent bunk locations  and  good  bench seat  in  cabin

did  the  pot hoppin  trick  for  mahi  a  dozen  for the  two of  us  then  off  to  canyon   to  go  for  big  boys anchored  in  690  feet  right on  edge  of  canyon ,  crew  chumming  i  floated  a  squid   freeline  style  to  see  if  anyone  around  no one  there  current  was  stern  to  bow  again like  last  time.  got settled  in  rigged  up big  squid  on  atd  50,  200  flouro leader  2  hooks in  squid  16  ozs  lead   started  at  100  ft down  10 feet  more  every  few  mins  till  at 300  ft. nothing home  did  that  several  more  times  nothing   front of  boat  got  hot  maybe 4  50/60  yft

in middle  of  night  a  flurry  up  front    3-4  fish

500 am  neighbor in  stern hooks  up  fought fish  some  weird  style  and  fish  was in  control the  whole  time. crew saw  it  once  said BIG big  eye  hook  pulled.  10  minutes later  same  guy  same  battle  same  results  turns  out he  was  uing  circcle hooksw no  bridle  with  16  oz of  weight  This does  not give  good  hookset  except  by  accident

then  partner hooked  up  and   fish  was  beating his  butt.  fish  hung up on  rudder  crew  gaffed  line  up  foreward  tied to  rail   cut  line  pulled  it  out  of  rudder  and  spliced  together.  and  the fight  went  on  for  another  hour. reel  accurate atd 30  25  lbs  drag 130  cortland  hollow  braid   mustad  94151 9/0 hook 100  top  knot flouro  from  swivel  to  hook

oops  knot broke  and  end  of  story  but  hes  got  memories  now  he is  a newbie  to  this  but  is  committed  to it  after  that battle
13 fish  to  boat  no  big ones  5  big ones  lost  that i know  of

just  got  call  this week  trip  cancelled  10  ft  waves  on   way  home so  now  wait another  week  for  trip.
sooner   or  later we  will  land  another  of  those  big gals  i  hope i hope

more in two weeks  if  this  79  year  old  ill  body  is  capable  of  doing it again
oh  yeah  had  surgery  friday  afternoon  for blood  clot  and fished saturday
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Benni3 on October 07, 2021, 11:25:05 PM
Great job man your still doing it,,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 08, 2021, 01:27:31 AM
i  try  to  do  it  but  folks  are good  at  helping  me.  crew  helps  unload  truck  and  tote partner  drives  and  totes.  crew or  partner  land  fish  when i poop out  after  a  couple  minutes. but  i  do  what i  can.  generous  with tips  helps too.  dialysis  aint  for the  faint of heart  but beats the  hell  out  of  alternative  dirt nap.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Swami805 on October 08, 2021, 02:04:04 AM
Thanks for the report, keep going,your number will come up.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Donnyboat on October 08, 2021, 03:55:17 AM
Love your report, thanks, better luck in the future, cheers Don.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: DON3099 on October 08, 2021, 10:41:51 AM
A little off the topic, but did you see this at Point Pleasant NJ (Manasquan Inlet). I flounder fish right about that spot.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on October 08, 2021, 01:32:34 PM
Quote from: DON3099 on October 08, 2021, 10:41:51 AM
A little off the topic, but did you see this at Point Pleasant NJ (Manasquan Inlet). I flounder fish right about that spot.

I know that spot too, Don!  Have some good memories of blackfishing a little closer to the jetty.   Bill is an inspiration for us east-coasters...  Let's try to put an Ohana trip together some time!

Cheers,
/Joe
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: wascallywabit on October 08, 2021, 05:14:21 PM
Used to run that inlet quite often. That and Shark river. Know it well. If you guys want to do something let me know.

Ed
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Shark Hunter on October 10, 2021, 02:24:07 AM
Hang in there Bill.
Keep the reports coming.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 13, 2021, 02:50:25 AM
heard great  reports  of  private  charter  with  yft  limits
was  so  trashed  after  last  treatment  i  called  boat  and cancelled trip  for upcoming weekend
boat said no problem  a  big  wait  list
its  not  fair for me to  sit on a reservation till last  minute and  my  replacement  does  not have  adequate  time to get   prepared

probably only one  more  trip   possible  this  year  cant do  trips  during week  as im in treatment  monday wednesday  friday  and  cant  miss  it.  and  my partner  is  elk  hunting for next two weeks  so  doing  it  alone  is a  major  physical  strain on  this  old  body. i need 8 hrs sleep  and  being on  road to  boat  at 330 am really  doesnt allow  that

hopefully  one  more  report  this  year
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: thorhammer on October 13, 2021, 02:22:41 PM
hang in there, Bill! looking forward to next report!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 20, 2021, 02:13:00 AM
aint gonna  be  any more reports this  year  balance  is  gone  and  there  are  no  soft places  to  land on a  boat  and  deck antiskid  eats  skin  easily. called  boat  from  hospital  and  cancelled  every  trip i  had  left.
boat  owner  was  most gracious  said  c mon  down  when ever  you  feeel  well  enough  go  for  a  ride,  kibitz, advise  no  charge  after  40years  of  patronage. talk  about honorable  folks
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Swami805 on October 20, 2021, 02:49:38 AM
Take care of yourself, there's always next year.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: broadway on October 20, 2021, 10:17:09 AM
Hang in there ya ole'  salty dog.
I'll miss your in depth reports.
I look forward to you continuing next year.
Warm regards
Dom
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Ron Jones on October 20, 2021, 03:49:08 PM
Hope to hear your mended and ready to get after it soon Bill!
God Speed
The Man
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on May 31, 2022, 05:22:41 AM
its  only  May  and  already  im  hunting  for  bait  for  september  swordfishing. need  squid  at  leasr  24  ounces  and  at  least  35  pieces  of  it. anyone  knows  a  reliable  source  in  NJ?  recruited  a  couple  more  guys  to  the  annual  pilgrimage  to  barnegat  light,  nj  in  quest  for  a  monster.  building  2  united composite  raptors   cause  i  cant  get  the  calstars  i  want.
budget  is  a  bit  more  limited  this  year  so  hunting  for best  internet  prices.  hell  dont  need  more  gear  got  2  rooms  full  now  but  im  way  down  that  rabbit  hole.

i  learned  long  ago  preparation  is  so  important  in  this  fishing  game.  success  is  made  on  land  and  is  delivered  at  sea.

so  ill  just  fiddle  around  making  top  shots,  2  hook  squid  rigs,  finding  right  stuff  at  right  price,  having  a  few  discussions  on  tackle  and  tactics  and  waiting  for  sept 14  to  get  here.
booked  all  trips  the  boat  is  able  to make  till  weather  turns  to  crap in  october.

tight  lines  to  all

Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Benni3 on May 31, 2022, 07:23:18 AM
Quote from: bill19804 on May 31, 2022, 05:22:41 AMits  only  May  and  already  im  hunting  for  bait  for  september  swordfishing. need  squid  at  leasr  24  ounces  and  at  least  35  pieces  of  it. anyone  knows  a  reliable  source  in  NJ?  recruited  a  couple  more  guys  to  the  annual  pilgrimage  to  barnegat  light,  nj  in  quest  for  a  monster.  building  2  united composite  raptors   cause  i  cant  get  the  calstars  i  want.
budget  is  a  bit  more  limited  this  year  so  hunting  for best  internet  prices.  hell  dont  need  more  gear  got  2  rooms  full  now  but  im  way  down  that  rabbit  hole.

i  learned  long  ago  preparation  is  so  important  in  this  fishing  game.  success  is  made  on  land  and  is  delivered  at  sea.

so  ill  just  fiddle  around  making  top  shots,  2  hook  squid  rigs,  finding  right  stuff  at  right  price,  having  a  few  discussions  on  tackle  and  tactics  and  waiting  for  sept 14  to  get  here.
booked  all  trips  the  boat  is  able  to make  till  weather  turns  to  crap in  october.

tight  lines  to  all


I'm in but you know Florida is the place this time of year,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on May 31, 2022, 02:54:41 PM
yes  florida  is  the  place at  this  time  but  due  to  m, w,f  medical  treatment  i cant be  there so  next  best  is  to  get  prepared  for  when./where  i  can  go  fishing
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Swami805 on June 01, 2022, 01:02:24 PM
Good to see you're still in the game.  Looking forward to reports
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on June 01, 2022, 02:07:35 PM
ill  be  in the  game  as  long  as  i  can  walk.   but  dont  have the  stamina  for  a  good  fight.  thanks  to  great  mates  and  fishing  partner  i  can  stll  go  just  cant  do  the  fight.  but  meh  some  is  better  then  none still  hunting  for  that 300  even  if  others  do  the  fight
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on September 12, 2022, 03:06:44 AM
so  the  saga continues  another  year  just  back  from 30  hour  voyage  in  search  of  that  big  one. should  have  stayed  home  is  best  way  to  describe  it.    no tuna,  no  sword,  few  mahi  for  the  boat.  and  im  wearing  skunk  oil  myself.  but  there  will  be  another  6  early  saturday  morning  sailing  to  make  up  for  this  one. more  next week!!!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Decker on September 19, 2022, 10:53:04 PM
Glad to see you got out, Bill.  Good luck on the next one!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on September 20, 2022, 03:52:39 AM
so  went  again  this  past weekend.  capt  wouldnt  say  where  he  was  going  but  it  would not  be  the  Hudson  canyon.  so  off  we  went  after 6  hours  started  mahi  fishing  on  lobster  pot  bouys. some  had  fish  on  them  some   didnt so  about  6  or  7  pm  started  drifting  off  the  edge  for  the  big  guys. not  much  happening  a  big  ray  around  boat  the  eventually  got  snagged  was  the  premier  event. moved  location   tried  some  more  nada  for  a  few  hours then  a  regular  in  bow  landed   maybe  51 inch  fork  length  swordfish  then  a  few  mahis  committed  suicide. meanwhile  nada  for  me  or  partner. sorta  hard  to  concentrate  from  dinner  time  to  breakfast  time  with  nothing happening.  but  at  maybe  4 am  more  mahi  and  i had  one  biting  and  he  left  and  then it happened  peck  peck  and  boom  down  went  rod  tip.  i  set  hook  held  on  and  got  a  friendly  mate  to  take  over  when  i  physically  fizzled  out. maybe  20  min later  swordfish  at  boat.  used  a  measuring  device  to  determine  legality of length  with  fish  in  the  water. nope  1  inch too  short  cut fish  off  and  he  scooted  away seemingly  healthy. that  was  it  for  big  fish.  on  way  home  found  a  mahi  swarm  and  a  lot  of  10  fish  limits  were  had and  enforced.

got in,  took our  fish  whole  and  headed  home.  partner  drove  both  ways  in  my  truck  and  processed  the  fish   sunday  night. he is  a  taxidermist  so  hes  set  up  for  store  type  packaging  etc.

asw  a  whole  personally  satisfying  trip  as  it  proved  my  equipment  and  methods  are  up  to par  on  swordfish.. more  next  monday  after  another  trip
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on September 24, 2022, 02:59:19 AM
trip  due  to  sail 9/24  cancelled   im  just  as  glad  my back  killed  me  last  trip  and  its  no  better.  maybe  ill  get  a  new  united  composites  rod  done  for  next  week. a  7-6  centaur  is  2/3  of  way  done  so  will  give  it  hell  trying  to  finish  it
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: oc1 on September 25, 2022, 05:17:04 AM
Sometimes back problems can been a sigh thet you've been having fun.  It's good to see it all coming together for you.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 11, 2022, 12:35:32 PM
so  the  next  trip  went off  as  scheduled past  Saturday  morning a t  630  am.never  got  word  where  we  were  headed.  fished  a  bunch  of  pot  but no  exceptional  quantities  or  size  but  still fish.  anchored  up  for  o9vernight  chunking  for  tuna  by  7 pm  nothing  happens  for  hours.  then  my  partner, a  newby,  get a hit  lands  65  lb  yellowfin. half  hourt  passes  and  i  get  real  small  hit  a  swordfish?   but no  runoff. 5  minutes  later  a  bigger  hit  set  him  up  started  cranking.  got  it  to  boat  a  40  inch  sword  lassooed  around  his swprd.  gave  so  slack  and  he  was  gone  healthy  as ever  gotta  be  47  inches  to  be legal.
that  makes  two  short swords  but  no  legal ones. 
an  hour later  a  yell  from  the  bow  fishon  and soon  the  tailbeat  of  60-70 lb  yellowfin  slapping  deck was  heard.  we  kept  picking  away  and  getting  a nice bunch  of  identical  65 lb yelloe  fish.  somewhere  in  there  we  had  4  on  in  stern  at  once.
someone  up  front  lander  a 80 wahoo  on  a  popper.
partner  got  2 more  in thgat  mess  for  his  limit  the tutor(me)  got  one little  yft.  almost  a  skunk.things  continued  till  like  7am  picking  away  at  them.  a  lot  of  limits  filled
as a  whole  a  good  trip  lots  of  mahi  later  and  lots  of  yft limits.

score  1  short  sword  rele3ased,  1  30  yelloe  for  me  3  nice  fat 65  lb  yellows  for  my rookie  partner. 

oh  well  thats  fishing.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on October 11, 2022, 03:46:57 PM
Thanks for the report Bill.

The fishing may not have been what you were hoping for, but the 99.9% of us who have never caught swordfish would be thrilled to catch one of any size!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Benni3 on October 12, 2022, 01:42:54 AM
Great job bill,,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: sabaman1 on October 12, 2022, 04:00:33 AM
Nice Bill. Thanks for sharing your catch report!
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 13, 2022, 04:29:13 AM
ive  been  pondering  how  to  increase  my  catch  like  most  fishermen  30  years  ago  half  or  more  of  the  catch  was  long  fin  with  at  least  one  big  eye  on  every  trip  seldom  a  swordfish.

lately  i  have seen  one long  fin in  2  years  and  just  2  big  eyes  in  same  period  and  now  a  lot  more  swords.  wondering  whats  going  on?  longfin  and  big  eye  are  colder  water  fish  then  yellowfin.  has  our  water  in  hudson  canyon  increased  in  temperature?

are  more  swords  being  caught  cause  there  are  more  of them  now  with  moratorium  off  florida  or  guys  are  exploring  the  deep  more  because  nothing happening  in  shallower  depths  or  is  it  colder  water?
just  pondering  whats happening  to  figure  out  how  to  take  advantage  of  it.  got  2  more  trips  to  get  my  act  together  before  its  over  for  this  year

it used  to  be  put  a  bait  at  120  down  and  wait  but  not  long  now  they  are  all over  map  90  to  350  deep  with  no  honey  spot. this  past  weekend  action  was  deeper  then  300 ft.  nothing  in  100-150  frrt and  not  much  till  at least  250  feet.

any  guys  from  the  east  have  thoughts  about  this? id  love  to  hear  about them.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Gfish on October 21, 2022, 07:51:14 PM
I'm way past even the West coast and never fished the East. So no speculation, but it's interesting stuff to think about. Critters go for food, procreation and environmental comfort zones.
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Benni3 on October 22, 2022, 03:47:49 AM
If you're going eastcoast let me know,,,,,, ;) I will chip in on it,,,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on October 24, 2022, 01:36:01 AM
so  3am  rolls around  on  saturday  morning  partner  calls  to  make  sure  im  up  and  moving. he  arrives  with  enclosed  trailer  and  two  newbies  never  been  before.  one  is  gung  he  bought  new  international 50  wide  and  big  spool  of  cortland  hollow  and  lots  of  terminal  gear. load  up  and  away  we  go  get  to  boat  for  700  departure  at515  boat  almost  full.  leave  at  600.  the  ride  seems  endless.  the  veterans  go  to  sleep  knowing  what  awaits  them  the  newbies  chatter  drink  coffee  and  tell  fishing  tales.  5  hours  later  squid  trawler  in  sight  set  up  to  drift  their  wake  not  much  luck.  move  to  different  trawler  partner  hooks  up  good  fish  hook  pulls  at  boat. maybe  100 lb  yft.
move again  and  anchor  for  night.   cap  says  there  are  fish  there  at  120,  150,  300.  finally  a  yell  and  fishon. maybe  60  lb  yft.  then  another  and  then  another. then  two  at  a  time  then  4  at  a  time  and  mass  mayhem mostly  30-50  yft.  mot  a  bite  for  me  thought.  our  two  newbies    picked  up  one  once  in  a  while.
limit  is  3  fish  each    soon  all  3  partners  are  fishing  for  last  legal  fish,  and  i  find  zone
50  lb  yft,  40  lb  yft 50  lb  yft. boat  limiting  out  lot  of  guys  are  done 
get  out  sword  gear  big  squid  calstar gf7470xxxh rod  rated  80-unlimited  and  atd 50 w  130  cortland  with 200  flouro  topshot 100  lb  hook leader

down  goes  bait  send  it  zooming  past  yft  zone  down  to  300  and  wait  and  watch. nada nada  nada.  cap  says  10  more  minutes  and  go  home  drop  bait  50  ft  more  i  thought  but  bait  wont  take  slack  line.  ooops  nibble  nibble  boom  battle  on. i  cant  control  the  fish  give  him  all  the  drag  im  comfortable  with  probably  26  lbs.  and  he  does  what  he  wants  when he  wants.  spools  gets  smaller  and  he  still  takes  line  at  will. doing  rail  rod  thing  with  butt  of  rod  under  crotch  and  hang  on  for  dear  life..,finally  make  headway  in  low  gear  but  i  gain  50  he  takes  40  20  mins  into  battle and  im  still  able  to  go head  to  head.  put  lot  of  thumb  drag  on  spool   so must  be  close  to  40  lbs drag  he  still  runs  ooops  my  thumb  got  caught  tween  top  cross  bar  and  spool  and  locks  spool   pow  and  aw  ####  moment.
now  ive  locked  horns  with  my  share  of  clarion  cows  but  this  sucker  had  more  go power  then  any of  them.  a  guess  a  big  sword  but  who  knows.
looks  like  catch  is  90  yft  6  long  fins  no  swords
back  at  it  in a week  same boat. same  time  probably  same  place




Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: bill19804 on November 02, 2022, 03:38:18 AM
it  hell  to  get  old  and  i  am  that  80  this  year.  tripped  over  my  feet  couple weeks  ago  aggrivated  old  back  injury  ouch  hurts  to  walk  or  sit.

valled  the  boat  and  cancelloed  out  for  last  week

called  them  today  and  cancelled  this  weeks  trip.  thats  all  they  have  for  this  year  so  im  done

seems  like off  sahore  tuna  is  over  early  nov  or  at  least  boats  dont  go  that  far  out  with  the  weather  being  what  it  always  is  in  november---iffy  at  best  risky  at  times.

so  now  i  have  the  best  tackle  arsenal  of  any  unemployed  swordfish  chaser  flouro  leader  by  10s  of  yards  custom  rods   by  half  dozen  at  least  1  f  every  atd  accurate  from  30  up with  3  international  backups  and  it  all  fills  a  room
heres  hoping  the  is  another  year  for  me  chasing

a  summary  of  the  year
a  couple  of  great  trip  a  couple  of  weather  cancellations  and a  couple  chicken out  by  me  cancellations.
general  thoughts  on  season
fish  seemed  to  be  concentrated  more  then  normal  get  a  boat  load  or  not  many  nothing  inbetween.big  eyes-didnt  see  any  long  fin  saw  6  out  of  about  110  fish.personally  had  swords  on  three  successive  trips. id  say  swords  are  coming  back  strong  and  47 inch  size  minimum  seems  to  be  working.  expecting  to  see  swords  targeted  more  by  rec  fishermen  in  future. longfin?  where  did  they  go  20 years  ago  3  yellowfins  and  5  longfins  over  40  lbs  was  a  fair  day,  not  a  great  day.  now  longfins re  on  par  with  swords  in  the  catch 

thats  one  old  guys  story  and  opinions  and  im  sticking  to  it.

follow  your  passion,  give  it  all  you  got.  its  worthwhile  as  anything  else

over  and  out

swordfish chaser (bill19803@aol.com)

Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Ron Jones on November 02, 2022, 04:21:06 AM
Any way you look at it, a whole lot of fishing and a whole lot of life. God speed, here's to many more years.
I hope your back heals well.
The Man
Title: Re: East coast head boat tuna
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on November 02, 2022, 04:46:26 AM
Bill, 81 is the new 60.  Next season will roll around before you know it.  Keep the shiny side up.