06 Tuna... Things I learned, year review

Tacklebuster · 09-20-2006, 12:32 PM

I know it's a bit premature to call the year. Truth be told, I am still holding out hope for one last shot at Charlie with my first mate GaryK and his Mrs.

This was my third year chasing tuna off the Oregon coast. Every year I seem to come away with a bit more knowledge but this year I think things really came together for me. Here is a list of things I learned this year that has worked for me.

1. This was the first time since I took purchase of my Seahawk that I found the edge of my comfort level and went beyond it a touch to know when enough is enough. 60 miles from the hole at Depoe is a long way to go when a 2 and 5 prediction at 10 seconds turned into a 2 and 7 at about 8 seconds apart

It didn't make it any better that we ran in thick fog for the last 40 miles with 7 to 8 foot steep swells with no back sides. The way it was making my speed and rpm's drop running up the front of one was amazing. At first I thought my motor was not running right.

2. Hand lines just don't fit my game plan. I can put 15 to 21 tuna on my boat (iced and chilled properly) and that's it for my 21' Seahawk. That can be accomplished far to quickly with hand lines and the sport of the game for me is gone. I can run 5 stand up rods out the back of my boat if staged correctly and very rarely have to deal with tangles.

3. Tuna Toast feathers are the bomb and they are only about 5 bucks a pop pre rigged out of a bass magazine. They are smaller than clones and 7 strands and for me, they have outfished anything else early in the season on my boat.

4. As much as I hate daisy chains, they are very deadly skipping down the third wake on the port side of the boat. Keep two rods rigged with fish traps at all times. When I get a fish on, I have a rod with a three ounce crippled herring on the business end. I run the motors for about 6 seconds looking for another hook up then I drop the throttle. I then huck that crippled herring out the back. free spool about 15 seconds, and place the rod in the holder. I can't tell you how many times that reel starts screaming in the middle of getting other fish in the boat, etc.

5. Salmon rods and amb. 6500 are a hoot to throw fish traps with. 10' mooching rods trolling fish traps with 4 ounce sinkers with your kicker motor at 2.5 mph is deadly has hell the last part of August and into September.

6. I stopped using 8 foot leaders and went to 2 foot leaders trolling my feathers. Way easier to manage the fish at the boat. Fish up to twenty pounds, grab the leader with one hand and the tail with the other and yard aboard. I leave my gaffs at home and have two short handled nets with custom rubber grips for the big ones. I just hate cutting out meat with gaff holes in it.

7. My yami 150 rocks. The most fuel I ever burned this year was 45 gallons, that was the 60 mile out day on a sloppy sea. My average trip burns about 32.

8. When the seas are choppy, I like to get my trolling gear way out the back. 60 second free spool seemed to be money when it was choppy.

9. Never run over birds or other sign of life when searching for that 60 plus water. Even if it's 56, stop and give it a whirl.

It was a great year despite rough seas and small windows to get out in. The worst trip (numbers wise) was 9 in the box and my best was 25. That 25 day could have easily been tripled if I had room. Again, I am limited to space.

Look forward to next year and I am still holding out hope for one last round with Charlie.

Peace guys.....

skein · 09-20-2006, 01:08 PM

Good run-down, TB. Not much I can add to that.

Skein

CATCH AND EAT · 09-20-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Good run-down, TB. Not much I can add to that.

Skein

What about the fly rod Jim?

Zippy · 09-20-2006, 01:27 PM

thank you for the reflections,that part on the waves hit home. Do you have favorite colors for the Tuna Toast lures? thanks

skein · 09-20-2006, 01:38 PM

Funny you should mention that, C&E. I was thinking about adding that after I posted.

Flyrodding:

First off, I didn't do it first - the guys down in Eugene did, and then AndyCoho and his buddy Jose put the hurt on 'em before I ever got my act together. All I did was whoop and hollar the loudest.

So... a flyrod will work, but I recommend at least a 12wt. I also used a $60 mooching reel instead of a $600 Fin-Nor. Splashing the fly in the wake, about 60-80 ft back, worked quite nicely. We managed three doubles by just reeling in slowly while the first rod was fighting a fish. We used both sinking and floating lines, with about 10' of 20# leader. Flies were tied on a steelhead hook which seemed to hold up just fine.

It is an illegal amount of fun.

One more thing:

If at all possible, keep your tuna iced and cark them the next morning. They are deeply chilled by then, and you generally have the carking station all to yourself. Besides, you're rested up and feel more like tackling the job.

Skein

CATCH AND EAT · 09-20-2006, 01:49 PM

That-a-boy Jim, that's what I wanted to hear about. Gonna get me some of that next year. I have a 10wt but from the sounds of it I need something a touch bigger. Now what I want to know, has anyone cast a fly at these fish and wacked them? That is what I would like to try.

Tacklebuster · 09-20-2006, 02:32 PM

The mexican flag worked great but the ones I really like first part of the season are pink and white.

Skein is right on about carking them the next morning. I drain all the water out of my coolers at the end of the day and top off with fresh ice. Much easier when your rested and the meat is so cold that your fingers hurt when ripping the lions out.

ron m · 09-20-2006, 02:48 PM

OK, I'll play a little.

I had one very long day, learned I can come in from pretty far out on a foggy night. Be careful stopping on fish when it's time to come home unless you're ok coming home in the fog at night. I might do it again, but would much rather find the fish earlier in the day!

I used a handline with a diver on the last trip. It got 5 fish and the 5 rods together got 5 fish. I'm going to get another handline and diver and will use them to start the day, but will bring them in if we're getting plenty of fish on the rods. Don't know the capacity of the boat yet, but it's at least 25 and that's probably enough for 4 people anyway. Thanks to Pilar for the info to shorten to 35 or so ft when I put two handlines with divers out because of how they wobble. Don't want to knit them.

Fish traps work, I agree with keeping some ready to cast. I may start trolling them earlier next year. I didn't try casting big jigs on the slide late this year, but I've yet to catch a fish doing that. I believe folks when they say it works, guess I'll keep trying.

Short knives can go out the scuppers, mount the sheath somewhere readily accessible. Mounting it at the back of the boat worked well for me. Make sure it immediately goes back in the sheath and not on the deck or cooler or tote.

I had sharks around the boat twice where they stayed with the boat. I'm thinking of a bucket for tuna innards next year. The blood may still wash out the scuppers, but at least I won't be feeding them. They learn fast and just stayed with the boat. Maybe we'll cut the fish and get them in the bleed can a bit quicker. I was thinking of cutting drain holes in the bottom of the garbage can I use for a bleed bucket, now I don't think I will.

We aren't all equally good with a gaff. 50 out, aka Jamie, is the best guy with a gaff that's been on my boat. (hey, I know he goes with other folkjs too, but don't everyone try to grab him!) I really wish I was that good at gaffing. I haven't tried netting tuna yet, may try that.

I agree with leaders shorter than 6 ft. Those long leaders are a pain when we get fish close to the boat.

Teach everyone on board how to bleed and gut the tuna, it's work that should be shared. Then when we're very busy with fish on, you know the first one to get their fish in can start bleeding it immediately.

Taking newbies is fun and I usually try to let them have the first fish of the day, but it's nice to have at least some seasoned crew. Oh, and make sure other folks run the boat sometimes so you get to fish some too!

I did better this year than the two previous years. Part of it was making sure I went fishing when the weather was good instead of waiting because I had a trip planned for just a couple of days later. Of course what I've learned from this board and from experience helped too.

I had my first trip from Depoe, the hole is fine for going in and out in nice weather. Haven't tried it again yet, don't like that no washdown is easily available. I am not anxious to try it when the weather is not so good, for me the pucker factor will be high then. Sure don't want to do it at night in the fog until I've had lots of experience with it.

I may try downriggers sometime when the fish don't seem to want to come up. Trolling a herring off a downrigger seems like it would work, but haven't tried it yet. Won't do this at 8 knots though!

Oh yeah, it's nice to have other boats out there with you. I like it when they are in sight too! Keeping track of each other is a good thing.

I sure wish live bait was available in Newport.
ron m

Hammer Down · 09-20-2006, 03:00 PM

Biggest thing for me this year is exactly what Skein notes: carking the fish the next morning (or so).

I did a banzai all day/night/day run with Pilar and got back to the dock to START carking about 12:30 a.m. and I had to be at work at 6:00 a.m. in Portland (in Newport at the time). So, I chopped the heads and tails off of the TUNA!, packed them in rock salt and ice and headed home.

Carked 3 the first night, 2 the second and the last 2 the next night. The last fish was still in better shape than if I had carked them all the day/night caught, and bagged. There was something so different to how they kept. The meat was firmer, cut better and the marbling (to the LAST) fish was extraordinary.

Of course I can't take credit for this little tidbit. Mr. Beer Waggin' (Dave Strickland) actually mentioned it to me earlier in the year. But it was the first time that I did it, and I think from here on out I will always do this. Even if I have time to cark after the boat is back in the barn.

The other "learning" tidbit this year came from Tuna Tom, the day I was out with Pilar again on the Kismet. Set all your drags at the dock using a scale. Then don't touch. I have ALWAYS adjusted drags back/forth all day long when fishing. But actually KNOWING exactly how the reel was set and then never having to fiddle with it on the boat was such a time saver, and so much more positive feeling (I knew that it was set right and had total confidence in it) that I immediately bought a good drag scale when I got back from that trip, and will do this too from here on out. The confidence factor alone was HUGE!

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 09-20-2006, 09:50 PM

Awesome rundown Chris..... It was indeed an awesome year for the long fins and I have supplied so many people with canned tuna from work....

I hope there is one more run.... I have plans on Monday to run with Odin if weather cooperates.

Get ready for Fall Nooks dude because it is my goal in life to get you down in a local mud puddle and reff up a 40 pound fall nook

Bait O' Eggs · 09-21-2006, 06:50 AM

I learned if it wasnt made from 1/4 inch diamond plate it was breakable. :tongue:

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 09-21-2006, 07:35 AM

Quote:

I learned if it wasnt made from 1/4 inch diamond plate it was breakable. :tongue:

One word "Fiberglass"

The more I frequent the water we deal with out here and being on several different boats this summer, fiberglass is definately the way to go on the big blue.

All the years on the gulf & east coast should have taught me this. These smaller metal boats (I emphacize smaller) are not durable enough for this ocean out here. Welds crack & fatigue under these extreme conditions.

My next purchase will be fiberglass without a doubt.....

Bait O' Eggs · 09-21-2006, 07:45 AM

I had busted rods, reels, more rods, antennas, more reels, fire ext, seats, coolers, hoses, electrical wires, seals, trailer brakes, I think only 5 or 6 gaffs went over the side, ..... and the list goes on. :depressed: :depressed:

I dont remember me breaking any of the broken stuff

No problems with any aluminum breaking

that was my original comment

Nordic Sun · 09-21-2006, 08:38 AM

Terry

Quote:

One word "Fiberglass"

HMMM I don't think they make fiberglass motor mounts!

And this metal boat didn't mind waiting for you to fix it.

And Monday's ride is still metal!

Bob

Tacklebuster · 09-21-2006, 09:05 AM

Terry,
I look forward to the fall nooks bro. Just let me know when, I'll have coffee and pastries ready

tracker · 09-21-2006, 10:19 AM

I learned that you can go all the way from Illwaco and make it nearly all the way through Raymond before you have to take down your VHF antenna! Once you see those first metal elk and deer, stop fast and put the antenna down. Of course maybe it would be good to put it down at the dock!

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 09-21-2006, 10:44 AM

I knew I would hear the usual comments about metal vs. fiberglass and to each their own.....

All I am saying is Glass is better in our ocean conditions. Just one persons opinion and nothing else..... Like I said, there are many applications where metal boats are better than glass but in the case of our mighty Pacific, my opinion is Glass is better.....

OBTW Bob, I will be more than honored to deck on your awesome metal boat anytime because you have a fishing machine that is very comfortable....

This thread was supposed to be about things we learned this year and I am sorry to rat Hole Chris' great thread so let me add this.....

I don't think I will be taking my 23' Duckworth with its 17 degree deadrise tuna fishing any more. It is just too uncomfortable in the 2-3 foot windchop we normally have on most days.

In fact, the HogHunter boat will be going up for sale soon and I will be looking for a new toy as soon as she sales.

Bob's metal boat handles it fine as does Trackers and that is more in line with what I will be looking for

When I bought my Duckworth years ago, I never knew I would get in to Tuna fishing but I have and the boat I have, although an awesome boat is just not made for the conditions that present themseves on most typical Oregon Summer days. Again, that is just my assessment of my boat.

Hey Chris..... Be ready to go Fall Nooking because those days are upon us

tracker · 09-21-2006, 10:48 AM

Bob I think you should kick him off your boat for his comments!

Psss! No one else read this part! Kentucky, I have a seat for you!

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 09-21-2006, 11:02 AM

Very nice Tracker

Dude, if Bob had not called me, I would be on your boat and you know it....

I am nothing but a Tuna catching, Tuna processing boat ho these days

And now that you have several great runs of video, you are becoming a very popular celebrity on my shift at work

Onokai · 09-21-2006, 11:03 AM

Jim said (If at all possible, keep your tuna iced and cark them the next morning. They are deeply chilled by then, and you generally have the carking station all to yourself. Besides, you're rested up and feel more like tackling the job.)

I learned this years ago from a commercial friend that if you can keep them super cold and wait one day they skin so much easier-Its a tip we all do now. mark

fishitis · 09-21-2006, 11:20 AM

TB,
Daisy Chains,
Daisy Chains,
Daisy Chains....

I went out with TB this summer and I asked him if I could put out a Daisy Chain. Man, you'd think I told him I brought a banana. He let me put it out anyway, that's just the type of guy he is

.

I made my own daisy chains and have modified them since that first trip. I'll post sometime this winter on how they were made - real cheap anyway.

And I learned a lot from TB. In fact, I started this summer with about 1% knowledge and I think I'm up to 5% now. Great summer.

And I'll have to try #4 with the crippled herring, that looks good. We usually brought all the gear in and while waiting to get the fish in, would throw out the swimbaits.

Thanks Chris, had a great time.

CATCH AND EAT · 09-21-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

I am nothing but a Tuna catching, Tuna processing boat ho these days

You need a new name Terry.

KENTUCKY BOAT-HO HUNTER

Zippy · 09-21-2006, 11:36 AM

[quote]
Very nice Tracker

I am nothing but a Tuna catching, Tuna processing boat ho these days

Terry, You say that like it's a bad thing

Tis better to have carcked, than to not have carcked at all.

Spindrifter · 09-21-2006, 11:59 AM

I learned that wallowing back at 7 knots in a confused 4 and 6 @ 7 for 20+ miles in a closed cabin will make me sicker than any flu or illness I have ever had in my life

.....to the point I was saying "I'll never do this again"

...until I hit the dock...."when are we going again?"

Nordic Sun · 09-21-2006, 12:23 PM

Tracker
He is more than welcome to fish with you, if he chooses, I have never had to post for open seats.

See ya Monday, don't forget your herring jigs and cast nets.

Bob

tracker · 09-21-2006, 03:05 PM

Odin I was just late to the dance! He had already commited to you. He is one fine deck hand! You are very lucky!

CATCH AND EAT · 09-21-2006, 04:04 PM

Just don't let him GAFF!

sorry Terry.

SPAZZ · 09-21-2006, 07:21 PM

0

Paddler · 09-21-2006, 10:09 PM

I learned a ton, too, and that's been half the fun. I started from scratch a year ago, when my wife said she wanted a boat with a windshield. Huge thanks to all the dogs who helped me along the way.

As an example, I initially contacted an ifisher through the Hewescraft forum. He thought I had been on ifish, which I had not even heard of at the time. I asked him why he was selling his HC, and he said he wanted a "salty" boat. Had no idea what he was talking about. Thought it was some kind of pirate talk. Hey, I live in Salt Lake City, there's no such thing as a salty boat here.

I won't bore everybody with what I've learned, just too much ground to cover. But I feel like I have a good foundation, and look forward to many years of learning from all the dogs.

Here's a link to a post I wrote as a thank you to everybody, originally posted on BATC:

http://www.offshoreanglers.com/discu...=4280&PN=2

bajadan2000 · 09-22-2006, 07:17 AM

How do you know when a fish is on a hand line??? It is hard to watch every hand line every moment.

The larger Tuna seam to stay below the surface and it is hard to tell when one is on before they start to knit sweaters.

One little trick I tried and like when running hand lines.

To help me see when a fish is on, I fold the bungee in two and take a nice size rubber band and wrap the bungee. I bring rubber bands that are strong enough to hold bungees folded over pulling a lure. When a Tuna hits it snaps the rubber band.

Makes it easy to check the hand lines. Just look for bungees folded in two with rubber bands. No rubber band and straight bungee = fish on!!!!

CATCH AND EAT · 09-22-2006, 08:16 AM

Brian, still typing with one finger I see. :grin:

Pilar · 09-22-2006, 11:50 AM

Cool post.

1) Run a fish trap way back on a salmon rod. Even at 7 kts with the lure leaping clear of the water they will slam it. And it sinks while you catch any other fish. A 2-1/2 ouncer and a 4" tail. Thanks 'Critr Gitr' for the tip. You'll love it. Your crew will hate you when half the fish come on the two 'Snoopy rods' but they will like the cooler full of filets at days end. They might even try to hide the fishtrap rods when you're not watching.

2) There are other ways to manage fish and ice besides the brute force method. Gotta hot tip from a salty dog and i'll report on it once I get the chance to try it out myself. May result in using 1/2 or less of the ice and less load on the boat for more TUNA! carc-pacity. I'm maxed out at 35 fish no matter how I do it now because the ice is heavy.

3) It's ok to take out guys you don't even know. Did that with Jsail and his brother and brothers wife and had a ball. For the most part the title 'Salty Dog' is all you need to know.

4) Relaxing is a huge part of fishing. I can't say that I have mastered this but the times I went into a trip after taking my time and getting all like I wanted it to be were epic. Now I will do whatever it takes to make the night before a party atmosphere where you just relax and anticipate the trip on the next day. Totally ready, well rested and happy. What a concept.

5) It is really fun to watch all the guys and gals fishing and doing what they love. I am so grateful for all those I know because of this place.

6) Oh and I can't forget what Krystalflash taught me back in July. Speed up when bit. For 10 to 30 seconds run faster make a big boil behind the boat, throw chum. It works, singles turn into triples. We even hammered 7 on 6 landed back to back with 6 on 5 landed one day. I'll never forget it. Thanks Mike!

Thanks for the nice post, Chris.

Peace, Love, Fishing

Tacklebuster · 09-22-2006, 12:07 PM

Thanks John,
I'm gonna have to try number 1. Sounds like a blast.
We have actually started using snoopy rods alot this year and I love them. Though the drags on amb. 6500's will be rebuilt sometime this winter

GaryB · 09-22-2006, 05:48 PM

Thanks TackleBuster and everyone else for your helpful information!
Always wanted to try for tuna and hope to get the opportunity to go somtime!

GaryB