Newport "The Friendliest"

[Roost-a-Fish]

From any direction entering Newport you will be greeted by a sign that proclaims Newport as "The Friendliest". I believe this is true in many different ways, but most importantly with all the Salty Dogs that grace the VHF radio waves out in the big blue chasing fins. Somehow there is something special about the Dogs that run out of Newport and they truly believe in the camaraderie and fellowship of the fishing experience. There are plenty of awsome ifishers out there that don't have any problem helping other ifishers get out to the hot bite, offer suggestions on bait, lures and techniques. Channel 78 is always abuzz with excited chatter, an occational waaaahooo, and the rythmic Tuna Tail Slap Radio celebration. I have truly been spoiled fishing out of Newport for the past few years.

Recently I have visited two other ports, Winchester Bay, and Garibaldi. Believe me, it is not the same experience. Radio silence, channel switching, Cell phone calls to buddies. Yesterday (Saturday) at Garibaldi out chasing tuna, we were calling out to ifishers and nothing. We finally got someone to respond to a radio check. We heard some limited radio chatter amoungst other ifishers, but when we tried to get in on the "action" we were totally ignored. Now we tried CH14, CH68, we even left the radio in scan for hours. We heard very limited conversation on any channel. This last Wed, the only radio transmission that was "recieved" was the one where my buddy called in other boats to a break in the fog. Hmmmm

There are only a couple of conclusions one could draw from that experience. One of them is that Newport Radio's only work in Newport, but have limited transmision capability in other ports. The Other conclusion is that Newport truly is "The Friendliest".

[corrirod]

I got a call from a fellow LONGTIME Salty Dog last week who noticed the same thing. In fact, after being ignored for hours with ZERO responses to his calls he proceeded to call out an off-the-wall bite over the radio. "This is _______________. Just hammered a triple and there are jumpers everywhere!" Within seconds, the same folks who had been ignoring his calls hopped on the radio, "Hey, do you have any numbers?"

To each his own I guess. Fortunately those types of folks are in the minority on this board, or at least thats how it used to be.


There are plenty of fish out there folks with lots of room for all of us. Lets be friends out there because there may be a time when that guy you ignored on the radio is the only guy close enough to save you if something goes wrong.

[Moldy45]

Makes a more enjoyable trip too boot!

[Something Good]

Post deleted by Something Good

[Roost-a-Fish]

Thanks for the support guys , I thought maybe it was just me, or just a coincidence. I live in South Beach and have a scanner in my shop that is on 24/7. On weekends that scanner is non-stop radio chatter, especially on 78 with Salty Dogs. When scanning from the boat in Tilly and Windy Bay...nothing, quiet, erie. (except for occasional CG on CH16). OK I'm exagerating a little, conversations were sparse, short, and little to no shared info on fishing.

Remember, fishing is sport to have fun. I have the most fun when there are a bunch of my Ifish friends out there hooting and hollering and sharing numbers. The ocean is a huge place, let's have some fun.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Roostafish, I was out there Saturday and never heard you call once? At least I dont remember the boat name where were you fishing?

I heard somebody calling a few times and they were way broke up, must have been to far away to pick up clearly.

I know a bunch of us went way way north, north of the 46 line, we were in and amongst the CR guys. It was broadcast we were switching to channel 11, I spent a chunk of the day on 11 since I might as well have been out of the CR. Of course the vhf was just on 11, it wasnt getting used.

I think all that radio silence is due to the style of fishing right now. Early in the season, its a troll game. Early in the season there is lots of time at the wheel to chit chat like a bunch of old ladies on the radio. :tongue: Its a run and gun casting show right now. I know I was getting pretty $&(&@(@ ticked when people were calling me on the radio Saturday, I have 2 choices, chat on the radio or fish If I have a radio in my hand I am not casting to jumpers, guess which I would prefer to do when I spend 3 hours getting to the target coordinates.

When somebody calls me and ask me for my coordinates, from this point forth they had better get them the first time. I will not repeat the second number 4 times, dont make me put my rod down to tell you my temperature, what I had for lunch, how beautiful the birds are and any other misc worthless information somebody wants to chat about. When I have jumpers in site, I am on them and trying to fish, I will not be doing what I call the "chick chatter" on the radio. I was asked my numbers and had to repeat 3 times I was at 46 by 125. Or least that is where I think I was, it was the last numbers I saw on the dash, I had it turned off so I wasnt pinging sonar and the only thing running was the VHF, the stereo was off, the motor was off unless I was running to the next jumpers, I am trying to run a silent boat to not spook the fish.

I think your comparing the early season troll radio chatter to the lack of chatter when people are fishing jumpers, and to be effective you need to have a rod in hands and using both of your hands on the rod/reel.

I called Roadbuilder Saturday to make a flourocarbon suggestion to help him since he was struggling to hook fish, which is unusuall for him, it was over 30 minutes before he answered me. I thought nothing of it, he was busy working some fish and did what he should have, "FISH". That is the way fishing is this time of year. I could chat on the radio in the harbor and not burn 70 gallons of gas heading west.

There was a boat coming in late that was 7 miles behind me, thats about all I could make out of their broadcast, the radio was very broken up and I never could understand who they were. I was talking to Crazyfish who was 2 miles ahead of me when they hailed for a saltydog.

I have only fished the Garibaldi port this year, friendliest bunch of guys I have ever fished with. I am sure if you would have been out of Newport tuna fishing Saturday, you would have had all kinds of radio silience

[diamond back]

I can agree with what Bait 'O Eggs stated- I fish out of both ports and heard a lot of chater on the way out on Saturday and heard converstaion througout the day. I am the captain and did not talk a lot on the radio as I was fishing/casting to jumpers. I did hear several calls for how are you doing- what is your location. Mostly Dogs to the north.

[Roost-a-Fish]

Thanks for the replies BOE and DB. We were the boat coming in behind you at dusk on Sat. We got in around 8:40pm.

In the morning around 7:30 just after we cleared the jetty we stopped to make some radio calls to see where everyone was headed for the day. We did hear conversations on the radio and it sounded like there were a few boats still running to Tuna grounds. Thats when we shouted out for Salty Dogs. There were tons of boats all around us at that time (mostly Salmon fishers). After 3 or 4 attempt at raising Salty Dogs, we finally called out for a radio check and got an answer (CH14). We finally gave up and decided to run down to 124.4 45.4 (SW) We found blue water and 57.8 to 58.1 degree water. We did end up with 5 nice tuna for the boat, but it was scratch fishing all day. We continued to make calls on CH14 through out the day.

It sounds like a combination of things happened. We were probably out of radio range. We made our decision to go SW based on the Wed reports since that is where most of the group went. It sounds like last Sat. everyone went way North West. It also sounds like there was a switch to channel 11. Combine that with the style of fishing, and wah, la.

I appologize for jumping to conclusions, I just couldn't figure out why no one would answer the radio, when we knew there were other Dogs out fishing that day. I had made a couple of posts the day before letting everyone know we had intended on being there. I made a tally of boats and names of the folks that said they would be there. We made multiple calls out on a radio that I know has pretty good range. We have made contact with that radio from 30 miles out to Wak'ms base station on shore with no problems. I guess I aggree with you BOE in one sense that the type of fishing doesn't lend itself to as much chatter. But I've fished tuna like that before, and it only takes a few seconds to grab a mic and shout out once in a while to some other Dogs that may not be as lucky as you. Of couse you have to wipe the blood off the mic at the end of the day.

We had an awsome day on the water in spite of this very minor glitch. We only got 5, but they were quality fish played out on salmon gear and 20lb mono. What a blast.

[Bait O' Eggs]

I mentioned the boat behind me earlier because I couldnt understand the boat name and thought it might be you.

I pulled out of the harbor around 6:20am and headed NW behind Tuna Time about 10 minutes and alongside Roadbuilder.

I know you broadcast 3 or 4 times when we were coming in after you made a call for any salty dogs. I could tell you didnt sound like you were in trouble, but it sounded like you had the mic in your mouth :tongue: and other than you were 7 miles behind us, I couldnt understand much of anything you were saying :whazzup: :whazzup: I dont know if Crazyfish could understand you better or not, he was a couple miles ahead of us and I dont know who he was riding with.

I know I hailed a boat Saturday that didnt answer me, I talked to the person today and they told me they were just to busy to pic up the mic and talk. I completey understand how it is when you have active fish in front of you and dont want to stop and talk

[Beer Waggin]

I'll agreee with Roy. This time of year there is little time for radio conversations while on the tuna grounds. I've had three guys on the boat before with five rods hooked up. The last thing I'll reach for is the radio.

There was plenty of radio chatter last Wednesday too. Not sure how well your radio works. Maybe you shoud have it checked? I know mine works better than most as I can generally hear stuff others can't. And yes, my radio gets turned down often. Temperature checks 15 miles out are not needed.

As far as the "call me on the phone" deal goes. These guys fish more than anyone I know. It generally doesn't matter what day of the week it is, if it's flat they're out there. I respect their decision to use alternative methods of communication to keep there little pods of fish up and on the chew. These guys will also be the first ones to drop the rods and run when someone needs help.

[Nalu]

Thanks for the support guys , I thought maybe it was just me, or just a coincidence. I live in South Beach and have a scanner in my shop that is on 24/7. On weekends that scanner is non-stop radio chatter, especially on 78 with Salty Dogs. When scanning from the boat in Tilly and Windy Bay...nothing, quiet, erie. (except for occasional CG on CH16). OK I'm exagerating a little, conversations were sparse, short, and little to no shared info on fishing.

Remember, fishing is sport to have fun. I have the most fun when there are a bunch of my Ifish friends out there hooting and hollering and sharing numbers. The ocean is a huge place, let's have some fun.

Roost-a-Fish- With all sincerity, what you mentioned above is not what all people enjoy. For the most part, I usually don't have 78 plugged into my scanned channel list because it is non-stop chatter. Some of us use the radio for specific communication, or quick barbs or a joke back and forth, but extended conversations are not part of the norm. To each their own, right?

I have found the crew in Garibaldi extremely helpful. I have also found that they tend to use the radio more in the mode that I am used to. They communicate how they are doing, what they have seen or seeing, and maybe their general location. Ocassionally specific numbers, but not always.

Let's also be up front about giving out numbers. Every guy I know in Garibaldi has shared numbers. Taking time at the dock in the morning, the ramp the night before, or some other venue dockside is the place to find out where people were the day before, and where they are thinking of going that day.

Giving out numbers during the day will happen, I give out numbers, BOE gives out numbers, Tuna Time does, etc...... But not EVERY time. Sometimes you just want a little bit to fish the area and determine whats going on. Is this a REAL bite, or just a few fish. Early in the season, with fish on the troll, not such a big deal. Late season, casting at jumpers or bait balls, different story. Yes, the ocean is a huge place, but it gets real small when 10 boats show up right after numbers are announced. Keep in mind, it's not just Salty Dogs that are listening, it's anyone that knows about 78 being the "Salty Dog" channel.

[Roost-a-Fish]

Nalu,

Thanks for your input. I really appreciate the feedback. To be honest, my experience outside of Newport is very limited. Both times I've fished other ports (Windy Bay and Tilly) the degree of openess on the radio waves is like night and day. It's just my perspective. Some of my best memories was fishing Fall jumpers last year over by the "piggy" with Skein, Pillar, and a few other Salties. We all helped each other out, numbers were always forthcoming, and we called each other over to jumpers any and every time we got into them. Pilar, Netfun and myself watched the sunset on a beautiful ocean, then we headed back to YB in the dark. Everyone had a great time, and it felt like what I had always envisioned the spirit of this forum (Salty Dogs) was all about.

Maybe I'm dis-allusioned, but that is the spirit I will ALWAYS live by when fishing the big blue. It's not about plugging the boat with 30 fish, cause I can go to S. Beach and buy Tuna much cheaper than fishing for them. It's about the experience, the memories and the people. If this isn't what this board is about, then I question why I waste my time on here.

[Seelicious]

With about 20 trips this year from Garibaldi...you're the first complaint I have heard about people sharing information. In fact, it has been just the opposite.

Heck, the commerical boats are listening to 14 now...and many have thanked us sport guys for calling them into fish.

This year we had more folks from other ports than we have had in the last 3 years combined. Many have said they would like to stay...so, I think your experience was not the norm and your generalizations are unfounded.

Bud

[Bait O' Eggs]

Roostafish, you wouldnt be a trucker would ya good buddy? Been watching the movie "the convoy" and wishing you were the rubber duck yapping on the cb about any and everything Maybe Burt Reynolds in smokey and the bandit and all the radio chatter

Before you get your 7 spines all hackled up, I am just joking with ya :grin:

I am with Nalu, I enjoy the occasional poke at each other, maybe a fish count check if your stuggling, but I dont enjoy the chick chatter this time of year.

I am pretty sure you heading SW from Garibaldi and the bulk of us heading NW, Chromoflage not making it, didnt leave you in a piece of water with few fishermen.

[Moldy45]

Hey I distinctly remember a all depth butt day at Newport and BOE was out there! I can attest to the fact that he does like to chat on the radio!.My transmit was not working well but my receive was working great! there were a couple times when my radio would shake violently like it was trying to get rid of something :grin: but I think it was A day that he was not to busy fishing.Now I couldn't tell what would have happened if he would of crossed the imaginary line that separates Newport from Garibaldi! he may have clammed up!

BOE all in fun!

[Roost-a-Fish]

BOE,
I'm not a trucker, but I did see the movie. Maybe I watched too much Dukes of Hazard when I was a kid. :tongue: Daisy... I digress.

All kidding aside, I don't "Chick Talk". In fact my time spent on the radio amounts to reporting fish action, or asking for help to find fish. If the action is slow, I might talk to others about strategy. If I want to "Chick Talk" to a buddy in another boat, I will switch to another unused channel.

I'm pretty much chalking this up to a comedy of errors. Like I said before, we were a little late getting there. You guys had an hour on us and were probably running, maybe couldn't hear our call. You guys went north, we went south. I looked on Google Earth at both of our positions, we were about 26 miles from you. At that distance, we might not have been getting out to you(transmision). Also, your group had switched to another channel (we were still hailing on 14). Plus, you were busy with fish, we were busy looking for fish. I may have jumped to unfounded conclusions based on this series of errors. I take back everything I said about Tilly. I know there are a bunch of great guys up there willing to share. We just couldn't catch up to ya.

[Roost-a-Fish]

Moldy45,

Once you cross that line, apparently your radio transmissions loose 80% power (laughing at self)

[Something Good]

Deleted my earlier posts as I think some may have misunderstood my replies. Maybe I'm just spoiled in the fact that I mostly run out of Newport or the CR so I know a lot of the dogs on the water and don't have a problem getting a response when I call out. More than once I have called out when fishing from Garibaldi and had no answer. This is certainly not directed at the dogs who have replied to this post. I know Seelicious is very generous about sharing info on the water and off. When I have PM'd Bud for info I get a helpful response in minutes. Last time I fished tuna from there Bud called me into a hot bite which ended with us running out of ice and 38 tuners by 1:00. I have heard Tuna Time repeating the same #'s three times to someone he didn't know with screaming fisherman and reels in the background. Certainly more than most will do. If I have fish on I call out the #'s once and if you didn't get them you'll have to wait until I get the fish on deck and the gear back in the water before I repeat them. I have heard BOE on the radio helping dogs he didn't know.

My advice would be to PM guys before hand and set up a tentative plan. Run with the guys that you talked to and don't worry about the guys in their own little world.

[CATCH AND EAT]

If you called me on the radio and I did not answer please do not take it personally. I was busy with the following:

putting gear out
fighting a fish
fishing
getting a bite
re-rigging
getting bait
concentrating on driving the boat
making water
ect....ect ect......

I will do my best to get back to ya when things calm down a bit. I will be happy to tell ya where I am but if ya run up and chase my jumpers away the..... the information flow stops there and I will wish ya a nice day and good luck.

I don't fish out of Newport of GB but maybe once a year. No real need to as I can keep pretty busy off the CR most of the time. Can't really attest to the chit chat off GB coast during the summer months but I can say a few things about the chit chat off Newport. The few times that I have gone out of Newport there have been some very helpful folks willing to put people on the fish and always pretty much sharing a general location. Guess my only complaint about Newport is some of the language gets pretty rough out there and with kids aboard I end up shutting the radio off or tuning in to the emergency band 16 instead. We had a a touch of this for the first time off the CR Saturday and it really kinda chapped my hide that people find it necessary to talk like this out there. So uncool and not necessary to have fun. Save it for your personal conversations when no one else is listening. End of rant.

[Something Good]

Bernie, not only uncool but illegal and subject to up to a $5000.00 fine. Obviously these folks didn't get the memo.

[Seelicious]

Thanks bro...that is how it has been all year...and will be again next summer.

No one is obligated to give out information just because they're on this board...however, they may not get their calls answered if they don't share.

Your suggestion to make contact prior to going makes a lot of sense. I think this point has been made in the past.

Bud

[Moldy45]

I have been fortunate enough not to hear any laungauge like C.E has mentioned off Newport or CR this year. If my young son was with me and it came across I would mention it to the offender. let's be adults