Plea, beg, grovel.....

[DustyRod]

Okay, so I've been following alot of your reports, techniques, info, ect, ect... for a l-o-n-g time now to the point my wife has accused me of being a stalker. Soooo.... in an attempt to remove my stalker status, I've finally descided to stoop down and just ask....anyone be willing to take on a rookie?
I am dying to get out and do some halibut and tuna trips this year. Yes fish in the freezer is GREAT, but I'm also really looking to get some good experience and continue to learn.
I have done a handful of halibut trips in the past, but all have been on large charter boats which (in my opinion/experience) limits the amount of knowledge one can gain.
I was lucky enough to get out tuna fishing a couple times last year and have picked up on some of the basics (carking, bleeding, gut/gill, specialty knots, ect...).
So as to not look any more pitiful, if anyone would consider for an open seat or to get on your call list, it would be much appreciated. I would not expect anyone to just give an open invitation w/out meeting and/or without further information or referrals... so that leads me to my next question: What is the best way to get involved with these fisheries? (ie. groups, programs, meetings ect). Obviously I do not have an ocean worthy boat, nor do I see the possibility of being able to purchase one in the near future, but I would like to keep learning and getting experience when/where I can.
Final plea: I do have limited experience but also know when to stay out of the way. I am willing to pay my share and do any work needed. Can provide rod/reels and extra gear as needed, have boaters safety card, do not get sick, and can usually get out of work any day of the week if I have some notice. (P.S. can provide lunch and cigars upon request)

Thanks!
Josh

[tracker]

Josh, the most important thing is when the time comes, be checking this forum hourly at the minimum, every 10 minutes would be better for open seats. I often have responses before I am done signing off. The seats go fast. The call list is checked first, then the open seat is posted. If you are flexible and can fish on weekdays when the weather is good, that will help you. All my go to guys were new to me at one time. No better people than here. Make sure to check out a captain also. Send some PM,s around asking about him. You and your family are trusting alot to him.

[Bluefinn]

Dusty,
Welcome you might want to attend the Swap meet coming up on the 26 th of the month.This will be a good chance to meet some Dogs.With Gas being as high as it is.Most people with boats will welcome Newbies with open arms.I for one will be looking for people to share some cost.You might want to do a search for know your skipper.Read through some post on what to expect etc.Tuna trips on smaller boats can be very long trips with late night cleaning and carking and very little sleep.You have started in the right direction by posting. Good luck stop by my Job site in Sherwood on 1st Washington and say hi.Rick

[CATCH AND EAT]

And the sharks circle the new blood in the water. Another tunagin identified.

[Headhunter]

Now that right there is funny!

Originally Posted by CATCH AND EAT

And the sharks circle the new blood in the water. Another tunagin identified.

Tracker keep my number!

[Bait O' Eggs]

Bernie, he said he made a few trips last year, so that notch on the gunnel has already been taken.

Attend the newport tackle swap on the 26th, look for TA meetings to meet people. I know I like to meet a guy before I commit to spending a whole day on a little boat with somebody who rubs me the wrong way

[stream]

whole day on a little boat with somebody who rubs me the wrong way [/quote]

Ya dusty it isn’t hard to rub them the wrong way.

Just watch

[tracker]

Come on! All us captains are nice guys. We only expect little things like eatting still beating tuna hearts and such.

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by tracker

Come on! All us captains are nice guys. We only expect little things like eating still beating tuna hearts and such.

Or the wearing of the tuna fin hat, now that's a classic one.

[DustyRod]

Thanks for the posts. A heart/hat i can do... but my tunaginity will forever be with fish Addict80 (Luke), with any luck mabey I can bum a ride from him again this year. I am trying to clear my schedule (wedding obligation) so I can get to the swap meet, otherwise I will keep my eyes out for other opportunities to meet some of you all.


...Bluefinn I may try and bump into you when I get back into town next week.


Thanks
Josh

[fish Addict80]

Originally Posted by DustyRod

Thanks for the posts. A heart/hat i can do... but my tunaginity will forever be with fish Addict80 (Luke), with any luck mabey I can bum a ride from him again this year. I am trying to clear my schedule (wedding obligation) so I can get to the swap meet, otherwise I will keep my eyes out for other opportunities to meet some of you all.


...Bluefinn I may try and bump into you when I get back into town next week.


Thanks
Josh

Josh I took over a dozen newbies out for tuna last year and heaven help me I can't remeber them all!!! Send me a PM....we will definitely go again.

I might not recall all my crews but I do recall that there was not a single one I would hesitate to take again!

If you need a reference for other captains I am it. But only if I don't get you on my boat first!


Luke

[DustyRod]

Thanks Luke, Mabey these pictures with help put a face to the name....




Although I know this second picture looks pretty familure to you!

PM sent.

Originally Posted by fish Addict80

Josh I took over a dozen newbies out for tuna last year and heaven help me I can't remeber them all!!! Send me a PM....we will definitely go again.

I might not recall all my crews but I do recall that there was not a single one I would hesitate to take again!

If you need a reference for other captains I am it. But only if I don't get you on my boat first!


Luke

[DustyRod]

not sure if those pics worked so I will try again as attachments.

[Oregonelkkiller]

Nice fish! Was that Depot Harber?

[fyshndad]

Originally Posted by Oregonelkkiller

Nice fish! Was that Depot Harber?

Yep that for sure is the wall of death in Depoe Bay