Lessons learned .. come on fess up

Pilar · 05-13-2002, 03:10 PM

Ok, so how many of you learned something about the big water this weekend? Or your boat or fishing technique?

Well then share it so the rest of us will know some things.

I'll go first.

1) The wind direction matters as much or more than the speed. I try hard to plan the trip for a return with the wind. This allows a much higher speed and shortens the transit time even if it kicks up. Nothing is worse than plugging along slow and watching it get worse all the time.

2) You can use the main engine in reverse and get a decent drift even on a crappy ocean day.

3) The guy with the biggest brain wins. Yes, I am talking about my buddy who averted a sinking by being cool and smart.

What did you guys learn?

seasquid · 05-13-2002, 03:30 PM

Not so much what was learned, but more reaffirmed. On an ocean like last week, have at least one experienced crew member with you -- the captain will have his hands full running the boat, he/she can't always rig baits, set the hook, gaff the fish, etc.

And as I always make very clear when I have people who want to go halibut fishing -- "We'll be 25-35 miles offshore, it's hard work, if you're sick I can't just blast back in and drop you off."

And when that little voice in my head, as in Magnum P.I., tells me it's time to head in -- I do!

ss

Threemuch · 05-13-2002, 03:33 PM

I learned a bunch.

1. There are lots of people who go way offshore without shaking their equipment down enough. Lucky thing is that the coasties here are REALLY responsive. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

2. My boat rocks! It handled the nasty water great, and nothing broke.

3. I found a nice little spot that holds flattys south of the ranch. It's nice to score fish and not worry about the other boats. I will share numbers with those who are interested.

4. Great crew makes a HUGE difference. Most of my trips have been with rookies or near rookies, and the guys I had out this weekend were all very good fishermen, who own their own saltwater fishing boats. Made the trip much better.

5. My boat is thirsty. :depressed: Halibut at the chicken ranch is a 70 gallon day. Love my new fuel flow meter. I will need to add more fuel capacity for albacore. :depressed:

6. Pilar and Puffin know their stuff. :grin: Using John and Jon's techniques, we scored big time, with ease. When you see someone who knows what they are doing, pay attention. If they are willing to teach you, learn all you can.

KB

Mark · 05-13-2002, 03:41 PM

I learned it takes a lot of fuel to go 30 miles out. When the weather man says rain don't beleive it. Even the most simple task on land is almost imposible on rough water. Not knowing how to deal with the drift means no fish. Going out and trying get you ready for next time.

Pilar · 05-13-2002, 03:57 PM

Thanks Kurt.

4) 50% more fuel is burned when you run just off step in rough water. I burned 30 gallons the first day and 34 the second day. We made about 15 mph Friday and 10 mph Saturday. The normal run at 20 mph uses 22 gallons.

There is nothing more useless than an empty gas tank.

Captn · 05-13-2002, 04:04 PM

We will give you a seperate thread here in a day or so about:
1 Dealing with disaster.
2 Dealing with the Coast Guard
3 A new attitude about how things are gong to be (with respect to the boat).
Thanks for your input John, I think you have converted a few over to the Church of the Big Blue.

Orca · 05-13-2002, 04:48 PM

- Remember which compartment you put your weights in, and don't go into the cuddy for more than 30 seconds on a day like Saturday.

I headed in to get the weights, didn't find them where I left them, came out 3 - 4 minutes later, and found myself one dizzy fisherman. Took me a cola, a sandwich, and 30 minutes to shake it off.

Maybe the lesson is - always eat something in the morning.

sturgn · 05-13-2002, 05:53 PM

A few things we learned:
-Dont wait for non showing crew members, leave on schedule
-When the boat doesnt feel just right, check under the hood, it was nearly to late by the time I realised the bilge pump had sucked up a plastic bag, and had water all the way to my drive shaft.
-You can never carry enough fuel(98 Gallons used fighting water problem above)
-And no matter how salty you think you are(Ed, Tom?) you can still get sick on the big blue, sure glad I took the dramamine.
-If you prepare for all variables you will get fish and you will get back.

Mr. Fisherman · 05-13-2002, 06:42 PM

That I am a certified BFD, Big Freekin Dude :grin:

My hooks are really really sharp [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

60 degrees and 90 degrees are pretty similar at low speed when you are trying to focus on the horizon

Pull over and deal with that feeling or pay the price with your kidneys the next three days [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Death from Above is best served COLD

Me bait boy, bait boy fillet boy...

Captain Wells ROCKS..... Did I miss anything?

Salmonator · 05-13-2002, 06:53 PM

I learned my fuel consumption on a not so flat friday (between 40 and 50 gallons to the ranch). I learned that it's not worth fishing more rods than you think is safe. We could have reasonably fished up to 3 rods but chose to only fish one rod for less than three hours and left with 46 and 44" flatties. I also confirmed something that I already knew, which is the fact that I have the coolest family in the world

. My wife and three sons ran 34 miles off shore with me in a 20' trophy. Not because they really wanted to but because they wanted to be a part of something I really love (and it also happened to be my birthday). Will be a trip to remember...

Deepslayer · 05-13-2002, 07:08 PM

Like sturgn said, no matter how salty you think you are you can still get sick on the big blue.

After hundreds of trips out there, this was my first time to get queezy. :shocked:
Luckily it only lasted for about fifteen minutes. :smile: Maybe one of these days I will chum for you sturgn. :grin:
,Ed

Hook-up · 05-13-2002, 08:00 PM

Your drag is your friend! If you have a good drag you can really clamp down on it and the fish can still pull line out with out breaking loose. This allows you to gain on the fish without line slipping back off your reel. The result is fish in the boat much quicker and less sore arms.

kenai · 05-13-2002, 08:16 PM

I learned:
1. Loctite is a good idea on boat fasteners.
2. 2 of everthing means fishing rods also
3. tieing leaders in a rough sea is an art.
4. Sometimes the crew knows when enough is enough before I do.
5. Bilge pumps are more important than CD players
6. There is nothing quite like fishing the big pond.

bait boy · 05-14-2002, 12:14 AM

I learned that no matter how much line you think is on your reel check first before trying to play fish on your backing.

that Pilars tunnel hull takes waves quite well.

Crabbing is hard these days out of newport.

herring can be the new giggle fish for me. (one fish two fish 3-4-5 catch them before they become stink bait behind the motor well)

Loomis's rod warrantys are a great deal if you don't actually break your rod but wear it out

600 Ft is a dang long way down especially with a fast drift.

Pulling a kicker motor is not to be done 30 miles out in the ocean.

I think fresh herring make the difference between fishing and catching.

Cleaning other folks fish and handling the cleaned catch is an easy way to help out.

tie crab bait in the center of the pot top and bottom to prevent the dine and dash.

And that the coast guard is your friend.

Phil Layer · 05-14-2002, 07:02 AM

Towels do not belong in the open bow. They wreak havoc on the self baling holes.

This was discovered when I realized we were punching holes in the waves, not riding over them. A bow full of water is a very heavy thing.

OceanBlue · 05-14-2002, 07:43 AM

Seeing as how this was my first halibut trip, there were a TON of learnings... here are just a few:

Size really doesn't matter.

Pilar is one tough little craft.

Even though I'm not prone to motion sickness, I think dramamine makes a difference... I'm glad I took it. Oh and guys -try a peppermint to settle your stomach if it starts to get sour.

There is no substitute for a great captain, capable boat and teamwork (thanks guys, for making this a great experience)

There is a TON of work to do... on the water, at the dock and especially back at camp. Many hands make light work. Pull your weight and then some. The captain really appreciates it.

You can get halibut stink out of your clothes. Don't let them dry out. Run them through the washing machine twice, using hot or warm water. Add 1 cup of baking soda & twice the detergent you normally use. No fabric softener.

The kids WILL eat fish... when mom catches it.

I have a lot more to learn... and looking forward to it!

Captn · 05-14-2002, 08:57 AM

Hey, Pilar, this mate of yours sounds pretty good. I think you might have a keeper here!!!

Pilar · 05-14-2002, 09:01 AM

She is too :grin: , I'll have to introduce her to you.

I'm looking forward to solving your problem Captn. It will make me feel better, knowing you guys are safe on big blue.

OceanBlue · 05-14-2002, 01:25 PM

:blush:

Salmonator · 05-14-2002, 07:34 PM

Yea Pilar, all that stuff is fine and dandy. The REAL question is... does she drink tequila?? [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

Capt. Rich · 05-14-2002, 08:12 PM

That stretchie thread is a lot easier to do than threading a herring on the hook. Also makes for a neater presentation to Mr. or Ms. Flattie.

Not let people fish off the sides when it is blowing twenty. To hard to keep tuff line out of the keel and wheels. It can be amusing when the wheel starts spooling the reel. "I GOT A REALLY BIG ONE!!!" "Yeah dude... like the whole boat." Good to keep a knife at the transom for that. Do it quick before the drive seizes up.

Have a tray of baits prerigged before leaving port. Good thing to do the night before when you have the pumped up-itis. Plastic trays with lids and lots of rock salt to toughen the bait up.

Extra raingear and towels. Hypothermia is not fun running back to port. Can't yack on the radio. Teeth are chattering too much.

AngleThis · 05-14-2002, 09:55 PM

I learned:

1) allow 20 % additional fuel reserve for course deviations and traversing, which may become neccessary if the water gets ugly.

2) load all heavy gear as far forward as possible

3) gutting out my forward floatation box as planned, may not be such a good idea

4) trust your eyes and your instincts more than you trust NOAA.

OceanBlue · 05-15-2002, 06:21 AM

Hey Salmonator...

When it comes to adult beverages, is there anything else?

Any questions?

:grin:

Tryin2Fish · 05-16-2002, 04:21 PM

Well there was a couple of things learned:

1) Its no fun pulling crab pots in heavy swells
2) Study the boat ramp, especially if its your first time going out from that one.
3) I learned alot about fishing in a heavy drift, next time we will be prepared.
4) Last but not least, pay attention to how much line you are letting out, it takes along time to reel in 3 lbs at 800 feet.

Jim

Stoyjun Princess · 05-16-2002, 06:34 PM

We had a great time, learned alot about the big blue and the wind waves.

1. I learned don't let my fishing buddy look at the G.P.S. in bad seas, he was dizzy,

queezy and needed cold air [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] fast... He even had a patch on. Driving the boat help him get feeling better. The paches worked for the rest of us.

2. Your right Moby, no more towels left in the bow

.

3. And the Coast Guard was great to have next to our boat while reeling in my halibut :grin: . They helped cheer me on when my arm was soooooo tired of reeling. My arm is fine now and ready for another Halibut.

lets do it again. That was a blast.

husker · 05-16-2002, 11:57 PM

wow.....i love this thread.....life on the big blue is so interesting.....someday maybe i will try it....but maybe i need a bigger boat or bigger ****** if u know what i mean.....glad everybody made it back safely from there weekend trips....reading this thread makes me feel like such a rookie but.....i learn from it everytime.....i get real life expiriences from all of u....thanks.....maybe someday it will help me....in a time of real need.....thanks again