Tuna floatilla (Questions)

[id. painter]

I dont communicate very well thru writting and i seem to be having trouble making sense. Yesterday i posted a note trying to get a feel for where you Tunaholics fish out of .ie.. Where could i meet up with a bunch of boats running out to catch tuna. After reading the posts , It looks like Miss B. fishes out of Astoria,(?) Pilar(?) Uglygreen(?)ect.... Im having a hard time getting a feel for where i will have to pull my boat to , to get in on a tuna floatilla. I have a 10 year old son who has shown no signs of sea sickness( buoy 10 and out to the C.R.)I would love to get him into some tuna. I will also have a good ship- mate go along as well. I am staying at Ilwaco , Aug. 8th thru the 12th. I will have my boat (20ft. Hewes) and a friends boat (21ft fiberglass ) We both would love to get hooked up for a tuna floatilla. My friend is adding gas capasity to his boat this winter . I have started getting gear, rods reels ect.... Im very interested in knowing where ill have to meet you all (tunaholics) to get in on a run ,while im there. Im completely ignorant about this subject, please be patient with me. id. painter

[Mr. Fisherman]

id painter, The most important thing you can do is insure your boat is up to the challenge of the Pacific ocean and know it's range by puting it through an extensive shake down river trial. A popular run here is up the Columbia from Chinook Landing to the Bonniville Dam and back. It is good to have a buddy boat too. Start the trip with a full tank and fill it up and chack usage after you pull it out. Without a similar shake down I would not take an unproven boat out.

Most Tunaholics venture out of Depoe Bay because statistically the warm water and the hot Tuna spots are closer requireing less fuel and running time. Depoe Bay is the smallest port I have seen and there is quite a pucker factor coming back in. You may want to venture out and back a time or two before you try it. If you are not comfortable crossing the bar into the ocean you might just want to crew for someone and pick up on the techniques.

Fish are taken up and down the coast and even into Washington. If you have the range and a worthy craft and crew it's just a matter of time.

I hope to see you out there, Be safe,

[id. painter]

Mr. Fisherman, Thank you for the reply. Im confused a little about the fule capasity thing. My boat should have some good range. I have a 54 gal. tank and a 150 hp opti max outboard prop, on a 20ft. Hewes Craft Sea Runner . The motor was designed for low fuel comsumption and long range use. In my mind , with a couple 5 gal. cans i should have lots of range. My father has a boat . Its a 24ft Trophy with a V8 and he gets about 2.5 miles per gal. I must get better than that . right? If i were to get just 3miles per gal. i would have 150 mile range. I will be fishing for springers in April or March, and will have a chance to make the run from Bonneville to Chinook, it will cost a day of fishing . Do i need to? My boat is new, 2003 mdl. The motor is also new 2002 mdl. I have all the extras. Im not frightened of the ocean or crossing the bar, I strongly believe that the more you know the better off you are, and all of my questions are aimed at learning . I hope im not just being a stupid pest! Keep talking to me i need all the help, info, guidance and direction i can get. thanks again ... id.painter

[WP]

I also have a 200 searunner. I have a smaller tank and ran with 3 5 gallon cans last year. They are too messy and awkward to use at sea. I am installing 2 additional tanks for tuna. I run a 130 Honda and generlly run at 20-25 MPH. I use about 30-35 gallons of fuel to Tunatown and back with 6 hours of fishin'. This is not directly comparable but should be a ball park to start working from. My objective this year is to carry about 60 gallons. I am going to be going out of Depoe Bay, most of the time (may get a slip there??
I would not go out alone...the ocean is not that friendly! Salty Dogs are :smile: Most good ocean days will see a group going out of Depoe. Join us for some fun!
WP

[wak'm&stak'm]

Hey there, I live between Newport and Depoe Bay, so you can guess where we fish. I have a 22ft striper with a V6 an a 60 gal tank. Last year I took and additional 15 to 20 and had no problem ....generally I would burn 50 gallons.

I am installing and plumbing in a 18 gallon aux. tank.

the killer is I troll at 2000rpms which is 8 to 9 mph, and at 2500 rpms I reach plane, and 20 mph.

You will see lots of posts and times when Ifishers are heading out. Last year someone would post a trip and either it workout for me or it didn't.

I am excited about this coming year with all the new boats...see ya then

[ 01-03-2003, 03:51 PM: Message edited by: wak'm&stak'm ]

[Orca]

Tell me more about these aux. tanks. Plastic, rubber, alum.? Where are you buying them? How/where are you mounting them? How are you strapping them down? Are you adding a manual valve to switch over?

I am only getting 1.75 mpg to the Ranch & back on rough days. Recently found a drive trim problem and distrubutor problem that should get me better mileage, but I would like to have more than my 62 gals.

[Salmonator]

I guess the one thing that bayliner really thought-out on their trophy is the fuel capacity. My 20 footer has an 82 gallon tank, and with my 150 2stroke merc I think I can do the ranch twice on one tank. Fer sure on a calm day. Man I'm jonesin' for tuna.... [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[Threemuch]

I have two 13 gallon tanks above deck and I plumbed them into the main fuel line via a three way valve. I also bring some jugs of fuel out on albie trips, and pour them into the above deck tanks on the ride out. I burn the above deck tanks on the way out, and stow them for fishing, so the deck is clear.

[Uglygreen]

Ditto what wak'm&stak'm said...

THE TROLL IS THE KILLER!!!!

Tuna fishing measures boat range in HOURS not miles. One hour out to the fish.... 4 hours trolling, one hour back, plus reserve, etc... Remember that you will be trolling at maximum wake speed, pushing a lot of water, and burning fuel fast... its not like salmon trolling or Halibut runs. I can burn 30--40 gallons easy on the TROLL alone, add the run in and out to that number.

And having done Westport, Astoria/Hammond/Ilwaco, Geribaldi, Depoe Bay, and Newport, I vote for DEPOE BAY, as best and safest although I want to try Port Orford this year as well.

UG

[Uglygreen]

AAhhhhhhhh..... Tuna....

UG

[bait boy]

ID. Painter, I would be more than willing to assist /skipper to show you the ropes for tuna. All I need to know is when you want to go and where the warm water is and the weather cooperate to a less than 10 rating. The salty dogs will be doing quite a few trips this year and if the weather is good for the time you are here we will kill a tuna.

Most of these folks are driving their own boats and can't (or wont) see going in someone elses boat while letting theirs sit on shore. I can't say as I blame them but My boat will not make it to tuna town and I'm not willing to find out what it would take to replace my kidneys.

I have lots of time on the pond but only one tuna trip.

[Miss B Haven]

ID- You're killing me! It's barely January and your already trying to set up a location for a TUNA trip? Man- One thing you just have to learn is that TUNA trips are put on at the very last possible minute. You can not predict what the wind/ocean will be doing days in advance let alone weeks or months.
Plan your vaca for late Aug. (best shot) Hope the warm water shows, then play the ocean on a day by day basis. Listen to the forecast, poke your nose out and see, then do it if it feels right. If not stay close and change the plans (Salmon fish). Be aware that if you go somewhere like Depoe for your vaca and the Occean is rough there is no alternative (no Bouy 10 fishery).
Stay in touch- us TUNA holics gotta stick together!

[fishwhenican]

UG, the pucker factor at Port Orford is when you look down out of the boat as they hoist you back up to the dock. I know it's lonly about 15-20 feet at loww tide but it looks like 50 :smile:

[fishing is life]

UG you take Miss Uglygreen to tuna town? wow you are a madman. i thought you had a different boat for the ocean. Miss B haven must be one of the biggest boats out there. i suppose on a nice day any boat will work. what if the weather changes. that makes me feel more comfortable if i go out to the CR bouy next year with my 19' sled.

[Mr. Fisherman]

IDP,
Do you have to do the run from Chinook to Bonniville and back... No. But if you don't you are only guessing. Have you made a long trip like this in your boat before? It can answer a lot of questions. It is better to KNOW IMHO.
I'm a "Better safe than sorry" kind of guy and when I was indoctronated (sp) into blue water fishing one point was drilled into my head. Know your equipment. Also have 2 of everything.
You're in for a good time this year. I'm looking forward to seeing you out there.

[pkg40]

ID,

Don't go guessing on the fuel thing. Run the boat in the ocean a dozen times before you even think about heading 30 miles offshore. Running in waves consumes more fuel than on the river. You are unlikely to be able to run at optimum efficiiency due to sea conditions. Measure your fuel consumption running on the ocean.

At least 1/2 that for the miles you will troll and carry 1.5 times what you calculate you need (if the weather turns on you, you could easily use twice the fuel coming in that you burned going out. One tuna trip 40 miles offshore (average)will end up putting 120 to 160 miles under the hull. At 2 miles/gallon running and 4/gallon trolling, you need a minimum of 100 gallons.

Everyone on this board seems very anxious to go out and get at the fish, but I don't see much talk avbout the inherent risks and precautions necessary to have a reasonable degree of safety. Buddying up is not a substitute for having the appropriate equipment. Needing help from your buddy should be insurance against the "unlikely" event of needing help. If you wouldn't be willing to go alone with your boat, please don't even think about burdening someone else by buddying up.

Here is my simple checklist:

- Do you know what you are doing? (Like at least a dozen solo ocean trips and a season or two of near shore fishing under your belt)

- Is your equipment up to ocean conditions (see above)

- Is your craft prepared to travel 50 miles in bad weather conditions?

- Does your craft have an auxillary engine capable of getting you home from 50 miles out against adverse current and wind conditions

- Does every piece of equipment vital to your getting home safely have a backup. Do you know how to navigate home without your electronics if they should fail.

- Do you have a means of surviving if your boat should sink far from shore or help.

- Does your craft have fuel capacity to get out and back and out again? This is where most small production boats fall short.

IF you can't answer yes to all of the above, go with someone who can or take a charter boat. It isn't necessary to take your own craft to enjoy tuna fishing and it will cost a heck of a lot less if you don't

Peter

[ANDYCOHO]

id.painter,

Fuel consumption is a strange animal. I have yet to completly figure it out. For example I have a 24' Bayliner with a Vortex 4.3 V-6 with a 55 gal. tank. On a calm day out of T-Bay I ran 120 miles round trip and only burned 17 gal. On another trip out of Newport I ran 140 miles round trip and hit some nasty water 20 miles out and burned 47 gallons, a little to close for comfort. I carry 2, 6 gallon tanks for spares, but have not used them yet. I have never filled a boat at sea, but it cannot be fun. This year I will invest in a fuel computer combination tach. for my boat, just to calm my nerves a little when I'm 40 miles from shore.

Good luck,
Andy

[wak'm&stak'm]

I wouldn't hesitate any run in UG, if you saw the boat you would see he has a good set up. I like it.

[Mark Mc]

Hi Peter (or is it Peter package40?)

I for one appreciate your willingness to provide that checklist / thinklist. I often think of giving similar feedback here, have done it a few times, but hesitate because I don't want to be perceived as preaching to folks. It's so much easier to discuss tackle & trolling speeds...

Most of the things on your list are equipment issues. These are the tangibles that most folks can (should?) understand, and have ready before starting. But the other things are experience & judgement-based.

It is these experience-based things that you can only get through (duh!) experience, and also being on a boat with a veteran, learning from him or her.

Your examples:

(1)Do you know what you are doing?
- that's a real catch-all, isn't it!

(2) Do you know how to navigate home without your electronics if they should fail?

- Put in other words, do you know how to use a compass? Do you know the difference between magnetic and true north? That one alone is a great litmus test. Electronics these days have turned into a real crutch for newbies, even those who started 5 years ago.
ANY long-time ocean commercial or charter skipper will tell you that the COMPASS is the single most important piece of "navigation equipment" in the wheelhouse. Not the GPS. When all else fails, the compass will still be there.

One last thing on "experience". Like so many other things in life, it's going through the difficult moments (or hours) that teaches you how to deal with that situation again, or even to recognize it. These situations happen very often on the ocean.

Example: In a particular (and often) situation, we're out near the chicken ranch, 30 miles straight out from Newport. A stiff NW wind comes up rather suddenly. We decide to call it quits and head back to Newport. But instead of heading straight back, I set a course 10 or 15 degrees to the North. Why am I doing this?
(long pause) Because I think there's a good chance that the wind is going to keep increasing and I'd rather be going down-swell the last 5-10 miles, than getting the snot kicked out of me. This is called "getting altitude." And you learn to do recognize this & plan for it after you've had a few bad experiences when you DIDN'T plan for it.

So folks, please consider getting your early experience via other veterans. If you choose to do it on your own just realize that you are never totally in control of things out there, no matter how many gadjets, fuel, & other stuff you have. Like Poirot says (pointing to his head): "it is ze little gray matter" that solves the problems.

[Pilar]

PKG40, good advice which we forget to repeat periodically here.

I agree whole heartedly that this is not something to try on your first rodeo. The boat and it's materiel condition is the most important thing IMHO.

The driver being the second.

We should rehash the whole thing about what it takes to get your boat out for big game fishing far offshore.

As far as the trial run, it has several purposes and is far from ideal.

The mileage #'s you get are an ideal, never to be achieved estimate. Your mileage will vary from this ideal. The other purpose of the trip is to see if the boat will run for hours with no issues. And hopefully to make the driver aware of anything that needs to be changed in the boat.

Finally the compass. Yes, very important. You should practice navigating by it at every opportunity. A very common practice on my boat is to plot a course with the GPS to a destination and then get there steering by the compass. You can check your navigation by the plot on the plastic Jesus and learn about currents, winds and prevailing waves.

The situation described by Mark Mc is very common and only a few trips to the Chicken Ranch are necessary to experience it first hand. I like the analogy of 'Altitude'. I had never thought of it that way before.

I can tell you that it is a great idea to crab into the NW wind on the way back in. This allows you to turn almost all the way downwind during the last few rough miles before and during the Bar. I often steer 15 or 20 when the box says 62.

Good points all of you. We are becoming complacent. That will get you killed in the Ocean.

Anyone want to start a boat and equipment information post?

[wak'm&stak'm]

Damn the summer of 2003 is going to rock.....foam, fish and friends.

[fish assassin]

First, I want to add my support for what PKG40 had to say
about being prepared. If you haven't read his post, please
do so. 'Specially the part about not burdening other folks ...

Second, on the topic of fuel capacity and carrying
extra fuel in "gerry cans" ... Please, please, please don't
POUR fuel from a 5 or 6 gallon can into another tank when you
are far from shore!! This is a recipe for disaster (IMHO).
There is a better way (besides the homemade tanks I have described
here earlier).

If you carry pour-able gas cans, go invest in a large diameter
outboard engine gas hose! Remove the the male/female plugins on the
ends of the hose. Make sure your gerry can is higher than the
tank you are transfering fuel to, stick the short end of the hose
in the gerry can, the long end in your tank, pump the ball a couple
of times and fuel will FLOW from the gerry can to the tank with a lot
less chance of spilling in the bilge!!

Remember, open gas/gas fumes on a boat equals BAD!! :grin: :grin: :grin:

-assAssin- (been there, done that, spilled the fuel!)

[id. painter]

Thanks very much everyone. The check list that was provided was great. I can answer yes to all except the part about using no electronics to get home. Im not experienced at open water navigation with compass. My range,,,,, From the posts on this thread, i like the idea of a 3way and being able to hook up 6gal. cans , . I would carry several cans ,which would also hook to my back up motor. This brings me to another ?. What do you all have for a back up motor? I have a 9.9 kicker. I think i could keep under control and make it home with it , but it could take some gas. My kicker runs off a seperate tank than the main. I would never want to be a pain in the ---- for any one , I will make sure i understand my equipt, and have some good trial runs before i give this a try. There is a very good chance that ill get a couple days to take my uncle (buck) out to catch a tuna in July before i come over to fish with you guys.My uncle is almost 70 he has been tuna fishing for many decades. He knows me and my life style, he didnt even hesitate when i ask him if he wanted to go.So, im thinking ill get a little exposure before i meet you all. Bait boy ,,, Thank you for the offer. It is still a long way till tuna time and i really dont have a plan yet. There is a good chance ill need a good hand to join me. Your on my list. My boat is pretty new and i know i need to spend some hours feeling it out. This will be done.Backup everything..... As for my experience.... Well ive been driving boats my whole life, small boats, 14ft. Ive driven through some hellatious wind storms 35 to 50 mph winds. I have never had any trouble (knocking on wood) and feel pretty confortable on the ocean. I know im a baby when it comes to boating in the ocean but im willing and able to learn. Again ,,, what do you all have for a back up motor? id. painter Also , Why do all my paragraphs run together when i hit post,or add reply?

[Pilar]

Hi ID painter. The paragraph problem sounds like a thing for user #2. E-mail Jennie and ask her about it.

I usually hit return twice just to make sure it does not all run together.

I use a 15 hp, 2 stroke Merc. The boat weighs about 2400 and will only make 5 mph on the secondary motor. This gives me enough to make steerage way and point the boat where I want to go. It has got me home on the river several times from 7 miles from the boat ramp.

The 8, 9.9 and 15 Merc 2-stroke are the same motor. The carb, prop and jets are different, same weight, same powerhead. Why not own the 15? Having the same fuel for main and secondary is preferred but I carry 2 stroke and could refuel the kicker from the main if I had to.

I don't think anyone here would hesitate to call the CG in a power failure situation. Coming in from 30 miles out with a kicker motor would take a long time.

[id. painter]

Thanks for the come back, pilar. I have a 9.9 ,2 stroke merc. I got the motor for a great price,and at that point in my life i still had no idea id be thinking about tuna fishing. I just sold my used (very) 15hp Johnson.(1991 mdl) I like my new 9.9 , it has trolled perrrr- fect for about 150hrs. I will stick with it if im O.K.. id. painter

[corrirod]

Wow, after some of these posts I think I'll leave my boat parked at home and try to find a ride! :depressed:

I.D.P., keep in mind what Miss B said in his post regarding timing. No matter how safe you have made your boat and how much you've prepared yourself, if Mother Nature decides you ain't going.........you ain't going. All these tuna hunters on this board watch the weather sites more than the meteorologists on The Weather Channel. We all cross our fingers until literally the very last second and then we make our decision to go. Summertime in Oregon just means you've got a "better" chance of getting out.

Unfortunately you can have a beautiful day on the coast but still not be able to go because the swells are to big, or maybe everything is perfect from the weather standpoint but now the warm water has moved out too far to reach.

There are alot of awful things that can happen out in the Deep Blue. You prepare for as many as you can and the rest.................you just cross your fingers and hope you'll never see. I for one know how to use a compass but I'll be da**** if I would be able to use it to get myself back to the Depoe Bay inlet, let alone just try to get back to Oregon. How about when the fog rolls in? Does everyone have radar? If you don't, should you still be going out on big blue? Of course you should. I've got a 15hp kicker and it would take me about 7 days to get back to land from 50 miles out using that, and that's only if the ocean turned into a lake.

I probably shouldn't be going out there myself but I do because I enjoy it and it's worth the risk to me. I try to eliminate as many obstacles as I can and the rest I just have to take the chance. Be safe, be careful, and have fun. If you get here and you get the chance to go out then try it. Just know that if you start to feel uncomfortable at anytime, turn around! There's plenty to do on the coast besides Tuna fishing (I can't believe I just said that), seriously, you can salmon fish (and Miss B, coho isn't everything you can still fish for nooks down south), bottom fish, or do some crabbing either in the ocean or in the bay.

Good luck I.D.P and I hope I get to meet you this summer.

[Popeye]

Rod...I agree with you totally, and the part about buddy system is by far the best insurance. Just this last season, the Dusty Rose (26' Sea Sport) went down at the Ranch. Happened so fast, none of us could believe it! Something broke...and they still don't know what. But on the bottom, along with the boat, are enough electronics to make anybody envious! All the rest is definately good advice, and should be heeded, but in the final analysis, this is not a perfect world. I think most of you would agree, if it didn't have so much challenge, it probably wouldn't be so damn much fun!

[id. painter]

Thanks to all , great stuff.
One of the first things you all have to understand about me is, Im Hard Core.
Ive spent my entire life taking risks like this . Not the Ocean but, Im very self confident,and self sufficient. I spent my entire life outdoors , . Last spring with my spine completely chopped in half, i was still running 3 rods ,boat, and two 9year olds below Bonneville, and landing 3-4 springers a day. I didnt realize i was dying,or i wouldnt have been fishing. I do feel that as you get to know me you will start to think of me as an asset rather than a burden. I have much to learn and am excited for the enrichment to my life. id. painter

[skein]

I think that's what Mark means, painter.

Last spring with my spine completely chopped in half, i was still running 3 rods ,boat, and two 9year olds below Bonneville, and landing 3-4 springers a day. I didnt realize i was dying....

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">My first reaction was "Huh?"

Skein

[ 01-07-2003, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: skein ]

[id. painter]

The story behind my spinal injury is very long, complicated, and frightening. I litterly was crippled for life because of poor advice (neurosurgeon) and a couple of herniated disks in my neck.
As a matter of fact, i hurt my spine falling from a boat,four years ago.
I stepped on an unnoticed, untied, shoe lace, and fell upsidedown on my head.(Cristopher Reeves like).
I went and had an M.R.I. done , I was given 3 choices.
A.Live in pain
B.Have shots,to relieve pain
c. Have the disk removed.
I lived in pain. then after three days of rowing my boat (steelhead, on the White Salmon)
the pain went away.
Four years later, Just before spring break, i went back to the neuro-doc. This time i ask if my disk could hurt me. He said that the chances were 1 in maybe 2000 that my disk could hurt me. Better odds than going tuna fishing..?? Right? Anyway ,i actually ask the doc if i could be pulling a 50lb anchor off the bottom of the Columbia,doing push ups ect... He assured me that i was probably O.K.... Well , NOT.... When i went to pull the anchor the third time i felt my spine go. The doc had also assured me that the numbness would go away when the pressure on my spin was relieved. NOT. If i wanted to im sure i could get a lawyer to sue . But , i am here living and dont want to live that way, sueing someone.
I stayed on the river cause i had no idea i was dying, (doc said im O.K.).
The last day i was fishing , i realized i was in deep S---,when I started to loose control of everything from my feet to the muscles i use to go to the bathroom.
Im am left with Hoffmans Syndrome. Hyper sensitive reflexes.
I have faced my own mortality. It made me want to do all the things that we all seem to put off "ill do it some day".
Starting now , Ill wait no more. id. painter P.S. I had two disks removed. The doc couldnt believe i could still walk. My Angles are working hard to keep me safe. Im not done yet.

[Pilar]

He who shall forever remain unmentionable.

IDP, your request for info has brought out some wisdom from experienced fishers and boaters. Like gambling this whole big game offshore thing would lack charm if it was a sure thing. As Popeye mentioned, the 'Dusty Rose' and many other very capable boats litter the bottom offshore. 'Double Gaynor' was nearly lost last May at the same spot due to a holed exhaust manifold. Quick thinking saved it and hard, detailed work in the driveway will keep it that way. BTW you do not need to go 30 miles out to lose your boat. Ask the survivor of the 'Holiday' who lost it on the south jetty at Tillamook bay. Or Shalito, his boat sank at the dock.

There is a need for safety equipment on every boat. But even a shiny new boat with everything on it can roll over and sink, given the right combination of bad luck, mishap and misjudgement. The only insurance you have is your experience and judgement. You should be able to anticipate most things that will happen and prepare for them. The rest of the things that happen ... you have to think on your feet and do the right thing. And when it really goes bad the other boats in your wolfpack are there for you.

That's why we hunt in packs ..............

Sometimes doing the right thing is just a matter of turning around and heading to the beach for weather or a boat going sour. Or not launching at all due to uncertain or unfavorable weather.

The most important equipment on the boat is the captains brain.

[id. painter]

Thanks Pilar. I do not have a death wish. But i love new challanges and am well aware of the risks of life. It sounds like you tunaholics like to live as much as i do. I trust your expertise and advice, and will do my very best to make good use of it. I want to live and catch tuna at the same time. It sounds like it can be done, or youall wouldnt be there. id. painter

[OceanBlue]

To catch tuna IS to live!

Thanks IDP, for feeding our addiction! :grin: Wish you could make it to the January AA meeting.

[Mark Mc]

Confidence can be a great thing, when tempered with other traits like modesty. Just please, PLEASE, do not become the re-incarnation of "angle_this".

There, the can of worms has been opened!

[id. painter]

You opened it up. But , i must ask. What is the story behind "Angle this"?? id. painter

[id. painter]

Pilars Mate wrote me an email and gave me some of the story about "angle this",. I hope i havent given anyone the impression that im a" fibber". Im not. It is very hard to communicate all thoughts and tone of a conversation thru this forum. Im very cautious , that is the reason im so interested in your comments ,experiences, and knowledge.
Im a happy guy, all of my posts are happy.If i offend anyone, IM SORRY, i probably didnt mean to. Sometimes i just dont have the time to give a complete explination , sorry if i reminded you all of something(someone) not good. I will try to never do it again.
Ive never been thru anything like what happened to me this spring, I REALLY CANT DESCRIBE , how frightening it was.
There are many folks who have had a disk or three removed. But very , very, very, few who have had a spinal injury like mine , who can still walk. From my standpoint, im the most fortunate guy on the planet. I have a lovely wife (a new boat) two wonderful children,a 4 year old daughter, and a10 year old boy, (a new boat), a pointer, Britt. spanial.(a new boat) a great job, (a new boat) and live in a wonderful state, oh ya and did i mention a new boat.
I can still watch my childern grow and kiss them goodnight, and that whats most important.
Please dont think badly of me because of what i posted. I really didnt have the time to do the story justice.
After my surgery, the Doc told me twice, " i see someone with your injury maybe once a year, they have just been in an auto accident and they are lying there, and cant move"paralyzed. So how did i make it ......... Someone is looking out for me. That is the only explination i have. And a really awsome neurosurgeon. Thanks to all for your help.. id. painter

[skein]

Thanks for the story and followup, ID. You're obviously hooked on the thought of albacore (as I am) and I've been following the thread closely because you are asking many of the same questions I have. You'll find (I think you already know) these guys take the big blue seriously, and don't hold anything back from those of us who want to learn. Keep 'em coming!

Baitboy's survival equipment thread is a good one, too. There's lots to learn and lots to think about. But the rewards....oh, the rewards!

Skein

[Popeye]

Skein....speaking of ttttuuunnnaaa, I'll have to get you and my brother out on a trip this coming season

[skein]

Whoa - out in the Big Boat!?! Won't that spoil me?

Sounds great, I'd like that.

Skein

[Miss B Haven]

skein- Just wait, if you think a TUNA habit is bad, wait till you get the BIG BOAT habit. :shocked: :grin:

[Pilar]

Skein, I'd be all over an invite to fish with Popeye.

You won't find a nicer guy or boat or anyone more willing to teach you something.

All y'all are making it really, really hard to wait for summer.