Tuna on the Irish

Fishmstr · 07-22-2003, 06:29 AM

My wife and I finally cashed in on one of our best wedding presents yesterday: A Tuna Charter. There were 4 of us on the boat and we landed 17...lost 6 others. Only one double, the rest were singles. The captain was a little bummed. But it was snotty all day, wind blowing about 15 knots, so I thought we did pretty good. We were between 24-34 miles NW out of Newport. The only bad part was that they didn't have ice! Wish I would have known that, I would have brought my own. Fun day on the water...my wife boated 5 fish, two on the handlines, which she liked better than rod'n reel.
best fishes,
steve
Cortez (formerly Avocation)

Orca · 07-22-2003, 06:46 AM

Good that you got into some fish, sounds like a great time. But no ice? - Makes you go Hmmmm.

[ 07-22-2003, 07:48 AM: Message edited by: Orca ]

Threemuch · 07-22-2003, 06:48 AM

I've seen that before, where party boats put tuna in wet burlap.

OceanBlue · 07-22-2003, 07:02 AM

Fishmster - thanks for the post. I wouldn't have thought that a charter wouldn't have ice. If I ever feel the need to book a trip, it will be on the list of questions I ask before selecting a boat/captain.

Pilar and I just talked about this last night... It is about honoring the fish. We take their lives. The least we can do is take care of them in a quality manner.

ChinookSlayer · 07-22-2003, 09:05 AM

So, just how important is the ice? I never ice Salmon, just bleed them. Are Tuna pretty sensitive to not being cooled down? What do you get, mushy meat?

Some friends of mine are booked on the Irish for Tuna. Maybe they could request ice before they go?

Sea Jypzee · 07-22-2003, 09:22 AM

Yes, if the fish isn't chilled well, the loins will get 'mushy' and soft. They're still fine for the canner, but the quality isn't there for sushi grade loins without icing them down quickly.

Pilar · 07-22-2003, 09:26 AM

ChinookSlayer, IMHO the ice is the most important thing on the TUNA! boat.

Tuna have a high internal temperature when they are boated. It can be in excess of 90 degrees fahrenheit. They develop something called Scombroid poisoning. This has been discussed on the board in the past, do a search.

The fish must be properly bled and killed when landed. It must be chilled in a mixture of Ice and seawater for 15 or 20 minutes to reduce the internal temperature quickly. And then the fish must be properly packed in a fish box or cooler in more ice.

By adhering to those rules, 'Pilar' lands quality fish suitable for Sushi, Sashimi, smoking, and barbQ. The soft fish that did not get properly cooled get canned. I am somewhat fussy about the proper handling and carking of all fish. TUNA! is by far the hardest one to do right.

Once you get on the program about 'You know where the fish has been' you will find it hard to eat improperly handled fish.

I do not eat fish unless I know where it has been.

ChinookSlayer · 07-22-2003, 09:33 AM

Wow! Thanks for great info. To me, Sashimi is one of the best ways for Tuna, never mind a rare cooked Tuna steak off the Q.

I will have to do the search on the Srombroid poisoning as well.

CAPT KUJO · 07-22-2003, 09:37 AM

If you don't have ice the best thing is to keep nTuna out of the sun and keep them at least in the cool water. It's important to ice them AS SOON AS YOU REACH PORT! and don't attempt to clean them till they have had ample time to "chill out". The worst is trying to clean "unchilled Tuna"

CAPT KUJO

Phil Layer · 07-22-2003, 09:44 AM

I believe the Irish pumps water over the tuna once they've been bled. This won't be as good as icing but may help somewhat, like Captain Kujo says.

I'm guessing you do the same on the Black Rocket?

Mark Mc · 07-22-2003, 02:01 PM

A few years back I had a few friends who wanted to go tuna fishing. I spoke with Ken (Irish owner / operator) on the phone & asked all the pertinent questions. I brought a big Igloo chest with a bunch of ice. I was able to get 9 fish in it, so at least those were in great shape. The rest of them stayed in the fish box, with an occasional salt water wash. Guess who kept the chilled fish?

Ken is a pretty good fisherman, easy to BS with, kind of amusing, a little cranky at times (like when a fish gets lost). His deckhand at the time was good at the technical aspects, but left me disappointed on the PR front. Ken tells me on the phone "sure, bring your own gear." I get there in the morning, with my armload of first class rod/reel combos, and the very first thing he says to me is "what the hell you gonna do with those?" instead of "good morning, can I help you with your stuff?" Funny thing is, one of the boat rigs had an Okuma reel completely freeze up with the first fish on it. Gee, that hasn't happened yet with my "junk."

Fishmstr · 07-22-2003, 04:37 PM

All they did was bleed them and throw them in the box. The fish were hosed down, but with 60 degree water I don't think it cooled them down much. They also did not bonk the fish...leaving them to beat their tails for a while in the box. The deckhand said they bring ice on hot days....Anyhow, just reinforced my reason for having my own boat. The captain was grumpy and the deckhand was good, but pretty much a rookie. I was hoping to learn something on the trip and didn't learn anything. Ohwell, still a fun trip.

WP · 07-22-2003, 05:22 PM

I never went for tuna with Ken but have bottom and salmon fished with him a number of times. He knows how to catch fish and is an interesting character. After my last trip with him and a run in with his deck hand, I swore to never go with him again. It was about using my own gear. They waited until we were out on the water to inform me that the tackile was not to be used on my gear...had to bring my own. I use left hand tackle. I offered to buy the gear and they said no...they couldn't trust my gear and it would mess up theirs...had to use that crap they have instead of mine....which is far superior and in better condition. Had a couple of other run in's with the deck hand (no longer with the boat)and when Ken was appraised of the situation he chose to not take any corrective action. Never again.
WP

Billfisher · 07-22-2003, 05:37 PM

I encountered similar gear issues with Ken, but he eventually yielded when I promised to buy him more clones if I lost any. Anyhow, we caught fish, and he's an ace skipper.

Now... the same day as Fishmaster's trip I fished with Captain Kujo, and WE boated 39 fish (nya nya nya...) Ohh the carnage! It was awesome! Thanks again to the crew of "The Blitz" All had a good time. By the way, they ice the hell out of the fish! -D

Booja 1 · 07-22-2003, 06:28 PM

Fishmstr.....What day did you go on the Irish and how has albie catching been for him???? Thx

Booja 1 · 07-22-2003, 06:30 PM

Ooops sorry Fishmstr..I see you guys went out yesterday......

Bobber Down · 07-22-2003, 07:03 PM

Ice, ice, and more ice. I always pack ice for my salmon as well. I bleed every fish that I bonk, and then it goes on ice.............Bobber Down

Mark Mc · 07-22-2003, 07:26 PM

WP....Dave.... you have mail!

- MArk

Fishplay · 07-22-2003, 07:53 PM

Billfisher,

I think you have your boats and captains mixed up.

Mike is the captain of the Blitz and Kujo is the captain of one of the Black Rockets (sorry, dont know the name of your boat Kujo)

Chilly one · 07-23-2003, 06:45 AM

Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen!!!!! I have read this thread re: the Irish and Capt. Ken. :smile: and his crew. I wish to throw in my 25 cents worth!!! I have know Ken and his operation for many many years and I will truthfully tell u he is without a DOUBT one of the finest Charter captains to have ever run a charter boat on the Oregon Coast!!!!!! He catches more and uses good equipment and is a CHARGER!!!! Alot of fellas go "fishing" and have made their $ when they leave the dock. Of course after running charters for 35 to 40+ years you have seen it all I would imagine. His perspective on charter fishing is much derived from thousands and thousands of trips and people on his boat using his equipment. Marl my word he is one of the most intelligent successful business wise people you will EVER meet. he is a fine Charter captain, a Rod crafter extraordinaire, a licensed Pharmacist and as I said one of the finest EVER to fish a charter vessel on this Coast! Period. Quit throwing mud on his operation!!!!!!! Thank you and respectfully, Chillyone :smile: :smile:

WaterDog · 07-23-2003, 07:26 AM

Sorry but it still doesn't make up for not chilling the fish on ice.

Pilar · 07-23-2003, 07:58 AM

It is good to be the king. That is what you are when you run your own boat. I carry as much ice as I can safely haul because on my boat I am the King. My fish come to the dock so cold it hurts to pull the loins out if I can help it.

The King

Carry ice or not. Charter with a skipper or not. Your money, you decide. Ken does what makes sense to him. He is an extremely successful, experienced and respected charter boat captain. You cannot argue with success.

If you want iced fish, ask about bringing your own as Mark Mc. did. The same goes with bringing your own po's and tackle on any charter boat.

You are a guest, not the King as long as some other guy owns the boat you are on.

fish assassin · 07-23-2003, 08:19 AM

Anybody know which CB channel Ken is on? I've fished with/around him for
the last couple of seasons and talked to him on the CB a lot, but lost the
channel he uses ... [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Although I have never met him personally or fished out of his boat, I've always
found him to be a gentleman and very helpful on the salt. We have fished the
same areas many times and I've had opportunity to call him into bites when he
wasn't doing so well and he has returned the favor many times over!! Most of the
charter captains at Dopey Bay talk of him with respect and all agree he is a
good captain and the KING of TUNA! fishing!!

-assAssin-

Stoyjun Princess · 07-23-2003, 10:50 AM

We go out every year with Captain Ken for tuna, Our next trip is this Friday. He has never iced the tuna, but keeps the hose running on them all day in a fish box. He has always be a gentlman and very helpful on the salt when we are out there with our boat. He has got us into fish many times and we have done the same for him. He hates to lose tuna.

I am taking our own big ice chest with lots of ice so we can ice down our tuna.
After reading Pilars posts on caring for your tuna.

It makes sense to me. We ice all our fish down any time we are out on the salt, lakes, or rivers. So why not tuna? :grin: We are taking our boat out for tuna this year, now that they are in closer. We will take lots of ice!!

So Pilar, when is your next tuna trip? Maybe we will make the run with you guys...

[ 07-27-2003, 10:33 AM: Message edited by: Stoyjun Princess ]

will_e_fish · 07-23-2003, 12:13 PM

Tuna- yes I will have mine on the rocks! I am booked Monday with Capt. Ken on the Irsh I am bringing my own Ice and Enough Ice for the 3 of us that are going
out. Hate to say it but I want to make it a freezer packing trip so I hope we dont come back until that is accomplished.
I am bringing gear Rods,Hand Lines, and homemade lures thanks Pilar and S.Dogs.
The reason why I booked on the Irish is because of the long reputation and all the good things fishing people everywhere have said about the Irish and Capt Ken.
Irish knows Tuna, I can get Ice if it is not provided.
Edit:I have to say that this is a birthday present and I had wanted to go with the Blitz( supportting IFish) but the birthday gift was booked for Irish as others in the family are going with me. So they can take the blame for going with a non-IFish Charter.

[ 07-23-2003, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: will_e_fish ]

Popeye · 07-23-2003, 01:35 PM

I've known Ken for a few years myself, and I wholeheartedly concur with all the positive things said here! The man is as salty a fisherman as you can find, and will ALWAYS go the extra mile for his patrons. He is not one of those that will come straight back in after a limit of halibut, he'll stop on the way in (if time permits) and catch ya some lings.
One more thing...I'm not one to get on here and complain, but twice today, two of my good friends have been chastized on this board, and I feel, unjustifiably. I'm only going to say, if you can't fill the man's shoes, don't try to tell him what color to wear. Dealing with a cross section of society every day of your life can be extremely difficult at times, and Chris at the store is a hoppin' busy man, and a gentleman. Guys, let's not turn the SD board into another LIG board. Nuff said.

Gun Rod Bow · 07-23-2003, 01:41 PM

I would like to make a (redundant?) comment on icing tuna. My wife and I bought a fresh albie off the docks from a commercial about three years ago. His sign said bled and iced. I threw it in my cooler with the crabs (cleaned and on ice).

When I got it home it was mushy and not suitable for anything but canning.

When I recently fished with Ugly Green, fish were immediately bled, piked (killed) and as soon as the blood stopped flowing, stuck in a tall bucket of ice blocks and sea water. Then after about 10-15 minutes packed away buried in ice.

The meat was red and firm. Tasted good while "carking" and even better when quickly seared (cooked only 1/4" deep on 1" steaks).

You gotta ice 'em if you wanna eat 'em.

JMHO

PS UG uses a laundry basket strapped to the swim deck to bleed out the tuna. Works slick.

Miss B Haven · 07-23-2003, 01:59 PM

I don't know Ken (I'd like too from what I hear) but I see something here I need to comment on and that's bringing your own gear.
Why would you go on a charter and bring your own rods/reels/lures and handlines? Handlines for gosh sakes, lures? What- you think the skipper is not going to have enough? You think he/'s going to let you run your whatever length line and lure weight in his spread and screw up the whole pattern?

[img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]
If you want to fish your gear and your methods then get your own boat! I'm no charter but I can tell you I'm really hesitant to let folks bring their own gear on my boat. It usually results in somebody getting tangled up with the other lines all day. Fishing 4-5 (as many as 7) rods out of the boat is not an easy trick. I can't imagine a charter with 15 or more. :whazzup:
I let folks bring their own rods and reels because they are used to them (I've also not let rods on my boat if I didn't think they'd fit the fishing) but generally do not let them use their own terminal tackle. I make exceptions for folks who really have some experiance at what we're doing.
I've actually had to not fish because of folks running gear and methods that aren't compatible with the rest of the gear and methods on my boat. Proly won't happen again.
Oh- and the other thing is my boat is stuffed full of gear, lunches, clothes, safety equip, ice, coolers etc etc. I don't have room for your trunk full of tackle and 3 extra rods, sorry. And a bigger boat won't fix that either, I'd just buy more gear! :grin:
As Pilar said, if you want to be King then buy your own boat, otherwise pay your fee and trust the captain.

will_e_fish · 07-23-2003, 03:59 PM

Mel- I want to clarify some points what I said their web site invites people to bring Flyrods.Check it out.
http://www.newportmarinacharters.com/ttuna.htm
A Rod,a couple of lures, a peice line in my pocket and 10 bucks of ice shouldn't be a big deal especially when pre arranged (Requested) for. I dont own a trunk and wouldn't think of that kind of imposition. If King Ken changes his mind at 4:30 on the dock and says dont bring your rod or lures or ice, I am all about doing what King Ken says. I have waited to long for this special birthday present to be canceled or being kicked off because the King thinks I am moving in. However one of the Tuna charters I went on last year had a lot of broken rods,only three handlines not many lures,no ice on a 55ft boat and needless to say I will never go there again. I dont own a Tuna boat I have begged rides periodically but usually go on charters. Where I pay the King my hard learned dollars and tip the deck hand.I have good manners I dont BS or arse creep(brown nose). I am hoping the King can understand if I want to pay for and bring some Ice an extra rod and a couple of lures is that expecting too much?

Oh Long Live the King!

Stoyjun Princess · 07-23-2003, 04:01 PM

Miss B Haven you are so right, why bring your own gear on a charter boat. Captain Ken has all the gear,lures and hand lines six people are going to need or use. That's all that fishes on the Irish is six. And each year we have come back with a lot of tuna. We have not lost a tuna on bad rods, reels or any of his fishing gear. That is what's fun about going on Ken's boat, they do all the work :grin: . It's like a tuna vacation

you just reel em in and have lots of fun. That's what it's all about.
Can't wait to go Firday, the seas are looking good for that day..yeppeeee

OceanBlue · 07-23-2003, 05:00 PM

Quoting Stoyjun Princess:

"We have not lost a tuna on bad rods, reels or any of his fishing gear."

yeah, but have you ever lost a rod/reel on a bad tuna? :grin:

Stoyjun Princess · 07-23-2003, 06:07 PM

OceanBlue, We have lost a tuna from a big bad shark :grin: :grin:

WP · 07-23-2003, 06:28 PM

SP and Miss B,
The reason for bringing your own gear, at least for me was that I use left hand reels. For tuna it is a mute point but for bottom and salmon it is far more fun and pleasant to use left hand gear. Most charters don't have left hand gear. My rods and reels are at least as good as those on a charter. Personal preferance is important to me. I have used my own on charters from northern B.C. to Mexico without a problem, until Ken's deck hand decided he didn't want to "allow" it. He didn't even look at my tackle.
Popeye,
My only complaint with Ken is that he allowed the behavior of his deck hand. It is a personal decision to not spend my money where I have not gotten expected levels of service. Ken is an outstanding fisherman and works hard for his clients (I believe I said that in my first memo)I would not tell anyone else what they should do. As far as Chris is concerned, I believe you said it all when you referenced him as a friend. His level of activity is not my concern. He is running a business and is very arbitrary about who gets service and help. I always wonder which Chris is going to be there, so it is not personal. Sometimes he is great, other times he can be less than appreciated. This is not just a personal observation but consistent among all the people I fish with and know. I understand the desire to stand up for a friend but maybe a word to him about others perception would do more to enhance his business? It is interesting that my regular partner buys us a celebratory Coke each day after we finish fishing and cleaning the fish. This year that has been 5 trips to Newport. The price of the 2 Cokes has been different each time! Same beverages. Not always up, just different!
WP

[ 07-23-2003, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: WP ]

Badger · 07-23-2003, 07:08 PM

The points about bringing your own rods, reels and tackle are all well taken. Whether its on a charter boat or a personal craft, its important to have gear that all works well together. There's nothing worse than terminal gear that gets tangled up with each other, particularly on the same boat. The biggest reason to bring your own is if you reel goofy (left handed), I'd think most captains and deckhands would prefer you bringing you own rather then reeling backwards and upside down. Consider this -- try explaining your desires and asking the skipper what he thinks well in advance rather than showing up at the dock just before departure with handfuls of gear. You can always decide to stay on shore if the answer isn't to your liking.

On my boat, you're welcome to bring your gear if it's of reasonable quality and works with what I've got. Just ask first, so it doesn't come as an imposition, and don't take it personally if the answer is no. (Thank goodness I have my own boat.)

Miss B Haven · 07-23-2003, 07:43 PM

Sorry if I was too negative on some of you, but the thing about the gear is real. A charter (or any other skipper) spends years figuring out what really works on his boat. If not- he ain't in biness for long.
If you ask a skipper to accomodate your lefty, righty or common majority ror and reel and he syas yes, great! Don't expect to take all your stuff though without asking and have him let you use it. If he doesn't know more than you about fishing his boat then you should be running the boat!
Nuff said - be safe, go fishing, have fun adn catch fish (in that order).

PS- I've taken gear on a boat (rod and reel) bottom fishing and been told I could not use it. Seems that charter crews have lost shaft seals and fingers from tuff line and folks who don't know what they're doing (sometimes the crew, I'm sure). Anyway- adios amigos!

Billfisher · 07-23-2003, 08:36 PM

I did have my skippers mixed up... I was wih Mike on "The Blitz." He rocks, and I'd fish again with him anytime. Ken is also a Tuna ace! Id say this about the bring your own gear discussion. Find out in general terms what the boat uses (i.e. mono vs. spectra or dacron.) Use what they use. If they have a problem with your 50 lb. test vs. their 50 lb. test, and your rods and reels are far superior, then they are fools. On the same note, if the boat plays by the batting order system, and you don't want others touching your stuff, then don't bring it. I don't blame charters for going with the consistent bulk tackle, as it is handled y novice fishermen and often abused. This has resulted in lost fish, however, and caused me much distress. Hence, I bring my own stuff, within limits. -D

tramp · 07-23-2003, 11:02 PM

I have a trip with the Tuna King in a couple weeks. Denise, his deckhand on an eariler trip this year did a great job. Will be fun when tuna frenzy begins.

When we leave port, will you be following the Irish to tuna waters? Alot of guys do.

Albacore Tuna Captain · 07-24-2003, 05:09 AM

I've got to throw my 2 cents in here about gear and other boat captains.

Ken is the best tuna fishing captain on the Oregon coast.

I've learned much of my success from him and listen to whatever he has to say on the subject. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] He has developed his way of fishing based on years of experience just as I have. My last trip out, we were fishing the same area and I caught more than him but it was because of the numbers. He was fishing 4, I was fishing 10. He caught more fish per person than me and it's simply because he's better. But I'm getting as good as him and someday (maybe after he retires) I'll be better. :grin: I had the advantage of the number of lines in the water. I use his techniques because it works. Never be so proud to not listen to a pro. If Ken would not allow a certain type of gear, there was a very good reason. I'll let anyone use their own gear as long as it is compatible with what we are using. But when your gear starts to interfer with mine

, out of the water it comes. I suspect there was more wrong with the gear Ken wouldn't allow other than being a lefty.

And I ice my fish heavily because I like to keep it fresh. Ken doesn't have the luxury to do this due to space consideration but he gets the fish home quickly and this should not be too much trouble.

Captain Mike

Chilly one · 07-24-2003, 06:29 AM

:grin: Good Morning Mike! What are you doing on the beach this am? Boy the water patterns have sure changed 'eh? Good reply on the Tuna Heads topic. Yes the ice thing is of great importance and as you pointed out the space for 30 40 bags, or a 'sluice juice" brine tank,

or a hold to store ice is pretty tough on a boat of that size. So instead one must not forget the fact that most of Irish's trips are of 12 hour duration and the speed of the boat cruising (if the ocean allows) at 20+knts can be of importance on the venture and getting to the dock in quick fashion from 30 to 50+ miles on an average trip. As far as the tackle dilemna goes I think you will find Ken's custom built rods nicely done as he builds most if not all his rods himself, and they match with the reels, and the "game plan" employed in Rod and Reelin' albacore, as his percentage of rod and reel fish is up there, and that has a certain quality and value to it as well. He would be the first guy to hand you a different stick if a confarction were to take place on any of his gear! Yahoo! Let's all hope for a S weather pattern to set up again as it looks like NW thru the weekend and perhaps more. Boo hoo. Regards Captain Mike,

Chillyone...guess who?

Popeye · 07-24-2003, 06:41 AM

Gary....I Know who you are :grin: :grin:

Phil Layer · 07-24-2003, 07:01 AM

ATC,

I don't know if you're an officer, but you're certainly a gentleman. Hats off to you. You'll get my business next time I need a charter. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

WP · 07-24-2003, 07:30 AM

I repeat...Ken didn't even look at the gear...it was the decjk hand who didn't allow it. No, there was nothing wrong with the gear and it was not for tuna...it was for salmon. My complaint with Ken is only that he chose to continue to employ this deck hand. He has since changed help. The particular deck hand had other issues such as swearing extensively, trying to imtimidate new fishermen, and being surly. I know a number of people complained and the runor is that trouble with the law finally got him replaced. Ken needed to do this before...in my opinion.
WP

Mark Mc · 07-24-2003, 07:32 AM

Hey Phil, I believe Mike actually was a career law officer...so there you go! Maybe he's also Richard Gere in disguise, trying to get away from Hollywood...

p.s. for all the folks who haven't studied up up albacore care & chilling, here is the link to the bible, once again:

link to UC Davis seafood extension

And if you think it's OK to leave tuna out for 6 - 10 hours with no chilling, here's a quote from the article:

"Albacore should be placed into a chilling or freezing system within 15 minutes of capture to ensure the delivery of a high quality product without histamine. As a general rule, one day of shelf life is lost for each hour an albacore is left on deck. This rate of decomposition is three times that of other fishes."

[ 07-24-2003, 08:38 AM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

Stoyjun Princess · 07-24-2003, 10:36 AM

WP, sorry...
I also use a left hand reel and Ken will accomodate you. As for Chris at the store, we all have our days.

We leave today for New Port tuna fishing...