Exploratory Swordfish Trip

Popeye · 08-20-2003, 10:24 AM

The week of the 8th of Sept, if the ocean gods are favorable, a small crew of 3 and I will be venturing some 100/120 miles off of the coast of Oregon in search of SWORDFISH!

If anyone with a boat that has the range wants to join, please post here

He who wants to be a SWORD BOAT CAPTAIN -POPEYE

[ 08-20-2003, 11:40 AM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

Pilar · 08-20-2003, 10:54 AM

:grin: :grin: :grin:

[ 08-20-2003, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

chinookie · 08-20-2003, 12:36 PM

Sounds like alot of fun. I was out of Newport this past Saturday and Sunday with my small open sled about 8 miles and the water was 61 deg. quick limits of salmon both Chinook and Silvers both days. Lots of sharks around and we also picked up 10 Tuna about 10 miles out on Saturday.

Some tips that may be helpful on you're swordfishing adventure. Look for water that is near or above 70 deg.. We always say look for the green water if it is blue it has sharks and the swords will keep away. Troll skirts with squid at a quick pace through pockets of bait fish near the surface. Remember a sword will grab a bait several times before he actually takes the bait so just keep trolling and hit it when he has it then work quickly to get him to the boat or you will have a serious fight on your hands that could last hours. Once a sword sounds on you he will have the advantage of going deep then while you are catching up with reeling in the line he will surface only to sound again, and it becomes a long battle. Best of luck on you're outing.

rockn'reel · 08-20-2003, 12:49 PM

Keep us close range boats posted! If you really get into them I might have to go buy a new boat! Wasn't there a boat on e-bay for sale cheap around Astoria?

Popeye · 08-20-2003, 01:43 PM

Longliner.....Sounds like you're experienced. I've been studying up on this for about 10 mos. but can never have too much info.! Pour it on Amigo! :grin:

Phil Layer · 08-20-2003, 01:58 PM

Dang!

Just read Longliner's post and I'm in a cold sweat. :shocked:

puffins crew · 08-20-2003, 02:02 PM

Good fishing to you, Bruce. I will rub my fish rock, and say a few prayers to the water gods for you and your crew.

Be safe out there, and keep us updated on your efforts.

Peace, Tom

chinookie · 08-20-2003, 02:08 PM

I don't know a whole lot about swordfishing off the west coast. I would think it is not all that different from the east coast. I used to work on and run a longline sword boat out of Cape Ann Mass. in the 1990's so you learn alot. I am glad to help in anyway I can. I don't know how the fishing is here but I know the warm waters off Hawaii and Cabo hold sail fish and marlin, both are a type of sword fish. I would watch the SST anamoly charts and head for the warmer waters which are usually a ways offshore. You guys will have a good time when you get into them, they're fun!

fishwhenican · 08-20-2003, 05:05 PM

I'd love to go, got the range, but missing something else in order to take my boat that far off shore. :grin:

Popeye, are you planning on fishing for them at night with lights on the line?

Have a good trip

4 REEL · 08-20-2003, 06:48 PM

WOW :shocked: You going several days or just no sleep? Sound really cool....Good luck if I don't catch up to you before you sail.
Keep us all posted

Marty · 08-20-2003, 07:09 PM

Just when I thought I was the only one crazy enough to try for the swordies in Oregon, you guys beat me to the first try. Plus you have the machine for it. A member of the Bay Area Tuna Club (offshoreanglers.com) just put a post on "Who has seen swordies off the central coast" (Calif.). It was real good reading and some good info from guys who have been researching it for some time. Somebody on that post indicated that Mold Craft (lure maker) has a Swordfish Special that glows in the dark. The consensus was sew a squid strip under the lure, attach a glow stick 10' in front and troll at night 50 to 100' deep at 2 or 3 knots. That is how they are doing it off the coast of Chile. Also, I have some publications that show how to bridle up a big squid if that helps and also have 2 virgin, Shimano Tiagra 50 wide 2-speeds with 800 yards of 130lb. spectra, top shotted with 100 yards of 100 lb. mono with rods to match. The newest publication of Big Game Fishing Journal (july/august) has exclusive story's on swordfish by the skippers who fish them out of the keys in Florida and also the Canyons up north. Very informative and lays out everything you need to know.

If it was a glassy smooth day or days, I would love to cruise with you guys. I can safely go 225mi. or so round trip, but I like the idea of being towed out and run back home. I have tons of info on the swords if you guys want them, just no personal experiences other than being on a stick boat for 2 days in California. We ended up getting 2 fish. The commercials sword boats in Calif. group together to purchase a spotter plane. Since they can be on top of the water on nice days, the plane fly's over clicks his GPS, radio's the nearest boat and they drive over and stick it. With the water being as warm as it is, I think this year will be the year that something extra-ordinary will be caught in Oregon. Big tuna, swordfish, huge mako, marlin........I think they are all out there this year.

Keep us posted on everything.

Marty

Fishmstr · 08-20-2003, 11:03 PM

Are you fishing for them or harpooning them? A good friend from San Diego that works on the Royal Polaris harpooned two last year! One was about 250 pounds!

Sea Jypzee · 08-20-2003, 11:11 PM

I'd love to run out with ya'll on wing, but don't have the fuel range this year. Should by next year though.

Good luck!

Popeye · 08-20-2003, 11:38 PM

Don't say harpoon...it sounds too much like HANDLINE...I don't want to go there again

:grin:

corrirod · 08-20-2003, 11:50 PM

Can you tow me out? I can make it back on my own!

Or maybe you could haul out 60 gallons of fuel for me? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Mmmmmmmmmm.........I guess I'll just have to wait for you guys to scare them in a little closer! :depressed:

The Big Kahuna · 08-21-2003, 06:45 AM

Bruce,have a great time.

Wish I was going with you. :depressed: I have a lot of sword and sailfish experience but listen to the pros. I here the technics are different all over. Most of mine comes from the Keys and you don't have to work that hard for them. Be careful and good luck

Popeye · 08-21-2003, 06:55 AM

Hey little brother...why don't you fly out and SHOW ME! :grin:

avid · 08-21-2003, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
Somebody on that post indicated that Mold Craft (lure maker) has a Swordfish Special that glows in the dark. The consensus was sew a squid strip under the lure, attach a glow stick 10' in front and troll at night 50 to 100' deep at 2 or 3 knots. rods to match.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">http://www.meltontackle.com/shopping...oduct_id=11275

avid · 08-21-2003, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
Somebody on that post indicated that Mold Craft (lure maker) has a Swordfish Special that glows in the dark. The consensus was sew a squid strip under the lure, attach a glow stick 10' in front and troll at night 50 to 100' deep at 2 or 3 knots. rods to match.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">http://www.meltontackle.com/shopping...oduct_id=11275

Popeye · 08-21-2003, 07:09 AM

OKAY....got those ordered....what's next :grin:

Thank you for placing an order at Melton International Tackle. The details of your order are described below.

Product : Swordfish Special - Nighttime Trolling Lure
Product Details: Swordfish Special Wide Range Sr.
- 11" nighttime trolling lure
Quantity: 1
Line Total: $25.00

Product : Swordfish Special - Nighttime Trolling Lure
Product Details: Swordfish Special Super Chugger Sr.
- 11" nighttime trolling lure
Quantity: 1
Line Total: $25.00

----------------------------------------
Order Number: 30091
SubTotal: $50.00
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Discount: ($0.00)
Tax: $0.00
Total: $50.00

[ 08-21-2003, 08:10 AM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

Bait O' Eggs · 08-21-2003, 07:21 AM

That took Popeye about 12 minutes to read the post about the lure, get to the link, place the order, receive confirmation and then post it on ifish. :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

I like it :grin:

Popeye · 08-21-2003, 07:23 AM

BOE....11 min [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] :grin:

Bait O' Eggs · 08-21-2003, 07:26 AM

It was a double post, I assumed you saw the first one [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

I am making a hot new lure for sailfish,

They are $250 each,

and work best when trolled 4 wide off the back of the boat. Let me know how many you want.

Popeye · 08-21-2003, 07:27 AM

Phil Layer · 08-21-2003, 07:29 AM

I respectfully nominate Popeye for governor of California.

"Did I ever tell you you're my hero..." Bette Midler

Sea Jypzee · 08-21-2003, 07:31 AM

So Bruce, how long are you guys planning on staying out offshore? 2-3 days?

Sounds like you're getting all geared up for it. You could tow my boat out as well...ahh heck with it, just tow the entire fleet out there. :shocked: :shocked: We could have all the salty dogs out there.

Uglygreen · 08-21-2003, 07:55 AM

Heres how the sword guys fish them out of Florida and Central America (atlantic side).

Night drift on the sea anchor, large squid soaked in tuna oil, with glowstick inside the squid, put it down with 10 oz weight 200 to 300 feet, tie a baloon on the line with a glowstick inside the baloon (kinda like a glow in the dark bobber / strike indicator, and glowbaloon drifted behind the boat drifting on the sea anchor.

Baloon disappears indicates a strike, wait wait wait on freespool till its taking line and has swallowed the bait, set hook and hold on.

UG

Bait O' Eggs · 08-21-2003, 08:13 AM

Popeye - I wont hold it against you if it takes longer than 11 minutes to order

Still standing by awaiting.

disclaimer - all lures are guaranteed to fish. Catching cannot be guaranteed as it is a function of the skill of the fisher. Lures are guaranteed to either sink of float. Lures are not colorfast and may fade with time, UV or other force. Not to be used with water. They make great stocking stuffers for your loved ones that fish. "Sailfish love 'em" is our motto
[img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

OceanBlue · 08-21-2003, 08:27 AM

CATCH AND EAT · 08-21-2003, 08:57 AM

BOE just wondering if you have any bang up get happy lures made for "Springers". :shocked: :tongue:

avid · 08-21-2003, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Popeye:
OKAY....got those ordered....what's next :grin:

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Lights, you gotta' have lights.

http://charkbait.com/cs/csBAIT.htm

Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

David

Popeye · 08-21-2003, 12:18 PM

Already did that yesterday :grin:

[ 08-21-2003, 01:18 PM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

Hook-up · 08-21-2003, 09:15 PM

Be sure to take a couple of light rods and some herring type jigs in case you run in to some bait schools out there. I assume you have a live well and it is tough to beat "matching the hatch".
Good luck and be safe.

Orca · 08-22-2003, 06:46 AM

Popeye, looks like you may be out of VHF range. Do you have an EPIRB? If not, I can loan you mine for the trip.

Good luck, and can't wait till you catch one.

OceanBlue · 08-22-2003, 07:14 AM

Popeye - no doubt you've seen the below report. It is old, but I'm digging for more definitive info on locations and feeding habits. I'm specifically interested in more info on this section: "Swordfish in the eastern Pacific generally stay inshore near the bottom during the day. At dusk, they head seaward. After sunset, they feed near the surface and return to inshore areas at sunrise." What is considered "inshore," in terms of this report.

Developmental Fisheries Board Report

The Big Kahuna · 08-22-2003, 07:59 AM

When I said you don't have to work that hard I meant the trip was a lot shorter. Just wanted to clarify that. :grin:

skein · 08-22-2003, 03:32 PM

Hey, I've got it! We need an Ifish Oiler! We'll get Corrirod to buy an old Liberty ship and convert it into a fuel hauler for the Salty Dogs. Then we can go out as far as we want.

Whaddaya say, Rod?

Popeye, you go, man. You're gonna do it, aren't you? The first Ifish Sword Boat Captain!

Who's your crew for this epic voyage?

Skein

chinookie · 08-22-2003, 03:53 PM

Just my $.02 cents if you do the drifting method at night, drifting or trolling at about two or three knots definitly use a chemical glow stick inside or above the squid bait. Yellows, reds, greens, and blue, for best colors

. We usually drifted our gear between 7 an 12 fathoms deep but it just depends on where in the water colum the fish happen to be. The deeper you go the closer to the color blue you will want to use as it will be the best color seen by the fish at a deeper depth. Good fishing.

Billfisher · 08-22-2003, 08:51 PM

You guys should contact Rich Oba at Pacific Pioneer Charters. He's actually run some Swordfish attempts, and has the range. -D

Mr. Fisherman · 08-22-2003, 10:41 PM

Fair winds and fare well my friends.
Give a call and maybe we can help man the lines and hold the camera when you return....
Take notes and please give us a detailed report when you return.

[img]graemlins/program.gif[/img]

corrirod · 08-23-2003, 09:00 AM

Let's setup a communication relay train.

They go out 120 miles so we'll need someone to run out to the 100 mile mark as well as every 20 miles back to shore so we can relay info back to the mainland in realtime!

On a side note, I and Gregotis were hoping for the weather gods to cooperate enough to do an overnight tuna trip sometime this summer but haven't yet had a good set of flat water. Anyone else interested? The other we're finding is hard, is to find crew crazy enough to go with us! :tongue:

Marty · 08-23-2003, 10:15 AM

Corrirod........sign me up for an overnighter if the weather is favorable. I have done it a bunch in bigger boats, but it would be really neat with a pack of boat. All tie up together, put out a lantern, snag a bunch of those humbolt squids, fish for something that eats VW's for lunch. Oh.haaaaaaa!!

Marty

Mr. Fisherman · 08-23-2003, 12:00 PM

Bait Boy and I have been considering the same idea. Might just have to give it a go.
How far out are you guys thinking of going?
I'm thinking either put in up North and take out south or motoring North and drifting....
I think this idea deserves it's own thread so we don't distract from this elite and magnificent Crew and their experimental endeavor....

Mr. Fisherman · 08-23-2003, 12:10 PM

Here is a thread to discuss the upcoming Pacific Overnight Adventure

Popeye · 08-24-2003, 12:44 PM

FYI.... I DO have a Cat 1 406 EPIRB, and a satellite phone, and an 8 man self deploying survival raft. Will be no problemo to keep in touch with "LIVE" reports

Orca · 08-24-2003, 12:55 PM

Have a great time, and show us the way!

WildHawg · 08-24-2003, 03:05 PM

Hey Corrirod,
I know someone crazy enough to crew on an overnighter on the big blue :grin:
Let me know!!

edsr · 08-24-2003, 03:14 PM

Just wish I had the range!
edsr

Mark Mc · 08-25-2003, 08:23 PM

Here's a thought - do any i-fishers, or friends of i-fishers, have a private plane that could do a fly-over to try & spot billfish (or bluefin, or...?) Sure would be cool if we had access to this. Maybe we chip in for fuel money to fund the "service"? Of course, there would need to be someone in the plane who knows what fish look like from the air. I nominate "longliner" !

Pilar · 08-25-2003, 08:33 PM

Mark, I know that guy and we have talked of him spotting tuna.

Problem is the FAA requires special equipment for this type of flight, over water more than so far from shore. He has none of that stuff on his cessna and no plans to buy it.

It is a great idea though.

[ 08-25-2003, 09:34 PM: Message edited by: Pilar ]