Swordfish Float Plan

Popeye · 08-26-2003, 01:41 PM

Well, it's time for the float plan.....From the tips, we're going to head west by northwest 136 nm to a seamount at 44 54.7 x 127 10.3. This seamount is approx. 2500 feet in surrounding water of 9500 feet. From that point, we will be heading southeast 75nm to another seamount at 43 54.4 x 126 09.9, which is about 60nm outside of Heceta Banks. This seamount is approx. 2000 feet with surrounding depths of 9500 feet, and will leave us 96nm for the return to port. Three days and two nights are the plan. Total calculated distance of about 350nm. :grin:

corrirod · 08-26-2003, 01:53 PM

Ho daddy! You da'man!

Orca · 08-26-2003, 01:59 PM

An adventure that will last a lifetime! Take lots of photos/videos so that us fuel challanged folks can enjoy at a later date.

Good luck, have a great time (as if it would be an issue), and be safe. I can't wait to see the results. I have a feeling that first-timer's luck will shine on this adventure.

Bounty Hunter · 08-26-2003, 02:03 PM

WOW! That's amazing. Do they even mention Swordfish in the Oregon regs?

The boat I currently run used to be a swordfish boat. My Grandpa used to fish for them off the coast of Mexico after trailering it down from Arizona. He once got the 'Biggest fish for the smallest boat' trophy in some tourney down there. It's a 18 foot Renken tri-hull. As Moe says on the Simpsons... "She ain't so pretty no more!"

Good luck and take lots of pics!

WaterDog · 08-26-2003, 02:17 PM

You guys are killing me��first it was TUNA! Now it�s going to be SWORDFISH! The boats keep getting bigger and bigger. :grin: As if wanting a boat that had 150+ mile range wasn�t bad enough. Now it�s got to have 500+mile range and be capable of a couple of nights at sea.

When will this madness ever stop.

Good luck! I can hardly wait for the story when you get back.

Pilar · 08-26-2003, 03:12 PM

Madness ....

It's not so bad. Captain, Oh my captain.

Have you any ideas on what methods to use? Slow troll with deep lines in daylight and dead drift shallow in the night? Fish for squid at night? Drag fast with splashers to tease up marlin during the day?

I'm cramming all the billfish related stuff I can find. 'Billfishing' By Peter Goadby and an old Dept. of commerce text called 'Anglers Guide to the US pacific coast.' This second book has detailed maps by species of fishing area compiled from fishing logbooks of commercial fishermen.

Anyway many good things to learn in there.

[img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]

CAPT KUJO · 08-26-2003, 04:29 PM

If you get into anything. Please give me a buzz. That's a couple of hour run for the BLACK ROCKET. Love to cruise out if you really find them!

CAPT KUJO

Mello-Yello · 08-26-2003, 04:31 PM

What? You ain't gonna drop shrimp pots on them there seamounts? :grin:

I am green w/envy...that sounds like soooo much fun, in a creepy kind of way.

Watch out for icebergs. I seen a movie about that once.

Have fun! Be safe! And please, keep in touch!

M-Y

PS...would be interesting to know the date and time you're pulling out. Perhaps we could throw a small 'bon voyage' for you. Perhaps a small floatilla escort, followed by some small-boat fisharama...

Sea Jypzee · 08-26-2003, 04:35 PM

[img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] I need a bigger boat. As if my 30' boat I've had a total of 2 months isn't big enough?

[img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

:shocked:

Mojo · 08-26-2003, 04:52 PM

Kujo,
If you need a deckhand, I'll go. You know I'm game :grin: .

Metal Manipulator · 08-26-2003, 05:19 PM

Bruce I hope that you have a dailey log to fill out. Because we want a long story and pictures. you are definatly living up to your monicor. POPEY THE SWORD BOAT CAPTAIN or is it sailer man oh well heroes come in many forms.

Robin

ANDYCOHO · 08-26-2003, 05:43 PM

Godspeed Popeye!

Chilly one · 08-26-2003, 07:26 PM

Popeye and Crew have a safe Voyage, "We'll leave the light on for You!" Regards, Chillyone :grin:

OceanBlue · 08-26-2003, 07:28 PM

Wiping the saliva from my chin now.

Aaargh!

8knots · 08-26-2003, 08:13 PM

Hey, you have us all buzzed now! Sounds like a great adventure. My boat carries 640 gallons of fuel so I am really interested in what you find. Besides targeting swordfish do you think there will be other species of tuna out there.......bluefin? I can't wait to hear what you discover. Best of sea conditions to you.

Deepslayer · 08-26-2003, 08:25 PM

I can hardly wait for the "Swordfish and Other Sail Fish off the Oregon Coast" book that Bruce and John are going to publish after this adventure!!! Best of luck to you real salty dogs! We will all be out there with you vicariously!
,Ed

Mr. Fisherman · 08-26-2003, 08:47 PM

You're gonna need a bigger fish box :grin:
You are welcome to borrow my half tote for ice if you need it.
Is there anything else you might need that we might be able to help with?
I'm looking forward to reading the story and seeing the pictures. I hope I get a glance before they make it into the paper but I'll take what I can get.
All the best...

Mark Mc · 08-26-2003, 08:54 PM

Hey Bruce & crew... a few thoughts for ya:

(1) link to the "billfish" topic at Allcoast; some good ideas like how to approach finners:

web page

(2) Ever thought about a spotter plane? Any i-fishers with a private plane, or good buddies with an owner? That would be the ticket for billfish hunting, or even bluefin, or...?

Good luck!

[ 08-26-2003, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

Bait O' Eggs · 08-26-2003, 08:58 PM

I wish you the best on your trip

If you need anything for the trip, post up and I bet if it is owned by somebody they will get it to you pronto. Anything I got is yours for the trip if it helps bring home a sword.

DipSeaDiver · 08-26-2003, 09:17 PM

Safe Journey, Popeye and Crew!!

It appears you will be taking a lot of "Salty Spirits" with you on this great adventure.

We look forward to your safe return with "tails" to tell!!

DSD

corrirod · 08-26-2003, 11:15 PM

O.k. I've figured it out!

If I just tote another 20 gallons of fuel onboard I can meet you at waypoint #2! I'll only be able to just say Hi and then I'll have to head back though! :tongue: :grin:

Hmmmmmmmm.......there must be a way.

[img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Popeye · 08-27-2003, 06:05 AM

FYI....There's going to be a lot of "film" shot. We will have at least two digital still cameras, two digital video cameras, and I have an Atlantis underwater camera which I will have one of the video cams hooked up to. My plan is to put the edited footage onto DVD. This actually has been a plan of mine, for several years, to produce videos of trips like this in my retirement years. So....I'm hoping this will be the first of many yet to come!

Ray...I might just take you up on that offer. I'll have an extra freezer on board for the trip, and that would give me some more storage for the ice that I'm making out there.

BOE....Thanks for the offer...If I think of anything, I'll post it. However, the Fedex and UPS drivers think that I'm starting a Sporting Goods Store right now :grin:

Mr. Fisherman · 08-27-2003, 06:33 AM

Bruce, Consider it done. When would you like it?
I am using it tomorrow, I hope to get it bloody :grin: .

happybrew · 08-27-2003, 07:51 AM

My nine year old says he wants to be the bait boy so he can go out too! We eagerly await news of success! Many prayers for a safe and successful trip!

happybrew

blubeast · 08-27-2003, 10:33 AM

Bruce, Wish you and your crew a safe journey and great fishing. Have a wonderful trip. I look foreward to the upcoming posts.

edsr · 08-27-2003, 03:07 PM

Go Get-em Popeye and crew! We be waiting for the pictures and the stories. Wish I wuz there.

edsr

Mello-Yello · 08-27-2003, 03:10 PM

Bruce,
Please add one DVD in my shopping cart. Do you prefer cash, check or plastic?

Uglygreen · 08-27-2003, 03:23 PM

Bruce, another tote offer - you can use my full tote as well. I will be down Friday with Wildhawg, and we could manhandle it over to your boat Friday afternoon. I have back surgery next week and will be done for the season.

2nd, you have any 7 Strand EAL lures..? Pretty hot for striped marlin I hear, but one costs what a ful spread of non emitters would cost.

UG

Popeye · 08-27-2003, 03:54 PM

UG...How big is a full tote

Uglygreen · 08-27-2003, 04:06 PM

OD 48" X 43" X 39"

Bonar Link

Xcept I cut the forklift legs off mine (they were broken anyway) so its a little shorter and sits flat on the deck.

UG

Uglygreen · 08-27-2003, 04:20 PM

Here is a pic of mine- will hold about 25-30 tunas on ice for about 2-3 days Im guessing. 15 albacore packed nice fills it about half up and there is minimal ice loss keeping fish in it 24 hours.

UG

Popeye · 08-27-2003, 05:02 PM

UG...what time are you going to be at South Beach. I wasn't going to be over there until Sat AM, but I could come over Fri afternoon. I would really appreciate borrowing that! So, tell me more about the Sevenstrands.

Uglygreen · 08-27-2003, 05:18 PM

EAL Lures

EAL = Electronic Acoustical Lure -I have never seen one in person, but I am told that they are fished and act just like a normal Trolling Clone, except they emit an electronic beep that drives Marlin nuts.

Another EAL link

About the tote. Friday is weather and fishing dependant. If the forcast holds Wildhawg and I were going to head to the Rockpile for Kings and Butts early AM, when we get back depends on how the fish are biting and what the weather is doing. Could we just stash it on the dock for ya?

UG

Popeye · 08-27-2003, 08:35 PM

That would be great! And Thanks

HOGGEMIN · 08-27-2003, 08:46 PM

Good luck Swordboat captain. If any one gets the first swordfish in Oregon it will be you Bruce good luck and the fish gods be with you.

The Bad Fish · 08-27-2003, 09:17 PM

ug, i will be down there fri morning - afternoon .. you could leave it with me. i am fishing with the pilar on sat so it is no big deal to drop it off for you.. kb.

Popeye · 08-28-2003, 05:37 AM

OK....One Mean Joe Green EAL on it's way

Uglygreen · 08-28-2003, 06:33 AM

Ohhhh.... I wanna see it.... course its going to be PAINFUL if you lose that one to a shark...

UG

skein · 08-28-2003, 08:58 AM

Popeye,

I've got a little 5 cu ft freezer you can take if you can use it. You generate AC don't you?

It's 26" wide x 25" deep x 35" tall.

I'll deliver. :grin:

Skein

Popeye · 08-28-2003, 09:02 AM

Jim...Thanks for the offer, but that's exactly what I have that I'm going to take.

Keep thinkin' tho, you might have somthin I might need :grin:

Popeye · 08-28-2003, 12:13 PM

OH BABY........That's what I'm talkin' about!!!!

Pilar · 08-28-2003, 12:38 PM

Bruce, this just reinforces what I am learning as I try to learn something about swords.

The depth the fish travel and feed at is 40 metres. About 125 ft. Most fishing is done at depths between 100 and 150 ft. They used a blue runner as bait and they were in 160 fathoms fishing at 15 fathoms. This preferred depth is analogous to the 15 foot rule for salmon. Almost anywhere you go you will find Salmon feeding at 15 feet. They look up so fish at 13 feet.

So then I guess we fish at night, drift on the current and wind with whole tuna, squid and mackeral baits down about 100 to 130 feet. During the day you can either spot them and drag dead bait by them or pitch a live bait near them ... Or ... you can drag teasers and troll and hope to get lucky.

The other thing that I read over and over again is that they have a soft mouth and the drag tension must be carefully set. 20# is the maximum drag tension that is recommended. Because of the soft mouth the hook will tend to wear a hole and eventually come out. This tends to happen shortly before landing the fish.

Much more to learn ......

Maybe we should sign up on that website and try to learn something from the guys that are doing it.

I just love the electric blue on that fishes back.

Ramstrong · 08-28-2003, 12:46 PM

Your memberships need to be approved. I'm waiting to hear back now

BUGLEMAN · 08-28-2003, 01:15 PM

Knock the socks off 'em boys. Show those warm water, fair weather wussies, down South, how Salty Dogs catch a bill fish.

I am reading Islands in the Stream. It is fun but hard to get through. I love the Marlin battle in it. The young boy in the Sea type - epic battle.

[ 08-28-2003, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: BUGLEMAN ]

Pilar · 08-28-2003, 02:29 PM

Kevin, I am reading that same book and the same passages.

Bugleman, put on your scientific hat and read it again, it's a broadbill ... a swordfish, not a marlin.

Thomas Hudson to the basque separatists he has hired for crew on 'Pilar' a WWII 'Q' boat posing as a research vessel during the pursuit of a german U-boat crew trying to escape by island hopping across the Bahamas. The 'scientists' are going ashore to investigate the destruction of a village on a remote island.

"Remember, you are scientists ........"

Another line, said to the older brother as he begins to be possessive of the grander swordfish his little brother is trying to grind to the 'Pilar'.

"Don't put your mouth on the fish ....."

good advice for any boat

You gotta love something like that written by a guy who loved it and did it whenever possible. 'Islands in the stream' is hard to read because it was a work in progress and was never intended by Papa to be released as a finished work. His family finished the rough draft and published the book after he died.

In 'Finca Vigia' ( a collection of short stories) there are some other threads from the rough draft of 'Islands in the stream' about Thomas Hudson and a much younger woman as they adventure across southern Florida and up the gulf coast. These threads do not appear in the finished work.

Ramstrong · 08-28-2003, 11:40 PM

Just so you know what you're getting yourself into.

http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=107077

Uglygreen · 08-30-2003, 10:22 AM

Bruce... the tote is on the dock next to your boat, good luck.

UG

Mr. Fisherman · 08-30-2003, 11:38 PM

Bruce, how can we get my half tote to you?

Popeye · 09-01-2003, 12:40 PM

Ray...After seeing the size of Brad's tote, I think that's all the space I have! Thanks again tho for the offer.

MarlinMark · 09-01-2003, 07:11 PM

I agree with what Pilar said. Careful with the drag. I lost a fish (approx. 250lbs.) at the leader a couple of years ago. It was hooked with live bait after my girlfriend spotted it from the flying bridge. It fought a lot stronger than the 165lb marlin I landed the year before. A lot stronger!!

Mark