Too early to book?

Freakwater · 11-18-2003, 12:15 PM

Hey Salties,

Is it goofy to book a tuna charter this far out? I must catch tuna next summer. Some buddies and I want to kick off our Buoy 10 week with a tuna trip. If I'm talking last week of August, am I safe? Or should I wait much closer to the date I want and pick a port based on ocean conditions?

If booking this early is fine, are there any recommendations for a tuna captain in the Astoria area (preferably Ilwaco). I prefer the right capt. over the convenient port.

Thanks,
Freak

kamloops · 11-18-2003, 12:21 PM

No, It's not too early. Think I would call Capn. Gene at Tackle Time. He has a Website and is an I-Fish member.
Good Luck

corrirod · 11-18-2003, 12:37 PM

It might be a little early in my opinion Freakwater. Those trips are ocean and/or weather dependent and change daily so you might want to wait. There are several good charters to use that are Ifish sponsors including Tackle Time, Albacore Tuna Captain (The Blitz), and Captain KUJO(The Black Rocket). Check with them to get a feeling as to the best time to book a trip.

Besides, you might want to go earlier in the season because the "jonesing" for more tuna could be too much to bare if you wait till the last minute and can't go back out again till the next year! :shocked: :tongue:

bait boy · 11-18-2003, 12:57 PM

Dont wait, you can always reschedule the trip but if there are no more spots availabe for the day or days you wish to go you are up a creek....

CATCH AND EAT · 11-18-2003, 04:22 PM

not a bad idea to check it out. Some companies wont consider it at this point but it would be good to make some contacts. I bet if you paid attention on this board during tuna season next year there will be a few dogs looking for tuna virgins to spoil.

Freakwater · 11-18-2003, 05:07 PM

I would be a more than willing deck hand.

Freak

KeyWest · 11-18-2003, 06:11 PM

Check in with me about the first of July - I'm always looking for a victim - oops, I mean deck hand.

Freakwater · 11-18-2003, 06:14 PM

You got it KeyDub!

Freak

8knots · 11-19-2003, 03:49 AM

There is one boat in particular out of Ilwaco that was targeting Tuna last year. I want to say it was the Quest, but I can't swear by it. He was consistently bring in good catches.

Albacore Tuna Captain · 11-19-2003, 07:16 AM

August is always a good time but like it was said, keep your eye on this site for weather and catch rates. Also check with the boat you choose to be sure they fish the method you want. Some charter boats use only handlines, some only poles and some mix. It is my experience that poles have a much higher hookup and catch rate than the hand lines. Tuna are line sensitive and though you will land a tuna quicker with a handline, you will not get as many hookups.

Good luck on your trip next season! HOOK UP!!!!

royalfish · 11-25-2003, 09:07 AM

You might want to contact Pacific Salmon Charters out of Ilwaco. They have 2-3 boats that get after the tuna. The Katie Marie is capable of 18 knt cruise and has a very good skipper.....the rest of the threads are all full of good information.
I saw Key West in Dale's shop in Chinook last weekend, so I hope he is just getting it winterized. I understand his boat will do better that 18 knots, no first hand experience, but there have been reports :grin: of high speeds on Key West. Have fun and get a bunch of
Alie's.