Empty seat plan

[WP]

Last year I had several open seat opportunities that went unfilled. One of these was not avoidable as I had a no show. I have been thinking that a somewhat more structured approach might be helpful for both boat owners with open seats and for others desiring an opportunity to go albacore fishing! I am not sure how we would do this but maybe a listing of boats and skippers with planned days....or a listing of seekers with their requirements (as far as boats and skipper experience, time and trip length is concerned) I know that I worry that others may not be comfortable in a smaller boat and I frankly don't want anyone who feels that way to be out there with me! Any ideas on this? We had a lot of folks that did not get out on a trip last year. Charters are great but the personal touch of small boat albacore is a whole different experience. Come on guys, lets come up with a way to connect!
Dave

[SPAZZ]

WP I dont have a boat yet but i would love to go tuna fishing. I've never went but I would love to go. So if you ever have an open seat keep me in mind. I dont mind paying my way and helping out where and when needed. you can reach me at 360-771-9731. Thanks, Brian R

[love2fish]

If there's a list for guys that only need a 1 day notice you can put me on that one. I have a boat, but I don't think it holds enough gas to go 20 miles out and troll all day. Its great for close in stuff though. I'd be more than happy to share all expenses and work too.

love2fish

[WaterDog]

I only made it out once last year. :depressed: I 'm new to this addiction but this year I will have some of my own gear. My boat is not a TUNA! chaser. Due to my job(8-5,M-F) I'm normally a weekend fisher so I need a little notice if there is to be a mid-week run. If I had a day and a half notice I might be able to fly.

What I think would be good is a CREW list complete with email addy's and phone numbers for boat captains. That way if a captain is looking for crew he/she can start making calls and arrangemets.

Anyway I want to catch more TUNA! and make more salty friends. :smile:

[Big TULE]

I know Mel tried to get me out on his boat last year and i tried with the days that he gave me that were available but i couldn't make it due to a bad month of recruiting in august last year... I really want to tryi TUNA on the Pilar... This year i transfer from recruiting in November so i will get out this summer even if i have to swim to TUNA Town... It might be a while before i am back home...

[WP]

I wonder if a crew list could be established at the top of the site? I know that coastside has a page for this purpose. It seems like a great idea :smile:
Dave

[rainrshine]

WP, Cool idea on getting a list like this together [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] I have been out on the salt a hand ful of times but still have not had the chance to dance with a TUNA!!!! I am all for sharing expences and what ever else the captin may need. I would love to be on a list like what you are talking about. My days off usually fall during the week but like some of the other guys here if an opportunity(sp)like heading for Tuna grounds comes up I have been know to pull a few strings at work from time to time :grin: Ok well its off to work I go Good luck on the list
rainrshine

[Day Late]

WP,

I'm retired (58) with a boat too small to go for tuna. Very experienced on salmon. Live in Corvallis. Haven't given tuna much thought until I became an i-fish member and started reading about all the fun you tuna guys have.

Please put me on any list that is developed. I always contribute to the kitty for gas, bait, etc and enjoy fishing with folks that like to have fun. (P.S. I've never been seasick) :smile: Thanks for your initiative on this project. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Day Late

[FullDeck]

WP;
If I were to go out on a tuna trip, I'd want to know about the boat and skipper. How big is the boat? Is the skipper experienced? Do they catch fish? What would I be expected to pay for - gas? ice? other? How much?
This is info the skipper could provide in a generic way on a thread.
Similarly, if I were a skipper generous and willing to take out newbies, or those without the means themselves, I would want to know if they have experience in the ocean, can they help even in difficult seas (or get sick), are they a tuna virgin? Do they have any special needs? Maybe there would be a way that skippers can find people to take out without making a lot of phone calls.
If it would help, maybe it would be good to have a sort of matchmaker with knowledge of skippers, boats, and fishermen, and time to connect them.
Walt

[Sturgeon Tom]

I went out last year with Nancy on her Sea Jypsee.
I was hooked, period. I want to go more than once this year. The kitty is never empty when I am around but I think the way she did it was very fair. Everyone knew how much to help out with before the trip.
If there is a list I would really like to be on it.
I did like FullDeck's idea where everyone would know everyone’s experience.
I can go anytime and on short notice.
503-407-1662 Cell
Tom

[SlamminKokes]

I also would like to be put on a list to fill open seats. I have ocean experience as i used to fish up in Ak. I have fridays-sundays open. Thanks

[Mr. Fisherman]

We had a list last year.
A solution would be simple if we could be dilegent and stay on topic it would be as simple as starting a thread for crew and one for skippers and making them sticky.
Now there is a fine line between doing this and guiding so care must be taken to insure that this is a common adventure theme and not boats for hire.

The shipper thread would be a place for those of us with boats to list our equipment, experience and expectations. The crew list would be a place for those desiring an open seat to list their experience, desired trips and qualifications.

What do you think?

Also it would be a good time to update the Salty Dog Captains list, eh Keta?

Pilar,
Yes we do need to support those that are protecting us , even though he does shanghi kids for money :smile:

Thanks to all for the wonderfull dinner. I'm having dreams of yellow tail and pin shell.

[TillamookChinook]

I like the concept of posting info about skippers/boats/experience and posting pleadings from eager crew/tuna virgins.

I fall into the eager crew/tuna virgin category. I have been offshore on a sailboat from Columbia bar to Straits of J de F, but never on a tuna boat.

TC

[Hummingbird]

WP,
Thanks for posting this thread. I would also like to get on Can Go in a Headshake Last Minute Crew. Will go as far as stowing away on Anyone's boat. I do have some Big Blue Experience and some gear. Am anxious to to have the reel singing in my hand and GUT . It has been almost 5 months now. I still have some (4 Fillets) fresh vacuumed packed in the freezer from a trip with the Blitz. Pilar , if you need a person first time out , let me know . You to Mr F. Hali season sounds Good too!! tight Lines, Tom

[Threemuch]

No no no no no no.

This will not do at all.

I do believe that last year I was one of the leading boat wh0res (second to Keta) and I cannot have all this competition. Completely unnacceptable. My poor boat is gonna stay down for the forseeable future, while my wife starts her own business. I know, my priorities are screwed up.

Oh, well, have gear, will travel. See you guys out there this year. What a great group.
KB

[Popeye]

C'mon Kurt! You know you'll get a ride or two with me this year. You're just TOOO good at it :grin: I mean....how was it that you ALWAYS showed up at the right time :whazzup: Had a no show....Kurt showed up. Had an extra seat....Kurt showed up. Kurts ride went away....I had an empty seat :grin:
No Kurt, these guys don't have near the experience that you have! You got nuttin to worry about

[Aqua-Holic]

Popeye.......howd ya get down here in that 65 ftr so fast?

[Popeye]

Are those Horizon Turbos 65'?

[greenbuttskunk]

I would so ALL OVER an open seat for tuna sometime. I know it's way early, but I thought I'd put it out there. Willing to trade for a boat trip with me for salmon or sturgeon anytime.
Thanks,
Greenbuttskunk

[kamloops]

I would love to trade a Tuna spot for a "good",
better than average chance of landing a Halibut.

[skein]

I'm hoping to offer tuna seats this year, but I'm a brand-new skipper just learning my boat. I did a different twist on the open-seat thing last year, asking Mr Fisherman to go along, figuring I could supply the boat and he could help in the expertise area. It worked out pretty well, even though we didn't quite make it to tuna.

What I mean is my first open-seat offers are going to go to guys who can teach me while I supply the classroom (or school bus). Of course, Edsr took out a bunch of newbies and killed 'em. Not the newbies, the tuna. So what am I worrying about?

How many more days?

PS. Greenbuttskunk, how 'bout one of those No-Snagger T-shirts?

Skein

[ 01-19-2004, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: skein ]

[4 REEL]

Last year Popeye was kind enough to take me on a tuna ride. We caught 2 before it blew-up and we had to return (what a ride! :shocked: ). The next time we only got about half way and it turn sour on us again. Bruce is a very wise skipper and although we had to turn around I still enjoyed the ride.
I would like to be added to a list of crew members if possible. I fish hard, am as salty as you can find, dependable and hard working.
Would like to see the skipper profile portion happen BTW. John

[backlash442]

Personally I think it should be made perfectly clear what the skipper expects of the crew. Guys that fished with me and guys I fish with all do the same thing. We all share exspenses evenly. Ice, gas (both for boat and tow vehicle if towing a long way), bait and sometimes food. Although most guys bring their own. We also share in the cleaning of fish and most importantly the boat. To each his own but I know guys that expected but didn't make it clear in the sharing of costs and cleaning the boat. Some guys just say thanks and leave. Or maybe pitch in 20 bucks for bait but leave you with a 200.00 bill for gas. If you want to take out someone for the sake of just taking them that's fine too. Just as long as everything is made clear BEFORE you go.

[WP]

Let see....56y/o insane skipper that floats around in a small aluminum cork (20') who has good equipment and have been fishing the blue since I got out of High school (last week). Never lost any crew but I have wanted to send a few to visit Davy Jones occasionally.
I fish only three, including me. I strive to not go out with more than one "new" person each trip. This makes sure I always have an experienced hand for emegencies and that knows my routines. I NEVER venture out as a solo boat these days as I have gotten too old to die carelessly. I have a VHF and an augmented cell phone for com, a chart plotter and a hand held GPS for positioning. Two compases (not the best but I am comfortable with their performance and am familiar with them. Have a Honda power plant and a kicker that pushes me at 8 mph on fairly flat seas. I have most, if not all the standard safety equipment but do NOT have: radar, survival suits, life rafts (no room), lots of extra space, a lot of fear nor a fondness for bad weather. I have canceled a number of trips from the beach, as well as from home.
I fish 5 lines plus rods set-up to fish the slide (not too successfully so far!). I prefer to use the tackle I have unless someone is attached to their rod and reel and it is not too different from what I fish. For terminal gear, I am quite flexible though several people have concerns about untied lures disappearing into the blue! My boat's capacity is around 25 tuna a trip, and that is with great conditions, she is heavy with ice and fish at that! We bleed, cool, and ice all tuna...or stop fishing them.
In the past I have left it up to the crew what they wanted to contribute but I found my costs were too high. The trip costs for me run about $150 a trip for fuel, ice and launch (I leave $5 at the launch ramp so it minimal!). This does not include gear, boat, food, and equipment. I figure this year it will be $50 a head for a trip that we actually get out on. This is NOT chartering...trust me! Just based on actual costs last year.
In my experiences, I have been stupid, reckless, naive, lucky, and a bunch of other things I hope I have gotten over. Time is not as good a teacher as I had hoped though! If anyone has questions or an interest (I know some have already expressed this), I will be putting my personal float plans in place around June. Let me know. A contact phone and availability in an e-mail is best. Please be sure you intend to go when you commit!
So much for what I can think of for the moment. Tight lines and dry seats!
Dave

[Pilar]

Skein, you know more than you think you do. The caution and attention to detail you have already demonstrated tell me that you are going to do well on Big Blue. Now go out there and play with that boat every chance you get on the river and wherever you can and learn what it can do .... learn about what you can do.

Listen to that little voice as you have done before and you can't go wrong.

Experience is the only thing holding you back, Jim, IMHO.

[Taylor's viewpoint]

Kamloops, You are welcome on my boat for Halibut. It's not as nice as yours but it does catch butts.
TV

[kamloops]

George, you got a deal.

[Miss B Haven]

Originally posted by Mr. Fisherman:
one for skippers and making them sticky.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">I've put up with a lot of stuff over the years, but know way your going to make ME sticky Ray! :shocked:

This is starting to sound a lot like a Virgin Wannabe list huh? Now just what are we going to do with all these new Virgins? Muhahahahahahha! :grin:

Got a couple of old maid leftover virgins from last year too huh? :depressed: Probably a little stale for Tuna, might be able to use them for Shark Bait though! :grin:

Email me the data and I will update the Salty Dog Spread sheet. I'm heading home in 15 minutes and should be there around 17:30.

[Pilar]

Chris, lets make sure your shoreduty tour includes at least one trip on 'Pilar' for TUNA!

I'm sure my mate will agree that you are a good hand and would be welcome to join us.

Look for days in July and August when the game is afoot. Let me know when you are available, shipmate.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Kamloops, You are more than welcome to join me on Sea Lion. I might be able to get you into a Halibut, What do you think?

Charlie, Chris, others, can I get an Amen?

I'l love a chance to do more big boat Tuna fishing

[Mr. Fisherman]

Originally posted by skein:


How many more days?

Skein

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">163 Jim, 163 and counting

And don't worry about a thing, you'll get by with a little help from your friends...... :grin:

[kamloops]

Mr. Fisherman


Great, I would love to exchange a seat with you anytime. :grin:

Is there such a thing as a Halibut ***** ? [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

[ 01-20-2004, 06:23 AM: Message edited by: kamloops ]

[skein]

Yes, Kamloops, there is a halibut. Pilar finds them pretty regularly, as does TV. And I've certainly seen Mr Fisherman hold one up now and then.

Seems like a lot of these dogs know where the halibut hide, as well as how to trick 'em. Your turn's coming. :grin:

Skein

[Woody]

Well, it looks like my dory project is not going to happen this year as planned. So it looks like I'm going have to depend on the generosity of my fellow ifishers for my TUNA fix.

I'm not exactly a tuna virgin, but close. Andy and I picked up two on handlines on a trip on the Sea Gypsea towards the end of last year. It wasn't the bloody, chaotic scene that I've read so much about, still pretty cool though.

To quote my buddy Kruechief:

I am fat, slow, and dumb. Not to mention, I am worthless as a deck hand and possess absolutely no knowledge of fishing. While all that is good and fine, I am also cheap and unfriendly.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">

Soooooo..........Any takers??

[Bait O' Eggs]

Sorry to hear about the delayed boat plans Woody :depressed:

I still have hope I can get my current boat sold and a new salty one before the end of June

Going, when I want, where I want, how I want gives me great comfort. But if I dont get my new salty boat up and running, I dont mind being uncomfortable on somebody elses boat. :tongue:

Should I not get my new boat I will trade tuna lures for seats Of course I would also pay my share if I dont get properly boated before tuna time.

I finished up 30 more feathered lures last week, and should have 30 more done by tomorrow night for this weeks batch Finished another mold Sunday for a different shaped/sized head I have been kicking around. [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] Somebody please help me [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] PLEASE!!!!

[skein]

We will, BOE, as soon as we're all outfitted with the latest feathers. Maybe by June.

After all, what are friends for? :grin:

Skein

[Ken, USCG FV Safety]

As a general rule, folks need to be careful when discussing seats on someone's vessel, and issues of paying (or sharing) expenses. If not careful, a typical "recreational boater" may inadvertantly become the operator of an "uninspected passenger vessel," with all the baggage of licensing, drug-testing, and other federal regulations.

The key to this issue lies within the definition of a "Passenger for Hire," as stated in 46 USC 2101(21a):

"Passenger for hire" means a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a condition of carriage on the vessel, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person having an interest in the vessel.

There are two points that need to be clear in understanding this definition. First, "consideration" means any financial benefit. This includes money to cover costs of fuel, ice, lunch, whatever. Second, there must be a clear link between giving consideration and being able to travel on that vessel. For example, if an owner states that he is offering a seat on his boat next Saturday, and by the way, you'll need to pay $35 for your part of the gas and the owner will only take cash, then the "guest" is likely to be viewed by the Coast Guard as a "passenger for hire."

In order to avoid a perception of being "for hire," you need to be clear that any sharing of expenses has to be voluntary.

Any questions about this, or to report possible violations, call 503 240-9309 for vessels in Oregon, the Southern Washington coast (to the Queets River, North of Gray's Harbor), and Southern Idaho; or 206 217-6250 for the rest of Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana.

[WP]

The easy answer to this seems to be that the expense funds go one of the crew who then takes care of the fuel,launch, and ice. It always amazes me that governments expend so much effort to "protect" the citizen that the citizen ends up being controled rather than protected. This kind of control is a silly waste of enforcement dollars...totally unenforceable for what trhe intent is and a major barrier for the regular guys wanting to go fishing. typical of our regulatory process. Government disablers.
JMNSHO, Dave

[ 01-20-2004, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: WP ]

[Ken, USCG FV Safety]

You are correct.

The key is being "voluntary."

Regardless of my personal opinions about these regs, every season there are folks who get into trouble with THE MAN for running illegal charters. So, a quick reminder seems appropriate when the topic comes up. Just doing my job...

I'd much rather be talking about safety!

Ken,
Thanks for pointing out this potential problem for those that didn't know about it.

[backlash442]

It's always voluntary. Of course if they don't volunteer they don't get invited again. :smile:

[Mark Mc]

It appears that the easiest & most "legally compliant" thing to do would be to post a list of those wanting rides. WP, you suggested this earlier & mentioned the Coastside list, which is here:
Coastside Hitchiker List

This way folks state ahead of time if & what they are willing to volunteer / contribute.

If however there was a list of boat owners inviting people for rides, the interpretation seems to be that it might cross the line to bluntly state "Capt. Bligh expects the two riders to pay $50 each to cover expenses." That is just my humble take on it, based on this & earlier threads.

[Salty Walty]

Ken, Thanks for the clarification to help us keep things legal.

This will be my first year out with my own boat. I was always on the waiting for an open seat/invitation side of the coin. I was always asked out again because I helped out with the "incidentals" and be part of the crew and not just a passenger. It was always my belief that the boat owner incurred enough expense with upkeep, insurance and other costs that if I was offered a seat it was the least I could do to offer to pick up some of the costs. Call me odd but for someone not to offer is pretty ignorant on their part. A list would be nice for the ones looking for a seat but would it not also just as easy for the person with an open seat to post it and fill it that way. It seems that a list of people looking for an open seat could be seen as a client list to some agencies. See you all over here for the TA meeting. Just my .02

[CAPT KUJO]

Originally posted by greenbuttskunk:
I would so ALL OVER an open seat for tuna sometime. I know it's way early, but I thought I'd put it out there. Willing to trade for a boat trip with me for salmon or sturgeon anytime.
Thanks,
Greenbuttskunk

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Brad,

You'll have a "CREW" seat anytime on a BLACK ROCKET Tuna Slaying trip ANYTIME!!


CAPT KUJO

[fortywinks]

Went out on one Tunaventure last year with Gregotis98 along with Rod and Roy on the wing. Am throwing my hat in the ring for both tuna and halibut. Non-chummer, have some of my own gear, will volunteer expenses. Mostly a weekend warrior, but with 2 day notice may be able to do a mid-weeker. Will make roll call on time. Have the fever. :grin:

[Bounty Hunter]

Should this become the definative "seat wanted" list, I'd like to raise my hand for a Halibut seat should any become available this summer.

TV was great enought to take me out for a short jaunt last year, and I would love to go again. I can guarentee that I will 'voluntarily offer' to help out with all expenses (gas, food, bait, morage,...).

Wade

[corrirod]

O.k. Ken. This was discussed extensively last summer and I found one of the links discussing the regs.

There have been revisions to the definition of "considerations" unless they have changed again.

Here is a link describing the newest rulings:

Click here

[corrirod]

The State Marine Board defines it as:

(8) Outfitting and guiding services are not offered or provided for compensation or pecuniary gain if:

(a) No individual receives any dues, fees, salary, commission, bonus, tip, compensation, equipment, materials, livestock, supplies, rental payment, amortization payment, depreciation payment, or other financial gain; and

(b) No money or other remuneration is in any manner paid or collected except as a sharing by trip participants of the costs or expenses for the trip.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Kamloops... The answer to your question lies here

Sea Lion Photo Album

Enjoy your visit and start planning for the opener. You have a seat for day 1 if you want it. Let me know

[SKSPAWNER]

Hey, Kamloops:
As I said before, you're welcome on my boat anytime I take it out. Tom, do you still want that cutting board for the top of your tote or has you cockpit configuration changed with the new tanks? I'm getting ready to cut a couple boards, so holler if you need one.

Sunny K

[kamloops]

Sunny

Let me know when you need a donation to the cutting board fund.
Hey, my knives are still sharp from last summer!

The only change I can see for my cockpit is where I'm going to put the live bait tank.
It may need to go on the swim step.

I think you need to go on one of my bottom fish trips in May, those sharp knives may come in handy if fuel prices are going up as predicted.
Sturgeon Pauls going to be busy cleaning gators
that time of year.

[Silver Eagle]

WP, Skien others from the Lebanon, Sweethome area would like to get togeather with you "Tuna Catchers" have a boat but have No Tuna, haven't went yet, think were ready - But need a couple of you experienced Tuna skippers to check us out. If you have any time would like to have a cup of coffee and see what you think, drop me a PM or post and to any others in the area. Ray

[id. painter]

An organized plan ,, good. I was planning on showing up in Depoe with a pole and a sign hung around my neck " id. painter, needs ride to tuna"
Ill take enough food and water to stay put till someone (hopefully) caves in . Hi Ho. id. painter

[CATCH AND EAT]

Thanks to Miss B Haven and Kamloops I have become addicted and am currently aquiring tuna gear left and right. Cindy Lou is ready to prowl the tuna grounds out of Depoe, Newport and Ilwaco. Though she has never been out that far she is now in prime condition to do so. She will do some warm up trips for early season salmon.

Now I have caught a ton of Halibut in Alaska but never off the coast of Oregon. I fully intend on making a trip or two for those buggers. I will be needing a experienced deck hand for the halibut adventure this spring and look forward to running with the Salty Dogs to fetch these tastey fish.

Still need to make another trip to Englunds in Astoria this winter for a few more items of interest.

SKspawner (Sunny) when does Costco get the 150 175 quart coolers in? I'm gonna need a couple for my rig. Let me know when they show. Thanks.

[Pilar]

ID Painter .. just like at the Dead show .. a sign around your neck that says.

"I need a miracle ticket".


Can there be any doubt that a whole bunch of Salty dogs are going to do some fishing this summer?

[kamloops]

Bernie,,

I've seen them in some Costco stores as of two weeks ago, at least up here.

[willametteriveroutlaw]

I really want to go out on the big blue this year.. I will be availiable for later in the season (after sept 1st) or any early trips before mid june. Have some expirience in the big blue and am more than willing to pitch in on whatever...

[ 01-21-2004, 01:10 PM: Message edited by: willametteriveroutlaw ]

[GutZ]

I would love to make it out there. I would need some advance notice being way up North, eh.

Perhaps a trade? Drift the Sol Duc ... 18' Eastside ...