A rough study and a question about Tuna Trips

[corkyking]

All the talk of Tuna, the associated boat size, fuel, safety, etc. discussion has made me curious so I did a little searching and came up with the following:

Westport Charters

1 Day tuna trip
1 Day Standard - Total Cost $260 includes all fees, bait, gear, etc.

"One day trips are also alot of fun and an excellent option for those who desire a shorter trip. These trips depart the marina between midnight and 5 AM. Just talk to the charter office about your particular 1-day trip options. Your arrival back to port will then also vary between 6 and 10 PM depending on that departure time, and the distance to the tuna grounds. Come on, grab your buddies and head for the blue water for some action on those exciting silver bullets!"

Standard 2-day tuna trip
2 Day Standard - Total Cost $395 includes all fees, bait, gear, etc.

"This trip can span over two days and even into a third. For example: If we are planning a Standard trip for the upcoming weekend, our departure time from the dock would be between 6PM and midnight on Friday night. The exact departure time is determined by 2 things: first - the distance necessary to travel and second - your captain's preference of departure time. At any rate, we plan to have you on the tuna grounds by daylight on Saturday morning. Saturday is a long day, and with just a bit of tuna luck (and skill from you of course) a very enriching one. After a full day of fishing, usually just after dark, we'll begin our trek back to Westport. Generally, people are somewhat pooped out (and sometimes downright exhausted) after an action-packed day and they just enjoy a relaxing supper before heading for their bunks. Our distance from home will determine our arrival time back in Westport. It could be 2 or 3 AM on Sunday morning if we left the tuna grounds at dark from 60 miles out. Don't worry about getting up at 3AM and heading home. You can sleep on the boat once we've returned to the dock and at our leisure after daylight we'll get you squared away with your fish. Typically it might be 9 or 10 AM on Sunday when you are all packed up and back on the road toward your home. (With your trunk weighted down naturally.)"


Extended 2-day tuna trip
2 Day Extended - Total Cost $445 includes all fees, bait, gear, etc.

"Basically, everything is the same as the Standard trip except that after the long 1st day, rather than starting back, you will sleep on the tuna grounds and get a few more hours of fishing time during the morning bite. Rather than wake up at the dock (like on Standard) you wake up still on the battle fields and fish until about 9 or 10AM and then head for home. Your captain will typically plan your return time to the dock at about 3PM . Really, what is gained on the Extended trip is a few more hours of actual fishing time and of course the fact that you'd be running home from the grounds in the daylight and hopefully get to take in the fantastic sea life show the porpoises often treat us to!!!"


California Trips

"Seminar trip, Sunday, August 1 Offshore 6-pack Tuna Trip aboard the Alexis out of Dana Landing. Special limited load 6-pack seminars fishing offshore for tuna and other exotics. Limited to just 5 anglers, so you will have the opportunity for hands-on instruction to improve your fishing skills. Top quality Shimano equipment will be available for all anglers. Leaves 9 p.m. the day prior. $295 per person."

"Seminar trip, Sunday, August 8th through Wed.., August 11, 3 day Mini Long Range on the Searcher. The 95-foot Searcher features stateroom accommodations, large galley, huge bait capacity, and plenty of fishing room. All meals are included. A great way to learn to be a better tuna fisherman! This is a prime time trip at a super price that includes all of the extras. departs 2:00 pm Sunday August 8th, Returns Wednesday August 11th (around 8:00 am) Fishing aboard the Searcher from Fishermans Landing. Cost of trip $725.00 discount price if balance is paid before March 1st, 2004 $715.00"


Florida
"Gulfstream 12 Hours $1200
On our 12 hour trips we will run approx 40 miles offshore to the warm waters of the gulfstream to troll for Sailfish, Wahoo, Marlin, Tuna and Dolphin.

Tuna Trip 15 Hours $2000
75 miles offshore to hunt Yellow Fin Tuna and Marlin.

Gulf Stream - YellowFin Tuna
The ultimate fishing experience ! You'll head offshore 60 to 100 miles to the east side of the gulf stream . Get ready for pole bending action when the tuna bite! Expect multiple hookups of tuna up to 100 lbs. Other species include dorado, wahoo, cobia and billfish. Trip accommodates up to 4 persons. The vessel is equipped with a powerful 6kw- 64 mile Radar which enables your Captain to locate the birds which feed with the tuna's. We fish with Penn International 2 speed 70's with 80 pound test!
Cost $1,400.00 and includes :
All fuel, bait, tackle, fishing licenses (including Tuna Permits) Captain and Mate. Bring your own lunch and beverages ! Trip departs at 5:30 a.m. and returns approxiametely 5:00 p.m."

My question is how do the trips described here compare to running one's own boat out to the tuna grounds? Does it seem like the prices described are worth it? They seem high to me but I have no base of knowledge. California's seem the most reasonable but I've been on those big party boats before. In Florida they are after Yellowtail even Blues but pounds is pounds! You tell me why your way is the best for you. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

[corrirod]

Well, I can't speak for across the country but the Oregon prices seem a little high. Check out prices on The Blitz or Black Rocket below. I think The Blitz runs between $150-$225 for 12-18 hour tuna trips.

[Albacore Tuna Captain]

A tuna trip in Oregon costs about $12 to $15 an hour. A plumber costs $75 and hour. An electrician costs $65 an hour. A carpenter costs $55 an hour. Your shrink costs $75 an hour. A movie, $17 an hour. Your dentist $75 an hour. Sitting in a bar drinking mai tides, $35 to $75 an hour. You choose.

When you consider the fuel cost, how far we have run off shore, the cost of gear, (in California, you bring your own) and the size of the load, (California boats are called cattle boats for a reason) the cost to go offshore for albacore in Oregon is pretty cheap.

[Albacore Tuna Captain]

And the Blitz is going to do a 24 hour trip for only $295.00 INCLUDING GEAR AND ALL THE FISHING YOU CAN HANDLE! There will be no time to sleep because we will leave the dock at 06:00 A.M. returning at 06:00 A.M. the next day! Fishing from 08:00 a.m. to 03:00 or 04:00 A.M.! Have problem with this????

[corkyking]

Sorry for any misunderstanding I'm not complaining. Please reread the last paragraph in the original post.

[Orca]

ATC - That sounds awesome. Let us know when you set the date(s). That would make for a memorable trip indeed.

[ 03-03-2004, 08:09 PM: Message edited by: Orca ]

[Mark Mc]

Corky, ATC doesn't imply that anyone is complaining....that's just his sense of humor. Really!

A couple things to compare when you look at such a wide variety of trips, prices, & boats.

- live bait or not
- # hours running to the grounds
- bunks or not
- fish icing / chilling capability

The standard Oregon prices are pretty fair. The Westport prices, for what you get, are steep compared to the same offering in Monterey / Santa Cruz / HMB / SF Bay (that is, live bait, bunks, and maybe a galley service).

You can't really compare a San Diego-based long-range trip with anything up here; completely different ballgame.

One last thing...you can't put a price on being entertained by the Capt. of the Blitz.

[ 03-01-2004, 10:40 PM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

[corrirod]

Mike, an overnighter?

Woooooohoooooo! I'm going to have to either figure out a way to sleep on the dory or grab one of those spots on the Blitz!

[Scaup]

Corky,

An Oregon charter trip is probably cheaper than doing it yourself, but there are a lot of variables.

Let's assume you already have a tuna grounds capable boat with all the necessary safety and electronics. If you've got to go out and buy a tuna boat just to satisfy your tuna itch, it would probably take you a lifetime of 24 hour tuna trips on the Blitz to pay it off :grin: .

So you have the boat, but you need tuna gear. Most people don't own enough rods/reels capable for tuna. So to get set-up in some 4/0 & 6/0 class rods and reels will set you back around $500 for 4 set-ups and that's if you find some deals. Hand lines are going to be cheaper, but I don't think as much fun. Amortize that over the number of trips you plan on taking. You also have to load those big reels with line and tuna lures aren't cheap either. You can very easily spend $200 a year on tuna tackle. If you make 10 trips a year. That's $20 a trip.

You're going to spend 10-12 hours running your boat at speeds that will suck down gas at between 4-10 gallons per hour for most recreational boats. At this summer's projected gas prices that's $80-$200 in gas.

You're going to need around 50lbs of ice. Another $50.

This doesn't even count any incidental costs, like things breaking, losing a rod over the side, larger coolers or totes for all your ice fish, etc..

I don't take my own boat for tuna because it's cheaper than a charter. If I take a charter, it's probably cheaper, I'll usually catch more fish, and it's definitely safer.

However I take my own boat for the self accomplishment and the challenge. There's a certain pucker factor to taking your own boat offshore and a sense of achievement when you return. It's the stomach tightening when you cross the bar outbound and a sense of joy when you cross it inbound. It's the same reason people do many activities that are inherently risky, like mountain climbing. It's deadly serious business with no margin for error.

[Pilar]

Do the math on any D.I.Y. fishing. It just does not add up. $$ per lb. the winnings are pretty expensive.

Clearly we are all insane and it's about the conquering of the ocean. No sport boater is getting a good deal on fresh fish. It's good to be the captain and you are when you take your own boat.

What Scaup said about crossing the bar, you nailed it bro. That feeling, crossing either way can't be had anywhere else. Another thrill is running back in and chasing porpoise. This is even better on a day where it lays down and you run in loaded with TUNA! and with images burned into your mind's eye. The low sun on the water, the smell of the ocean. You feel like you got away with something.

That's why I go.

We buy more ice, Scaup (200 to 300 lbs) and there are other expenses. A typical TUNA! Hunt might go $200 a day just for operating expenses. If something breaks, add cost of repairs. Both routes have advantages but this all pales to the experience itself. Go do it. You'll never be the same after the trip, no matter how you go.

[backlash442]

The Fl. trip is a 4 pak charter on something that is probably bigger than 35ft. like a Cabo, Bertram or something along those lines. Nothing at all like a "party boat". By East Coast standards (NJ area) the price seems cheap. Tuna trip can run in excess of 2k over there.

The problem with your choices is that you aren't comparing apples to apples. A one day boat out of either S.D. or Morro Bay doesn't cost more than 200 dollars. Although I'm not positive since I've never been on one but remember seeing the advertisements.

It will always be cheaper to go out on a charter vs. running your own boat. However, people don't get boats to save money. There's something about going out on your own boat and finding fish. Sometimes the hunt is better than catching.

[Miss B Haven]

I agree with the others above..... buying/owning/operating your own boat is not about fishing cheaper. I could probably charter fish every week all year long for what I've got in my boat expenses each year. NOT counting the original purchase. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

You have to want to own and operate a boat, not just go fishing.

[corkyking]

I said it's a rough study.

It's clear that for the 1 or 2 trip/year fisherman that a charter is the better part of valor. It's also clear that those who have been willing to make the investment wouldn't have it any other way.

Just as a mental excercise, based on your experience would you estimate the cost/lb of the tuna you catch. How does that compare to the cost/lb for salmon?

I paid $1.75/lb for butchered tuna at the dock last year. I estimate that for all salmon, ocean, riverboat and bankfishing,that I caught I paid about $9/lb. For the lbs I actually kept it's about $90/lb.

I wouldn't even think of going there. Its frightening.

[Pilar]

CorkyKing .. that TUNA! you bought at the dock was not caught that day and it was probably frozen for at least a few days.

You can't buy the fish that we catch. Anywhere at any price.

I like to know where the fish has been. When I get my own TUNA! ... I know how it was caught, killed and bled, chilled and how it was cleaned and graded. Besides the thrill of running the boat and the thrill of the hunt, I get top quality for my table.

What would you change?

$200 operating cost/trip.
$200 maintenance and other non recoverable/trip.
$?? for boat payment.
300 to 700 lbs whole fish/trip say 400 average.
50% carc ratio.
$100 in canning supplies, freezer bags, etc.
12 hours of your time for fishing @ $15/hr.
12 hours to process @ $15/hr.

so 200 lbs prime filets canned, vacuum frozen and fresh for $860, not counting the monthly boat payment. Or about $4.30/lb and you know where it's been.

[Woody]

What Pilar said, plus the recreational value, plus spending time with like-minded friends.....Priceless.

[corrirod]

Salmon = $20 gas for the truck, $25-30 gas for the boat, $6-$10 launch/moorage fee, for 20-40 lbs of salmon that equals = $1.50-$3.00/lb.

Tuna are a different story. If you can find them, you can bring home a lot more poundage than you can salmon, thus reducing the cost/trip. Ocean salmon are pretty easy to catch really, however tuna are always "iffy". You may run 50 miles and not get a single one. If you're lucky you might get 15-20 at about 25 miles out. Based on that number alone of 300-400 lbs of tuna, it costs you $120 gas, $30 ice, Gas for the truck $20, launch/moorage fees $6-$15, and any tackle you lost or bait you purchased. That's roughly $200 in expenses for 300-400 lbs of whole fish = $.50-$.75/pound. Now factor in only getting 5, or 2, 1, or even 0 tuna and watch that price go up. I ran 60+ miles last year to catch 1 fish. That was a $200 fish which equates to roughly $9.00/lb for a whole tuna or about $17/lb. for the fillets!

Sport fishing isn't about saving money, it about enjoying an activity that you are passionate about. At the time you purchase a boat is the time when you've decided saving money is not a factor.

[WP]

If I gave it all away, it would still have been worth every dime...nothing else is quite like it.
Dave

[backlash442]

When you eat sushi/sashimi you'd be amazed at how much is tossed out. Just a guess but taking a half a loin (4/fish) I'd say half of that is tossed out after trimming.

[skein]

Corkyking,

All your math and studies are based on Rational Thought and Cost/Per Ratios - things that can best be determined by mathematical proofs. But they are lost on us.

We are not rational men and women!

We are kin to Ulysses, and we have heard the Sirens sing (Valkyries do it too) and there is no turning back for us. The only proof we're intrigued by is usually labeled 90 or above, often with a name of Spanish descent, and is often used as a Carking Lubricant.

Speaking to us about cost/per ratios can put us in a deep coma, but mention a favorable SST and we rise from our graves to become men of valor, ready to brave the seas, the mortgage officers, and yea, even the divorce courts to answer The Call.

Don't talk to us about time or money spent, but rather listen to the stories of Triumphs at Sea and Decks Awash with the Blood of TUNA!, of Virgins Sacrificed, and Men Changed Forever!

Maybe I should make a recording of all this for my heirs. It's all they're gonna get....

Skein

[Lepper]

you guys are figuring the price all wrong..

I figure my first fish out of my boat cost me about 30k.... the second fish probably about another 30k....

after that? It's all BONUS BABBY!!!!

that's right.. it's cheap after the first 2 fish!
d

[corkyking]

Skein: Years ago I hung out with the Seafare Pirates. Your narrative created a vision of some of those characters slathered in tuna blood, a sabre in one hand and a bottle of grog in the other and a maniacal grin from ear to ear.
You should save these pearls. Someone should go through the posts for this board and put them in book form.

Pilar: The tuna I bought was from a fellow I know. His fish were in the round on ice for three days after catch. But I can guess that with the tremendous difference between those “fresh” fish and the fish from the store that if there is a corresponding improvement it must be heaven! I’m anxious to find out.

You know, these days are the doldrums, waiting for better weather when the cycle of life speeds up and intensifies. This board is the new cracker barrel. It’s not as good because I can’t hear the chuckles and see the sly looks but I can grab a beer and a pickle, lay the keyboard in my lap, kick back and fantasize.

I’m really lucky. I can hear the ocean if I stop and listen. On my way home today I could see that the bar was a little rougher than I like. Before long I wont see breakers on the bar and the pressure will be on.

Thanks for your input it’s interesting and fun.
:smile:

[WP]

Original boat cost, equiped: $29000
Added equipment and modifications: ~#$8000 (low probably)
Boat fuel cost last year: $850
Tow fuel cost: $450
Ice: $400
Moorage/Launch fees: $225
Gear cost: ~$600 (Probably very low)
This includes only the costs for Tuna trips and doesn't include the many trips for salmon, halibut, and bottom fish nor the cost of running on a sand bar on the Columbia nor routine boat maintenance. Charters would be a great deal by comparison!
In spite of all that I would not choose to give up a single moment of my ocean time, on my own boat and, other opinions to the contrary, consider it a reasonable risk to take for the pleasure I get.
I almost forgot, I did get donations from crew to help defer my costs and my regular fishing partner contributes significantly to boat maintenance, equipment, and costs. Aside from him, I received about $500 for the year, towards operating costs.
Dave

[Aqua-Holic]

Corky...you should think about Swordfish.... :grin:

[Mr. Fisherman]

Yarrrr, 120 days or less...

Enough said (as I can not improve on what has already been said)

And by the way Jim, I'm stealing a fillete off that shanty fer me tag line. Let me know if ye have a problem with it

[ 03-03-2004, 05:25 AM: Message edited by: Mr. Fisherman ]

[Puffin]

I like to know where my food came from and I like to spend time on the ocean coming and going when I please screw the math just one guys opinion no mad cow either

[corkyking]

Puffin
No Mad Cows but the fishermen may be questionable - no? :smile:

[Pilar]

All the proof you need of madness is to be had at the Dopey Bay cleaning station after 17:00 on say emmmm July 9th?

Yeah, hang out for 20 minutes and you'll either be up to your elbows in TUNA! cark with a knife in your hand and a cactus juice fire in yer belly, or out in the lot looking at the boats that look like a fish bomb exploded in them with an eye towards buying a used boat or going down the road talking to yourself about the insane TUNA! fishermen.

Don't ask me how I know this.

[BUGLEMAN]

Originally posted by Pilar:

Yeah, hang out for 20 minutes and you'll either be up to your elbows in TUNA! cark with a knife in your hand and a cactus juice fire in yer belly, or out in the lot looking at the boats that look like a fish bomb exploded in them

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

[Albacore Tuna Captain]

Just to give you all a heads up, here is how I plan to run a 24 hour tuna trip.

Leave the dock at 0600 hrs. Move quickly to tuna town and hopefully be fishing by 0900. I will be able to search for the best bite and if need be, continue offshore. I will be able to go up to 100 miles offshore in search of the most fish. We will be able to fish ALL day and get the evening bite too.

I've installed a new generator and will have ample lights for night fishing. I plan on catching tuna well after dark and to fish for squid after the tuna go off the bite (if they ever do) and fish and fish and fish until it's time to head for home.

I plan that the run for home will only be about 4 hours and plan to be at the dock by 0600.

The fishermen won't get much time to rest, and will be pretty tired. But they won't be able to complain about not having plenty of time to fish. :tongue:

I'm not calling this an over night trip, I'm calling it the MAXIUM DAY TRIP. Up to 18 hours of fishing! No need to bring sleeping bags or night cloths because they won't have time for that. Just bring lotsa food for energy!

[Salmonator]

Originally posted by Pilar:


so 200 lbs prime filets canned, vacuum frozen and fresh for $860, not counting the monthly boat payment. Or about $4.30/lb and you know where it's been.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Besides that, posing at the Depoe bay cleaning station with a pile of TUNA! that you just bought off a commercial boat doesn't give you the same warm fuzzy [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

[CAPT KUJO]

CK - Here's how I run a Tuna Trip...I leave at 0 dark 30, and into the water within an hour or hour and a half. I then contact Capt Mike on the Blitz and every other Salty Dog, dory boat and charter I can find and start hunting in a pack. I leave the fishing grounds by 3PM and back in port by 4 or 4:30.

CAPT KUJO

[kenai]

KJ, You forgot the part about some kinda critter breaking off your outrigger, a mostly airborne ride back in, and cleaning a waist high stack of fish.