Tuna Etiquette

[El Shaddai]

Dogs...non Dogs and Lurkers....as more and more boats chase tuna invariably we will have more great experiences and more mistakes will be made....fog has been a real factor this season and there have been lots of close calls and several collsions with land...

Another topic I would like guys to think about is how to troll around guys who aren't trolling....increasingly, guys are fishing traps and jigs...that's a good thing and you will catch more fish....but please remember to be courteous to guys working a school....

Yesterday I was out and we ran into a bait ball...birds, bait and tuna were all present....we were pretty much getting bit instantly and could have worked that for quite some time but a guy came trolling through the edge and blew the birds out, the bait down and goodbye tuna...very frustrating...after a little effort we relocated the school and went to work on them...this time I radio'd the guy my intentions and gave him some instruction...we then worked together and we both caught fish....

Please remember....it is considered very poor form to "crowd" a guy in general and worse if he is on a trap/jig bite...you can still easily troll in the area without shutting it down...

Another tip...call the boat and ask permission first if you are going stop trolling to join him...let him know your intentions and 99% of the time you can work together effectively....one day Marty and I sat on a school for 2-3 hours just railing on fish...we just made contact every 20-30 minutes to keep each other appraised...

So please...don't troll over bait balls that guys are stopped on...thanks...

[Mark Mc]

:lurk:

sounds like I need to hear a bit more of the "story"

[El Shaddai]

Your skipper was up to his usual antics....

[Mark Mc]

Was school in session? Wish I could have been there.

I got to play with a 38 ft Bertram for the last 2 days.... what a Cadillac ride. I kept looking at those huge outriggers wishing they were in use.

[El Shaddai]

The last stop was too short, but truly epic...I'll bet your ride was great...if you would hurry up on the live bait plan we would still be there....

[greatone28]

I am sorry for "crowding" you. I really dont recall ever getting that close to you, but I will take your word for it. Just trying to learn how to catch tuna. Just hope next time we can work together with better communication. Thanks for the advice.

[El Shaddai]

If you were on the vessel H.O. you guys did fine...that wasn't so much crowding as clipping the bait ball..obviously you didn't know, but when I called your response was great......I especially enjoyed watching you guys promptly stick a double on jigs.....

That's the point of this post....most guys would never intentionally do anything out of turn...this is just a educational thread...

[Net fun]

ES,
So where where these tuna located?
Net fun

[greatone28]

Yeah that was me. I hope you guys had as much fun as we did.....It was a great day on the ocean.

[El Shaddai]

Yes it was a great day on the big pond....and thanks for letting us slide in behind you...it got even better when we separated and headed south....

There are fish scattered around abig area...we saw jumpers, bait, some birds, good temps 32 miles to 60 miles out of DB....we just looked for the temp breaks...I heard lots of guys talk about jumpers so they are around in small numbers anyway....44.50 out to 125.25 and north is a good bet...

[Net fun]

ES,
Thank you for the info.
Net fun

[Puffin]

The salty dog board was concieved by pilar after seeing what a large and bountiful place our ocean is. The idea being that many boats wolf packing the ocean make it much smaller and fish can be more easily located then call in all to share in the spoils. Also to help and educate each other. To sit on fish while all around you are looking instead of calling them to your area and explaining what to do is not only the opposite of why this board exists its rather sad that a fish means more to you than your fellow fishermens success. Personally if I did same and then came on the board saying don't run me over while I mop up my secret fish pile I would expect to get run over every time I stopped the boat. Sorry its so hard for you to share I hope you get better soon. Remember dogs ALWAYS help out your bretheren. The goal is that everyone should go home with a full fishbox. This is an expensive and all consuming habit lets all work together toward this common goal

[WaterDog]

Puffin - Thank you. No truer words have been said.

[corrirod]

Maybe I'm missing something here.

E.S. basically posts his "secret" technique for catching more tuna, which is not trolling thru the boil, and he is chastized for not sharing? What the ______ is this?

He could've just said the hell with it and not ever told anyone about how to fish or where to fish but instead posted a helpful tip. How is that wrong?

Rather than continue using the same technique I'm glad El Shaddai is willing to share his knowledge with us. In case you haven't noticed he outfishes nearly everyone on this board everytime he goes out. Personally I'd like to learn a new technique other than chasing radio fish all day.

James, if I ever screw up and spook the fish and you see it please holler at me and tell me the right way to do it. I'm not too pompous to think my way is the only way to fish so if you have a better way (and I know you do) I'd appreciate you telling me.

There are ways to share and ways to make it so no one catches fish. I don't see El Shaddai saying "keep away from "MY" fish. I see it as "please don't troll over the school and drive it down". I might be wrong but if Greatone has slipped up to casting range and fished El Shaddai wouldn't have said a thing.
BTW, Greatone You are a big boy and I admire your admitting the mistake.

This is not like the situation a while back when some Dogs went roaring by a Dog in distress to cash in on the bite that the Dog in need had reported. The Dogs that did this should be ashamed of what they did!

Our FIRST priority should be safety and looking out for our fellow boaters, Dogs or not. Second priority is to have a fun and safe day on the water. Finally, our third priority is KILL FISH and share the information!!!!!

[Bait O' Eggs]

El Shaddai, your the mark I am shooting for. I heard your numbers for Saturday and was envious.

I wasnt far north of you, and talked to the guys in the whaler you helped, when I was at the cleaning station around 10:30 pm when we finally got in. I was feeling pretty good for the day, thought I might have been the high boat of the day after getting a couple phone reports when I got in, and listening to the radio as people scratched out one or two fish, but you spanked us all.

I tried the jig thing twice, saw fish on the sonar and tried to jig them saw fish boiling (more of a salmon roll in the river) and tossed to them, obviously I didnt know what I was doing as we didnt get bit. I think I might have motored in to close before we threw as they werent jumping anymore when we were fishing on them.

My first year with the long range boat, got lots to learn. Some of those lessons are when to get on the radio and when to not get on the radio been there done that :tongue:

I tried to call you several time Puffin, I guess you were just a little to far south to hear me

[Nalu]

Thanks for the post ES.

After catching my first tuna on fish traps Wednesday, I was fully prepared to stop the boat and cast to the boils on Friday. Unfortunately the crappy ocean conditions made it next to impossible to spot more than a couple jumpers all day, and no birds to speak of.

I find it pretty hard to chastize a guy for not "calling in" a bunch of dogs when chances are that a lot of the group isn't prepared to handle the situation correct to keep the fish on the surface. Seems to me, that ES is taking the time right now to try and get the group familiar with how to handle the scenario.

What's a guy supposed to do? Call on the radio and then provide instructions on the air of how everybody should fish? Seems to me that ES has a pretty good handle on the fish, and the Salty Dogs benefit more from him then he does from everybody else.

But then again, what do I know? I'm one of those guys that "doesn't know what the heck they're doing" and only got 2 fish Friday in crappy conditions, with only a couple boats out.

[Puffin]

Sorry I said anything. Sounds like people would rather be told after the fact. I will remember to wait until returning home to let folks know whats up. Jerry and company sorry I gave up the hot halibut numbers sunday. Wont let it happen again. Hope all dogs will forgive my transgression. will maintain radio silence Puffin OUT.

[skahorse]

I thought one of the, now many, mottos of the salty dogs was "There are no zipperlips on the big blue"? That's what everyone keeps saying...

And, I'm new to the whole TUNA hunt idea, but I thought the main purpose was everyone working together to better everyone out there...? That's what everyone keeps saying...

Yet, when someone get's called out for being a zipperlip, some of the veterans of the board back up the zipperlip mentality?

I was in attendance at TUNA town while this was going down, and I was surprised to see TUNA fishing slowly turning into that of Springer fishing on the Willamette...

--Skahorse

[Pilar]

Glad you caught so many fish. You can believe that anyone as adept as yourself at casting to TUNA! will have many more days like that. But it was sad to find out you were only a few miles away while we churned the water to foam in vain and you had your big fun time.

We trolled the hell out of 125 by 45 11 and got 2 fish. I guess that means I'm too stupid to stop the boat and not worthy of the little clue about *hey switch to fishtraps and look for sitting birds*. Just that alone would have made Saturday a little more productive. But I hailed your boat repeatedly and got no answer. You were catching fish and knew something that would have benefited the others fishing that day and did not share.

What does this mean? Maybe I'll be a little hesistant to answer your hail next time I hear it.

I guess I can understand you not wanting the trollers to blow your bait ball by swarming you. But I can't understand the idea that any one of the group here would get on biting fish and let the rest of the group out there struggle by remaining silent. You did not need to give away your location. The breezer TUNA! were all over the place.

Maybe guys who fish with fishtraps are different and don't follow the *share* mentality.

Having said that we caught our first fishtrap TUNA! Sunday and it was a blast. Thanks for sharing what little info you gave out as we were able to figure out the rest.

Oh and by the way I'm not too good to share what I learn about this exciting new (to me) fishery. I don't know much yet but I know enough to want to learn more. Find birds on surface feeding TUNA! ... sneak in real quiet and cast jigs at them. There now that didn't hurt did it?

The fish are still here .. we saw hundreds of em jumping this weekend .. they just don't bite trolled gear this year

More on this later when I get a chance to sort out the dogs not sharing behavior I heard about on Saturday and when I get it straight how I really feel about it.

Puffin,
Your post was needed to remind us we are all Dogs. I was not criticizing what you said at all. I wasn't on the water that day so I'm just posting to what was said in the posts in this thread.

Our FIRST priority should be safety and looking out for our fellow boaters, Dogs or not. Second priority is to have a fun and safe day on the water. Finally, our third priority is KILL FISH and share the information!!!!!

[kamloops]

I don't know anything bout fishtraps or how you guys fish them down there. I have though some rudimentary knowledge on live bait fishing for tuna.
I know if I am on a bait stop with live bait working a school, I would not want anybody to crash through with jigs.
In fact I wouldn't want anybody to even approach the immediate area. With all the rods hooked up on fish and guys throw'n bait, fish on the deck, it's a real circus.

[El Shaddai]

Puffin...clearly you have missed the purpose of this thread...I believe Rod nailed it...I am not going to be drawn into a lengthy debate about this...but for the record let me clear the air....

From my perspective the purpose of this board and more importantly the time spent together on the big pond is to learn from one another, assist one another and create memories together. I realize how LITTLE I really know about tuna fishing......Ken Peterson has been fishing tuna for over 40 years...the man has caught more tuna than the entire "salty dog" fleet probably ever will...remarkably, most of his career he did not have the benefit of our advanced technology...he will tell you he is STILL learning.....I am sure there are other great skippers like Ken up and down the west coast...they would probably tell you they are STILL learning...

That said, here are a few things I have learned along the way...

1. Calling out a good tuna bite on 78 to a "general" audience is the quickest way to push fish down. If 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 boats came no problem....12 boats will be on the spot so fast your head will spin.. .I have witnessed this too many times. This does not apply to halibut, bombers or even salmon near as much...I have broadcast numbers on those species many times...I have thrown hot "spoons" or "special gear" to many people..including strangers...so the notion of selfishness that you imply is baseless.

2. Good or bad, more people are using the ocean as a recreational getaway...I want to preserve the quality experience for all out there....hence, this thread. Most guys just don't know what they don't know...but by sharing simple tips everyone benefits. GreatOne is a perfect example...he trolled a bit close...then the next round after we talked he did it right...and he had a great willingness to listen and learn...and he got bit right away...funny how that happens...

3. Radio chatter is way out of control.. ..I am listening to ******* on the cb laughing at us....and they make a lot of good points...enthusiasm is great...screaming into the mic every single time you hook a fish is overboard....excessive profanity is an FCC violation and quite honestly it makes us look bad as a bunch...5-10 minute conversations tying up a channel talking about trivial stuff is not what VHF is designed for...a short conversation...a quick update...maybe a couple of jousts to your buddy and that should be it...let others use the radio...walking on each other is certainly the biggest offense happening...before speaking make sure the channel is clear...if someone calls you (and they walk on someone to do it) then don't answer until the channel is clear. Try to be an example for the newer folks as they join us in the coming years.


4. Safety always comes first...more guys are pushing the line without proper gear, training or experience. It is only a matter of time until someone gets hurt...that said, we need to look out for all other boats out there...as much as I disagree with Puffin or others I have had words with from time to time I would instantly stop fishing to assist them in distress....safety first...not fishing first...

One last thing...I heard two boats hail me as I was talking to GreatOne....I did not respond right away as we were in the "heat of the battle".....roughly 10 minutes later I answered on 78 "vessel hailing El Shaddai go ahead"...I did this 3x with negative contact....other "dogs" were on board and can verify this...we would have called you over...so Puffin, perhaps next time you should seek first to understand then be understood...

[Marty]

This topic is a difficult one to address as in reality not every situation in the 'catching and sharing arena' is the same.

First off, I should tell you that I was with James on Saturday and can verify his words (if that is an issue). But instead of bashing him, lets get to the real issue and ask, "at what stage or situation do you OR should you call the fleet to your location"??

Everyone that was out there on Saturday saw somewhat the same thing. Tuna (generally singles) jumping, boiling on bait but not wanting to hit the standard gear on the troll.

So, if you find an area of jumpers and birds that go down in 10 seconds, (yet manage to hook 4 on traps).....do you call the fleet in knowing that the tuna have gone?? What about if you are 65 or 70 miles out???? Do you want the responsiblity of luring even one boat possibly beyond their limits??

Personally if I had jumpers around me I would not want to run 15 miles to chase someones elses jumpers. As you know tuna are very unpredictable and that fish you just gaffed could very well be your last OR the afternoon bite could come into play and you could get 15 fish in half an hour.

That being said, I think James has a lot to offer with his expertise and knowledge and I for one would benefit more from asking him instead of bashing him.

Marty

[puffins crew]

Diffrent folks think diffrent.

On Saturday you showed your true colors.

Thanks.

Peace, Tom

[crabbait]

I think everyone has made some good points. Calling folks into a troll bite is a lot different than a drift bite.

We are all learning the gear and techniques required to be consistently successful.

[Mark Mc]

I already weighed in on this one here:

commentary


There sure is a lot of "judgement" in some posts. In my mind, this judgement is doing more to damage the salty dogs than the original issues that some have.

How about a little less judgement, and a little more understanding?

[retaliate]

Thanks, for the tip's James, I have alot to learn about Tuna, & any advice will be greatly appreciated, I understand why you don't communicate on the radio much, I've seen the bite go away many times myself when too many boats show up at one spot, & I agree radio chatter is too much at times, so I try to keep it short myself, but when the pack is looking for fish, I will announce a hook-up immediately, if everybody is already catching fish, then there is no reason to announce. Saturday we had no idea you were slaying them, a simple call to let us know we needed to run a little farther would of been proper, this could of been done without giving out your exact #s, just general location. Puffin is a little p.o'd. but I know he still appreciate's the tip's you have shared with us. Keep the info comming, it's a vast ocean & a general location would be greatly appreciated thanks.

[kraken33]

El Shaddai-I was the other guy with greatone onboard the H.O. and I would also like to apologize for getting too close. As he said, it was not intentional, that was our first (successful) tuna trip. As for the radio contact, before we made visual contact with you, we made several unsuccessful attempts to contact other Salty Dogs. We heard plenty of talk on the radio, but not any answers to our hails. I am a new member to this board and I am not accusing anyone of anything, I am simply thanking you for being polite and helpful to us. As far as my limited experience with this board tells me, your actions where consistent with the friendliness this board and its members seem to pride themselves in. Thanks again.

[El Shaddai]

Kraken33...no apology necessary...your response was great and next time you'll know....when a guy does it to you just politely do the same thing...explain the drill and help each other out..and for guys just learning you did extremely well.....hope to see you back out there soon...

[wthr4d]

El Shadai- for the record, or those of us who dont know what was you action plan on saturday and what was your final result?

I ask for a two fold reason...the first because I would alway like to improve my arsenal of fishing knowledge and secondly to find more uhnderstanding in this controversy that has cropped up amongst the group.

Paul

[Seelicious]

I'm not sure if you tried calling the dogs that were fishing out of Garibaldi with you...but I know I answered a ton of calls...guys were calling in fish and trying to help one another...could it be the channel?

We were using 14 and I know that 68 and 78 are more widely used...what channel were you guys on that you could not get a response?

SL

[El Shaddai]

Paul...I appreciate your question....there was nothing real special about our plan...there never is...we just did what we normally do....troll proven jigs...look for temp breaks, birds and bait....if we are fortunate to find crashing bait we instantly abandon trolling and switchover to casting traps/megabaits....once it dies down we go back to trolling...we caught fish both ways...

I have never fished tuna on another private person's boat but others that have fished with me usually mention the lack of celebration when the fish are landed...in other words, we are all business when the bite is going...we don't chat on the radio, we don't high five, we don't get excited and celebrate....we focus on redploying instantly while the fish are up and then clearing the deck.....very similar to a pit crew in a race....very methodical and little deviation in our system...our celebration happens when the race is over and we are heading in....and back at the dock...

Not saying that is how it should be done...just sharing how we do it...

[retaliate]

Your exactly right James, When the fish are on the bite there is no time to waste, A fast crew is critical, I've been fortunate enough to have some fast crew's, Kurt, & Kris were ready & willing, but we didn't get any action for them, Kurt caught the only one on a Iron, a 30# fish.

[wak'm&stak'm]

I can not believe someone could take James post wrong.

Puffin...your a good guy, I like fishing with ya. But I must disagree on ONE thing. This IS NOT PILARS DOGS. I hear you say that over and over again..... Pilar I think you understand where I am coming from.

I have to laugh about this John, last week we heard you talking about your lunch and stuff...and then you said "...."who cares if you catch fish on and ocean like this, just being here is what important, a fish is just a bonus". I started laughing, and yelled....Bullshi** the oceans great but not catching fish totally sucks..
I want to catch fish...and everyone can help each other....and James is helping you now if you just listen,


I stop at all jumpers....and do you know why?
Because Marty and James told me what to do. They even gave me lures to do it with.
Who put the fish trap orders together...hmmm? Marty
Who ordered and delivered Bonar totes...Hmmm..Marty
Who drives me nuts because they catch more fish than me...Hmmm? James and Les and Marty.

Kind of funny...but last year we outfished Ken on the Irish everyday we were out together. We pulled up on a tight school one day and as I stood on the bow casting, that knucklehead VERY intentionally came thru the school less than 20yds away and pulled a 90 degree and off he went.
I just shook my head.. and smiled...we were close enough to see each other. I think he had 11 and everyone else had about 30.

What James said is good advice....and I think we all learned something. With the surplus of fisherman this year...it is important we work together.

I am sorry....everyone didn't catch 50...some days are like that.

WAK,
When I was lying in the hospital bed recovering from cancer surgery I had lots of time to think about things and what I have and have not done in the past and what I would do different if I beat the thing that was eating me from the inside. One of these was catching rather than enjoying. Now don't get me wrong, catching and eating fish is important but just being able to get on the water has it's high points too, lots better than being dead.

[wak'm&stak'm]

Keta...I totally understand what you are saying. I remember your posts prior and after your recovery....in a small way we all felt your pain, as we do with everyone dealing with such illnesses.

Maybe I was born at the wrong time or something. But standing in the forest does fill the truck with firewood. Standing outside a job, doesn't put money in my account.
and as much as peta, and all the fish lovers would like for me to be content with 5 bass and a ocean breeze in my face...welll it ain't happening. Maybe when I am 80 or when I was 6, but today I like to catch fish.

Honestly Keta.... I think about life quite a bit, and the future. The reason I fish hard now..." is because i do not want to be 80 and look back and say.." gee I wish I would have fished more when I was 49."

Someday... I will probably do better at stopping and smelling the roses, but today I hope to catch more fish.
When I retire won't feel like getting beat up out on old blue. My plan then is to stand in the street and throw rocks at the ODFW office...

[Riverliver]

That's the point of this post....most guys would never intentionally do anything out of turn...this is just a educational thread...

El Shaddai wonderful thread..
Very educational
Thank you!
RL

P.s. I posted this prior to reading everyone one else’s comments. So there isn't anything hidden in my comment.. I've only been Tuna fishing one time.. (Thanks BOE!!!!) I understand why your so passionate about Tuna fishing.. What a thrill And then of course eating fresh Tuna.. (If any of you know me you know I like to EAT)
Hoggemin Turned me on to the Salty Dogs a couple years ago and not until this year have I well kinda made the move over.. Mike convinced me to pay a little more attention to the Dogs and the Ocean because it was so much fun. Then He also told me wonderful things about a lot of you and that one of the best things about the board is that "Everyone just gets along".
Then Puffin took my on my first trip on the Ocean Learned that "The bend is your friend" And Caught a Salmon and Had a great time.. Then Pilar took me bottom fishing caught lots and lots of fishies.. Man did we have a great time.. Then Skien took me Hali fishing.(Man that's alot of work) Learned alot from him too and Had a great time to boot.. Then San Anita took me Hali fishing the next DAY :smile: (Electric reels ROCK) and I had a great time.. BOE toook me Tuna fishing let me take over the helm :smile: And let me catch my first Tuna.. I had a great time..

The Dogs and Jennie have given me hours of enjoyment reading and learning about fishing on the “Big Blue”..

Thank you ever so Much!





Getting along isn't easy sometimes..
But it's what makes the Dogs among other things ever so Special!

[Pilar]

No not my dogs. This has gone so far beyond anything I want to be responsible for.

Nice to hear from you Wak.

And some of us should be teaching these desirable *good manners* instead of complaining about the lack of them in the newer guys.

Leadership by example. Finally got a fishtrap TUNA! hooked up on Sunday. I had no idea. I intend to learn more and soon.

Thanks for the tips guys.

wak,
Catching is important too.

Loves to eat dem fishies, fishies what I loves to eat. Bash dey little brains in, nibble on dey tasty meat.

[Popeye]

I actually posted this on the wrong thread
Sorry... Here it is again:

There have been so many Good responses to this thread, that I can hardly believe it is still so Negative.
I have been tuna fishing as long as some, and much longer than most.
A tuna bite is so unpredictable. You never know how long it will last…usually not very long. To call others in immediately is out of the question. The second reason that I wouldn’t immediately call the dogs is that you have a boat load of people that have made that “LONG” trip out, and they expect you to produce fish for them. The flurry starts, you’re busy, coaching, advising, landing, spiking, bleeding, and back to the helm to turn back on them! This IS Tuna fishing!
Once I see that the bite is there to stay for a while, I CALL…AND, ALWAYS DO.
As has been said above, when I see boats arriving, I’ll get back on the radio with instructions as to how to position….SIMPLE!!!!!!

Sometimes, I note that people think, they’re being left out of the loop. That there is some kind of clique goin’ on. Well, I for one, could not disagree more. I’ve seen & heard many great things out there, and there was no prejudice. When that mic keys on 78, all Salty Dogs have been included.

The proper way to approach “Radio” fish, is to be considerate. Case in point:
A few weeks ago, we were scratchin’. Pilar came on the radio with #’s, and I headed for him. When I got within sight, somebody got on the radio and said “O’Mygod” there’s so many boats here now, I’m goin’ta get out of here! I immediately turned port, and bypassed. Hey, I was just out there to catch fish & have a good time…No Biggy.

On the same token, I’ve called 10 – 12 boats in on a HOT bite, and everyone did well!

THAT’S TUNA FISHIN’ GUYS

[El Shaddai]

Who drives me nuts because they catch more fish than me...Hmmm? James and Les and Marty.

I dunno about that...I had to live all winter thinking about you and your faithful crew sticking 72 in half a day.....not to shabby for a blueberry picker...

That said...be afraid...be very afraid....I have the top engineer at an unnamed international corporation located in Corvallis that specializes in printers working on the solution that will end it all...

[wak'm&stak'm]

You are really going to hate this James, BUT you know that secret engineer in Corvallis. Well, he has been helping both sides, Yup! he has been sending information to both camps.
We have recieved tips on temp breaks, lures, and everything.
Sorry Mark, but you will have to decide, you have just been to helpful to everyone......and it just ain't right.

[Mark Mc]

You guys make me laugh..... ....really.....

Now don't imply I'm some kind of "double agent" here! I don't want to get sucked into the vortex, between your little "competition."

[Marty]

Actually Wak, you will have to thank RJ.........as it was his lure that brought us over the top!!!! Just kidding.

[Silver Eagle]

A lot of good info, But real glad I was Halibut fishing, but was really glad to hear the Tuna are still hear, was getting the impression it was "over", I have the greatest respect for all that posted, Hope to see all on the Blue soon......But I wouldn't touch this post, since I wasn't there anyway. What a Ocean................Ray

[RJ]

James did'nt actually fish that thing did he..? ..as long as the *Ugly* stay's in his Boat we are ok..Those Lil Radio Telementry chips are Kinda expensive ..but it sure is way easier to keep track of where the competition is.... ...RJ

[El Shaddai]

RJ...that's pretty funny....I added a gps chip to the bhudda I gave you too.... :grin:

That said, Marty said your other "RJ Ugly" was different than mine...what's up with that?!!? Heck, you probably gave me an unproven lure to beta test for you....pretty sneaky...

[Gregotis98]

The radio chatter gets out of hand at times. On Sat. I was out tuna fishing and experienced a very bad transmission leak (lost all fluid) and was trying to get some help or insight on how to replace the seal and I couldn't even key the mic without getting stepped on. This was a pretty serious problem for me and luckily I was able to squeeze in and get another Dog to switch to a different channel and get some help (offered a gallon of oil to me). I can't remember who you were that offered the oil but thank you very much!!!!!

[Capt. Rich]

As one of the few boats that uses live bait on the coast, it is extremely annoying when someone trolls through a bait stop. It definitely puts the fish down. As there are so many VHF frequencies to hail on and a lot of boats do not do the required watch on Channel 16, wigwags and loudhailing don't always do the trick.

We often will create a bait stop by broadcasting live bait and the fish will boil on our chum. This takes a lot of bait and bait costs money. To see someone put the fish down that you just brought up, is a real bummer.

PLEASE... PLEASE... Most tuna anglers can tell if a boat is stopped for a long time. Like El Shaddai said ask if you can join them in the bait stop. NEVER... NEVER... troll through their bait stop thinking that it won't put the fish down and you can grab a few. It doesn't work.

[kamloops]

[tomictime]

now you are both "dead right in a traffic accident".....

I have stopped fishing and tied up a winning setup and delivered to those in need. I normally think you are all capable of this and LOTS better - which is why I hang here rather than on a WA board - hope this blows over and we can figure out what a good balance looks like.

Jim