Gambler 36 another bloody decks

[Pennsy Guy]

Capt. Bob took us to the squid boats again on a fairly calm sea and within 3-4 minutes, the fun began again. Most yellowfin were 40# class with a few footballs and bigger "Y"'s. Had Skippys in the mix and a shark or two, also. As we drifted out of the catch zone, we'd relocate and do it again. We went south to the north Hudson to anchor for the night. No tuna but it turned into a sword kind of night with 4 hook ups but only with one boated, an under 100#er. One got spooled, other two nearly before they stopped and while gaining line, spit the hook. All 3 were estimated to be double or triple markers. Back to the sqidders in the AM with action starting again in building seas and wind; almost a repeat of last week's weather but with different wind direction. At one point, 9 oz acted like a flat line in a 2.5-3 kt drift and some true 10' seas. Eventually the bite died so Bob took us south to another fleet of squidders and the fun resumed. I say "fun"--sore arms and backs are better than tired feet just standing doing nothing. Here the water was crystal clear blue, other spots, blue but not quite as crystal. Water temps in mid 60's throughout trip. seas and wind lessened late morning and afternoon, so it was back to 2-4 oz.. Left for port a little early, still large seas...
As always, kudos to the crew, worked their butts off, what with tangles, gaffing and all the unseen duties...not to mention keeping us happy; to Capt. Bob, always going the extra to get the decks bloody. Thanks to all!
Totals and notes: 64 yellowfin-(30-60#class). 1 sword. a few skippys caught, released. 2 free-swimming mahi(10-15#). A white marlin on for a few jumps. A hammerhead showed up for a short visit as did a ray(guesstimate 200#).
Bait of choice was butterfish, then squid. Fish weren't line-shy, 80# caught. I think no fish came straight in, hence picked up lines in their travels fore and aft.
Probably forgot some tidbits, still groggy, need more coffee.
Hopefully, next week and do it again...

[Ol Pedro]

Way to go Chuckie! Sorry that I wasn't there when you got in. Cancelled due to weather again.

[AndyS]

2 for 2, sweet !!

[capt74]

Word has it that Shorts was the big pool winner. Congrats John

[Jigman13]

I've never done a party boat tuna trip. As my father gets older, I see my time offshore with him on his cushy 40+' Tiara diminishing. That's just time and the way it is. I'm beginning to think a pivot is coming in the near future--to party boat style tuna fishing.

I'm interested in learning more about the gear ideal for party boat tuna trips. I'm assuming longer rods, longer fore grips and outfits different from the ones i currently use, more suited for a harness and belt.

Anyone care to offer up some info? I've got jigging gear and tiagra 30s, tiagra 50s. The list goes on... thanks in advance.

Jigman

[NJ219bands]

Great trip.

[CODCHALY]

Jigman go on the GAMBLER one trip, they'll teach You ALL You need to know about Party Boat TUNA !!!

[Jigman13]

Jigman go on the GAMBLER one trip, they'll teach You ALL You need to know about Party Boat TUNA !!!

Understood. And duly noted! I'm a preparation and gear junky, hence my inquiry about set ups, tackle, terminal, etc. My father turned me into a tuna mutant lol

[Ol Pedro]

Jigman, like Charlie said, come out on the Gambler and they will show you what you need. Don't go spending a lot until you fish a trip or two and see if you like it. Use what's in the range that you have. A 4/0-6/0 size reel with 60-80lb test mono is a good place to start. I have killed more fish with Penn Senators than any other reel(been fishing them since the 70's). I also have an Avet 4/2 2 speed that is a winch. I fish a 100-150yd. Mono topshot with braid backing for more line capacity. Braid sucks in tangles and cuts so some boats require a long mono topshot for bait fishing.
Rods in the 40-80 lb class between 6'6" and 8'. No need for harnesses, gimbelled or not both work. bring a gimbell or The boat may have 1.The rail is your friend so long forgrips are ok. Too soft a blank and you have no lifting power . Too stiff and you get beat up.
This is just a starting point to give you an idea of what works for me.

[CODCHALY]

Jigman, if Ya' don't already have one these, get one (or more). Real helpful
with any heavy fish, even Striper.

[2na]

Jigman,
Partyboat tuna fishing isn't for everyone but it sure has a grip on me. I've tried many different platforms but the partyboat is my favorite. I think it's the comradery and comfort that snagged me. It's also alittle more challenging on a boat that doesn't move to advantage the angler's position on the fish. It's also really cool to reconnect with friends from previous trips on an annual basis. AND The Gambler Crew never disappoints!
I understand your desire to have your own STUFF. As far as jigging goes, a 6'-6'6" jigging rod and reel will suffice. Jigs in the 200-400g range. Lots of guys (and crew) really enjoy jigging and are always willing to share techniques.
I enjoy bait fishing the most. I usually have an outfit or two in two basic sizes, a 60lb and a 30lb. I fill a 30W reel with 60lb mono and pair it with a 7' 60-80lb rod. A 7' rod is handy to help you "follow" a running fish under the boat and stay clear of the keel and running gear. My favorite method is the 30lb outfit during the day to entice a bite from smarter, line-shy fish. I use a Saltist 35II full of 30lb mono on a 7' rod. A softer 30-50lb rod is important to help cushion the line strain of a charging fish. I like a 7/0-9/0 circle hook on a 25-40lb 8' Florocarbon leader on the light set-up and a 7/0-9/0 J hook on an 8' 60-80lb Florocarbon leader on the heavy.
However, this year the yellowfin have been much more gullible than in years past. They don't seem to mind what type of bait you display or leader it's served on SO...to be able to get em in the boat quicker, I've been using a 50W reel loaded with 80lb mono on a 7' 100-130lb Graphighter with an 80lb leader. It's not my favorite method because it SUCKS holding that heavy outfit but it quickly gets the job done.
I could go on and on about this topic but it'd be alot cooler if you'd just join us so we could show you. Hope that helps...

SHORTS

PS---Tonk, Sometimes even a blind squirrel finds a nut. Chucky let me have this one this time...

[CODCHALY]

Like Ol Pedro, I use PENN Senator. 6/0 bait, 4/0 W Jigging, I really like jigging much more than bait. I own a 12/0, rarely used. I own a lot of TOOLS !!!

[hammer4reel]

Jigman, if Ya' don't already have one these, get one (or more). Real helpful
with any heavy fish, even Striper.

Try this in the correct size for your rod .
Super easy to slap in , can support the rod anywhere , and really put force on the rod

[Jigman13]

Thanks all! And Pennsy Guy, I prob should've started a new thread vs hijacking yours. My apologies... Lotta helpful stuff here though!

[capt74]

I've been using a 50W reel loaded with 80lb mono on a 7' 100-130lb Graphighter with an 80lb leader. It's not my favorite method because it SUCKS holding that heavy outfit but it quickly gets the job done. Shorts you are either getting older or getting soft on me. that's not the way I taught you.

[togzilla]

Try this in the correct size for your rod .
Super easy to slap in , can support the rod anywhere , and really put force on the rod
https://www.njfishing.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=161420&d=1664657726

LEAVE THE GIMBLE AT HOME!!!! I've seen more fish lost by guys fumbling around trying to get the rod in the gimble when they first hook the fish and then the fish spits the hook because they have slack in the line. If they get lucky and keep the fish on then they tend to lose the fish when the rod is in the gimble when the fish is within 30 feet of the boat doing the circle of death. This is the crucial point when you need to be quick on the rod to move it around if the fish does run under the boat or to the bow or stern without getting tangled. The RAIL is your friend and you use it like a fulcrum to work the tuna to the boat. Everything else about terminal tackle, rod, reels has been covered and that just comes down to personal preference. I started party boat fishing in the early 90's with a Penn 50SW but that reel is too damn heavy to chunk all night. Now I fish 25 and 30 class reels backed by braid and it is a world of a difference when you are standing at the rail all night long waiting for a bite. Just my 2 cents!