PB tuna fishing

[tunajoe]

Seems like for the PB's going tuna fishing it's been a tough year, while the privates are doing much better. I know the privates can troll more, but they seem to be catching more on the chunk too. I spoke with an owner of a PB out of Barnegate and she mentioned that the boat traveled 300 nautical miles (in total) and not a single fish was caught. Some of the other PB's located closer to SRI or MI have not fared that well on their initial trips also.


Thoughts?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Don't think it's a Party Boat vs Private thing.... See Mimi report below.

It's all about location and timing and if they can troll or not.

[BCinerie]

It is not a party boat vs private boat thing there are only a few party boats and a bazillion private boat. We did terrible on the troll did okay on the chunk! We got lucky there was boats around us they did not catch squat. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good! Go out on a charter or a party boat you can't catch them from your couch Timing and location is everything!!!

[tombanjo]

Let me guess, you're not working for the Party Boat Tuna Assoc.? Heard the Jamaica did real well yesterday out there and the Golden Eagle has a few trips planned starting on the 28th, both do a great job.

[Seamus]

I was just out on a PB and we did well. I definitely have been on trip with no fish at all but that happens on privates too.

[Charlie Tuna]

Place and time are key for sure
As the party boat season gets going (as it is just getting started) they will home in on the fish and follow and move with them.
As we roll into October, the weather window for the charter guys gets tighter and their ability to sail gets smaller.
The bigger the boat the more forgiveness on the weather and increased comfort factor in the late season. 4-6's on a 90 ft boat vs a 40 ft boat are the difference on a sail or no sail decision limiting opportunity working the grounds hence success rate.
Also the fish start to gorge on bait vs the troll and day time bite consistency on the chunk and jig increases.

No one is immune to bad fishing days and they happen all around but you have to put the time in to make it happen either way.




There are also options for extended trips like the Gambler 36 and 48 hour trips that give you the opportunity to have more time at the rail if the fish are off and on.

[Joey Dah Fish]

Originally Posted by BCinerie

It is not a party boat thing there are only a few party boats and a bazillion private boat. We did terrible on the troll did okay on the chunk! We got lucky there was boats around us they did not catch squat. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good! Go out on a charter or a party boat you can't catch them from your couch

All the time it's better to be lucky than good

[MDeSi]

Was out mon-tues on a head boat out of point and did very well, while many private boats in the fleet were not. Every day is different.

[Pennsy Guy]

Have to agree with Charlie Tuna...Been times when the first night was slow & second night we hammered 'em and visa-versa...It ain't catchin, can't catch 'em if you're not at the rail...gotta put your time in...there are no guarantees in this game but it sure is fun playing...

[Dino]

party boats off to a nice tuna season actually