Since I'll finally have my own boat next season, with Range included....

[Fortunate One]

Since I'll finally have my own boat next season, with range included, I've never really had the time or ability to really take advantage of the Bluefin fishery.

Don't get me wrong, I've had some great chunking experiences with BFT at the Mud Hole and around the dump when I owned a boat 5 years ago, but this coming season will be different because I'm launching a boat that will have enough range to get me to any of the local grounds from Maine to the Mud hole and I'm going to be gunning for the slobs.

And since I want to make up for some lost time I could really use some sound advice for the spring season.

I know there are a lot of you that won't give up any info and that’s respectable, but today the old school way of keeping tight lipped is gone as a result of the internet.

I’m by no means out to steal anyone’s livelihood. Hell when I get going and I get the lay of the land I’d be happy to call the rod and reel commercial guys in if I’m into the fish. I don’t own a commercial fishing business but I have the utmost respect for those that own their own business and especially those that earn their living on the water.

I’m fortunate enough to have enough business going on my own to support my lifestyle. Those that I’ve fished with will tell you that I’ve passed up on many a trip due to business obligations.

I’m not looking to put fish on the deck to pay for the boat or to support a commercial fishing business. What I’m looking to do is get out and fish, fish hard core the way I use to fish when I owned a 24’ CC single engine diesel that I’d take to the canyons.

I rig my own bait, I get my hands dirty, I’m not the boat owner that is just looking to boat as many barely legal fish as I can. I’m not into the fish count thing either.

The only thrill in that for me is to see someone that’s never boated a tuna land their first no matter what size it is.

The thrill for me now is to get there in style enjoying the fruits of my risk and labor and getting into landing the big game.

By crewing on a few boats and splitting the expenses over the years I've had the good fortune of fishing with a bunch of great folks that would love the opportunity to get on board my soon to be new boat and chase the tuna with me.

So what I'm looking for is knowledge. Real local knowledge that will help me build a data base over this winter.

For example, I've never fished out of Chatham but I know the channels shift and the shoals are very difficult to traverse. Same holds true for Nantucket. I've never fished Stellwagon Bank nor do I know where the Regal Sword is. I know areas of the bank that produced this fall but I don’t know what bait produced the best. What baits seem to always product. What’s the best places for fuel, what’s the best place for transient dockage.

I know where to go heading south. I know what I want to try when I go south next season. But what I want to know is when the BFT pass the Mud Hole and the Dumping Grounds what’s my next options before the Gulf Stream waters call me south in search of big Blue Marlin?

Feel free to PM me if you can give me some low down.

[Parapapam]

Fortunate One,

Most people on here are very willing to share info. For instance, the Regal Sword is at 41-28N / 69-22W...

I find the cheapest fuel in Sandwich marina...

Baits? Start with squid bars and ballyhoo... go to sand eel imitations (sluggos, hogies, etc) and branch out from there to pogies and snapper blues...

More specific questions will get you more specific answers.

Reading every current and past post here, is another good idea.

Mike

P.S. As for the channel getting out of Chatham... anything that anyone knows about it now will be obsolete come spring due to shifting sand. I have no idea how 35 to 40 foot boats get out of Ryders or that area regularly. I do know that a prop shop is in the neighborhood for a reason.

[dunn6253]

Live bait worked good on the bank this year. Early in the season, seemed like whoever brought out the pogies went home with a fish. Towards the end of the season, bars started to produce again when fish were jumping right over the live bait.

And always have some meat to throw in the mix, hooked a nice sized fish on an chartreuse islander/ballyhoo combo that pulled the hook boat side this year. Its going to be a long winter trying to forget about that fish......

Good luck with the new boat, can't wait to see the first fish report from you.......

[Fortunate One]

Mike,

Regal Sword is at 41-28N / 69-22W,

In a direct line south of the cape where is it? I don't have a chart in my office.

So a 48'er won't make it into Chatham?

Ah, Bars! Who makes the best and what size squid are people using. How many on a bar? Am I better off making my own?

[clambo]

Go to the seminars put on by the Hook-up in Orleans and the one done by Canyon Runner. You can get all the info on the web for these two. Lot's of great info,Good luck, Mike

[dunn6253]

Ah, Bars! Who makes the best and what size squid are people using. How many on a bar? Am I better off making my own?

Make your own. Now that the boat is almost done, you will have plenty of time on your hands.......

I usually make my own, Offshore Innovations bars, ocean lure concepts squid. People on here speak highly of Taylor Sears and the quality of his bars, but I haven't bought one yet. The bars I have purchased came from The Hook-Up, and they swim perfectly and are quality bars. Get a couple splash bars too if you are going to be fishing bars......

[Fortunate One]

Well oh well this post is paying off already.

I've heard of Captain Stewart and the Tammy Rose.

But I didn't hear of the seminar in February.

I just checked out the site.

I'm there!

Mike

Dunn, what's the best bar size width and thickness? How many squaid and what size? What's the best line thickness? Hook type and number?

[seacoast]

Congrats on the boat
post a pic or two for us

where are you keeping her?

[Parapapam]

Seminars... go to this one:

http://www.castafari.com/fishing-seminar.htm

Between The Castafari crew and the Tammy Rose crew, you have the best of east and south in one place.

The Sword is about half way between Monomoy and Nantucket... then head 30 miles due east.

Bars, I like Fishermans Outfitters in Glouster. Joe and John build 'em well and the are price reasonably. Offshore Innovation bars are proven as well.

Mike

[Fortunamate]

not to cut in we also have a seminar this march http://www.massbayguides.com/fishingseminar.html
Taylor Sears is my cousin you met his father Greg and my dad Dave who is the man who looked at your engine for you. "you will eventually find you recipe to catch them. you may never know the ingredients but just keep doing what you do" not my quote but such a true statement