Captain or Mate?

[Anthony of the ARK]

i would hire a captain and prefish at least 3 days. if you have the cash to hire a captain you should have the cash to fish a few day before. and if you have have a half a clue what your doing you should be able to learn a lot from a good captain (if your willing to listen to him). its pretty incredible what you can learn from three days of no pressure fishing with a great captain, if you have the basics down.

if you dont have the basics down you could hire the best captain in the world. you wouldnt have a chance against the BIG OH, BILLFISHER, VIKING 66, OHANA, MIMI, PHAT MANN etc.

oh yea and Terry Layton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[joeksr]

My opinion for what it's worth.
If I had the money for a boat that could chase marlin.
and the desire (much rather catch sharks)
If I had the money to hire only a Mate or Captain but not both.
I would hire a Mate.
At one time I thought I could hook anything that swims.
Hey, I'm smarter than a fish.
After having a White Marlin make a fool of me for 6-10 charges on the bait. I would want someone that can hook these PITA'S. I can run a boat.
As far as fishing where the boats are ?
Fluke fishing with my dad one day. He was heading far from the other boats.
I said, ( Okay I was about 12)
Dad the boats are over there.
He said,
Ya wanna cach boats or fish.
We loaded up on fluke.

If you think a Captain has a "better" network" I have to ask a Question. In a Multi Million dollar tournamet, do ya reeeely think thier sharing ?

[Squidnation]

My opinion for what it's worth.
If I had the money for a boat that could chase marlin.
and the desire (much rather catch sharks)
If I had the money to hire only a Mate or Captain but not both.
I would hire a Mate.
At one time I thought I could hook anything that swims.
Hey, I'm smarter than a fish.
After having a White Marlin make a fool of me for 6-10 charges on the bait. I would want someone that can hook these PITA'S. I can run a boat.
As far as fishing where the boats are ?
Fluke fishing with my dad one day. He was heading far from the other boats.
I said, ( Okay I was about 12)
Dad the boats are over there.
He said,
Ya wanna cach boats or fish.
We loaded up on fluke.

If you think a Captain has a "better" network" I have to ask a Question. In a Multi Million dollar tournamet, do ya reeeely think thier sharing ?

their is alot more to the great captains then just the networking. For one - the good captain really shine after they raise their first fish. that just tells them they ran over them. Now its time for multiples. And yes I don't think that captains have a trusted network that share even during tournaments. Seen it happen many times.

[Hatterized]

all captains can find fish....the really great ones know how to use the sticks giving the angler an advantage in jockeying the boat....boathandling is so often overlooked in giving that decisive edge to win the battle

[N2theBlue]

all captains can find fish....the really great ones know how to use the sticks giving the angler an advantage in jockeying the boat....boathandling is so often overlooked in giving that decisive edge to win the battle

boat handling is key. I had the pleasure to bluefin off NC with a guy who really knew his stuff, caught one ~320 on a 50 with 80 lb and never saw the braid backing. He kept me off the same corner of the boat the whole time. Its amazing the difference between a good boat handler and a poor one.

To answer the question, if i am hiring somebody, i'm hiring a captain then letting him pick a mate to hire also. Teamwork is so key, especially in tournament fishing where multiple hookups are key.

[Sportsman]

If you can rig and hook a fish, hire a Captain. You'll get your chances when you've got a man that can stay on top of a bait mark during the bite. One that will find that water with no current and good temp/color/edge. A man that knows to keep the boat ahead and in a slow turn and still at trolling speed after the first fish is hooked up is gonna show you a couple more fish on occasion.

If you can't rig or hook a fish....do a little home work and practice rigging......and since you have enough money to have a boat and hire a Capt. or mate, spend some dough a couple of times a year and go to Guatemala, CR, Isla and practice your drop back. Soon enough, you oughta know enough to be dangerous....assuming you already have the basics, which frankly, I can't imagine jumping in the game without having been around it enough to half way have a little something to offer.

[joeksr]

their is alot more to the great captains then just the networking. For one - the good captain really shine after they raise their first fish. that just tells them they ran over them. Now its time for multiples. And yes I don't think that captains have a trusted network that share even during tournaments. Seen it happen many times.

WELLLL. OK. If you say so.

I'm by far not a pro
But
Have done some offshore fishing.
Yep, get a fish or pull, mark the spot and direction you were moving ( can make a difference). Been times when fish only hit one way. I'm sure it has to do with current, bottom structure etc. Run back and do it again.
No brainer.

OK, I think got that part.

Sharing ? If you say you've seen it I believe ya.
From my experience fishing in OC with buddies that all had boats, SHARE, we all want to catch fish.
Tournament time. For a little while, your on your own.