Outboards Vs Diesels - No need for mythbusters here

[Otoro]

One factor that has not been mentioned yet is the difference between wheels on an outboard and on inboards. Inboard props are significantly larger and have more bite making consistent speeds much easier no matter the conditions. Inboards can be all over the place depending on whether you are going up a wave or down the face in moderate to large seas. I think this is a huge advantage to inboards.

[TROPHY SPORTFISHING]

One factor that has not been mentioned yet is the difference between wheels on an outboard and on inboards. Inboard props are significantly larger and have more bite making consistent speeds much easier no matter the conditions. Inboards can be all over the place depending on whether you are going up a wave or down the face in moderate to large seas. I think this is a huge advantage to inboards.

That is very true you can watch a outboard when it is not calm and see the inconsistent speed a few guys i know that do well on outboards fish there stuff way back instead of up close. That being said when it is rough my boat at 46 doesn't fish as well as a 60 footer alot jerkier and more erratic we have to drop our stuff back to keep it running right.

[skipbait]

I believe, just my opinion and not fact, that the pressure wave created by the hull, the amount of white water, the prop noise, and engine harmonics all play a part in catching more fish on the troll no matter the species.

There are two things that tell the whole story in my eyes:
1. The fish's lateral line is the sense of hearing and to some extent the sense of touch. If a boat is putting out sounds or pressure waves in the water that hit a billfish's lateral line in an offensive way, you are just not going to see the numbers. The same goes for the tunas.
2. Ever really take a look at the size of a marlin's eyeball. Its huge compared to the size in other fishes. If they are hunting with that eyeball and the bait is hidden in the wash, do you think that affects their ability to see your bait at all, much less from the maximum distance?

I don't fish outboards, but If I did I would drop the baits back a bit farther than typical to get the baits away from the outboards and wash.

I also agree with Mary about the size of the boat and the size of the spread making somewhat of a difference. A 17 foot wide boat with 40 foot outriggers is just going to cover more water than a smaller boat.

[Robja]

This is a very informative thread Bill. When planning our January trip this year we were looking at fishing out of Boca Chica with Mark Corn and he has a cat with with outboards. Since the boat avaliability didn't pan out with our week we're heading back to Costa Rica instead. After reading the comments it makes me apprehensive about fishing a cat boat for billfish. Thanks to all of you for the comments.