Jim, yes, you're missing bites because of the 300# leader. No doubt about it. I started out with 400# when I started bluefinning. And have gone down steadily ever since. If the bite is on, it may not matter too much. But the way things have been this season, it matters alot. Drag setting doesn't matter much if you can't first get some line screaming off the reel.
I've never had a problem getting a solid hook set at 25lb strike. But more doesn't hurt a thing. We stay between 25 and 33lb strike. If I need to horse him, I'll palm the spool. But with outboards such as we have, normally you can get after him with the boat before you have to worry about that. Just have to get that one other downline and the planers up quick as soon as you get the strike, so you can go after him. That's one reason I like electric downriggers. Hit the button and go clear another line while the downrigger brings the planer up. Makes for quick clearing of lines so you can go get after them. You probably are OK to go after him with the top lines still out. Not preferred obviously, but if you have a hog on and have to, then get that boat quartering him as soon as planers are up.
whats goin on guys... first off I hope the fishing improves for all down there... its tough when the fleet is losing money. I was down there in december and unfortunately to say, I am glad I didn't go back. secondly its even more disheartening to hear all the fish lost down there.... I agree with marty 100% hang the 50's up... 80's are ok, 130s obviously prefered... every fish lost is another fish educated. also, check your mainlines more often up here we check them after every fish and usually cut back a few near the leader... also 1 fish... 1 leader scrap it after a fish.... if you break a bluefin off, the fish usually goes blind in that eye... when it gets hooked in the hinge the line goes straight back over the fishes eye and blinds it on that side. We need the quota, and its not worth losing fish over line problems... Also remember that the longer you fight the fish, the better chance you have of losing it. We yearn on the line let the fish take its run... back down on him reel the line up and stay on top of him... don't drive away from the fish... they are usually predictable so being up and down on them is not a bad thing... thats when you really beat them up... with the rod in a swivel holder watch the rod tip when it is up and down... when its bent or becoming more bent... don't touch anything... when the rod is becoming less bent grab a hold of the line and pull it and reel keep that bend in the rod... it beats the fish up... when fish are hooked in the hinge... not gut hooked... and you keep pressure on them and are straight up and down they can only swim in one direction and they will just do their circles... good luck guys... catch em up...
I certainly hope there is nothing wrong with using 50s to fish for GBFT as I have three on the way and wanna get after one of these fish before I leave! Out of the box the reels are capable of 50# at strike with a max of 57#. And frankly I don't want, nor have the pockets for, 130s.
O-SEA-D....can you explain your technique of dueling with these monsters on your gear? I have a looming concern for punching the drag up to 45#+ on a freight train at super cruise and then strapping that rocket to me arse!
I have read a lot about chasing the fish and have no doubt that with my gear the situation may dictate me doing so as well. I envison what I would do, but would like to hear from those a helluva lot saltier than moi as to how they get er dun! Keep in mind I am in a 26' boat. Thanks in advance!
Junior
Semper Fi
Every time I fly and am forced to remove my shoes, I'm grateful Richard Reid is not known as the Underwear Bomber.
— Douglas Manuel, aerospace executive regards airport security. Reported in USA Today, 13 March 2003.
I have 50VSW's and 70VS's for reels. My strike drag is at 15 lbs and I put it at position 2 on the reels.
When a fish hits we keep the boat moving forward. We clear the lines while keeping an eye on the rod with the fish on it for:
1. Line going out
2. Rod bent over with good presure on it
3. Make sure your not going to get spooled
4. Which direction the fish is going
Once everything is clear, then I am ready to get the rod out of the gunnel. I already have my Braid Power Play harness on. I take the rod out of the rod holder and I strap it into my harness. Depending on what the fish is doing depends on where the drag goes from there. I can't tell you that part because every fish is different. I start reeling line back on as we move towards the fish. I also fight the fish from the back of the boat. I can keep in good contact with the boat driver as well as he can see what the fish is doing.
BOAT OPERATOR: You better have someone who has a clue at the helm. Sometimes these fish will run right towards you. Your captain needs to be aware of that. Sometimes you have to get on plane and run away from them to keep the line tight, otherwise your fish will throw the hook. So far this year every fish we caught we had to at least once get up on plane and run about 20 knots away from him to keep the line tight. You as the angler need to be ready for that at any time.
IMPORTANT: Do not move the boat faster than what you can reel without keeping a good tight line on the fish. I know it might seem like less work to just reel in the line with a little pressure on it, but DO NOT do that unless you want to lose the fish. Tight lines are very very important when BFT fishing.
I don't pump the fish when I am stand up fishing. It is important to keep your knees bent at all times as well. What I do is sort of use my legs and lean back on him most of the time. I just keep a good hard constant pressure on the fish during the fight. Now, when I get up and down on him for a while and he is not budging then I will slowly slowly pump him up to me. Nothing during the fight is jerky or done quickly if I can help it. Once again that is according to the fish. Some people think of the Dennis Braid video when stand up fishing. The guy is leaning back and then coming forward and reeling and just pumping the day lights out of the fish to get him to the boat. I have made up my own style that has worked for me over the years. Not saying his way is not right, just telling you what works for me.
The important thing is make sure to keep the line tight.
The most important thing is your safety. These fish will yank your butt over the side. You can't imagine the pressure thats on your legs when your at anything over 30 lbs of drag. If its your first few times Stand up BFT fishing I don't reccomend going that high. When that fish starts yanking his head back and forth, your entire body moves back and forth as well. You better make sure you have your feet planted good at all times and always be ready for the unexpected. Keep those knees bent all the time. If you are standing straight legged that fish has got you. Also, keep the cockpit clear of all things. No buckets or bait or anything else in your way. You need to be able to move from side to side without anything getting in your way.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have a safety strap connected to your reel, not connected to the angler.
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