I would like to put together a list of people that I can call when planning a Blue Water trip. I have had some trouble filling the boat. I typically start looking early in the week, got a pretty good idea by Wen. afternoon to Thurs. morning, if everything is still calm I leave by Fri. afternoon to get to the boat. Most of the time I have to work a full day Fri. and not be able to leave the dock till late Fri. or very, very early Sat. morning. I do not have a place to stay, so I sleep on the boat even if we leave Sat. morning. 4 people can sleep comfortably, next to some one, and then I have two big bean bags.
I only plan trips when I think the weather is going to be good for the trip, not interested in having the crap beat out of me. All I am interested in this time of year is over night trips. Typically we go after Grouper and AJ's on the way out, maybe some trolling(would like to do more of this) and fish the rigs at night for B.F and YFT. I am not going to sleep unless there is Swordfish lines in the water. If we have time we will fish our way back in. I have to get back in early enough to clean fish and boat, then drive 3.5 hrs home. This means back at the dock somewhere along lunch on Sun.
I hit I-65 in Greenville for those of you who will have to travel as well. Maybe we can save some gas. This can be discussed with those individuals.
I leave out of the Orange Beach area.
The boat is a Stamas 310 Express, twin 225 optis, Lee's 18 foot outriggers, 280 gallons of gas. Garmin 5212 system, 1kw transducer, XM weather, still have to mount the radar. I am wanting to have a hardtop and isinglass(sp?) installed before I mount it. As soon as I can sell my other boat this will happen. Bring a rain coat till then.
Shower(cold water), bathroom, and the boat sleeps great.
I am thinking a crew of 4 or 5, I will go with a little as 3, it just costs more.
A close guess on money:
On our Thanksgiving trip, included bait,ice,beer,food, gas and oil
3 people $200.00 per person
4 or 5 will get some cheaper, you buy more food, beer, bait.
On Thanksgiving we came back with 80 gallons on a big trip. I feel very comfortable with our range.
We add up the receipts, and I have digital floscans and know exactly how much gas and oil we burn. You will know exactly why the trip cost what it did. I have been a victim of someone guessing and getting that feeling of being abused on the money end, I did not like it at all.
I have all to the big game tackle, 50's and 80's, bait rods, spinning rods, fighting belts, sword lights, lures, and terminal tackle we need. There is no need to crowd the boat unless you want to bring a jigging rod or something similar.
Other than that all I can tell you is there is a line in the water at all times unless we are running, and I like to fish hard.
As far as drinking on the boat, it is allowed and I enjoy a cold beer myself. You will keep your safety and everyone else's in mind while doing this and moderate your amount accordingly. This will be a fishing trip, not a booze cruise. 21 years old will be in forced, I am not getting sued. No Drugs. I will call the coast guard and the rest of us will continue to go fishing.
Unless you become life threating sick, do not expect the boat to turn around. Like I said, it is comfortable below.
If you own a boat and need someone to help, contact me as well. As long as I know by Thurs., I can usually leave out on Fri., Thursday night with a little more planning, and I am willing to travel along the coast from Venice to Destine for the right trip.
For those of you who wish to contact me for more details:
David Lane
sales@koilane.com
334-874-9815 5pm to 9pm
I would like to put together a call list for Bluewater trips 
