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Random Quote: I thought I was hooked on fishing then I got strung out!
I really have the tuna bug, but I've never been and don't want to teach myself. It seems both dangerous and expensive and therefore the perfect skill to learn from another. I was thinking about trying to find someone who goes out regularly and hitching a ride a couple of times. I figure I'd offer to chip in on gas and agree all fish would go to the captain. But I'm looking for someone who would actually be willing to talk to me about how to do this, what electronics to buy, what fishing equipment to use, different techniques, how to read the water, how to dress the fish after the catch etc. That may be a lot to ask someone, knowing how protective some guys are of their techniques and locations.
Someone suggeted I just do a charter, but that is about sitting back while the captain does his thing and then just reeling in the fish. A charter captain may have no interest in answering a bunch of questions.
Anyway, you guys get the idea. What do you think? Am I on the right track? Can anyone recommend someone that does this sort of thing?
Do you have a boat? there are many places to hire a captain to come out tuna fishing with you and show you the ropes...on your craft. It can be a terrific experience.
Do you have a boat? there are many places to hire a captain to come out tuna fishing with you and show you the ropes...on your craft. It can be a terrific experience.
And how do we find these guys? I would love to hire someone to show me the ropes on some big fish.
__________________ John
2006 World Cat 250DC
Twin Honda 150
I really have the tuna bug, but I've never been and don't want to teach myself. It seems both dangerous and expensive and therefore the perfect skill to learn from another. I was thinking about trying to find someone who goes out regularly and hitching a ride a couple of times. I figure I'd offer to chip in on gas and agree all fish would go to the captain. But I'm looking for someone who would actually be willing to talk to me about how to do this, what electronics to buy, what fishing equipment to use, different techniques, how to read the water, how to dress the fish after the catch etc. That may be a lot to ask someone, knowing how protective some guys are of their techniques and locations.
Someone suggeted I just do a charter, but that is about sitting back while the captain does his thing and then just reeling in the fish. A charter captain may have no interest in answering a bunch of questions.
Anyway, you guys get the idea. What do you think? Am I on the right track? Can anyone recommend someone that does this sort of thing?
I am in the same boat as you LegalBill. I have been trying to catch a bluefin all season but have failed. i really wanted someone to teach me the ropes. some of them offered but when i contacted them to seriously persue the idea they all backed out. I would say try asking some of the people at your marina and see what they say. they may be more receptive towards helping you if your at the same marina. Good luck with the hunting, oh and if you get good mabe ill contact you for a lesson
__________________ 19' Pro-Line Sport CC Mercury 125 TS: Location Broad Sound Lynn, Ma
Hey Booze Monkey, I was in the same situation, found an excellent charter out of Gloucester and now at least have a clue. I recommend that you do the same, you'll probably want to go a few times. I enjoy fishing with this crew so much (and the boat is a really nice sportfish) that I hope to continue to charter with these guys at least a few times a year. Have the boat booked for another trip on the 19th for my nephews 18th birthday, hoping that he'll get a nice Bluefin. I have learned quite a bit from these guys and they are willing to teach, half the time I am either driving the boat or setting a spread or putting out a kite. It is very hands on and you definitely will do more than just real the fish in although pulling in your first 200 lb fish is enough for most.
Pete Santini in Everett goes out on yout boat with his bait and gear and teaches guys where and how. I've talked with him a couple times but havn't hired him yet. http://www.santinitube.com/
And how do we find these guys? I would love to hire someone to show me the ropes on some big fish.
I know some up this way not towards jersey...word of mouth usually or you can even ask charter boats in your area the price to come on yours and show you the ropes...many do..
Hey Booze Monkey, I was in the same situation, found an excellent charter out of Gloucester and now at least have a clue. I recommend that you do the same, you'll probably want to go a few times. I enjoy fishing with this crew so much (and the boat is a really nice sportfish) that I hope to continue to charter with these guys at least a few times a year. Have the boat booked for another trip on the 19th for my nephews 18th birthday, hoping that he'll get a nice Bluefin. I have learned quite a bit from these guys and they are willing to teach, half the time I am either driving the boat or setting a spread or putting out a kite. It is very hands on and you definitely will do more than just real the fish in although pulling in your first 200 lb fish is enough for most.
Thanks for the suggestion Nausetlight but with the charter captains being so expensive it puts them out of my price range. i've seen charters run for $700-$800. if i had that kind money to spare i would buy a couple of much needed 50 wides and keep learning the hard way. If i were to go on someones boat i would be willing to kick in some money for gas, and ive said this in the past I wouldnt even want to fish, i would help out on the deck in whatever way i could, my main goal would be to watch and learn from someone with a lot more experience than me. I did have an old salt at my marina tell me that I have most of the gear needed and that now it was a matter of "putting my time in" which i completly understand
__________________ 19' Pro-Line Sport CC Mercury 125 TS: Location Broad Sound Lynn, Ma
Thanks for the suggestion Nausetlight but with the charter captains being so expensive it puts them out of my price range. i've seen charters run for $700-$800. if i had that kind money to spare i would buy a couple of much needed 50 wides and keep learning the hard way. If i were to go on someones boat i would be willing to kick in some money for gas, and ive said this in the past I wouldnt even want to fish, i would help out on the deck in whatever way i could, my main goal would be to watch and learn from someone with a lot more experience than me. I did have an old salt at my marina tell me that I have most of the gear needed and that now it was a matter of "putting my time in" which i completly understand
Just be careful out there especially in smaller boat, it is very easy to get hurt when fighting one of these fish, its fast and they can be dangerous. With the right size tackle and a good standup harness, using live bait either suspended by balloon or kite you'll have a pretty good chance. Remember you are looking for signs of life, birds, bait, even whales are a good sign and that is where you want to be if at all possible.....I decided to spend my boating budget on charters for a couple of years to learn this game the right way from a pro.......good luck
Good responses, thanks all. I'm in Falmouth on a small inlet. From my dock, I could reach south of the Vinyard, or east of Chatham. My boat does not have radar, and only a small 7 inch gps/sounder. And the transducer does not transmit water temps!!! I need to replace the ducer with a 50-200 that transmitrs water temps too, but that is the least of my needs. My biggest rods are a pair of Diawa Sea Lines with 113 Penn Senators. Great for trolling stripers, but tuna? I'm guessing no. So a captain who goes out on my boat would be nice, but I'm missing some basic equipment.
Get a few guys to chip in and Charter out Tuna Hunter or one of the other popular charters out of Gloucester.Pay attention and it may be the best money you spend on fishing.I fish near him often and he always hooks up.
I know "Canyon Runner" out of Pt. Pleasant, NJ runs a charter where you do all the "work". They show you how to rig baits, set spreads etc. There may be a charter closer to you that will do the same thing.
__________________ TonyNJ
31 Ocean Master
17 Sugar Sand Tango - Sold
33 Bertram - Sold
26 Robalo - Sold
34 Silverton - Sold
Contact Tim Falon at Bad Fish Outfitters in North Falmouth. He can either bring you on his partner's Charter Boat (Diablo a Carolina Classic 28) or he is available as a Captain for Hire. Obviously he has all the gear.
I have fished with Tim many times. He is a great guy and is very willing to be a teacher. He will walk you through everything step by step. I could not think of a better way to learn or a better person to learn from....your boat (assuming he feels it is safe) or his boat. He can do it all.
Thoughts on hitching a tuna ride? 
