*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: you have to fish where they live...and be present to win.
depends on where you will be fishing for them....That boat is certainly big enough...if you have the right fishing equipment. Maybe not be big enough to make a far run offshore though...give us some more info, and you will get a lot more responses...
Justin
SUnny Skies
Back in the 70's we saw an 18' Starcraft aluminum boat at the Mud Hole about 8 miles off NJ and have a picture somewhere with 200 lB. BFT tied to it. This wasn't a one time thing for them.
I've never fished for Bluefin, but we fish big Yellowfin on the Lump off South LA during the winter. We see lots of small boats, well we don't actually see them, but on calm days the sounder picks them up quite well!
I will be fishing off of Portsmouth NH. From what I hear you need to go out approximately 20 - 30m miles. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]I am considering buying the stand up equipment but want to make sure my Sportcraft 221 WA is big enough. It also has a 8 foot beam.
quote:Originally posted by Kingtunasx2:
I bought a 221 WA that is actually 22'10". Is that boat big enough to fish for bluefin tuna?
A 45' Viking would probably be better. Sorry just foolin around.
It's more about the seas then the fish.
When it's flat calm you can get as far as your fuel will take you.
(1/3 rule is a good one). Just keep an eye in the sky and your ears on.
On the nastier days, "just say no" and stay inshore and have fun. It's certainly not fun getting the crap beat out of you trying to get back in when you got caught offshore in seas that kick up nasty quick.
It's supposed to be about safety, relaxation and fun right ???
I've had more days that I wanted to go offshore but didn't because of sea conditions and inaccurate forecast then days that I actually get out there, but so be it. I'll just get em next time.
Have fun and be safe....
you should be able to make that run no problem...but when going for bluefin, you definately don't want to skimp on equipment...especially if your after the big ones (over 200lbs). Landing them stand up, comfortably, will require a higher quality standup rod. So save up all you can for your tackle and proper rigging for your boat...ie. riggers, rod holders( especially on the hard top to put rods out of the way when fighting a fish) and when going out that far its nice to have a hard top, and a good enclosure in case the seas get rough...when going out that far, i also feel much better when running a boat with twin screws, just in case there is a problem with the other...thats one long and expensive tow!
We may be getting too enthusiastic here, but i do imagine you get a decent BFT bite up there, and i am sure lots of them are the big ones...when the time comes, we'll help you with tackle choices, if its needed!
Justin
SUnny Skies
Unfortunately I do not have a hard top. I do have a couple of freinds who can show me the ropes. I love striper fishing but the thought of a tuna is almost better than sex.
There is a famous photo that appeared in several Whaler brochures in the 70s and 80s of a Whaler Montauk 17 coming in with about a 200lb bluefin in the cockpit, tied to both side rails.
I once caught and released a blue marlin from a Whaler 16 that had to be released or tied alongside because there was no way it could have fit into the boat. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Red sky at night. . .
JB [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
I have caught many blue fins in and around the area your speaking of,there are times when they will be much closer in than the 20-30 miles you speak of.Your boat should handle the long distance when needed,I have seen many smaller boats out there ofcourse weather permitting.On a boat your size I would fish the tuna off swivel rod holders,with bent butt 130 class rod and reels.The gulf of maine up to the meritime and southward towards stellwagen has giants averaging 500+ lbs and many over 750lbs,I couldnt agree more with the posts above about equipment.Make sure you have the right equipment !! Fishing in your area I doubt you will be trolling and instead will be chunking,get a good anchor with a anchor release system with ball.You wont need to back down in a boat your size as the boat will be a large drag mechanism as soon as you release from anchor and steer away from the fleet.Have a good harpoon and dart handy.I hope I see you out there !! There has been some giants taken at the northwest corner of stellwagen,a 800lb most recently,but right now the hot bite seems to be off chatham,I caught one at (regal sword) 247 lbs last weekend, week before lucked out with a 479 lb near crabs ledge.I did try stellwagen with no luck and the dog fish were untolerable.It is the time of year when they will start to settle and I will head up to your area soon hoping for a giant. Good luck
About 20 years ago I saw an 18-19ft Whaler come into Point Judith carrying three teenagers and a 960lb BFT. The tuna was lashed to the outside of the boat and was weighing it to the point where there was almost no freeboard. What a sight! Good thing it was a Whaler...
The teens met up with a Japanese buyer at the docks and went away with some serious cash...
So, I guess you are telling me not to buy one of those big tuna reels at Walmart!!!! I need to read up on it first because I know nothing about that type of fishing. I've fished stripers and blues from my last boat for 15 years but this is definately different.
kingstuna,you sound enthusiastic and thats awesome,What I would do is try and go out with some guys who tuna fish regularly and see what they do and how.You really need the big game reels 130 class preferable,its a real big investment when you add three outfits (wich is what we fish) star drag reels will get fried after minimal use (talking from experience) and they simply dont hold enough line.There are some good videos out there for the beginner,I had a charter with some guys who never fished tuna and they watched some of those videos and actualy had a good feel on what was going on.Nothing beats on water experience ofcourse.You will need a federal fisheries permit www.nmfspermits.com and get a state permit.Get the general permit so you can sell your catch, the current rate is about $8-$17 a lb. They gave me $8 both times,but sometimes you do get a nice $15-$20 fish wich can bring some nice $.
There's nothing comfortable about fighting a 200 lb. Bluefin on standup!!! I don't care what boat you are on. I tried it Sunday from a 28' Carolina Classic. That fish took me back and forth across the stern several times, once up around the bow and then stuck me in the corner. I did the first two hours standup and then had to sit down on the cooler. To make a long story short, I broke my tuna stick rod at the 3:45 mark and then the 50 lb. mono broke 15 minutes later. My back had broken long before that though! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] But I'm not a big fella by any means. At 6' and 170 lbs., I'm no powerhouse but that fish was going to have to kill me or break the tackle down.
Anyway, if the weather is good and you've got plenty of fuel, you'll be fine in a 22'. I plan on taking my 20' Grady out to get my revenge on that fish!!!! So, the rest of you stay away...I've got a bone to pick with that fella!! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
How big a boat is required for Bluefin tuna 
