Captain John 36 hour 3.22-23

[word-doctor]

(Posted on 2cool, but got rather buried by the snapper regs brouha)

First off, the trip was great (here's the boat's report). I plan to go on another overnighter on May 3-4 with the same boat. It was not a stellar catching trip, especially when the last morning's fishing was cut off. I totaled 2 BFT (small), 7 vermillion, and 9 blue runners. But the captain and crew did everything right: their attitude and hard work were exemplary. The other anglers were very helpful in providing information and assistance. For example, the guy next to me (Dave) was catching beeliners on Saturday afternoon. I couldn't get the right depth, so finally asked to drop at the same time--sure enough, picked up my best vermillion at "his" mark.

OK: here's the requisite newbie "what I learned" list:
1. CROCS RULE! I resisted getting them for a long time, but wore them this whole trip. Absolutely no lower back pain and feet aren't sore at all. I worked in kitchens for 7 years: these are the best "standing" shoes I've ever used by a long shot.
2. Watch, ask and listen. I asked about jigs, depths, speeds, baits, hooks, etc. Watched guys like Ruben. It saved a wasted trip, because if I'd tried to figure it out on my own I'd have never gotten it until afterwards.
3. Put the time in. Was too excited to sleep much on Friday night (3 hours?); caught a few naps during travel time and fished as hard as I could when we stopped. Took a few breathers to change baits, during detangling, etc. I was about as hyper as Aaron through the whole trip... finally caught a couple hours sleep on the ride home.
4. Daiwa Sealine. Next to the crocs, this made the trip. Great freespool and 6:1 gears made jigging work, even using a TruTemper rod with a hard tip. Holds 300 yards of 65# braid with a 5' topshot.
5. Newell gears. 4:1 on a 4/0 Penn made it much easier to reel up a beeliner and 20 oz. sinker. Used an old 6' Sabre rod rated 60-100--great rod to use on the rail.

I don't plan to make any major purchases for the next trip; maybe a couple of aftermarket handles (just found an 8-ball for the Sealine!). At some point I'll want to get a more appropriate jigstick, but the old TT really ain't that bad and I like the aura from a hardwood handle.

That's all the I can think of. I want to thank the vets and crew for all the help, especially when I was bouncing around asking questions at uncivilized hours. Hope to see some folks off this board in early May.

Drew

[papio]

Them Blue Runners are very tasty. At first i resisted eating any until my Japanese neighbor fixed some up and had me try it. Wow! they taste similar to the Hawaiian Akule or Omaka (Big Eye Scad). Now I keep most of the Blue Runners for the table and a few for bait.

Looks like the boat did pretty good. Good luck on your next outing.

[BretABaker]

blue runners? really?? haven't tried them.

glad you had fun on your trip, good luck in may!

[gman]

Amberjack are supposed like blue runners not people

[BretABaker]

i would only think it would be tolerable smoked. how did your neighbor prepare it?

[bulllred]

Nice report. I always like Capt. John 36hrs. trip. For the price, you can't beat it.

[word-doctor]

Originally Posted by BretABaker

i would only think it would be tolerable smoked. how did your neighbor prepare it?

Don't know about his neighbor, but I smoked up a bunch. Did two brineades--one spicy and one teriyaki--and had at 'em with pecan. Turned out really tasty. I did peel the skin off and use a sharp spoon to take off any remaining dark meat.

Yesterday I did a soy marinade, then rolled a couple of cuts in spicy breadcrumbs, frying in olive oil. Wasn't the best fish I've ever had, but wasn't bad. Wouldn't do it if the fish had been frozen or was more than a couple of days dead.