Exploratory Gulf Coast Jigging/Popping Trip in June, 20

[ksong]

We plan to go on an 80 hour fishing trip on the Carribean Sea out of Fourchon, LA from June 17 to June 20, 2007.
Unlike other trips, this trip is for jigging and popping only. The Gulf of Mexico provides unique opportunities to catch big yellowfin tuna on poppers, though they catch yellowfin or blackfish on jigs too.
While most tuna fishing is done at night near oil rigs, we have opportunities to jig big grouper, amberjacks or red snappers daytime.
This trip is not for everybody as you have to have the desire and stamina to fish day and night for three days.

The area called Green Canyon where we are going to fish is located 150-200 miles off LA coast.
The Green Cayon is still untapped area and the fishing pressure is almost non-existant though some sportfishing boats fish there.
I got valuable information and tips from Ragman who arranged the GEM 06 trip to Green Cayon in Nov, 2006. Thanks, Ragman
Unfortunately they couldn't go to Green Canyon and had to shorten the trip due to weather. But still they could land 29 yellowfin tuna in 50 -90 lbs range,mostly on poppers at one night !
As much as I am excited to catch my first tuna on popper, I am looking forward to battling with big grouper, amberjack or huge red snapper on jigs as the areas nearby Green Canyon are known for big bottom fish.

The trip is limited 10 - 11 guys and fishermen come from as far as Far East for the trip. Probably master Japanese jig fisherman, Mr Matsutani of Seven Seas will join the trip as an invitee.

This history making trip will be a life time experience for those who join the trip as long as we have a good weather.

[ksong]

I got the delivery of poppers and Sabiki rigs from Ocean Tackle (www.360tackle.com) as they sponsor our trip.

Their poppers are consisted of three different types:
Komodo popper, Wombat chugger and Goanna cruiser as you see in the pictures below.

With 300 lbs swivel, Owner ST-66 4X Strong Treble hooks and Owner #10 Hyperwire split-rings, the solid harwood body poppers look formidable. They tested those poppers on the GEM 06 trip with excellent results.
Thanks TJ for your generous offer and I have no doubt those poppers are excellent choices for tuna as they are selected by an excellent fisherman.

[Snagged]

ksong,
Please take a lot of film and use it up. That should be a great trip.

[TeamOso]

Cant wait to see this report.

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

Originally Posted by Snagged

ksong,
Please take a lot of film and use it up. That should be a great trip.

What is film????

I am on the trip Snagged. I'll be using digital film...

My work requires that I maintain a film processer. I know how the world has gone to digital. The film prices are through the roof!!!

Did I mention that I am having a hard time waiting for June?

[ksong]

Originally Posted by Snagged

ksong,
Please take a lot of film and use it up. That should be a great trip.

I hope I catch a bigeye as you did. ( your catch on the Big E was a definite bigeye).

[Snagged]

All right! Bring lots of memory cards and yse them up!
Just take a whole lot of pictures. Please.

ksong,
It hit at 200 meters and wanted to stay from there to 250 meters.

[feeder]

Man that trip sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. Hopefully some of those OTI jigs are in the mail for you as well

[lite-liner]

Ksong, did you say Matsutani-san will be on this trip? Man, I wish I could go.
That guy is my hero!
-Brian

[Ragman]

Me too Tony!

Jerry- I'll be taking a couple of 1 GB memory cards for my camera, and maybe my laptop to quickly process the CD's.

I might be able to come up with a digi-cam and try to get some serious action footage too!