Port A Scatcat long range : 10-24-2008 08:00 AM - 10-26-2008 12:00 PM

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The bunks will be in the main cabin.
They are working on the bunks and location now.
The upper level will be open for storage, but it won't be fun getting things up or down from there.

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Originally Posted by BretABaker

good to know they have some sword experience. is the bow open? I haven't seen it.

Honestly - I'd prefer just doing an overnighter (30 hr) to a rig for tuna much like we do in the NE canyons. these 3 and 4 day trips are nice, but you need to use vacation if you work and is just a lot of money. tuna is my main goal anyway, the grouper and AJs are fine, but really not a highlight for me.

At 15 knots I don't think an overnighter is reasonable though.

Bret,
I've been on a trip that was over less than half way through the first night as we filled the fish boxes with tuna. I've also been on trips that we all worked very hard to get one per person.
Two nights of fishing works better here.

[SpecialK]

Jerry,
I will be in PV on these dates but keep me in mind for future trips! I have always thought these boats would be great for over nighters. I thought they moved much faster than 15 knots though???
Maybe my imagination..

[Earl]

Man first time that boat has done anything other than bottom and the occassional drift fishing run. I've fished on that boat since I was a pre-teen and I'm uh..45.

It is big and fast - not as big and fast as the Big E but the biggest and fastest in Port A. She handles seas very well. Allways been one of the better boats to ride - there in lies the problem though in recent years.

My last few trips on her were more tourist rides than hardcore fishing trips.

Still if ownership really goes in with the attitude to do it right and not just haul fishermen out for a ride here and yon, it could be a good boat IMO. My first offshore trip was on her. My first tuna and my first of many offshore species came from it's decks. Lot of good memories on that boat.

Earl

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Originally Posted by SpecialK

Jerry,
I will be in PV on these dates but keep me in mind for future trips! I have always thought these boats would be great for over nighters. I thought they moved much faster than 15 knots though???
Maybe my imagination..

I'm going by what the owner said it would do with a full load.

[Fishhead56]

I would be glad to join and give it a try if I was in Tx at that time.

Jerry , Thanks for giving this a go to get a trip together.

Kev.

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Originally Posted by Earl

Man first time that boat has done anything other than bottom and the occassional drift fishing run. I've fished on that boat since I was a pre-teen and I'm uh..45.

It is big and fast - not as big and fast as the Big E but the biggest and fastest in Port A. She handles seas very well. Allways been one of the better boats to ride - there in lies the problem though in recent years.

My last few trips on her were more tourist rides than hardcore fishing trips.

Still if ownership really goes in with the attitude to do it right and not just haul fishermen out for a ride here and yon, it could be a good boat IMO. My first offshore trip was on her. My first tuna and my first of many offshore species came from it's decks. Lot of good memories on that boat.

Earl

Earl,
The loss of a winter snapper season has hurt all the boats on the coast. To be honest we are in danger of loosing most of the for hire boats and owners are trying to find ways to continue to offer a service to the general public.
Talking to the owners I get the impression they want to make the effort/investment to use these boats as fishing platforms for those who can't afford an offshore boat. They are willing to work with us to properly equip these boats!

[SkeeterRonnie]

Well Jerry, they spoke to the right person. Your knowledge will help us all to have another tuna/floaters boat! thanks for everything you do and thanks to them for being receptive.

[BretABaker]

you're right, 2 nights is always better (esp given the canyon season this year which is horrible).........but i'd definitely do an in/out trip if they could say leave the docks at 1PM saturday and come back around 1PM sunday. Ideally 6-7 hours out...fish 12 hours then 6-7 hours in. or friday/sat, etc.

Maybe you could suggest to try both and see? For me the price difference would be fine if i could skip catching amberjack and bottom fish during the day. this is me talking about my personal preference though, if more people want to do bottom fishing than not then definitely that'd be a better business decision.

Boats up north also do special tilefish trips, deep drop wreck trips, etc. Since those boats are generally sucessful I think Texas boats should try and mimic what goes on up there. The demand up north is greater, but if people say they can go for 24 hours and have the chance of getting some nice yellows at 80-100 miles they might get more business. 2-3 days is a long time to be on a boat for most people.

now....if in 2-3 days we're going to chase the 150+ lb yellow i'm definitely game

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Originally Posted by BretABaker

you're right, 2 nights is always better (esp given the canyon season this year which is horrible).........but i'd definitely do an in/out trip if they could say leave the docks at 1PM saturday and come back around 1PM sunday. Ideally 6-7 hours out...fish 12 hours then 6-7 hours in. or friday/sat, etc.

Maybe you could suggest to try both and see? For me the price difference would be fine if i could skip catching amberjack and bottom fish during the day. this is me talking about my personal preference though, if more people want to do bottom fishing than not then definitely that'd be a better business decision.

Boats up north also do special tilefish trips, deep drop wreck trips, etc. Since those boats are generally sucessful I think Texas boats should try and mimic what goes on up there. The demand up north is greater, but if people say they can go for 24 hours and have the chance of getting some nice yellows at 80-100 miles they might get more business. 2-3 days is a long time to be on a boat for most people.

now....if in 2-3 days we're going to chase the 150+ lb yellow i'm definitely game

Bret,
That might work for swords, tilefish, grouper or AJ's not for YF here. The YF are further out!
In this part of the GOM we don't have deep water and structure here like the east coast.