These lists are for first-timers going long-range fishing, usually aboard
the Big E 52- 76 hours trip, the Dolphin 60 and 80-hours trip, charter trips
aboard the Pelican or other long-range vessels in the Gulf region. I am only
recommending gear that I am familiar with, as there may be plenty of fishing
gear out there that's just as good.

I highly recommend buying quality tackle during your initial purchase. The
reason I recommended this is because in the long run it will save you lots
of headache and money. Graphite reels are good for people who aren't serious
about getting into saltwater big-game fishing. But, if you are planning to
fish long-range trips more often then you should definitely think about
investing in some good quality gear. You will thank me someday LOL.

3 rigs are a good start for first-timers. You always can acquire more tackle
later.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Either myself, our
moderators, or other members will have plenty of advice.



OR





   

Article Tools
Show Printable Version
Email this Page

That is a great article TJ.

I want to add that one can get a good buy in used reels. Many find that they desire to purchase the latest and greatest. Their older gear is offered at cut rates. The key is knowing quality equipment and its value.

The fish just do not know what kind of rig you are using to catch them.

I will LOUDLY agree that you are going to be very pleased using Jerry Brown Line One Spectra on your reel.

Thanks for the recommended list Minnow! I've got a question for anyone using the Kaikon reels. Are the EV models (graphite) what you are using or the all aluminum ones and are you using them for jigging? The light weight and low cost of the EV's is attractive but if they won't hold up I'll go with something different.

Why use graphite reel? I don't think graphite reel will handle the as well as aluminum reel will.

My 4000 series Kaikon was real good reel, it generated 22# of drag out of the box, smooth drag and has a spool lock feature. This reel is design for botom fishing (snapper was the main target).

I used to own couple of TLD's, but ended upgraded to aluminum. If you think in the near furture you going to upgrade, I would highly recomend the kaikon 4000 with line counter (if you like line counter).

If you are planning to use it for jigging, you might want to check out Shimano Ocea jigger 4000P, it has narrow spool so level line won't be so much of a problem.

Ksong has one, you might want to ask him.

There is a water fountain in the galley but I would suggest you take at least a 12-pack on half-liters with you. You can lay them in bait well that runs the length of the boat and grab a drink between fish.

Hey Minnow,

Thanks for the information. Going to take my first tuna trip on the Big E and had a few questions for you.

1) I noticed the list you posted has some trolling lures in there. Does the Big E actually take the time to troll for tuna? If so, how much of the trip would you say is dedicated to trolling vs. jigging vs. top water fishing in your opinion?

2) Is it true that all the coolers on these trips are usually stored on the top level of the boat?

3) How long does it usually take to get out to the fishing grounds?

4) Is the baitwell stocked by the boat or do they depend on the passengers to fill it?

Any more info you can give would be appreciated. Thanks.

i'll chime in for you.
1. the big e usually doesn't troll for fish. the slower boats out of port aransas do troll.
2. the bigger coolers are usually stored on the upper deck and if seas aren't rough some store coolers under the seats on the outside of the boat.
3. depends on which floaters they fish. any where from 4 to 8 hours. however most trips they make a bait stop which can take a while.
4. bait is made by the passengers on bait stops and also the crew will fish for baits when you bottom fish.

have a safe and productive trip....rick

Thanks for the quick answers Rick. Got a few more for you (or anyone else).

1) What's the best way to store your rods on the Big E? I've heard people sometimes use milk crates but was wondering if there were any other options. I've been on the boat before for the 12 hr trips and remember there didn't seem like enough rod holders for 40 people x 3 rods each.

2) Does the boat move around as much as they do on the 12 hr trips? I remember that annoyed a lot of people when we would stay on a spot for 15-20 minutes and then pull up anchor and take another 30 minutes to drop anchor again.

3) When you say "floaters" are you referring to seaweed patches or oil rigs? Are the oil rigs the best bet for YFT?

Thanks

I'll add to this:
1. There are almost 100 rod holders on the top deck but those go real fast so I always take my milk crate. BTW -- the rail around the top deck angles in so you only can use about 1/2 the space of the milk crate. There are a couple of other spots along the stair railing that you can get full use of the milk crate. Take at least 5-6 bungees.

2. not as much but they will move if not catching fish. IMO, on the day trips they don't want to over fish the spots so they only pull a few fish off and then leave but the spot they hit on the longer trips don't get near as much pressure.

3. floating oil rigs. This may help http://www.eagle.org/news/PRESS/redhawk-mar03.html/

Thanks for the answers txseadog. Good tip on the railing angling in as well. I guess I'll have to make sure and check it out when I go down for the next 12hr trip to see what my options are. Any other tips anyone wants to share would be appreciated as well.