Help Deciding on a Fall Trip

[bassjedi]

Hi gang. I'm looking at pulling the trigger on my first long range trip. I used to live in So Cal and did dozens of 1-2.5 day trips, but none longer than that. I now live in Texas and am thinking of coming out in the fall for an 8-10 day. There are several with openings, which would not have been the case at this point in the years back when I lived in Cali but I guess the supply/demand dynamics for top notch long range trips have shifted a bit in the past several years. Anyway, I'm looking at the following potential trips:

Colonello 10 Day open on Excel (Oct 22- Nov 1)
Jim's Custom Rod 10 Day on Intrepid (Oct 11-21)
Island Tackle 10 Day on Shogun (Oct 28 - Nov 7)
Danny's Extreme Fishing Challenge 10 day on Indy (Oct 20-30)

Anyone have any thoughts on one of these vs another for a first time long ranger? I'm not a big drinker/partier; just looking to fish with a chill group of folks and fill the freezer. I noticed the Indy trip has a somewhat significant cost difference; can anyone shed light on the reason for that?

 

[Rabid Fish]

I would probably start by looking on tides4fishing.com and seeing which trip lines up better with high activity days, and I would also lean more towards the trip with the smallest max load of passengers

 

[nicodemus]

I'll add one for you to take a look at... this trip almost never has openings. Ultra limited 16 people, hard get more room at the rail than that, and Mike Lackey is one of the best skippers in the fleet:

Trip Details for San Diego Anglers ultra limited Load 16
2 SPOTS OPEN! 10 Day Trip​

Description 10 Day
Check In 10/24/23 9:30 AM
Price $5200.00
Load 16
Spots 2

 

[bassjedi]

I'll add one for you to take a look at... this trip almost never has openings. Ultra limited 16 people, hard get more room at the rail than that, and Mike Lackey is one of the best skippers in the fleet:

Trip Details for San Diego Anglers ultra limited Load 16​

2 SPOTS OPEN! 10 Day Trip​

Description 10 Day
Check In 10/24/23 9:30 AM
Price $5200.00
Load 16
Spots 2

Thanks, I assume this is referring to the Vagabond. I'm sure it is a great boat, but it is pretty small and seems similar to the 1-2 day boats I've gone on many times. I'm hoping to get the full "long range experience" on this trip with one of the bigger boats.

 

[mike garrahan]

I'm on the October Shogun 6 day trip that goes just before the trip you are looking at. The trip has been very good the last few years and a 10 day will give you a lot of options. I have fished with the Island Tackle guys on a prior trip and they are a really good group to fish with. The trip is only taking 22 people which is a pretty light load for that boat. Rene, the captain is very good and he will work really hard to put you on fish.

 

[dwaynesda]

Hi gang. I'm looking at pulling the trigger on my first long range trip. I used to live in So Cal and did dozens of 1-2.5 day trips, but none longer than that. I now live in Texas and am thinking of coming out in the fall for an 8-10 day. There are several with openings, which would not have been the case at this point in the year back when I lived in Cali but I guess the supply/demand dynamics for top notch long range trips have shifted a bit in the past several years. Anyway, I'm looking at the following potential trips:

Colonello 10 Day open on Excel (Oct 22- Nov 1)
Jim's Custom Rod 10 Day on Intrepid (Oct 11-21)
Island Tackle 10 Day on Shogun (Oct 28 - Nov 7)
Danny's Extreme Fishing Challenge 10 day on Indy (Oct 20-30)

Anyone have any thoughts on one of these vs another for a first time long ranger? I'm not a big drinker/partier; just looking to fish with a chill group of folks and fill the freezer. I noticed the Indy trip has a somewhat significant cost difference; can anyone shed light on the reason for that?

My Vagabond 10 day charter (limited load 16), which is normally full, had a couple of our older gentleman cancel due to them getting old, has a couple of spots open up. Oct 24-Nov 3. We have had this charter for almost 20 years. Great group of guys and gals. We do not leave the dock with the idea of chasing just big tuna, but a variety of what is biting in Baja. Capt Mike is great at laying out a game plan and we have a blast every year. PM if interested.

 

[Steve K]

Thanks, I assume this is referring to the Vagabond. I'm sure it is a great boat, but it is pretty small and seems similar to the 1-2 day boats I've gone on many times. I'm hoping to get the full "long range experience" on this trip with one of the bigger boats.

I’m only 74 and took my first 3 day trips in ‘93 and ’94. I’ve fished quite a few trips 14-16 days in length, have fished on all four of the boats on your list, and some others. Just last year I fished on the Vagabond a couple of times, with Mike and then Cameron at the wheel. I never felt like the boat was small.

Long Range experience is awesome and I hope you enjoy your trip. Checklist? Bunks in staterooms with storage and wash basin, Check. Three meals a day plus snacks, Check. Plenty of bait, excellent crew, good service, experienced captains, Check. Ultra limited load of 16, Priceless.

 

[Scott McPherson]

I'm on the October Shogun 6 day trip that goes just before the trip you are looking at. The trip has been very good the last few years and a 10 day will give you a lot of options. I have fished with the Island Tackle guys on a prior trip and they are a really good group to fish with. The trip is only taking 22 people which is a pretty light load for that boat. Rene, the captain is very good and he will work really hard to put you on fish.

I agree completely with Mike here. I fished that trip when it was a 7 day. Great group of folks. Kevin at Island tackle usually goes on the trip. Great boat Captain and crew. Give Kevin a call at Island Tackle if you want some insights from him. I’ve got to say all those trips sound really good on some great boats. You can probably through a dart at them and come out a winner. Btw the Vagabond is top shelf as well. Great reputation.
Regards
Scott

 

[nicodemus]

My Vagabond 10 day charter (limited load 16), which is normally full, had a couple of our older gentleman cancel due to them getting old, has a couple of spots open up. Oct 24-Nov 3. We have had this charter for almost 20 years. Great group of guys and gals. We do not leave the dock with the idea of chasing just big tuna, but a variety of what is biting in Baja. Capt Mike is great at laying out a game plan and we have a blast every year. PM if interested.

I would totally jump on this trip if my schedule and wallet allowed for it. Everything I'd learn from Dwayne about wahoo fishing would alone be worth the price of admission!

 

[Steve K]

I would totally jump on this trip if my schedule and wallet allowed for it. Everything I'd learn from Dwayne about wahoo fishing would alone be worth the price of admission!

I’ve been eyeballing this trip for several years and never saw an open spot.

 

[dwaynesda]

I’ve been eyeballing this trip for several years and never saw an open spot.

People are getting older and are not physically able now. They had an excellent 20 year run fishing with Mike but have to call it quits now. The heart wants to go but the legs say "no".

 

[opentail]

All the options you've listed for your first long-range fishing trip have their merits. The Excel, Intrepid, Shogun, and Indy are reputable vessels with different trip dates and pricing. Consider factors such as availability, reputation, and amenities offered. Read reviews from previous anglers to get a better sense of each trip's atmosphere. Ultimately, choose the one that aligns with your preferences for a chill group and productive fishing. Enjoy your adventure

 

[Steve K]

People are getting older and are not physically able now. They had an excellent 20 year run fishing with Mike but have to call it quits now. The heart wants to go but the legs say "no".

I’m trying to avoid that stage. I joke that it’s not the end of the road, but I’m getting a clearer view of the Stop Sign.

 

[bassjedi]

People are getting older and are not physically able now. They had an excellent 20 year run fishing with Mike but have to call it quits now. The heart wants to go but the legs say "no".

PM sent

 

[bassjedi]

I ended up deciding on the Vagabond. Thanks to those who chimed in.

 

[nicodemus]

I ended up deciding on the Vagabond. Thanks to those who chimed in.

The Ultra Limited?

 

[bassjedi]

Yep, 16 people

 

[nicodemus]

Very nice. Good luck!

 

[arkansastuna]

I ended up deciding on the Vagabond. Thanks to those who chimed in.

You will enjoy that trip. Dwayne let me fish that trip with them several years ago. Great group and Dwayne taught me a lot about wahoo fishing. I do an 8 day and a 10 day each year on the Vagabond and Mike teaches me a lot each trip. Open wheelhouse, great crew, great food and 16 anglers. Don't know how it is now but there were several couples and older gentlemen that didn't spend every minute at the rail. A real fun trip.

 

[CI_SeaWolf]

Excellent choice! Mike and the Vagabond are a great bunch to fish with!

 

[jer dog]

I love the shogun, but 16 max , that’s about A no brainer if I ever seen one, you’re going to get spoiled.

 

[bassjedi]

I love the shogun, but 16 max , that’s about A no brainer if I ever seen one, you’re going to get spoiled.

The Shogun trip filled up anyway.

 

[Steve K]

There’s nothing to compare to an ultra limited load. We used to fish 14 day trips on the Angler with 18 anglers. Good times. Great choice, and less expensive than fishing with 26 on one of the big boats.