OK, went on my 1st Long Range trip recently and had a good time. Flew from Florida for an 11 day trip, brought my own rod/reel setups and tackle. I'm 69 years old (almost 70), have been fishing for my entire life, have fished a lot of places around the world, everything from freshwater bream to 350lb mako. Some observations:
- The terminology you westcoaster/long rangers use is different than what I'm used to but I was able to get that sorted out (mostly).
- The conventions you guys have for topshots/leader use is different than what I'm used to.
-To me, a topshot is a long piece of mono line, tied or spliced on top of the main braid line - it would usually be at least 100' long, but could be longer. Never heard of using a top shot of less pound test than the main line. Purpose is to add some stretch into the "string" and to reduce visibility (to the fish) of the line.
- A leader is a piece of wire, mono, or flourocarbon line, or a combination - usually 35' or less in length. Can be spliced, tied, or attached with a swivel/snap to the main line. Purposes multiple: prevent bite off, more abrasion resistant than main line (or top shot), reduce visibility. Never heard of using a leader of less pound test than the main line and don't see any rationale for doing so.
Why use a topshot or leader of less pound test rating than the main line? If the fish are leader shy and you need smaller/less visible, drop down the pound test rating of the entire setup. The "string" is only as strong as it's weakest link. Doesn't make sense to fish an 80lb setup with a 50lb floro leader (I see this convention mentioned often) - you can only apply so much drag to the weakest link. In the case of 50lb leader, if you can land the fish with 15lb of drag, use a 50lb setup - the 50lb setup will be lighter and easier to handle than an 80.
When I come back out for another long range trip, I'll bring probably 6 setups, as follows (and really don't see reason for more):
- 30 or 40 lb, conventional (Fathom narrow 30 2 speed) or spinning reel, on 7' rod, for making bait and small school yellowfin.
- 50lb, big spinner (BG8000) on 8' rod, for throwing wahoo bombs/jigs.
- 50lb, conventional (Fathom narrow 30 2 speed), on 7' rod, for school yellowfin up to 80lb.
- 65lb, conventional (Fathom narrow 40 2 speed) on 7' rail rod, for yellowfin up to 150lb and bottom fishing.
- 80 or 100lb (probably 100), conventional (MK20IISEa) on 7' rail rod, for yellowfin up to 350lb and bottom fishing.
- extra ?lb setup, for ?
- Floro in 30, 50, 60, 80 and 130 lb test.
- No top shots on reels, long floro leaders (at least 8'), rated at at least main line rating.
- good 4X hooks, all size ranges.
Fishing, either live bait or throwing lures, off the transom of a 30' wide boat with 28 other guys is tough fishing, something I'm not used to. Can be a clusterfXXk.
Long range fishing trips involve alot (many hours) of "boat riding". "Boat riding" can get boring. Just a comment.
Being confined to a small floating island, for many days, works out better if the group is compatible. (see comment above). Any way to confirm/address probable compatibility before booking a trip? Don't get me wrong, some real nice guys on the trip I was on.
The wife an I are really enjoying the 150 lbs of yellowfin and wahoo I shipped back. Somehow the one yellowtail I caught didn't make it into the processors shipping box, oh well.
More to come, JTE
Hi JTE,
Welcome to the world of West Coast, Long Range Fishing.. It sounds like you enjoyed it enough to consider trying Long Ranging again.. I believe You will find that you have made a great choice should you follow thru with hopefully coming back..
In truth, getting older should only be attempted by the Young as it really does hurt. However, long range fishing is for the rest of us, regardless of age, who want to up the odds of finding like minded folks to chat/hang with or those of us who just find the act of getting older more enjoyable being on or near a fishing situation and of course, catching some great fish.. The more days the better regardless of our age..Finding ways to get thru the travel days may not be as tough as you think.. Or maybe they are for some.
For me, who has been doing this West Coast Pelagic thing for around 6 decades, I find real peace just being on a fishing boat, River, lake, etc. or any environment where fishing has the possibility to be an option.. The more days and nights, where I have the potential to catch fish, the happier and more at peace I am.. Heck, I try, every day on the water, to find some alone time, on the upper deck, just to ponder nature and how lucky I am to be where I am. Yes, this often involves a Cigar and Drink but sometimes just staring out at the amazing scenery, sounds and sights is enough to invoke a wonderful and peaceful response. The world can seem really right just taking it all in. Sometimes, that time alone can be a highlight of the day.... Even should the fishing and camaraderie be really good.
I always enjoy getting new perspectives from new comers to West Coast Long Ranging regardless of their past fishing experiences.. Thank You for writing up your thoughts as I felt your post was a very good and honest one.. Your take aways from the trip are fair and reasonable based on your experience and perception of the event....Undoubtedly, your insights from your first experience here on the West Coast, represent many others who have felt similarly depending on how their first trip went.
As in all things fishing, regardless of what coast or continent one finds oneself, some trips will be fair to middling, some trips will be amazing and some trips will kind of suck..But maaan, when we experience a Great trip, those great experiences tend to stay on the top of our memory banks for ever while the crappy or middling trips only stay for short periods or until the great one comes along.. Even as senility approaches, which sometimes can be a good thing, these great memories find a way of finding their way to the surface.
In West Coast Long ranging the overall crappy trips tends to be few and far between as the industry has come a long way regarding customer service, boat/crew quality, food and even passenger behaviors towards each other on and off the boat. These are the things we are in control of while Mother Nature is in charge of Wind, Weather and fish deciding to eat. The more you do this long range thing the better the chances are of having a combination of great boat, great crew, great passengers and great fishing all rolled into one trip.. This is true in all things in life including posting on Bloody Decks... Sometimes, you might even get some great answers to questions You might not have known you had while enduring some responses that might not Strike your fancy..
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As far as your thoughts for what you might do in the future regarding boat choice, charter choice, gear choice for given situations, etc. there are always circumstances or discussions that might change or reinforce a few of your thoughts... Or not... In truth, this industry, as do all out-doors type activities, needs more folks, of all ages, participating, having a good or great time, having the best chance to catch fish, which brings the person back for more trips, for the industry to survive. Getting the most out of each trip is what brings us back for more. I and others, both on and off this site, hope to help others shorten that learning curve.
If you are interested, it would be my absolute pleasure, if you PM me with your phone number or request mine, we can chat by phone to discuss anything West Coast Long Range fishing related you would like.. Or anything fishing related. It is something I do most everyday with fisher-folks from all over the world as most folks do not have a West Coast Long Range knowledge-able shop near them to obtain advice, share your thoughts or just run some of your thoughts up the flag pole .. Most every time, the person on the other end of the phone gets something of value from me and often times I learn something from them.. As a note: There is never an obligation, regardless how much time I spend with you, to purchase anything from us.. I just really enjoy helping folks get more out of this industry or just chatting with like minded people...
Regardless of your decision, have a wonderful 2022 season and Happy New Year..
Respectfully,
Jamie
