New Here - Going to SD to have some fun

one8sevenn

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Check and see if you need a passport, if the trip goes south you probably will
There’s a thread about the recent constitution ,interesting reading , be prepared so you don’t get hosed. I’m thinking you should bring what you need for terminal tackle, one less thing they can gouge you for
Main thing is have fun, the fishing is secondary
I was going to bring the passport and the Covid shot form anyway, just in case.

Yeah, I had read a few of the different forums on the Constitution.

They catch fish and you can get two day limits, but you have to be cognisant of the hidden fees and surcharges.
 
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RichG

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> For your overnight stay in SD, book a room around the landing. Some accommodations are nicer than others, so it depends on your budget. There are plenty of eating establishment within walking distance. The three landings, (Fisherman's, Point Loma and H&M) are only a short distance apart. Fisherman's has an extensive tackle shop. Mitch's restaurant at Point Loma is a good place to eat, as well as Point Loma Seafood.

I did. Thank you for the advice.

> The boats do NOT provide towels, so bring one for the Shower and soap. If you don't have waterproof boots, bring an extra pair of shoes and a few extra socks. Your feet will get wet. Sun screen, sun glasses, a hat and Jacket are necessities. Since Covid, some of the boat ask that you bring your own bedding, though this is changing, so Call the office and see what they are recommending.

I have a down sleeping bag that packs down to the size of 1lb propane bottle. That I was planning on bringing and using as a quilt. I will have the waterproof shoes. I do have an odd question, but does anyone use Crocs. They seem like they would be a bit more breathable than the rubber shit kickers. Good advice on the towel, I was not planning on bringing one.

> Fish Processing: There are three processors that will meet the boats (5 Star, Sportman's, and Fisherman's). They all do a good job. If you do well, you'll need a big ice chest (if now two) and ice, if you are still planning to drive home. Personally, I have them blast freeze my filets and ship them to me. You'll have to wait on the processors so it's best to make a reservation. I know some guys will spend the night after in SD before driving home, picking up their fish that AM.

I have contacted the processor. I should be good to go on that front. Right now, it seems that everyone and their dog wants to fly out of San Diego that day. Even with the gas prices it is more cost efficient to drive. I plan on buying some walmart special coolers and loading them up for the ride home.

> ackle: Arrange for rental equipment. It's much easier and you'll have to purchase a top shot from the boat. You'll need hook, sinkers, flurocarbon, and jigs. It will depend on what's biting at the time. Most of the boats have terminal tackle for sale on the boats, but the inventory can be limited. You should check with the boat as to what they generally carry. Sometimes, a new friend will loan you something. Who knows what's biting in Late September, so what will you need. I suggest you call the boats a week before and ask for their recommendations. Hook size will depend on the bait. 2/0 circle hooks are never a bad idea. 30 and 40 pound fluorocarbon as well. You can attack a 4 foot section of Fluro to your Mono. When you board, the crew you are new and they will help you set up. Remember to tip at the end of the trip. Bring something to cut your fishing line. The Boomerang is inexpensive and works great.

With Sinkers. How heavy should I go? 4 oz, 12 oz, 20 oz?

With the Hooks, I will get a couple sets in a bunch of different sizes for versatility. I have fishing with circles before and would fill comfortable with them.

With Fluro. 100% right and not the 100% coated, right? I know some people in fly fishing say the coated is just as good, but I am wary of that claim. Would it be better to get a bigger roll or just smaller tipit rolls of the fluro? I guess the question is how much do you think I will need.

> Bring something to cut your fishing line. The Boomerang is inexpensive and works great.

I have a decent set up for this, I will just have to try it on bigger line. Fly fishing is a lot of changing flies until you find what they are hitting on
I knew someone that fished in crocs so bring them. But remember the ocean is cooler, 68 or so.

Hooks, depending on the bait size and what they are eating. 10 of each should be enough, #2, 1/0 and 2/0. Trokar, Owner, Hiyabusa are all fine. You want the heavier wire hooks, not the thin ones. Mustad hooks are smaller, so #1, 1/0 and 3/0.

Fluro. Since I don’t fly fish I don’t know about coated. All I know is Fluro. Personally I use Seaguar Primer or there new gold label.

Not sure if Walmart is too close to the landing. There’s a Big 5 and Dicks Sporting goods. Big 5 usually has inexpensive stuff. Look at there web site. For coolers. The problem is will it be in stock.

Sinkers, torpedo, 6 and 8 oz should work. Bring a hand full of rubber bands. Or someone should have some. A few 2 oz, egg sinkers.

Here’s a thought, if you have stuff you don’t need on the boat, ask the place you stay in SD if they hold it for you. You might need to call and ask if the have storage and then tip the guy.

Keep asking questions.
 
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RichG

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BTW: You need to keep an eye on your stuff. Things can walk away. Usually if you see another person with fishing tackle, ask one of them, if you need to go to the bathroom or something.
 
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surfgoose

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    X2 what RichG said about keeping your eye on your tackle, etc. The landings are on a couple of hundred yards of public wharf, and unfortunately there are sometimes people hanging around that watch for opportunities to make off with something. Cars in the parking lot get broken into, too. Other fishermen waiting to board your boat will be easy to make friends with. Tuna People are Good People.
     
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    one8sevenn

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    I knew someone that fished in crocs so bring them. But remember the ocean is cooler, 68 or so.

    Hooks, depending on the bait size and what they are eating. 10 of each should be enough, #2, 1/0 and 2/0. Trokar, Owner, Hiyabusa are all fine. You want the heavier wire hooks, not the thin ones. Mustad hooks are smaller, so #1, 1/0 and 3/0.

    Fluro. Since I don’t fly fish I don’t know about coated. All I know is Fluro. Personally I use Seaguar Primer or there new gold label.

    Not sure if Walmart is too close to the landing. There’s a Big 5 and Dicks Sporting goods. Big 5 usually has inexpensive stuff. Look at there web site. For coolers. The problem is will it be in stock.

    Sinkers, torpedo, 6 and 8 oz should work. Bring a hand full of rubber bands. Or someone should have some. A few 2 oz, egg sinkers.

    Here’s a thought, if you have stuff you don’t need on the boat, ask the place you stay in SD if they hold it for you. You might need to call and ask if the have storage and then tip the guy.

    Keep asking questions.

    I might just bring both or just the rubber boots.

    > Fluro. Since I don’t fly fish I don’t know about coated. All I know is Fluro. Personally I use Seaguar Primer or there new gold label.

    Yeah, both lines are near transparent. One is mono with a fluro shell (Cheaper to produce) and the other is 100% fluorocarbon. I looked up your product and it runs about the same cost as RIO tippet for fly fishing. Fishing is not cheap lol.

    > Not sure if Walmart is too close to the landing. There’s a Big 5 and Dicks Sporting goods. Big 5 usually has inexpensive stuff. Look at there web site. For coolers. The problem is will it be in stock.

    There is one about 18 miles from the landing and If you believe that is going to be an issue. I may just ship it to the store and pick it up when I need it. Which is crazy, because even during hunting season they do not sell out here.

    > Here’s a thought, if you have stuff you don’t need on the boat, ask the place you stay in SD if they hold it for you. You might need to call and ask if the have storage and then tip the guy.

    I did not even think about this. I should just have a clothes bag that should not have too much gear in it. If I need too, then I may have to find a UPS store and ship it to my house.
     
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    one8sevenn

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    BTW: You need to keep an eye on your stuff. Things can walk away. Usually if you see another person with fishing tackle, ask one of them, if you need to go to the bathroom or something.

    This is good to know. So, it probably is not a good idea to leave my bag in the bunk while I fish? Do you think the landing has a place to stash travel gear or should I take just enough and mail the rest home?
     
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    one8sevenn

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    X2 what RichG said about keeping your eye on your tackle, etc. The landings are on a couple of hundred yards of public wharf, and unfortunately there are sometimes people hanging around that watch for opportunities to make off with something. Cars in the parking lot get broken into, too. Other fishermen waiting to board your boat will be easy to make friends with. Tuna People are Good People.
    This is good to know. It has been a while since, I have been to a bigger city with the Rona. I think I may be too comfortable living in a place where people can leave their cars or homes unlocked to no repercussions.
     
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    wils

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    Would a video on the couch of a helicopter of the twig and giggleberries suffice ?
    :oops:
    A rule is a rule and a tradition is a tradition
    hmmmm....... When the rule was made, selfies hadnt been invented yet. So I'll take upon myself - for the sake of my and everyones' eyes - and go ahead and give you the secret handshake w/o the pics..... :finger:

    Welcome aboard. :puff:


    If you have a spinner rated for 40# mono, put 40$ braid on it and then a topshot of whatever the deckies recommend for schoolie tunas and yellowtails.

    and speaking of deckies,...... talk to them before you leave the dock and let them know whats up with your own fishing background. Most will be more than happy to give you a hand and some pointers.
     
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    RichG

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    This is good to know. So, it probably is not a good idea to leave my bag in the bunk while I fish? Do you think the landing has a place to stash travel gear or should I take just enough and mail the rest home?
    First I’d check the hotel, then the landing. You could mail it home.
     
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    swami 805

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    Don’t worry about your stuff on the boat to much, usually not a problem. It’s when you’re at the landing where your stuff gets pinched
     
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    surfgoose

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    Don’t worry about your stuff on the boat to much, usually not a problem. It’s when you’re at the landing where your stuff gets pinched
    The boat is almost always safe, BUT don't leave your expensive tuna jig on the rod if you are going to bunk out for a few hours at night. They are money just hanging there. And the rule of thumb, in cowboy country or the big city, is the Five Percent Flake Factor. One out of every twenty-odd people that you are around is unable to resist the temptation to take advantage of a situation. I was taught that rule over forty years ago in the Police Academy and it is still true today. Sadly.
     
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    Deadlift500

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    The boat is almost always safe, BUT don't leave your expensive tuna jig on the rod if you are going to bunk out for a few hours at night. They are money just hanging there. And the rule of thumb, in cowboy country or the big city, is the Five Percent Flake Factor. One out of every twenty-odd people that you are around is unable to resist the temptation to take advantage of a situation. I was taught that rule over forty years ago in the Police Academy and it is still true today. Sadly.
    The five percent flake factor is an interesting idea.

    For what it’s worth, I’ve probably been on at least ten different overnight/multinight charters out of San Diego and Newport on various boats and never had a lure or anything else stolen on the boat.
     
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    one8sevenn

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    The boat is almost always safe, BUT don't leave your expensive tuna jig on the rod if you are going to bunk out for a few hours at night. They are money just hanging there. And the rule of thumb, in cowboy country or the big city, is the Five Percent Flake Factor. One out of every twenty-odd people that you are around is unable to resist the temptation to take advantage of a situation. I was taught that rule over forty years ago in the Police Academy and it is still true today. Sadly.
    Good to know.

    I just checked my spinning set up and I do not believe it will work. It is only a Medium action rather than Medium Heavy or Heavy.

    It worked decently on Carp, Pups, and Pike; but from what I read I probably want to go a bit heavier.
     
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    Deadlift500

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    Carp fight well pound for pound. If your rod could handle a big fat carp it could handle a schoolsized tuna.
    Good to know.

    I just checked my spinning set up and I do not believe it will work. It is only a Medium action rather than Medium Heavy or Heavy.

    It worked decently on Carp, Pups, and Pike; but from what I read I probably want to go a bit heavier.
     
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    one8sevenn

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    Carp fight well pound for pound. If your rod could handle a big fat carp it could handle a schoolsized tuna.
    Good to know.

    It is an Ugly Stik GX 2

    Carp are fun and quite difficult to catch at times on the fly. They make some of the best cut bait in freshwater. They are money for ice fishing. Oily flesh and Iron Skin. Just need a chainsaw to cut the chunks. Lol
     
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    Deadlift500

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    Good to know.

    It is an Ugly Stik GX 2

    Carp are fun and quite difficult to catch at times on the fly. They make some of the best cut bait in freshwater. They are money for ice fishing. Oily flesh and Iron Skin. Just need a chainsaw to cut the chunks. Lol
    What lb test line is the rod rated for? If it’s not at least 30lb, preferably 40lb I personally wouldn’t bring it for offshore fishing.
     
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    Kevin A

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    FYI, Good luck on your trips and San Diego. Not trying to alarm you, But if your going on your first trip, Your better to ask the boat up front what are all the nickles and dimes (EXTRAS) that will be charged to your tab on the Constitution. The cost to filet fish, any tackle, Snacks, fuel surcharge, etc. look up the reviews for the Constitution on this site and that will give you a better picture of what I'm trying to tell you. On the other hand. The Ranger 85 is a class operation and there is no funny business going on. and extra charges on your galley tab you didn't expect. Just take a lot of extra cash with you on the Constitution, They don't take checks or credit cards on the boat. But don't worry about not having enough cash when you get in to pay off your galley tab, The Boat will be kind enough to hold your fishing poles and gear along with your fish for as long as it takes you to go to a ATM machine and get your money. Don't think I'm Joking about this. Read some reviews.
     
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    Fishboss

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    Crocs should work. I cringe when I see guys fish in flip flops, with hooks, lures, blood, and general mayhem on the deck. I likewise cringe seeing guys fish in sneakers, how the hell do they get the blood stink out of em? I fish in rubber boots - I know, not California style but they provide a stable platform and won't stink.
     
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    one8sevenn

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    Crocs should work. I cringe when I see guys fish in flip flops, with hooks, lures, blood, and general mayhem on the deck. I likewise cringe seeing guys fish in sneakers, how the hell do they get the blood stink out of em? I fish in rubber boots - I know, not California style but they provide a stable platform and won't stink.
    What about waterproof hiking boots?

    I could also use them for hunting applications afterwards and I have a few pairs of them and they are generally more comfortable than muck boots
     
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    CI_SeaWolf

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    What about waterproof hiking boots?

    I could also use them for hunting applications afterwards and I have a few pairs of them and they are generally more comfortable than muck boots
    Bring more than 1 pair, when the deck gets washed down, sometimes so do your boots
     
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    7emptsT

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    What about waterproof hiking boots?

    I could also use them for hunting applications afterwards and I have a few pairs of them and they are generally more comfortable than muck boots
    I wouldn’t, get deck boots, your feet will thank you. My son uses short deck boots for everything.
     
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