New to Offshore

[Lab]

Ok so a little background I am an experienced angler and guide from MN. My main body of water is Millelacs lake. No ocean by any means but it is our largest lake. I have also fished Michigan and Superior. I really want to take my 23 ft Proline to Venice to get on some offshore action. I don’t expect the same results as if I were to charter a boat but I really want to do it on my own. I just like learning and the sense of accomplishment is very fullfilling to me. I am looking for any tips and pointers. I have plenty of gear for trolling. Questions how far offshore do I need to go to get on some good rigs in April. I would love to catch a nice wahoo too. Proline has a 200 Honda with 130 gallon fuel tank so I can cover some ground. I won’t be as fast as the twins but I am not in a huge hurry. Like I said I am eager to learn and would appreciate any help

 

[af dreamer]

You will really need to learn to use a cast net and how to catch bait.I think the offshore rigs are 30 to 60 miles.When I was there last year we fished the 30 ish ones for YFT.Going back home n August.Tom

 

[Lab]

How about trolling around the rigs?

 

[af dreamer]

Never had done it,metered the fish and chummed a few baits.Im sure if there is wahoo and Marlin around they will bite the lures,just have not done it there.Tom

 

[Striker Tackle]

This time of the year Tuna will be caught on the shelf rigs with Live pogies. Rigs: Elf, Amberjack, Pompano and many others

 

[Lab]

This time of the year Tuna will be caught on the shelf rigs with Live pogies. Rigs: Elf, Amberjack, Pompano and many others

 

[Lab]

This time of the year Tuna will be caught on the shelf rigs with Live pogies. Rigs: Elf, Amberjack, Pompano and many others

Sounds like Saturday and Sunday next week I am going to give it a try. Totally new to this so super excited. Best way and places to get bait. Cast net or do they sell it

 

[af dreamer]

I know some bait can be caught on sibikis.Never saw anyone selling bait down there like they do in Miami.Tom

 

[af dreamer]

I would charter someone for at lease one trip to learn the ropes or maybe you can hire someone to run your boat.You might be able to locate someone out of Venice Marina.Tom

 

[Striker Tackle]

I am not sure if the pogies showed up at the end of Northeast pass. Bring some frozen pogies for cut bait

 

[Lab]

I am not sure if the pogies showed up at the end of Northeast pass. Bring some frozen pogies for cut bait

I would Be all in on someone running my boat for a day if there’s anybody out there who wants to go on a fishing trip we would obviously take care of all gas I brought as much gear as I could fly down with because I have to fly into Tallahassee to get the boat first. I’m not sure if I have the right stuff I also plan on buying some gear too. Weather is looking good for next Sunday and Monday. We are not super picky on species. Just sick of snow and Ice covered lakes. Some nice Blackfin Tuna would keep us busy and a shot at a few yellow fin would be a bonus. I have 4 Penn trolling reels spooled with 100lb power pro and 50 lb flour carbon leads. I am also packing few penn open face with 9 ft Rods spooled with 50 lb power pro. Let me know if anyone is interested in running my boat out to the gulf. I would make it worth your time.

 

[surfgoose]

Derek, since your boat will be in Venice and Jimmy of Striker Tackle is in Venice, I'll bet that he can put you in touch with local skippers, either pros or local Power Squadron guys who would be willing to help you get a feel for the situation. Contact him privately, he won't want to publicly play favorites from among his customers.

 

[Lab]

Thanks Surfgoose. I left Jimmy a PM

 

[Saintwho]

Were you able to get out there?

 

[Lab]

Well my trip was not what I was Looking for. We had an issue with marine band radio and were unable to fix it over Easter weekend. Not a lot of options in Venice as everyone was closed over weekend. Didn’t feel comfortable going offshore with no communication. Next trip I will be more prepared. Thanks for the help I do want to try again. Thinking next nov or December .

 

[Striker Tackle]

Well my trip was not what I was Looking for. We had an issue with marine band radio and were unable to fix it over Easter weekend. Not a lot of options in Venice as everyone was closed over weekend. Didn’t feel comfortable going offshore with no communication. Next trip I will be more prepared. Thanks for the help I do want to try again. Thinking next nov or December .

Try and come down in October for shrimp boat season

 

[Lab]

Sounds good I will and thanks for the help Jimmy. Is October good time for Dorado too? I would like to come down and leave the boat for the winter for a couple trips

 

[Striker Tackle]

Sounds good I will and thanks for the help Jimmy. Is October good time for Dorado too? I would like to come down and leave the boat for the winter for a couple trips

There maybe a few hanging around but that is more of a summer pattern