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Is there a primer for the 56 hr Scatcat trip? #11135981 09/30/15 02:10 AM
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TXEagle001 Offline OP
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It's good to be back. I recognize a few names from many years ago when I was somewhat active here.
After 10 years of being dry docked aside from a 8 hour snapper trip, me and my brother are booked on the 56 hour Scatcat trip on Oct 16. I've been out on the Cats for 12 hour trips, and 40 to 60 hour trips on the Dolphin/La Pesca but as stated, those were all over 10 years ago. Things have changed a bit. I was accustomed to tackle, bait, and knowledge being supplied but now it appears you're mostly on your own. I know a few things, (enough to have a line in the water but will it hook anything?) but this is the right place to learn more. So some questions off the top of my head. Has anyone ever posted a somewhat detailed primer on how to fish these trips. I've read many topics and have picked up bits and pieces.

1. I know tuna are targeted, will there be stops or moves for other species?

2. In the past we would drift fish mostly with frozen herring or mackerel. I'm assuming that will not be the case now unless there is a stop for bait fish or a blackfin is sacrificed for chum. I'll bring poppers, vertical jigs, flying fish rigs as recommended. Anything else to be sure to pack? Which is usually more effective?

3. Spinning rod? I'll assume this is for casting the poppers further. Is it a must or a luxury?
Are any available to rent for the trip?
I have 3 rigs... tld30, Okuma Convector 4/0, and a Penn Senator 4/0.... another project is to replace the line as it is all over 10 yrs old.

That's good enough for starters... I have no doubt other questions will surface. Thanks..

Re: Is there a primer for the 56 hr Scatcat trip? [Re: TXEagle001] #11136310 09/30/15 04:57 AM
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Day0ne Online Content
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1. Depends on which floater they decide to fish. If it's Perdido, there usually isn't time to stop on the way out or back in. The trolling and fishing around Perdido can be good for other species, such as rainbow runners and even marlin.

2, Don't forget the Halco 130's

3. Most people prefer to cast poppers and swim baits with a spinning setup. I personally use either a Lexa 400 or a Fathom 25N, but that's just me. You won't be casting much with 4/0's and larger. Lots of blackfin get sacrificed for chunks but drift fishing can work also. Some people even do well with whole squid. BTW, what are you going to jig with? 4/0's will wear you out.


David





"Lately it occurs to me: What a long, strange trip it's been." - R. Hunter
Re: Is there a primer for the 56 hr Scatcat trip? [Re: TXEagle001] #11140679 10/02/15 04:27 AM
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The regular crew will be up shortly.

I'm kind of new at it too.

You will need a good spinning rig. Seven and a half to 8 foot used to cast poppers and the Halco Max 130 and don't forget the Tackle House Flitz. Main line is from 50 to 80 pound braid with a 60 to 80 pound leader. I use mostly the Jerry Brown hollow core 60 pound braid.
I don't know the reels as well as some of the guys but the Shimano Saragosa and Spheros are plenty good in the 8 to 10k size. The Stella is one of the high dollar reels.
You might also need to look for a jigging setup. Jigging with a 6 foot or less rod with a light reel is much less wear on you.
There is another thread with some Avet rigs that will work for the blackfin. They may be on the light side for the tuna but you could make them work.


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