Was thinking about jumping on a party boat out of Galveston this weekend, maybe the Capt John
Problem is, Friday is the last day of red snapper season.
What else would they target on an 8hr trip?

kings, triggerfish, grouper, spadefish, and other kinds of snapper...

I have been on a party boat trip or 2, but don't know all that much.
I have caught trigger fish before, nothing too remarkable. Vermillion snapper are not as big as red snapper, but they are supposed to be good eating.
I don't know much about spadefish.
I believe grouper's are supposed to be very large.
Kingfish seem to be what everyone talks about.

It might be a good trip to consider.
I wonder if it is realistic to think about catching some of these other fish?
I called Captain John's, the lady told me they will actually be trying to stay away from red snapper.

They might drift ribbin fish for kings.

Gonna give it a try, this sunday.
I wonder if I should bring any special equipment or bait.
I do have some fishing poles, leader material, circle hooks, etc.
I was thinking I could purchase some big lures I saw at gander mountain.
The first thing I'm gonna do when I get on the boat is tip the deck hands.

Hey that's good stuff, I appreciate that.
I have 2 saltwater rigs that might be appropriate.
- a penn 114 sitting on a shakespeare 5 or 6 ft rod. The rod says it is rated for 50 - 80 lb test line. It is loaded with several hundred yards of 50 lb test, then topped off with about 100 yds of 80 lb test if I remember right. The line has been there for about 3 or 4 years, but has not seen much use. I might replace it.
- a penn 330 with about 150 yds of 30 lb braid and roughly 300 yds of 30 lb mono. It is on a 9 foot rod, which might be too long for a party boat, I don't know.

I will stop at gander mtn tonight to see if the carry the diamond jig and the williamson benthas jigs.

I do have some wire leader. It is name brand stuff, but don't remember the brand. Several years ago I made a few shark leaders out of it. I remember I rubbed my fingertips raw twisting it.
I also have some 7 strand cable, and I have the crimps that fit it.
I don't know if I really need stuff this durable or not.

If you tip before hand just give half up front and tell them they can earn the rest!

The Penn 6/0 and Rod is perfect with a fresh spool of 60 line you'll be set for just about anything. Sufix Superior is good Offshore line.

You never know about the wire until you see what they are after/ whats biting... if it's Kings and Shark you will need the wire. The deck hands will be able to help you set up some rigs ahead of time if you ask. take some Ziplok Sammy Bags and store the pre made rigs until you need them later.

Amber Jacks can be wire shy so I'd get some 130# Mono leader material for them and Groupers... and some 3/0 black ROSCO Swivels to tie the mono leaders/ wire to your line. The Owner Mutu 6-8/0 Circle is a good general Bottom Fishing hook that will hold up to large fish. I have straightened and broken more cheap boat hooks than I can count.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Bazz

Well we went and had a good time.
We did not catch anything big or exotic, but we filled the boat up with spadefish.
Someone else caught a ling, estimated at 45lbs, another person caught a king mackerel.
We have the fish in the freezer, will probably fry them up within the next couple of weeks.
Does anyone have a good recipe for spadefish?

I guess you went on Capt John; they are the big spadefish targeters. But they are fun to catch with the right gear, and if the boat isn't full its a good enjoyable day on the water.

There is only one way I really care for the spadefish, and that is fried. I cut the fillet down the centerline and remove the dark meat. You are left with two smaller boneless fillets. I like plain old cornmeal with garlic powder and Tony's to taste. Make sure fish is completely thawed and Fry at 400 degrees, but only a minute or so. Frying in high heat gets the cornmeal really crunchy fast, but leaves the fish moist. Don't cook for more than a minute, it will be done since its such a small fillet. The fish will continue to cook after you take it out of the grease. That's the reason most people overcook seafood; they don't allow for the fact the fish keeps cooking until it cools.