T.O.O. is again honored JP has allowed us to announce plans for the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters (yes sir, charters!) for the benefit of the fishermen and women of the Texas Fishing Forum.
The 2012 schedule for Friday-Sunday charters shows two excellent moon phase weekends in November, and as we believe we will be able to fill both dates, we have reserved both weekends of November 9th-11th and 16th-18th, 2012.
Below is the specific reservation information for both charter dates.
What T.O.O. requires by those interested is a post stating the number of spots interested and a preference of the weekend, or both weekends to fish.
T.O.O. will track the commitments of each charter and if one charter fills up quicker than the other, that charter will become the 2012 TFF Once Charter. If both charters fill quickly, both charters will be designated as 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters.
If one reserved weekend fills faster than the other, the fishermen on the fewer reserved charter will have the option to either move their spots to the “official” 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter as long as there are spots available or to hold the spots on the less reserved charter and T.O.O. will continue to work to fill the charter.
It might sound complicated, but T.O.O. will manage the requests for all charter spots and we want to give as many TFF folks as possible a chance to do a long range tuna charter in 2012.

Today, December 1st, 2011 is the start of the commitment time frame to see if there is enough interest in one or the other weekends, or both weekends.
January 13th, 2012 deadline is when T.O.O. requires significant commitment numbers for one or both charters to continue planning these charters.
We recognize the cost involved and that the holiday season is upon us and T.O.O. tries to make the payment situation as painless as possible, but a small payment per spot is required to secure the spot.

*Reminder: a post and an email stating a commitment does not reserve your spot until the security deposit of $60 is paid for each spot. These charters are first pay, first reserve to all fishermen on the TFF.*

Even with the extra managing/planning with two possible charter dates, T.O.O. is able to keep the cost per person at $710, the cost same as 2011. The only possible change to cost will be if fuel prices do rise extremely high in 2012 and F.W. has to change its policy of no fuel charge. T.O.O. will then have to adjust the cost per person to the exact additional fuel cost that F.W. would charge. Other than that possible situation, we do not foresee any other reason prices would be higher than the posted cost per person. If any situation does come up T.O.O. will notify and discuss with all on the charter(s) that situation before any price change.
Let the posting begin!


2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters
Boat: Scat Cat
Dock: Fisherman's Wharf
Location: Port Aransas, Texas
Dates: Friday-Sunday November 9th-11th and November 16th-18th, 2012
Length of Charters: 56 hours
Cost: $710 per person
Minimum Fishermen: 23
Maximum Fishermen: 24
Departure Time: 6am
Return Time: 2pm
Targeted fishing: Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, etc at night, daytime deep drop if within traveling distance.

Payment:
Checks
Made out to and sent to:
T.O.O.
1403 W. Oak Estates Dr
San Antonio, Texas 78260
or Paypal through too@outdoorstexas.com
if you use Paypal, we require the 3.9% fee be added to the payment sent.

Payment Time Frame:
$60 "earnest money" to secure and hold each spot up to the 23 minimum due January 13th, 2012.
$225 deposit to finalize your spot(s), due March 3rd, 2012.
$425 Final Balance, due October 19th, 2012.

Payment plans for paying are available if needed, please call or email us if you need to work something out.

In order to secure a spot or spots on the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters;
1. Post on this thread your commitment and preferred weekend to the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter.
2. Email us at too@outdoorstexas.com committing to the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter(s).
We'll need names, if we do not know you, to keep accurate records.
Emergency contact numbers would be good as well at that time instead of having to ask for it later on.
3. Send in your $60 security deposit between now (December 1st, 2011) and January 13th, 2012.
(The longer you hold off securing the spot the higher the chance of the trip filling with others securing spots and you not getting a spot on your preferred charter date.)
An email and post stating a commitment does not secure your spot until the security deposit is in our possession.

You'll then be good to go until March 3rd, 2012, when the remaining $225 deposit is due.

As the March 3rd, 2012 full deposit deadline approaches, we'll email a reminder to all that sent in an earnest deposit of the deposit balance being due March 3rd, 2012 along with our Term of Agreement & Waiver that is required to be signed and returned by everyone fishing the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter.

2012 TFF Once Tuna Notes:
We've continued the security deposit. We have to have a small commitment for these types of trips to make sure everyone truly wants to commit to this trip.
The security deposit and all payments are refundable only if anyone has to withdraw and a buyer for that spot pays the original buyer.

As always, if someone has to sell a spot, T.O.O. will try to help out and find a buyer, however the selling process is ultimately up to the seller. We've been very successful in finding buyers when a spot was needed to be sold in years past, but it takes time from our responsibility to those going on the trip.

A PM will not work for securing a spot, feel free to PM us, but as those that have used our services know, we send group emails to those going on charters to disseminate information and we'll need everyone's email addresses.

Sleeping on board for free the night before the charter is still available.

We've agreed to have at least 23 fishermen and F.W. really wants 24 fishermen for each trip. Cost per person is the same, but as F.W. is allowing us to book so far in advance without having a deposit ready, we will do as they ask. They continue to be very accommodating to the TFF tunaheads, so we want to make sure they are happy as well.

So to wrap this up, make sure the dates work for you, post up, email us, get the security deposit in to us by the January 13th, 2012 deadline and you'll be set until March 3rd, 2012.
Once we get that payment, we work for you and we'll do whatever you need to make the trip a success.
As always, this is your 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter(s), if there are any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact us at (210)215-3877 or email us at too@outdoorstexas.com and we'll do our best to take care of your request.

I am IN, Willie! not clear which trip yet, though

luck would have it, my wife is at the office right now I let her choose which weekend and she said the 16-18th is better I will send you a paypal in a few minutes.

paypal sent Mr Willy just take the paypal fee out of it.

Well, after being unable to log in for days, I finally got it. What is wrong with the forum? Anyway, I am in for Nov 9 weekend.

Please count me for 1 spot on both trips.

dang now i got to resend ya that virus ! lol

Me and Marlin are in for the weekend the boat sails!

Time to start shopping for gear again lmao!! At least I have a 600 gram jigger and a bottom rig just need 2 topwater rigs that can handle beasts!

Of course I am in. Will have to check dates.

Joe

Count me in for two weekends. Can't wait to catch my first YFT.

rookie, hmm This will be fun hehe. I think it's a requirement that you catch your first Yellowfin on one of the boat rods

any rods will do so long as I catch YFT.

First yellow? wear a shirt that goes well with blood.
I'll bring the video camera.......

Hey fishtuna, always make sure you know how many five gallon buckets should be on the boat too.

Nov 9th-11th works best for me

Joe

I am very interested and want to commit but I don't have any tuna gear. I've caught tuna out of Venice before. Can someone give me an idea of what I will need to spend $ so I will be ready? I know similar posts have been done before and I have the post that has the list on it. I just need to know what $ to plan for gear.

You will probably get a number of responses with a wide range of numbers. It really depends on what you want to spend and what kind of gear you want cadillac vs chevy. I have seen people get by with just boat rods and jigging with penn senators. Guess what? They caught fish.

My recommendation is allways: If you can find a way to arrange it, borrow or rent rods and reels because if you buy them first you are very likely to wish you had purchased something a little or alot different. Ask me how I know?

The basic setup is three rigs. A jigging setup, a casting setup (poppers & swimbaits), and a chunking/bottom fishing setup.

BUT You do not need those, however they are likely to make the trip more enjoyable. When I first started offshore there were not many topwater fisherman and we all had a great time jigging and chunking.

It is really quite difficult to get very specific without knowing what your budget is. Because you could spend no money if borrowing, $350 for a jigging setup that will be reliable or its possible to spend $4000 for the three setups if you go top of the line everything. Allthough I dont think that will make you catch more fish in the gulf of mexico, but you can notice the difference in the gear.

Be careful tuna fishing is addicting.

Newbie rules. When you are first getting started it is a rule to eat any part of the fish handed to you and most important make sure you know how many 5 gallon buckets should be on the boat at all times.

Thanks Oldtrackster, I don't know if I would count as a newbie since I have a few tuna under my belt. If I can rent setups then I want to go. That means I would need to purchase terminal gear and lures. I have a decent idea of what that will costs. Does anyone have some contacts for renting DECENT gear. I'm not real excited if I'm renting the stuff you get at the pier. Thanks for the help.

PM sent

sent email guess i better post, 5 spots please !

I'm in of course

Deposit went in mail this afternoon.

I'm in on the second date Nov 16-18th although you'll have to wait till I get back home from Africa to get your deposit.

I'm in for the 2nd weekend also. I have to keep up with my daddy!

Having two trips in one thread makes the countdown a bit more complicated. What a great problem!

Email sent to all that emailed us reserving/verbally committing to one or both 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters.
As of 2:30 pm 12-05-11, there are 38 tunaheads, and 40 total spots reserved/verbally spoken for for both 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters. There are two double dippers committing to both charters. By our calculations there are 8 spots left to fill both charters.

jnd, you can find all the good equipment (rods & reels only) you'll need for GOM YFT for around $600-$800, possibly less, if you buy used.
Diawa Saltists and Shimano Torium as well as Avet and others for casting, Penn, Shimano, Diawa 2 speed reels, and Penn and shimano casting reels suitable for tuna can be found used, usually in great shape, biggest issue would be finding the right rod that fits the specific used reel you buy and getting the buyer to ship it to you.
Only one rod, and no reels of the 4 offshore rigs in TOO casa where bought new, and the new one was discounted a bunch.
All coast, Nor'east, 2cool, Bloody Decks and here, among other places all will offer good tuna quality reels & rods for great prices from time to time. Just got to be quick on finding them.

Thanks TOO. I think I will get my gear together and then commit to a trip. For once I need to put the horse before the cart. Somthing new for me but even a blind acorn is found by a squirrel sometimes (I'm not sure which of those I am and my ego won't handle finding out). I want desparately to go, hopefully next time.

I've had good luck on Ebay. If you want help, send me a PM and I will walk you through how I do it so cheaply! LOL! I am a master at buying and selling I think half the gear on the last trip was mine at one point! LOL! Its fun, and I get bored...

count me in i don't know which weekend yet, but i'll let you know before the deadline. i'll send my deposit next week.

As I always say, if you are new to this game, skip topwaters. YOu only need one outfit for jigging, and one for chunking/bottom fishing. You will have plenty to fish for with these two outfits, and you can get them for reasonable price.

jig is right, casting topwaters with this group can be very intimidating.. once you see all of them shoulder to shoulder up on the bow.. I have learned to just hang back and jig for awhile until they get worn out and start going for breaks. I have always preferred the back of the boat, as long as the diesel fumes aren't too bad. I did notice though, on my last Scat Cat trip that braid doesnt stand a chance on the hull!! I will have a 25 yard topshot of flouro or mono on my topwater and jiggin reels. that 65# braided line pops the INSTANT it hits the hull. I lost 4 maguronis on small yellowfin the last trip due to the hull. I got so mad that I just stop and pee'd all over the side of the boat!(just kidding)!

Short email sent to all who have reserved/committed to the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters. We've added chuck_w and fishatwork to the group email.
Current tally is 40 total fishermen and 42 spots reserved.
3 spots are secured with security down payments.

Well .... I certainly would like to go on one of the trips but with it being a year away I don't have a clue which one.

I would like a spot on the 11/16-11/18 trip.

Mark.

Willie,


one seat for 11/16. If it's full put me on the waiting list.

Well someone had to start it.
Countdown to Once Tuna "a"
Countdown to Once Tuna "be"

16-18th for my group if possible !

2nd date (16-18) for me.

i would like the 2nd date as well if possible, need to mess with Cpt Cuda during the trip ^_^

I think I might be less serious, and more goofy this trip. Will the captain mind if we bring firecrackers on board?

hmmm lets see fuel/explosives/long way from shore ? but we should have plenty of water to put out the fire ! lol i dont see a problem !

awww heck, those crab boats never catch on fire hehehe !

I had already commented to porkchop last trip how a little
flying fish trap shooting could sure break up the monotony.
I'm ready......

Hell yeah, blue rock off the upper deck during the day! Awesome idea Brian!

PULL!

Howdy, I would like to reserve a spot for the TFF Once Tuna Charter for the Nov 16-18 2012 trip. I will be sending my deposit shortly. Thanks Bill Jr.

Billy,

On the day you emailed Willie I had received a note from him saying there were four spots left (overall) and that an email would be sent out regarding sending in deposits. I think he is just getting a head count now.

If you didn't receive a confirming email from him he might be deer hunting.

The second trip is the one all the pros are on and will catch the most fish. ....

BJ

plus you can always get a GOOD laugh from one of my bonehead moves on these trips LOL!

thankfully it's deer hunting !we know what happens when willie goes hog hunting. without his banjo !! LOL ! so i take it your on trip 2 bobby ?

Yessir ..... how'd you guess?


LOL

Hopefully I can get on the second trip, it works out better for me. Two nights of fishing offshore is unreal. I just want to know is how in the heck do ya get any rest? My adrenaline is pumping now eleven months away. Bill Jr.

Sadly I live life from one trip to the next and I know exactly what you are talking about.
Momma always said "There will be enough time for sleep when you are dead." She still lives by that, so I wouldnt worry about getting any rest while you are alive, might miss something.

Rest? Rest is what the weak worry about! Sleep is overrated, especially when tuna are concerned. Fish all day and night, sleep all the other time.

Man this sucks. My wife BDay is same weekend as the 2nd trip, so I can go that weekend. But, will prove Bobby wrong, the 1st trip will set the standard.

Did Ronny say he was going to act goofy on THIS trip?! :-)

well he has drank the lake worth glow in the dark koolaid ! LOL

that koolaid made me see little green aliens for a week!!! LOL!

Goofy? why sure! I can do that naturally!!!

Merry Christmas and Safe Happy Fishy 2012 Tunaheads

deposit sent for 5 spots on 2nd trip !

This thread has become a bit slow, so I have a question for you seasoned pros. What inexpensive digital camera would you guys recommend for tuna trips? I need one.

save a little more $ and go ahead and get waterproof !i HAD a Kodak easy shot and lost all my panama pics after punching thru a wave and getting soaked. lost some great pics. at the airport waiting on my flight back home i purchased a olympus, its waterproof to 12-15 ft and have been very pleased with it . wish i had bought waterproof in the first place.

I refuse to take a good (expensive) camera fishing, So I bought a Kodak Easy Share C 195. Something like $75 at WallyWorld. Does what I want it to do. The camera only holds about 6 pics so you will need a memory card.

you mean you finally retired your brownie ? LOL

Thanks for the responses guys. Antybody else?

I had to. I couldn't snap pics of all your fish fast enough for having to crank the dang thing.

thanks FT, right back atcha!!!

and to you also BAZZ

Happy 2012 to all!. We hope everyone had a great holiday season.
Group email sent to all reserving/committing to the 2012 TFF Once Tuna charters. Please let us know if you didn't get the email.
Trips are at 44 fishermen and 46 total spots reserved/committed.
Remember the January security deposit deadline to secure your spot.


Funny, Jim. Only Jetty YFT for you on this charter.

got it & replied. glad to see your still alive !

Just requested the second trip. Sorry jig I was leaning toward the first trip, but I have a similar problem except it’s my child's birthday during the first trip and momma said fresh sushi sounds good for Thanksgiving.

Question: How long can tuna be kept on ice or refrigerated? Will it keep longer in an unfrozen state vacuumed sealed?

keeping air away from it will deff. help,i try not to refrig. longer than 10 days if vac.ed, but thats just me .

10 days wouldnt be a problem. I am just trying to get it to thanksgiving without freezing it.

Brian .... it seems to me like the wife would go for celebrating birthday a week early if you promised to but her two of everything.

Just a thought.

deposit sent for 2nd trip...

Short email sent to all reserving a spot or spots on the 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters.
Currently the charter is full, we have more folks wanting to fish the charter than spots available.
However we have not received security deposits from a number of people and these charters are first pay, first secure charters open to all on the TFF.
If those that have decided to inquire late get payments in before those on the reserved list, they'll get the spots, and we'll remove folks on the list that have not paid.
Deadline for security payment is tomorrow, Friday January 13th, 2012.
We don't want to see anyone lose a spot(s) but six weeks time is plenty to get a $60 security deposit in to us.

gotta pay to play!! I'm stoked! just need a couple topwater rods and I am ready to play!

Deposit sent for the first trip.

Robert

The 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters have been divided into separate group emails based on commitment to the particular date.

The November 9th-11th TFF Once Tuna Charter has a number of openings due to non-payment to secure spots. Please contact T.O.O. if interested in securing a spot(s) on this charter.

The November 16th-18th TFF Once Tuna Charter is full at 24 with all fishermen having secured their spots with deposits.
Short group emails will be sent to each group tonight or Friday morning.

Short group email specific to each charter sent at 10 am.

PSSSST! ( there was no attachment on the email )

Attachment issue has been resolved.

nope

shall i give him the dancing bannanas again?? LOL!

yep

luv ya Willy!!!

Damn dancing banana's.......
Got one person on the second charter needing to sell and one person that can't commit to his reserved spot so we have two open spots for this charter.
Contact T.O.O. if interested in buying one or both spots on the November 16th-18th, 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter.
Other 22 spots are secured with deposits.

They won't last long. People will be begging to buy spots this fall!

I wish the owners of the Capt John would sit down with ya Willy, and discuss future exclusive options for 56 hour tuna trips with you being the booking agent! That would possibly make up a little for the missing boat from Freeport! Sure would be a LOT closer drive to the DFW guys.

Check out www.Chronglobal.com for a Tide tracking/ fishing app.


Are we there yet?


Tuna Tuna Tuna!!!

All I know is I'm in, fishing with both my boys. What a TREAT!!

Willie,

i'm in for trip 2 nov 16-18 if spot is still available.

Fathom

make sure you email him Fathom... its faster and more accurate.

Spot reserved for fathom for the second 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter pending security/full deposit.
2012 TFF Once Tuna Nov.16th-18th Charter has 23 reserved/committed fishermen.
The 2012 TFF Once Tuna 9th-11th Charter still has a number of open spots.

hey steve ! glad your onboard !

Exellent! deposit sent. looking forward to fishing with this group.

Steve .... glad you're in. You'll enjoy this bunch of outlaws .... I'll shoot you a PM and tell you which ones to watch out for ...

I noticed that you have been a member of this board for nearly 6 years and have made 5 posts. That's rich.

Short 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters group emails will be sent no later than noon Wednesday. Please look for it.
2012 TFF Once tuna charter public committed/secured update:
Nov.16th-18th charter is full at 24
Nov.9th-11th charter has several openings.

What the hell?!

Group emails sent to both 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters with attachments. God help me if it ain't there.

It's there hehe! Just a little anxious for the trip is all

Update: We have one spot needing be sold for the November 16th-18th, 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charter.
If interested in buying this spot, contact us through the methods on the first post on this thread.

Short group email sent to both 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters.

are we there yet?

5 deposits and e-mail sent willie

thanks for sending my deposit in trlrman JK...

Group emails sent to both 2012 TFF Once Tuna Charters.

Just checked with my buddy Greg that went couple years ago and he wants in!
He will post up and contact Willie!

Short group email sent to all on the Nov.16th-18th TFF Once Tuna Charter.

Welcome to the Arkansas Tuna Mafia!

I've fished with them before ..... gonna be a real hoot.

welcome to the trip Arkanians... hope you like Tequila...

Howdy!! Sent the remainder of balance today. Can't wait.. Tunatamer I need to get that gear asap..left a text on ur phone.