Official TFF Trece Tuna Charters Post- October 17th-19th & November 14th-16th, 2014

Texas Outdoor Organizers has again been granted permission by the owners of the TFF to announce, plan, & implement the 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters for the benefit of the fishermen and women of the Texas Fishing Forum.
The 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters are Friday-Sunday 56 hour charters scheduled for October 17th-19th,& November14th-16th, 2014.
What T.O.O. requires by those interested is a post on this thread stating your interest regarding the 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters.
Today, December 27th, 2013 is the start of the commitment time frame for the 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters.
We have established a January 14th, 2014 deadline to have a security deposit of $60 paid by those tunaheads as a commitment for this charter.
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. Any unsecured charter spots are first pay, first reserve to all fishermen on the TFF after the January 14th 2014 security deposit deadline.*

The cost per person for this charter is $760, same price as the 2013 TFF Doce Tuna charter on the Scat Cat. *The $760 price reflects a cash price discount price.*

2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter
Boat: Scat Cat
Dock: Fisherman's Wharf
Location: Port Aransas, Texas
Dates: Friday-Sunday, October 17th-19th, & November 14th-16th, 2014
Length of Charter: 56 hours
Cost: $760 per person
Fishermen Required: 24
Boarding time: after 4pm day before the charter
Departure Time: 6am
Return Time: 2pm
Targeted fishing: Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, etc at night, daytime deep drop if within traveling distance.

Payment:
1. Checks
Made out to and sent to:
T.O.O.
1403 W. Oak Estates Dr
San Antonio, Texas 78260

2. Paypal through too@outdoorstexas.com
if you use Paypal, we require the 3.9% fee be added to the payment sent.

3. Credit Card over phone, also requires a 3.5% fee

4. New for 2014! ACH payment directly to your account. Email or call for details.

Payment Time Frame:
$60 "earnest money" to secure and hold each spot due January 14th, 2014.
$250 deposit to finalize your spot(s), due March 18th, 2014.
$450 Final Balance, due October 1st, 2014 or November 1st, 2014 for that particular months TFF Trece Tuna charter.

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 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter;
1. Post on this thread your commitment to the specific 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters you want to be a part of in 2014.
2. Email us committing to that particular 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter.
We'll need real 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 27th, 2013 and January 14th, 2014.
An email and a post stating a commitment does not secure your spot until the security deposit is in our possession.
Any spot not secured with a $60 security deposit by January 14th, 2014 will have the effect of that spot being open to other members of the TFF.
You'll then be good to go until March 18th, 2014, when the remaining $250 deposit is due.
Note: Checks will not be deposited until January 14th, 2014.

As the March 18th, 2014 full deposit deadline approaches, we'll email a reminder to all that sent in an earnest deposit of the deposit balance being due at that time along with our Term of Agreement & Waiver that is required to be signed and returned by everyone fishing the 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter.

2014 TFF Trece 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 without the assistance of T.O.O.

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 TFF 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 committed to these TFF 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.
*Tunaheads can start loading gear on the Scat Cat after 4pm the day before the charter.*

We're required to have 24 fishermen for this charter.

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 14th, 2014 deadline and you'll be set until March 18th, 2014.
Once we get that payment, we work for you and we'll do whatever you need to make the trip a success.
As always, these are your 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters, 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.

Current list of "commitments/interest" until January 14th, 2014. Please look over the list and let us know if there is any error needing to be adjusted.


2014 October 17th-19th Trece Tuna charter
1. hstsw
2. trlrman
3. trlrman
4. markk
5. Tuna Texas
6. K_N
7. Tx Grizzly
8. Tx Grizzly
9. lite-liner
10. STN
11. jig
12. B_vandy
13. chuck_w
14. margarita mojo
15. tunatamer
16. Reelfun1
17. Reelfun1
18. Bazztex
19. MJI
20. MJI
21. SkeeterRonnie
22. fishtuna
23. fishh
24. Co

Standby
1. Ox190
2. mapdit
3. mapdit

2014 November 14th-18th TFF Trece Tuna charter
1. trlrman
2. trlrman
3. STN
4. fishtuna
5. ditkarulz
6. lenahorse
7. mapdit
8. mapdit
9. bighead

Will send check tomorrow for hstsw
Co Vi

Payment on the way, thanks Willie..

Email sent, deposit in the mail Monday for the November 14th - 16th trip.
Thanks Willie.

I'll slap a check in the mail on Monday

Dubya and Izzo are in! We'll have checks in flight shortly.

Had some awesome smoked tuna just 2 days ago.

John

Sending my deposit for Oct and Nov spot. Thanks Willie. Joseph (Fishtuna)

Sending deposit asap. Happy New Year Tunaheads!!!!

check will be in thurs mail run 4spots

deposit will be sent shortly

same here.

Willie,

Put me on the Standby list for the October trip.

I am also waiting on more of the Corpus Tunaheads to respond, but I'd like to be put on the list for the November trip in any case too.

Will send you an e-mail first thing in the morning.

Tom Salazar - DeepBlueGulf

payment sent. How about that willie? I'm on time for once. :-)

just sent some money over via paypal. thanks Willy! Almost time for another shiner bock!

Deposit mailed today.... Thanks

Deposits mailed this morning. How many days?

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Sent mine ardy ....

Please put me on the standby list for Oct trip.

and

sign me up for NOV trip. Check in the mail in manana.

Goggleye (aka Rainbowrunner)

Dale

gonna be good to see ya again Dale

watch out!!! I just learned how to tie an alberto knot!!! I cant wait to tie up my offshore stuff with this knot! I do know I will be running a mono topshot of about 15 yards this year! the hull ate too many of my lures last time out, when the braid touched it... All it took was a hint of a touch on that hull... and bye bye maguroni!!!

Yessir. it's been too long Jim. Haven't been to Perdido in over a year now. Have been kicking yellowfin butt though thanks to Bruce (BJD76).

Hopefully we can get together before then and slay some crappie or cats.

My deposit should be hitting your mailbox any day now Willie, if it's not already there.

I need one on stand by for OCT and a place on the Nov trip Thanks

Only 10 months to go

Deposit is in the mail!

Deposit for spot 17 is in the mail!

PayPal payment sent.

Look for a fat guy that doesn't know what he is doing, on the November Boat and say Hi to me will ya?

Mailed the deposit on the 4th.

I'll be the fat clueless guy on the October trip. I'm a little afraid at what I might have gotten myself into, I know a couple of the troublemakers on the October trip.

You'll have a blast! Nothing else in the world quite like a tff tuna trip! Many have tried to imitate, but none have been able to duplicate! Nothing is as good as the original!

Pay pal sent

where's the countdown clock?? How long do I have left, to buy more shtufffff?

That's what I'm afraid of, I don't need any additional expensive hobbies.

Happy to be going tuna fishing with y'all after a 6 year break!

i still have the stuff I bought from you, Bighead. it's part of my arsenal.

Right on Ronnie! Good things come to those who wait!!

fixed it !

HAHA!!!

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but what do I NEED for this trip. Give me a list of some necessities, I'm going in completely blind, I figure if I start buying stuff now I might have most of the stuff I need....and only half of what I want.

you need a chunking set up, a jiggin setup, and a casting setup. and a godzillian iron jigs and stickbaits and topwaters..

Fighting belt, gloves, sunscreen,....stuff like that. I don't even want to think about what I'm going to spend on gear.
+-

charkbait.com has some stickbaits on sale in the clearance section. (strike Pro El Patron) and the Charkbait Diver Minnows. (if I were buying something today.. I would get 5 of each color (2) of the El Patron, and 10 of the shallow diver minnow in the 100MM size in Purple color (sometimes the bait is smaller and they want smaller lures).

Just take one diamond jig. You'll be fine

maybe..... Capt Cuda is on board... he can keep all the cudas entertained LOL!!!

4-5 8oz diamond jigs, 3 black poppers, 3 minnow baits
1 pack OTI6/0 circle hooks, 1 spool of 80# flouro leader.
some good wet-deck shoes

I've still got that jig rod for you
lmk when you're ready, we'll get you hooked up, man

Man I forgot all about that, I will be in touch the end of this month for that rod. That will be just the beginning of a 9 month collection of gear. I need to get that setup before I go out with Cowboy Charters at the beginning of August so I can practice with it.

Hey Ox ...... I'm afraid that description fits about half of us on the October trip. Would you mind wearing a pink t-shirt so we know who you are?

LMAO! oh yeah, gonna be fun this year.....

I'll be extra clueless, I've only been on one successful offshore trip and that was last year. Going on my next trip in August with the same guy, then this trip in October. Hell I don't even know how to tie any fancy offshore knots. As long as I don't vomit most of the trip or fall off the boat I will consider it a win. Longest I've ever been offshore was 10-12 hours.

And ..... did anyone tell you on your first 56 hour tuna trip you have to bring ribeyes

?

and a new victim has been identified

I might have to just to bribe people into helping me figure out what the hell I'm supposed to be doing.

Damn how come I always miss the new guy ribeye trips!

Ox on the knots, some of the fancy knots are better when tied properly. Properly can be quite tricky. When attaching to terminal tackle a three turn uni knot is widely used, reasonably strong, easy to tie Properly and has caught many good fish. If it is feasible have your top shots done professional when you have your reels spooled up. Then you may not need a line to line connection on the boat. If you do the captain or deck hands will be happy to help and very competent, if you bring leader material like the 80 pound flourocarbon mentioned previously.

Bring plenty steaks these guys have healthy appetites. I promise you fishing with these guys is better than fishing with the best people in the world.

I need to change professions being broke stinks.

Oldtrackster, how long have you lived in Blackwell? Back in my teens (mid 90s) I frequented that feed store and cafe in Blackwell, we used to lease land from a rancher that lived in Blackwell.

In my fifth year here

I hunted south of Blackwell right where 277 and 70 split, there is Mcdonald Road. Our lease was about 1.5 miles west down Mcdonald road and extended all the way North to Ross Road. I miss hunting down in Coke County, TONS of game down that way. We leased from Doughty Mcdonald, heard he died a couple of years ago, he was only 50.

Not Charlie .... in fact I'm betting he'll tell you more than you ever wanted to know .

Last November we had Brian/Bryan #3 down to bring ribeyes and he didn't.



Have you ever considered pimping on the side?

oh and make sure to bring enough chocolate chip cookies for chuck,
you don't want that man running out of cookies

Did u eat all his cookies Capt Cuda? Lol

lol... that's just wrong

nom nom nom nom

Short group email to both charters sent at 11:38 pm tonight

Please let us know if you did not receive the email.

I don't know how I'm gonna make it another 10 months. Spent the last hour "showing" the wife YouTube videos from some of the other trips. By showing I mean they were on the screen and her not looking saying "ohh that's nice dear".

I've loosely followed the pasts trips so I have a vague idea of what goes on. But as far as meals go, there is a gas grill and a few microwaves if I remember right.

Do they have a live bait tank setup? I see a lot of guys catching fliers for bait, but is there a tank to keep them in or they need to go right back out on a hook?

I don't know how I'm gonna make it another 10 months. Spent the last hour "showing" the wife YouTube videos from some of the other trips. By showing I mean they were on the screen and her not looking saying "ohh that's nice dear".

I've loosely followed the pasts trips so I have a vague idea of what goes on. But as far as meals go, there is a gas grill and a few microwaves if I remember right.

Do they have a live bait tank setup? I see a lot of guys catching fliers for bait, but is there a tank to keep them in or they need to go right back out on a hook?

as far as flyers, yes. catch 'em, pin 'em, toss 'em. they don't keep
(seen plenty of dead ones catch , though)

bait tank thing has shown to be a headache unless EVERYONE is on the same page
about maintaining clean water, incompatible baits, etc.

typically, if I need a livie, I need one about 2# to drop for AJ, so I pitch a small jig & catch one, Pin him, drop him. pretty much 100% you're getting bit..

live-baiting is normally not necessary for night YFT, as they will readily hit artie's & chunk/dead bait. If I'm live-baiting for YFT, its gonna be a
unique situation. not the norm.

if I had more time, i'd tell yall a story about a 90 pound Wahoo I caught of the galveston seawall one time. Had to steal a guy's Yak to get it landed...

only true if you have pictures

thanks to photoshop.. I can have any pictures I want. years ago I fabricated a nice little story about a yellowfin I caught off the jetties in a Yak LOL!

Dude! You weren't supposed to tell people about that! What happens off shore between two consenting adults stays off shore.

Got a question about the November trip. Earnest $$ was due on Jan 14. What's a brotha gotta do too get a spot

give T.O.O a call and Willie can hook you up ! 210-215-3877

Thanks trlrman. Read page 1 after posting

I nominate MarkK for chartermaster on the October trip!!!!

can I get a second?

works for me...

Doesn't matter to me. I just want to fish

+1

sounds good ! mark I need your home # I wake up between 3-330 am and have lots of questions

As long as he still has time to bake cookies ....

can you post his number. I might get bored late nights at the hospital and text him any questions I can think of.

"I hereby state, and mean all that I say, that I never have been and never will be a candidate for chartermaster; that if nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline; and even if unanimously elected I should decline to serve."

Yeah, what Ike said...

so, in other words, you're pussin' out?

this could set a precedent, you may have to be keel-hauled..........

oh it was LBJ, by the way.

Scat Cat has 2 keels, bring advil

yeah, wiki screwed me again. Gotta read the small print...

I need a little advice from some of the guys that do this trip each year..... What offshore bank do you funnel the money from to keep the wife from seeing how much you spend on tackle?

On a related note I'm looking at either a used/ or entry level popper rod. Any tips? I can't really justify spending a lot . For the foreseeable future these 56 hr trips might be a once every two or year deals. But I love fishing top water and I don't think my 5'6 xxxh jigging setup will throw a plug out far enough. Is there a 7' or 7'6" rod that could see other use besides tuna popping? I'm fine scouring eBay and the like but I don't know exactly what to look for. Sorry in advance for 10 months of noob questions coming to you soon.

I'm not on a ribeye budget, but I could bring a whole sirloin to cut up on the boat. I've got a few tricks from a little time I spent as a butcher in my younger years. I wouldn't mind trading some home cooking from some tuna schooling.

Try this:

http://www.tackledirect.com/ocean-tackle-international-oceanxtreme-popping-rods.html

or call Brice at OTI and see what he has left. These are last years model but good rods

dang I had my first question !

paypal works great you can load and unload money from there without the wife catching it

i have heard that the Cayman NB is a good one as you can go there and have fun while you are removing your money... being single, i just pull the money out of my boot that is stored in my Rod locker in the garage...

Ditkarulz,

The best idea I can come up with is this, you don't need any offshore bank.

You tell the wife your truck is acting up, sounds horrible and barely moves. Call Lite-Liner and ask him if he can "fix-it", make sure he calls the house when you aren't there to tell your wife he's coming by to pick it up or work on it. A few days later, tell her he fixed it up like new, but to get a 20% discount you had to pay him in cash. Make sure to leave a big oil stain under your truck in the driveway and leave some of Brian's cards on the bar and refrigerator!!

While you are waiting for Brian to fix your truck, print up some raffle tickets that benefit TFF, or the little league team down the street, and make sure you have the WINNING ticket and then tell your wife how lucky you are and how things kind of worked out because you just had to pay a small sack of cash to get your truck fixed!

Tell her you won a gift card to Bass Pro Shops fishing department (pick up an unloaded card and hide your cash) then hang on to the card till everyone forgets about it, then go shopping when the time is right.

Make sure to buy something nice for your wife while you are at it, and leave THAT receipt out where she will find it. Make sure it is something her girlfriends will fawn over! While you are at it don't forget to go to confession next Saturday and leave a five in the donation box on the way out!

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

WOW!!!!

Tom seems to have forgetten about ole' Brian. what does Brian get for becoming an (up until now) unwilling accomplice?
3 or 4 tuna hunters & we're cool. won't tell a soul. promise.

........seriously.......;)

Brian,

I didn't forget, I just figured you would work out some sort of deal with the guys, I guess 3 or 4 Tuna Hunters would be about right for a $1,000 repair. I think the going rate used to be one pack of Owner hooks and a Williamson Benthos jig per $400 of tackle laundering? Been a while since I fished, but I guess with inflation and such, 3 or 4 Tuna Hunters might be fair.

BTW, if all of your wives know each other, make sure to space out the raffle winning so they don't get suspicious!

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

gonna be nice to see you again, Tom!

i guess the stories are true, Fishermen can tell the best... umm... stories...

can someone please yell at me and scold me on this trip... gonna miss ol Snagged! He sure kept me on my toes, and the made the learning curve happen a little faster than normal!!! I STILL remember sitting on the back of the Gulf Eagle with Snagged teaching me how to "Load" my spinning reel with braid... I wound that damn 60000000000 yards of line on the reel, and just when I thought I was done.. he said "now, let it all out behind the boat"... WTF!!! I did, and wound all 6000000000 yards back on ! took about an hour total, and I was tired as heck! he was just grinning!! That damn line was packed as hard as a brick though! He sure knew what he was talking about!

Bobby I'm in west Africa working again, so you'll have to take up my slack ya Old Fart...

It'd be real hard to fill Jerry's shoes, but we've got some really,really old guys that together do a damn good job!!!!
I think this trip is gonna be fun with all the OG's on it.
Wonder whatever happened to Pat Ward (Walleye)?
Anybody remember his '95 taurus leaving the parking lot with the trunk so full of tuna the bumper was dragging!!
I know somebody had a picture of that.......

that was classic! I think he still stays in contact with Willy. good times!

TOO- Any updates on how the November trip is filling up?

The November TFF Trece Tuna Charter is currently at 10 confirmed reserved and 4 spot asked for from TFF'er's, but no response to securing those spots.
We are going through a bunch of TFF members' emails to see if anyone else is committing to the November 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter.
We will send out a group email regarding this particular charter within 24 hours. We will discuss all options.

Pat (Walleye) Ward is working for BP in Indonesia fishing for Wahoo, GT and Dog Tooth Tuna, Poor fella

Hey Charlie you gonna do any fishing over there this time?

If I can get some time off and offshore in Ghana is my goal. According to what I have read they have some great yellow Fin fishing fish over 200 pounds are common.

Yep .... and I'd sign up for both trips if I were young, rich and famous.

But I'm not young and rich.

Me too... Would Be a fun week. 56 hour, recover, bay fish, 56 again...a little slice of Heaven

Bryan .... are you and your son going to try to go on our bottom fishing 36 hour trip in August?

Signed up for the November trip #10, took care of deposit. Will send the second portion in couple weeks. Have been on Willie's trips before but never on the longer ones.

So I am taking him up on his offer awhile back.

TOO I never got an email about the November trip, did one ever get sent out? No problem if it didn't but I just want to make sure I didn't miss anything.

Is this a TOO trip? It's been to long I don't remember any of the details

that's TX GRIZZLY'S bottom trip that TOO organizes. You need to email TOO, if you are interested. I believe there were just a couple spots open.

You didn't miss, we sent out the group email at 12:05 this afternoon. Our apology for the delay in sending that November 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter group e-mail.




Oldster, T.O.O. has not done a long-range public internet "T.O.O. trip" since the 2010 Texas Bluewater Blowup, aka "TBB 2010"

"Oldster", bwahaha that's funny!!!!

payback for the cuda jokes, I suppose!

awful quiet on this here website... must be the nice weather, everyone is outside cleaning gear...

i almost pulled the trigger on the smith rod on 360... $400 just didnt burn a hole quick enough and jump through paypal.

i am getting ready to order the parts and build a new Bottom dwellers rod....

spiral wrap !!!(aka acid wrap)

yep...

that is an amazing price on a great rod, Ronnie.
although I think 8' is a little long for a headboat

My crankbait rod is 8'. Lol. I like that length. Saw an 8'6" one... that may push it. There's a bd 100 on there a little mo cheapa that would be perfect

Agreed, but you know I'm a ho for Smith rods....

Damn-near bought that rod 3 times already, don't even need it.

Short group email will be sent out to those on both TFF Trece tuna charters within 48 hours with some paper work.
Also, the November 2014 TFF Trece Tuna charter is currently at 17 committed tunaheads.

Guys, i hate to do this but i am going to have to miss the Tuna trip this year due to a good friend getting married on that weekend in Oct. I am selling my two spots that i have secured for that trip and Willie is working on that now for me... Tear them up for me and i will be hitting people up for a steak or two when you get back... Hope you guys have a blast as usual...

sarge how about transfer to nov. trip ?

or you could just go to his NEXT wedding ! LOL

well the wedding is going to be in Mexico so by the time i get done spending all that money i don't think a tuna trip the next month will be in the budget... i think one day while i am in Mexico i am going to hire a guide and do some fishing down there...

LOL Ohhhh I see now. This is about fishing a panga in Mexico

Woo hoo! Just found a Spinal SPL84 for $260! It's on its way to me! Now to find a beefier model for the big girls!

Hmmmmm ..... it's been 72 hours and I have not received an email with paperwork.

Me either someone get Willy a shot of whiskey!

Can you update the first page of this thread Willie?

Anyone use the tsunami tuna popping rod? I know it's not an Tuna Sniper, but will it work well enough to put some fish on deck?

Two strikes against it for me ....it's 2 piece and it's 8'6". As mentioned a few posts earlier I think a popping rod that long would be uncomfortable on a headboat in a crowd.

Group emails sent this morning to both 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter groups.
Please let us know if you did not receive the emails.

i looked long and hard at that rod... decided against it. Just saved up an extra month and doubled what I would have spent, and got a high quality used rod. just watch ebay, and the classifieds ads in several offshore sites... you will find a good one.

The other one I was looking at was a Shimano Tallus Blue Water 8 foot 40-80#line class. Is 8 foot too long to use on the top deck? The thing is this trip won't be an every year trip for me, I just can't afford going that often. Is a 7 foot too short to throw a popper far enough?

7'6" and 8' are both common on the trips I have been on. I personally prefer a 7' rod and sometimes even throw my 6' jigging without noticeable distance difference.

But I'm not going to stand here and tell you that you will get the distance from a 7' or less that you will with the longer rods.

I have also seen guys use 8'6" but that's a little long for a lot of folks preference.

Joining the nov trip, may the topwater gods smile.

***** Somewhat urgent/important group email sent to both TFF Trece Tuna Charters. Please read ASAP to make sure up-to-dateness is achieved*****

BTW, the October 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter has 23 secured spots, and the November 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter now has 17 secured spots.

The best affordable tuna spinner is a chaos 7' spinning rod. http://www.chaosfishing.com/STSP-15-50-7-CHAOS-Gold-98p669.htm

affordable is a relative term.

remember, this is an expensive trip. if you skrimp & buy a $50-100 tuna
casting rod, that's the level of performance & durability you can expect.
Not that it won't work, they do all the time. But, catastrophic rod
failure while on the possible fish of a lifetime is hard to get past, especially 130nm offshore. no BPS outlet @ boomvang, LoL!
If this is your 1st tuna trip, I wouldn't even buy a rod. there will be PLENTY of use opp's & hot-fish handoff's for you to enjoy, PLUS it will help you a ton in understanding & choosing the strength, length, action, & quality of rod YOU really need.
I was discussing this with Ronnie just the other day; any particular rod
will most likely NOT work the same for different anglers. It's gonna take a few "test-drives" & fish to understand what works for you the best.
FWIW, with a 7.5' rod, I can cast a 6", 4oz popper roughly 60 yards, on avg, all other things considered. I have also learned how to adapt my casting technique to "load the rod" properly & maximize distance while trying to minimize fatigue. This is HUGELY important, as you can expect to throw at least
50-200 times on a typical 2-night trip.


hope this helps!

I'm happier than a chihuahua in a field of fire hydrants!!! I just bought my first Stella its a 10K with additional 20K studio ocean spool

that's not your 1st stella ! I think I still have your last stella . LOL

the quality of the rod is more important than how long. most quality casting rods are 7' 6" or more. I have used 8'7" for years on party boats with no issue. it will cast further than most. a benefit when tuna are shy of the lights. a cheap rod will let you down when mr. BIG shows up.

Forgot about that one. tough times forced a lot of movement of tackle. lol.

just found an experimental rod to use for back up and play.
https://www.stingraytackle.com/jig_jigging_rod_76mh.aspx

The medium looks a little better to me

http://www.stingraytackle.com/JIG_Jigging_Rod_76M.aspx

thought about that.. but they have a return policy. if I dont like it, i can send it back and exchange for the medium. It's already shipped. they were fast. i'll pull on it(the fishing rod!) and get out in the pasture and cast an old tuna hunter

i have a question about this rod. it says on their website that it can be used for a spinning reel or conventional reel... how would that work with the rod having a spin that makes the action different for one reel type to the other... i guess its set up to be a conventional rod primarily so as the pole is bent it wouldn't try to roll over and as a spinning rod it doesn't matter as the line is pulled away from the blank...interesting though...

I'll know in a few days. I wondered that as well. I think they have regular conventional in that model somewhwre

Well they make rods with guides on both sides of the rod now don't they?

Might be a dumb question, but are swordfish ever at the floaters at night? I remember seeing a video of one stuck in a rig a few years back. Just wondering how common they are there.

Ditkarulz,

Years ago I was on a trip to the floaters, I think it was on the Dolphin and an angler named Mac Williamson was the first guy to get a bait in the water when we got to the first floater. His bait was just a dead sardine, he tossed it over, let it sink, and he was hooked up right away!! The fish didn't fight like a yellowfin tuna, and it wasn't a Blackfin either. After a while he got the fish to the boat and amazingly it was a Sword!! It wasn't especially big, probably just 4 foot long, including the bill, but a Sword non the less!

Short answer... yes, Swordfish can be at the floaters at night. I've never seen a big one come off the floaters, but they have to be out there.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

I saw an under size caught at the Perdido about 3 years ago. This past November an angler fought a fish for a while, the hook pulled and within a minute a sword was spotted in the lights. Happens

i might try to bring some big ol fat juicy squid with me this time... I'll keep them in Lite-Liners lunch box until needed

That would actually be kinda fun to see what a different bait would bring up from 600 ft down in the water column. My luck would be a giant squid that eats the boat and all the people on it! (i saw it on TV!)

Maybe one of the Megladons they were fishing for on Sharkweek

I hooked one of them on a swimbait once! Damn thing stole my swimbait!

just mounted a stella 10K on a Spinal SPL84... i am in heaven right now! wow! "moving on upppp...!"

just got it in. glad I got MH. it's gonna be perfect. i am actually VERY suprised at this rod. the first guide isnt small, but could stand to be bigger. 2 year unconditional replacement warranty.... oh yeah! The rod looks pretty awesome and bends nicely with a little weight on it. Only real world action will tell. for $100... i'm suprised! it comes in 2 pieces like the oti.. the instructions say to bang it together and not take it apart. I think I will use it like a 2 piece rod and just keep from banging it 1/4" past the stop (like it says). and it came in a 2 piece tie together heavy cloth bag.

Hey Ronnie,
have you tried putting a conventional reel on it and then put some load onto the rod to see if it tries to roll over? really wondering about their statement about being able to use a conventional or spinning reel on it.

i wouldnt, because it's a two piece design. they say to install it and line it up.. then hit the butt on the ground a few times forcing the top piece into the butt 1/4" past the stop line. I would tend to think it would roll over on a heavy load. Plus it has larger guides, such as on a spinning rod.

so what the hell is the point of a 2-pc rod then?

It states the reasoning is for shipping restrictions.

Well, I'm off to the big fishing show at George R. Brown in Houston.

My fingerprints and slobber will be all over the big CC's there.

Anybody need anything?

pm'd Bobby!

when you get finished slobbering on them CCups hit a few DCups for me !!

Short group email sent to both the October and the November TFF Trece Tuna Charters.

We did that for sure Jimmy!

Has anyone checked out the new lines of lures put out by Russellure? I fondled a bunch of them at the fishing show and they have some attractive lures.

I bought this popper that came in two sizes. This one is 1½" longer than a Tuna Hunter Jr. and weighs 3½ oz. The other was much larger. The show price was $17.99 and he said the website (normal) price is $21.99.



I also got a couple of Wahoo trolling lure at $17.99. I coulda gone crazy there but I'm just stingy.

"Formerly" Awesum...

You sent pictures of the POPPERS???? Where are your priorities??? LOL!

Missed you at breakfast today!

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

LOL Tom .... my bad. I guess I need to remember to bring them to the next CC Tunaheads breakfast for show and tell.

outletbaitandtackle.com has some 5 oz bomber jigs on sale for $3.50 each. just a heads up. i've caught tuna before by just casting a jig out as far as I can, and letting it fall back to the boat on a tight line. these are about the right weight for doing that. I guess they call it "fishing the slide".. i think, still learning. and the big 7" bomber stickbait for $3.50 ( i find I can wieght them with the lead tape and make them suspend or sink slowly).

Trece Tuna Massacre - October

Gracias!! New job starts mar 31st! Can't wait to start making more fishing money!

just a bump for deposit reminder

Here are some of my candy I am bringing.....


All three are 10 inches, two are cruiser series (sinking) and the Blackfin is the walker series AND the YFT mikros-f series 4 inches.



All three large lures have the GLOW paint on belly's



Baby YFT selfie


Baby Blackfin selfie



Baby Bonito selfie



Baby YFT taking on color


I will have many more pieces that Merv has made for me that have been very successful for me.

Group emails sent to both TFF Trece Tuna charters. Please let us know if you didn't receive the email.

Can I eat one of those lures? Those look realistic! I'd be skeeerd to toss them.. heck I'm almost ashamed to bring my old cheap bomber minnows now

Who's Merv ???

he's kinda handy with squirt pen!

dude, those are to pretty to fish with...

http://www.facebook.com/Strategicangler

or

http://www.strategicangler.com/
(WATCH his VIDEO and then there will be the reason we use his lures)


Many buy his lures for Bluefin Tuna from Mass to Virginia
Many buy his lures to fish GT over in the middle east.

I use the best terminal tackle so I am not worried in the least.

Just skim thru his facebook or main website to see the folks using his lures...

I have caught several Hoo, Sea Donkeys and YFT & Big Eye Tuna on them.

i see Jay Shields talking about them a bit. they look awesome.

my addiction is already several deep.
There will be some on the trip for your perusal, after I pull them from tuna's
mouth.........
merv is the man, you didn't know that bobby?

The only Merv I know is the one that has a lawnmower repair shop in Mathis, Tx ..... and he's a complete arsehole......

I have a feeling this Merv guy is gonna cost me a few hundred dollars!

NO, no Ronnie! Don't take your lawnmower to him!

found a stella 6000 for $249.. but I'm on hold for a little while until the new job kicks off. its a little rough, but with a 8000 spool (theres an 8000 SO spool on ebay too) I bet it would be a nice reel.

ebay stella 6000F

posted in case someone is looking for a deal on a stella

did you buy it? its sold

no. i cant right now. on $$ lockdown until I get a few weeks at the new job (start Mar31).

I sure hope that this message gets put into the end of this thread, lol. Anyway, hello to y'all. Can anyone please update me on the November trip. I believe october is filled(?). It would be my first trip. I can be reached by text at 504, four nine one 9 four two 3 or mikerivera6@hotmail.com. I live in Austin. Thanks!

The only person that can update you is Willie.

Email him at .... too@outdoorstexas.com

Group e-mail sent to both 2014 TFF Trece Tuna charters
T72, we will send you an e-mail regarding the November TFF Trece Tuna charter at the e-mail address you have posted below.

gonna have to pass, maybe next time. Willie the email went to my junk folder, sorry I hope you see this message.

Message seen, thanks.

Willie,
please update list on first post.

We're not able to edit the first post.
However the October 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter has 23 fully paid deposit spots, and one needing to be bought. Standby folks have been contacted regarding the that spot.
The November 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter is full at 24 spots claimed, with the last few spots being claimed/bought yesterday, pending funds of course.
Extremely short group email has been to both 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters

I just pulled the trigger on one of these. No tax and free shipping.

John Wakemon and Mike Izzo gonna be mad.

OTI Popping rod

sweet deal

dang that's a good price for an OTI stick...

And did I mention it includes a FREE Shimano hat valued at $17.99? hey hey hey

And when I was over at Brice's shop he guaranteed me I would catch more and bigger tuna

bobby would you mind catching my tuna for me ? I figure if they are bigger tuna i'll just not bring any gear and let you do the work for me ! oh and would you mind cleaning them for me ? heck I could just take it easy on the top deck and point to where you need to cast if that would help ?

We've all seen how you wear yourself out pushing that button. I think you want me to do it for you just so you don't have to do all those dreaded finger exercises.

$189!!!!!

Nice deal Bobby....month ago I got the same....$239....
FYI, Heading to Venice May 1-4, going out a couple days with the GREAT Capt Eddie!!

Cheers!!

How many rods is polite and practical to bring on these trips? I'm trying to space out my questions here little by little so I can ease 7 months worth of waiting

I usually bring 8 because that's what my crate holds. I have used seven of them on a trip.

Me too.

Sometimes I think people can be a little obsessive when it comes to the number of rods they will bring. There are only so many rod holders on this boat and when someone brings 10 rods you run out of room quickly. How many rods can one person really fish with on a 56 hour trip? You only have two hands. I can see a popping rod, jigging rod, heavy stand up rod, and maybe a troller. That's 4 rods...maybe a spare or two? It wouldn't hurt my feelings if there was a limit to the number of rods a single person could bring but I'm probably in the minority on that opinion.

If you will notice, I said " because that's what my crate holds". I don't use the boats rod holders. I have used all eight on a trip and seven is usual, depending on where we fish.

8 rigs for me too, and that's because my crate holds those many too. I have taken fewer on the 24 hour trips. And the milk crate, that's the best way to get your rigs on and off the boat, relatively easy to move around the dock and pass to the upper deck. It's also a good place to put salty jigs and poppers until you have time to rinse them off and put them back in the box. In the middle of my milk crate I keep a small day belt and also a small plastic can with lead weights in it.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Chuck .... like David I leave all my rods in my crate unless I am using them. In fact, I don't think I have ever used a boat rod holder in all the trips I have ever done.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings to see folks stop stacking so much gear in the gally and on the tables inside. On the last couple of trips it was hard to even move around in there. If you can't slide it under a table and keep it there until you need it then it needs to be upstairs. I realize there are some that aren't able to navigate the ladder as well as others but if my old legs can do it .........

You know I started out with everything upstairs or in my bunk, but gave up and piled stuff downstairs as well. I would be all for a plan to open the galley and table area. Not that matters much I'm in a spot where it will be years before I can go again. Wonder if horizontal rod holders could be mounted overhead down there.

I hope you and John catch a bunch and will be looking for a report when you get back. And remember .... without pics it didn't happen!

I was looking at bringing 5-6, if you guys bring 8 I guess I'd be ok.

If you don't already have a milk crate I highly recommend you build one.

Charter master should make a rule about gear being out of the table areas, unless you are with it and working on something.gear should be upstairs along with spare rods. I've never used a boat rod holder they scratch yo chit.

Agreed 100%!
The galley is not a tackle storage or rigging area.
I can understand in heavy seas or weather, but otherwise plenty of room to rig & store gear upstairs
This has been a pet-peeve of mine for a number of years. If you don't want saltwater on your fishing gear, well, insert smartass comment here!

Oh, & I only bring 5 rigs, but more than make up for it in jigs & poppers!
most tuna trips I only really use 3 anyway, but the past couple years
deep-dropping @ the floaters has created another opening, so now I definately
will use at least 4 rigs, 5th is most likely backup

I googled it and just about all the results are for kayaks, but I would guess its the same thing right?

I don't know what that is but what we use looks something like this....



And you can convert a four (4) rod holder into an eight (8) rod holder with these velcro thingies you can buy at Home Depot



If you would like some direction in building one PM me. Or I could build you one for $895.00 plus tax and shipping....

I use the same crate in my kayak and on these trips, so yeah pretty much the same. The only difference is a kayaker will be pickier about where the rod holders go so they can be reached easily while sitting in the kayak. Just take a crate and attach rod holders where you thing you like them. I ziptied them in the beginning so I could move them around until I figured out what I like best. For these trips I like to configure the holders in a manner that balances the weight of the crate so it doesnt tip easily, but I would still take a bungee for securing the crate to the rail of the boat.

If you look at my picture you will notice my rod holders are cut exactly flush with the top of the crate. This will not tip ..... I have never had one tip.

When you get $895 for them they gotta be right ....


Yes on the bungee to prevent it from sliding around in rough seas.

I knew I would get some friction for my post, that's just my opinion guys. Nothing personal.

Trubblemaker .....

What do you target/catch deep dropping at the floaters?

Aj grouper

And maybe an anchor chain or cable or two.

FIFY, Jim!

I got my OTI popping rod in and my free Shimano hat. Good looking hat ..... it's a visor actually.

But it's a size M/L and is way to big for my widdle bitty head.

So here's the deal. This hat is free to the Trece October participant (and Willie) who can tell me the best reason why they have a big head .... ten words or less.

To help shade my big..

Big head, Jim. Not belly.......

so all this talk about milk crates got me thinkin'.....
I quit using a crate for the past few trips, but after a redesign,
I have managed to condense everything into my crate now.
Jig bag, leader bag, 3- 7200 boxes of lures, plate, harness & all 5 rigs!!!




not to undercut Bobby's business, but I can build this for you for just $599!!
with your choice of colors!

good choice on price no 1099's to deal with ! LOL

Short group email sent to the November 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charter, as well a long group email sent to both 2014 TFF Trece Tuna charters.
Please let us know if you didn't receive the email/emails.

Entries close at midnight tonight. Jim is in the lead.



Looks like a blatant and deliberate attempt to undercut to me.

That's OK .... competition is the lifeblood of the American system. Next you'll be adopting Willie's famous quote ... "let's not confuse cheap with poor design or bad""

Hey Jim ..... all those dashed you put in your post has the screen so spread out it's hard to follow. Can you edit it and remove a few dashes bud?

Done ! Lol

Thanks! But it looks like it can't be fixed. Oh well .... a new page.

This might be a dumb question but I didn't think AJ's were in that deep of water.I thought the floaters are in 1000'+ and groupers usually are on the bottom, so you are looking at electric reel territory. Forgive my ignorance, this trip will be my first that far out.

Perdido is in nearly 8,000 FOW, next to a shelf that breaks into almost 11,000.
Boomvang/Nansen is around 3200, & Hoover is 4500-ish
You're not gettin to the bottom...

All the fish are suspended at the bottom of the rig, about 4-500 feet down.

yep you fish deeper than 2500ft at Perdido and all your going to catch is GIANT squid ! I just cant eat that much calamari so I don't bother .

And like he said earlier .... they are big'uns. Slap yo sef against the rail big ...

Now you're being modest Jim .... and modesty doesn't become you...

Didn't realize that tidbit of info. Now yall have me really curious! I want a rail slapping mongloid grouper experience!
Found out the manager at my new career is an angler we hit it off good from the start!

Take him/her some tuna to grill and maybe a jar of canned tuna and you'll prolly get the easiest cat scans.

Not that I'm suggesting you suck up to them or anything ....

Just doing xray at Parkland. Looking for a prn CT job, just finished my 125 comps- now I get to sit for that test.

Packed my gear bag last night. Not that I'm chomping at the bit or anything.

LoL, you'll most likely do that about 6-7 more times before October.......

It's funny. Just one dam year I'd like to NOT buy anything to get ready
for a trip. Seems I spend about $400/ trip in added or replaced gear.
Every year, I think " OK, I'm set for a couple seasons", & every year
I get back & have to $$$ to get back to where I was!


Ditkarulz- you think you're addicted now?.......

now my biggest lament is that I'm FULLY invested, & don't go enough to warrant the $$ spent!

I love tuna fishing!!!!

Short combined group email sent to both TFF Trece Tuna Charters. Plea let us know if you didn't receive the email.

Old'ster, bet you're wishing you were getting these emails!

LoL, you'll most likely do that about 6-7 more times before October.......

It's funny. Just one dam year I'd like to NOT buy anything to get ready
for a trip. Seems I spend about $400/ trip in added or replaced gear.
Every year, I think " OK, I'm set for a couple seasons", & every year
I get back & have to $$$ to get back to where I was!

* That's all you pay for Smith Weave Tokara? Great deal Brian

I know, I will pack and unpack a dozen times, just to feel like it will make the trip come sooner. It's either that or start looking on Tackle Direct or Charkbait for stuff I didn't know I needed until I saw it.
I'm really trying to aim most of my gear for dual purpose. At least that's what I tell the wife

That reminds me .... I need to unpack from last November's trip ...

Sure hope I don't find any of Jim's "lucky" socks in my bedroll.

Short group email sent to both TFF Trece Tuna charter members.
Please let us know if you didn't receive it.

I like turtles

How long until we leave the dock? I'm ready!

I hadn't seen a post here for a few days and thought I'd share something....

Momma cooked a chicken, thought it was a duck.
Put it on the table with it's legs stickin up.
You gotta bottle up and go, ya gotta bottle up and go.

John Lee Hooker

I don't think I've heard much from the November trip people on this thread, so I gotta ask.... "WHOSE COMING WITH ME!!!!!"

I'd rather fish with you guys than with the finest folks in the land.

Are there still any available spots for the November trip?

I think there is a waiting list but give Willie a call or email him at:

too@outdoorstexas.com

How many days left? My tuna finger is itching!

that's prolly the hair on your palm itching

Lol. Heard the kitties are biting on tawak! Slayed some crappie there a couple weeks ago.

yep it's hero time on the cats ! PS: aint no crappie in twok

It was sure a nice day at the floaters today!

too calm for my liking

I hate calm water.fish become too spooky

Yep .... you were on that trip and we didn't catch anything. I've said many times give me good old 3' - 5's .... keeps the center consoles at the docks and keeps the tuna stirred up.

oct trip if I recall right.

Yep .... but this October will be better!!!

I'm not part of either of the trips, but I have a question for future reference. You guys are talkin about an arsenal of 6 to 8 rods. I'm wondering what situations you are rigging for? When/if I ever get to go on a long trip I would want to be ready...

2 jigging rods, 2 topwater/stick bait rods, 2 bottom/chunk rods.

And a spinner to catch bait with.

Hey "Formerly Awesum" Go back to bed, are you up early to start watching all the racing today!

As for the 6-8 rigs, I carry the same 6, but there are times that my number 7 is a really heavy bottom rig for giant AJ's. My typical chunk/bottom rigs are a 30 sized reel, but my BIG AJ rig is a an Avet 50 with a lot of drag, heavier spectra and a 6460xxh roller rod. That rig doesn't get out much, overkill for our Texas YFT, but sometimes it is nice to have on the boat. Sometimes my number 7 is a lightweight rig for tossing small poppers to smaller fish, that's a blast, but you have to stay out of everyone's way, picking the right time to use it.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Nah Tom .... I'm leading mass this morning.....


Gonna watch some racin' too though.

One of the most important rods is the lightweight spinning rig for the bait catching party the night before blast off!! just try to NOT hook any wild tuna leaving the watering hole next door! lol!

yeah, just ask Joe how well that worked out.........

oh yeah, ......

Hey you guys wake up its been far to quiet in here... got a question is there a general rule when switching a bait from trebs to a single hook??? 2/0 4x treb is = to _____ single? And would this rule also apply to fresh water baits?

Kinda.....
When I replace the 2/0 or 3/0 trebles with singles,
I move to a 7/0 sargeant decoy or OTI single, because of eye orientation.
but beware, single hook sizes vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer,
so as far as an equation to follow, not so much.

Yeah in was looking into the oti for my 75g flits the 1/0 owners I have on it now are enough but I think I get a better action out of a single.. since the bait is made for 1/0 a beefier single might help if I have to put the screws to one..

I might have already asked this but what all are the cooking accommodations on board? I know they have a couple microwaves and I think someone said they have a little gas grill on the top deck.

couple sleeves of saltines and a schlong of summer sausage with a block of cheddar other than that we pretty much starve. yep you got it right on cooking options

since it's your first trip with this motley crew, bring a fork & a napkin.
you should be good.
Contrary to Bobby's statements, you are NOT responsible for the ribeyes.....

Then WHO is?

Speaking of ribeyes I saw one of those tents set up the other day and a big sign that said .... 20 ribeyes - $30

I wonder if I shoulda bought some.

don't fall for it !! it's a trap !!! we don't use no stinking napkins !!!!!!!

I have no problem cooking a little, I plan on making some hawaiian poke out of a blackfin or two. How much fish normally gets donated to the "food bank"?

How many days until we leave??? I'm ready NOW!!

Hey Willie,

Have not seen anything in a while on Oct trip....all good?

All is good for both charters, MJI. Both full at 24 with standbys.
Our only concern is the shower activity mentioned elsewhere that may cause water shortage on board.

[quote=TOO] All is good for both charters, MJI. Both full at 24 with standbys.
Our only concern is the shower activity mentioned elsewhere that may cause water shortage on board.

[quote=MJI]

Here I just thought when you are covered in fish blood you dove in for a swim at night. Heard you need to splash a lot too and fill your pockets with bonita chunks to keep the sharks away....








Legal disclaimer- do not actually do this

I know this is kinda off topic but my wife and I are planning on hitting up Port A the last week of September we plan on doing some jetty and bank fishing but she would like to do an inshore trip. My question is do you guys have any guide recommendations for the area?

you might give packery channel a try. Going towards corpus from port A park on the right side of the bridge and walk as far as you can down the bank to your right(east?) As far as you can go. You'll have to cross water to get to the place I'm talking about but it generally doesn't get over waist deep on high tide. I've always had awesome luck there and in the channel between port a and aransas pass in October. Catch some mullet or use Artie's. Big schools of reds around there. Can't help on the guide I'm a diy'er inshore.

Thanks Bryan.. I to like to do it myself and learn as I go.. but my wife wants to fish with me and I'm looking for the easy places to get to and fish for her and some times a guide can put her on fish quicker get her involved and keep her wanting to go fishing with me.. Who knows I might be able to get her on a tuna trip some day..

Starting to get the Tuna itch!! Only cure is to catch multiple amounts until my muscles shut down!! Time to go pull out the gear and do an inventory! I'm sure I need something else (like an AVET 30-2)

Ronnie .... far be it from me to give you advice. But you need to be practicing your jigging technique.

It's been a while for you and it ain't like daincin' or riding a bicycle son.

In fact Tom Salazar was practicing his jigging at the Tunahead breakfast a couple of weeks ago and then this gorgeous chick came in and things went downhill for him from then on.

But that's another story.

Hey Guys,

I will tell you all the story about breakfast when we get on the boat! Yes, flashing was involved, no, there are no pictures.

But here is a thought, one of my co-workers went on a "permitted" red snapper trip the other day, did well on Red Snapper. My thoughts are whether the October or November charters could ask/buy a permit to fish for Red Snapper? I think the docks buy, or are awarded, so many, but I don't how the program works. We'll be out in all sorts of good fishing water, and it would be cool to bring in some 20lb sows.

Anyone have any interest in talking to Willie about checking on what getting a snapper trip permit might cost? It probably would be too much money, but you never know until you ask. Any thoughts?

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

I'm down for whatever. I'm just excited to be back out there no matter what we target I'll start working on the jigging technique... lol

just remember the basics, being as its been close to a decade since you've been offshore, LOLOLOLOLOL

1.) scopalomine- BAD
2.) no angles- no tangles
3.) don't forget the ribeyes

It has been four years for me, so I'm going out on Thursday on the Scat Cat to practice jigging.

I hope I can remember how to tie a knot!


Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Good luck DeepBlue, all the boats in PA have been full on cattle cars. I'm not sure how much jigging you could do this time of year on a head boat,

Got it! #4: no fat girls from the bar allowed on boat

Just remember guys ..... for those that haven't decked a YFT in 3 or more years they are required to eat the tuna heart.

Help me keep and eye on Tom guys .... he's sneaky. He'll be rolling his tuna heart in bacon with a cream cheese jalapeño and throwing it on the grill with the dove breasts before eating it ....

Calling Mark Kyer .... yoohoo !!!

As charter master of the October trip There is something some of us have concerns about.

As you know many of us that are on the October trip just completed the TxGriz IV and your presence was sorely missed .... or maybe it was your cookies

Anyway .... here's what our concern is. The stairway on the Scat Cat has apparently suffered some damage recently and temporary repairs were made with duct tape. The duct tape repair is now old and worn. We were hoping that you could ask Fisherman's Wharf if they plan to make permanent repairs or should we bring a new roll of duct tape. I also have some JB Weld if we need it.

This matter is of concern to us. Thanks mark....

Hey Formerly Awesum,

I was on the Scat Cat last Thursday, but I don't remember seeing a problem on the stairs. Were these the ones on the stern going up? We could ask Etan to go check it out, he lives right around the corner in Port A. I'll send him a note to see if he can go check it out

BTW, the fishing on the trip last week was o.k., quick limit of red Snapper, and then lots of catch and release of RS. A couple of quick Kings, and then some more catch and release fishing. A couple of small jacks, Bonito, one Blackfin that Etan took, and then a pair of Remoras! Good, fun fishing.

Tom - DBG

I heard from Etan, and he inspected the stairs this morning and they are still the same. I'm pretty sure the chartermaster will take care of this when he sees this.

How many more days??

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

If I break a toenail I'm gonna be pissed!! Lol! That does look kinda rough/unsafe. Would hate to have someone break a tibia and have to come back in early!

Yea, the Coast Guard would be kind of upset if we called them for a broken toenail or tibia. I'd hate to be airlifted for a broken tibia.


Tom - deepbluegulf

That does it! I'm bringing new duct tape AND JB Weld

Hey everyone! Sorry been away for a while, been a busy summer for sure. I've reached out to Willie for some direction on this and will follow up with FW to see what they are doing to correct this situation.

In the mean time, I think we need to get busy planning food! I will look back at last years trip to see what items we brought and get a similar list going. I think it goes without saying that Jim is still on the hook for bringing his famous stuffed pork tenderloin!

thank you Mark!
going to get my shotgun shells here in a minute......

make sure they fix the grill too... not as fun eating steaks cooked on a hot plate...

New license went on sale today..

Hey Mark .... glad to hear you are alive and kicking. With all this work you are doing you should be rich and famous by now.

Regarding the ladder .... I don't think any of us are too worried about that and it doesn't seem dangerous. That was just my excuse for ragging on you a little.

I got the tortillas and picante sauce covered and the electric skillet for cooking the eggs.. Billy has Pico de gallo and cinnamon rolls coming too.

I may need to go up and help Jim shoot a hog and drink some beer while it's smoking.

Maybe Jim has a portable welder for the ladder ....

I can smoke 2 large briskets and chit load of chicken breasts for the trip if yall desire.

Noble offer for sure .... but on the last few trips we determined that because of the in consistency of our fishing/sleeping/eating habits the only two meals we really plan are the breakfast tacos on the morning trip out and the afternoon meal on the way in. Although a good brisket sammich the evening before heading into that first long night of fishing hits the spot.

If the hose and regulator was all the problem was with the grill I can do that.

Ok cool. Just let me know then if I need to purchase any food for the group eating

I'd like to sign up to bring something, or at least provide money to offset the expenses.

I would be happy to bring some cases of bottled water or soft drinks. Is there a list already started of what is being brought on the boat?


No ribeyes... I already bought a box and my dog ate them. Whatever you do, don't let Formerly Awesum bring any of that 99cent tequila that he likes to drink... I always get stuck having to peel the scotch taped labels off so he can reuse the bottles.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

I don't think Mark has a list yet but intends to get one going.



Tom .... once it's it the Margaritas you never can tell the difference. And it's Jim that really likes the stuff. I am making a trip to Progreso soon and need to pick some up .... thanks for reminding me.

We'll help too, with food or providing money. Just let us know which one is needed.

Robert

Hey Formerly awesum,

I almost went blind when I accidentally got some of that 99 cent tequila based margarita in my eyes... all the lead in that hooch is bad stuff. How are you all still alive?

DBG

Tom if you dilute it 10 to 1 it is excellent rust remover! any less and the project disappears . I lost the nose section of a 3- horse trailer before I figured out the ratio . I hope you are using the proper precautions while removing the labels!

Shouldn't be much trouble getting the labels off .... since they come off by themselves sometimes ..

I am not a tequila drinker and was told if I brought bottle it should be plastic. That was the only bottle of tequila in all of Progreso that was plastic. The duty was four times the price so I just thought it was a good deal. Joe looked at it real funny and Scott Lamb hid it from Joe to keep him from using it. It could have been Jerry Semifero but I think it was Scott.Tthey both looked real guilty.

I thought i was doing good.

.

Well, I know about taking precautions now! But no one said anything back then. Yea, it was probably Scott that hid it, he didn't want to have to have the whole boat hauled off in a helo!

Labels falling off might have been part of the problem, they probably got put back on oven cleaner by accident.


Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Trece Tuna Massacre - October



Trece Tuna Smackdown - November

Awwwwwwww yeah!!! 2 months!! Almost time for the bannana dancers!!!

freaking banana's.............
Group emails sent to both TFF Trece Tuna charters. Let us know if you didn't receive it.

I keep having visions of sugar plums dancing on tuna heads!!

Gents, I bought box full of those 300g Williamson Benthos jigs during the sale at Overstockbait.com. If anybody has any 250g jigs of similar construction and quality that they are willing to trade please let me know before I go out and buy them. Bert

really?

guys, we've been doing this for over a decade. We know what to do/bring.
just do what we always do, kick back & enjoy!
new guys- do the same, don't worry about bringing stuff on your 1st trip.
next trip, you'll know exactly what you need to bring!

No lie- I had dreams last night of jigging at Perdido during the daytime!! Serious stuff!! We weren't catching tuna, but some white looking snapper type fish

sea crappie !!!

Don't get your panties in a wad Capt. Cuda. Just trying to get some conversation going. This thing is so dead you'd think Ronnie and I are the only ones going.

lmao!
You're right.






TUUNNNNAAAAAAA!

Bought a couple chunk/drop reels earlier. Couldn't resist. Guy made it too good to pass up for twins!

this guy just made me tuna amulet

uh oh ....

I think I would find another waffle house !!

Chubs .... most likely

Chubs... they will be bait! For 125 pound yellowfin! Lol!

LOL .... where's Charlie when you need him.

Right hear Ya Old Barnacle

Tooooo Nah Tooooo Nah Tooooo Nah

There you are you old fossil .....

Feathers were flying today .... I just know they were .....

Bobby You been drinking that Progresso dollar Tekillya AKA bargain paint remover again? You callin me Fossil? You know Jim has got that nick name squarely covered.

yep, guess we wont go hungry again this year...........

Selling my backup tank. If anyone needs it! No fees and free shipping

tff link for penn 114H

wish i was able to go with you guys... have a blast and i will be asking for tuna steak donations for the "save Bill from johnsing" fund when you get back... its good to know Brian lives near me

already selling stuff?

you ARE still going, right?????

I got your back amigo.
those cuda loins are gonna be FRESH when you get 'em!!!!

Mmmmm & Bobby will send you a box of smoked Chub fillets

I'll be there. I bought two "tibbed and plated" tld 30 2 speeds full of fresh 80# spectra and new topshot

you guys are the greatest... I'm getting all emotional over here...

I'm still wondering how to get through a trip without macaroni salad and potato salad..... sniff sniff

I volunteer Skeeter Ronnie & Tom to get that Mac & Tater Salad for ya Bobby it's a done deal bro.

I'll buy it in bulk from the grocery store when I get down. I'll try to smoke a brisket for the night before festivities/bait catching activities. That's almost as fun as the tuna fishing! Lol!

How many other Toms are there on these trips? I'm still hoping someone will tell me what to contribute to the meals. I can do the potato salad or the macaroni salad, just let me know, and then send me a recipe or tell me what brand to buy. Happy to contribute more food too.


Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Mark & I will bring the dove breasts
gonna need toothpicks, bacon & jalepeno's

I think I'm gonna smoke a few baby-backs, too.
or maybe just stop @ Black's again

yep, both!

What about cream cheese Brian?

We need to ask FW if they got a new regulator and hose for the grill.

Ribeyes Tom !!! I told you but you weren't listening. And you never told me you had a dog.

Seriously though .... don't look for someone to tell you what to bring. You just have to get creative. I think you'd be a good fit for the macaroni salad and potato salad. Get some pointers from Bill on that since he has always brought it and he's wussed out on us this year.

can you just feel the love from this group!!!!

I can do the Macaroni salad and potato salad. Would one quart of each be enough? I'll check with Bill to see how much the crowd can eat!


Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Whatever you buy just remember we have 32 people to feed including the boat crew which we always feed too. A quart of Mac or Tater Salad will feed around 10 people Sam's club or Costco have Half Gallons maybe bigger.

I was thinking a quart per person of each... I heard they could all eat that much. I'll check with Bill.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Look .... we're the victims here ... Okay?

Tom .... Bill has been bringing three tubs. One macaroni salad, one potato salad with mustard, one potato salad without mustard. And there is usually a lot left over.

Don't ask me what the size of the tub is though .... LOL

group email sent to both TFF Trece Tuna charters. Please inform us you if did not receive it.

I got the sack of Japs and 4 Lbs of Bacon for the dove breasts covered and a few dozen fresh Tamales. Somebody bring tooth picks so I don't forget them again..LoL

I am going. When I get the details I will get officially signed up.

you guys are killin me with all this food talk...
Brian do you need someone to come over and help you cook dove breasts and drink beer?

Welcome David!!!!!

need more birds to show up, & you can come help shoot 'em!

Welcome aboard.

Speaking of details .... one detail Willie seems to always leave out is the last person to sign up has to bring ribeyes for the group.

Sarge ..... If you will go buy a few tubs of potato salad and macaroni salad and give them to Brian to bring we will feel your presence. REALLY!

sure thing, ill get right on that... dont worry if the seal is broken on the tubs though, just had to add a little something special for ya...

Cool ..... broken seals and foreign matter will relieve me (us?) from feeling obligated to donate tuna to the "feed Sarge tuna fund" we were going to have.

Hey Guys,

I thought I was bringing the tubs of macaroni salad and Potato salad?? I've got several gallons left from July 4th at the lodge.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

The more I read... The more I realize I am going to eat lots of peanut butter and jelly sammiches!

I'm trying to space out my questions, otherwise I'd have the first 100posts on this thread. But I got another one. Every offshore trip I start I feel like I'm not bringing enough but leave wondering why I brought so much. Can some of the old salts on here give me a rough check list of tackle to bring. Breaking it down to "need to have" and "want to have" would be extra helpful. I'm looking for leaders, hooks, poppers, jigs, swimbaits, and anything else I find useful. I have some already, but I kind of have this "Boy Scout OCD" thing. I feel naked not having something I needed.

You are Tom



But do they have broken seals?

Ditka .... don't worry at all about asking too many questions. But there is only one "OLD" salt hereabouts and maybe Charlie will chime in.

That's a tough call. What seems to be enough for some is not enough for others. Fishermen that are prepared tend to catch more fish than those that are not.

But here's what I bring .... tackle wise.

I take a soft tackle bag filled with plastic cases full of lures, spare rolls of Fluorocarbon leader in 50#, 60# and 80#. Also in this bag are my tools (pliers, cutters, etc.)



I also take a milk crate that holds a chunking rig and a backup, a spinner for throwing lures and a backup, a jigging outfit, a conventional rig for throwing lures and a smaller spinner for pitching baits to Rainbow Runners and schoolie dorados. Fitting down inside neatly are more plastic boxes full of jigs, lures and terminal tackle.



I also carry a smaller bag with harness, belly plate, towels, more tools, etc.



Besides the tackle I take a big bag with personal items for hygiene , a sleeping bag and pillow, a 65 quart ice chest with food and drinks and another bag with snacks.

Hope this helps.

Good stuff suggested above. I'm on the lighter is better side of the road. Here's a little feedback

leaders: I like 50-60 lb fluoro

hooks: 5/0 or 6/0 Owner ringed circles for live fliers and chunks. Some larger circles for bottom fishing if we do that along with lead around 16 oz maybe more for deeper drops. I like to tie up several hooks with a leader and neatly roll up and package individually in a seal a meal bag. It's very easy to retie using this and the hooks will not rust between trips. Saves time during a hot bite

poppers: Yozuri, OTI, Tuna Hunter. I like the 5", some like the 8"

jigs: 200-300g will fill most needs. 400g in very heavy current. I like OTI jitterbel and Williamson Benthos in blue, green, or pink but not really sure it matters fishing at night 100-300' down

swimbaits: No experience to speak of on this one. I'll be trying some out in the 8-12" range. No reason they shouldn't do as well as poppers. I've seen some do well with the Frenzy type flying fish baits

personal items: besides bedroll, toiletries, and food anything that will make you feel comfortable in mostly uncomfortable conditions. I like a couple clean wet wash rags in a ziplock in my cooler to wipe my face with. A little talc is good too. A small first aid kit for cuts and such

I have a shot gun too

I will sell one of my newly acquired tld 30 2-speed for $300 if some needs a good chunk reel. Tibbed and has the oversized drag plate in it. 80# spectra with 60# mono topshot. Ready to fish the gulf! I have 2 but only need 1. I hate chucking due to A.D.H.D.! Lol

I have one too. I suppose I could bring some doves if you guys don't mind eating doves that were shot out of trees.

Ms. Gilmore will have you arrested you start chootin them birds in the trees in her backyard by her bird feeder

Got the tuna bug bad now!! Counting down the minutes and seconds! Made sure my new job was cool with rearranging my schedule that week! I'll get my 40 hours in sun-wed and be ready without using any PTO! Bam! I'll be heading down after lunch on Thursday

Isn't there a new toll road or something heading down there that's quicker?

Just for those that have the itch and need a fix. Some familiar faces in here ....


Big E 56 hr trip Part 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tfl2cIWlR0


Big E 56 hr trip Part 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVcmFedV9XU

Short group email sent to the members of the October TFF Trece Tuna charter.
Please let us know if you didn't receive it.

pics up loop 130 north of Austin takes you right in to Lockhart at 85mph

Seems to me that I recall you can pick it up at Waco. One thing to remember is if you are getting off at Lockhart the exit was well up the road from where it needed to be and if you aren't paying attention and miss it you then have to go a long way out of your way.

Thx. Map quest picked it up correctly then.

I just traveled the loop around Austin this weekend. The northern section goes from just north of Georgetown, and goes back into Buda at I-35. That northern section is 80 mph. You can also continue south on 130 from Austin to Seguin on the southern section to where it ends at I-10, east of San Antonio, and that section is 85 mph. Just remember if you are traveling at night, the southern section has tons of hogs crossing at night, be careful.

One other thought about this route is that even though it is faster, it also uses more fuel when you start going close to 90 mph, I always find myself having to stop for extra fuel. Best thing about using the bypass around Austin though is that you don't get stuck in traffic.

Be safe driving down.

tOm

I35 opens up to 3 lanes going south just south of Salado. The traffic speeds and then 8 or 10 miles ahead is where 130 starts, just north of Georgetown like DBG said.
It is longer than going through town but with Austin traffic its faster. If you're going through after 6 PM I'd drive through town and go down through Seguin and Stockdale.

I'm going to go 130 through Lockhart and stop at Mom's in Leesville.

By the way, what is the list for food and what should I bring.

thx yall. I dont mind spending a little extra in gas to save an hour or so. Hopefully, my little old diesel truck will run 85 mph!! LOL!

Doing inventory... can you tell I'm getting kinda excited!!

Ronnie what you doing with all them deep diver minnows?

Secret tuna bait. They cast and reel just need a squirt of krylon pink down their backs. I'll share gotta find my stash of maguroni lures I hid from myself in the garage now.

If you don't mind me suggesting .... take them to a bench grinder and take off about 2/3 of that lip or you're gonna be one tired essobee.

I've thought about that. Good idea. I'll have to experiment with one then go cast it to see how much I can shave off. I may drill a hole and add some shot to get them noisier (like the halco).
Then I need to send a couple hundred to charkb it for poppers and single hooks for the maguronis. I'm like a chihuahua chasing it's tail right now!!

Take one over to Sarge's pool and see how hard/easy it is to reel it from one end of the pool to the other.

I use stretch 30's trolling on my boat and reeling them in from way back ain't fun.

You never know about those Stretch 30's, you might want to drift one off the side of the boat when we're drifting away from the floaters at a fast pace, just might get a bite! I've seen how hard they are to reel in though, I don't like them for that reason, but they are supposed to be Wahoo killers!

DeepBlueGulf

LOL .... last night I dreamed about this. I dreamed Ronnie took some over to Bill's pool to try them out. But he was having a party and the pool was full of people and he kept snagging them. A fast retrieve was working best. Finally Bill went and got a gaff to help Ronnie out. It got ugly .... real ugly.

.... deamin .... I'm always dreamin....

NO, NO, NO!
just leave 'em, Ronnie.
I'm fixin' to start a "HOW MANY CASTS WILL HE LAST" side-pool
My guess is you'll get chopped by cuda's before you make it to 10, anyway....

Now there's a thought.

Since 25 casts would be the upper range of possible we could get a sheet with 25 squares on it like a football pot. 5 up and down and 5 across. We could all sign empty squares and then draw numbers for each square when it is full.

I like it !!!!

I'll pass this along to our chartermaster...............

hey, keep your dreams out of my pool ... i try not to gaff my guests unless they dont bring beer ...

I kinda think they were party crashers. Especially when you free gaffed a couple of them

Brian and I talked... I believe those will all be thrown in a share box on the table/bar for anyone daring enough to fish one. Lol! I'll fish ol faithful poppers like always lol! But of course I always start out jigging for blackies first. Kinda gets me warmed up and I've got a new toy to play with (pro gear)

But remember. . The funky chicken was a comedy, too! Everyone laughed, until they saw it worked

Are there ever any girls on these trips? My daughter Tiffany has been on day trips since she was 10 but not a three day trip.

None on this trip .... but I have done these trips with them before.

And David .... after putting two and two together I see you are Fred Spencer's brother. Some of us know Fred and have fished with him in the past. Are you Fred's big brother or little brother ... LOL?

A suggestion for you .... if you are not familiar with two speed lever drag equipment get Fred to give you a quick tutelage on how they operate. It could benefit you greatly.

Welcome to the trip.

PSSSSST .... we're under 30 days now.


Trece Tuna Massacre - October

Don't get me wrong... they are excellent for trolling but will flat ware you out casting because they pull so hard. It's like throwing a magnum deep crank bait but on a much larger scale with heavier equipment which is harder to cast and much harder to reel back in. I've tried them on several trips but have never had a hook up after many many casts, but then again it does not take very long to get tired of cranking them either.

Well.. I may have a few "special" ones with 7/8 of the lip misding. Lol! May even stick some chicken feathers in em! Ha! Funky chicken v2.0

Earth to Mojo .... Earth to Mojo

Come in Mojo !!!

LOL

Usually by now Joe has come let us know what we need for the machine.

Anybody seen or heard from him? He's been awfully quiet, I'm getting nervous about it.

Muddy Waters said... Got My MoJo Workin

guys I have to back out at the last minute! I let Willie know earlier today and later on my office mgr./sec./bookkeeper gave me her 2 weeks notice. so if you know anybody needing my spot please let Willie know ! I really don't see any way I can go but will be there in spirit rooting for a early limit !!!

Dammit, Jim!!!


...(star trek reference)....


I got Jim's bunk!!!!!

Dang !!!!

If I lost my Admin Assistant, I wouldn't be able to go fishing either! Been awfully nice having her around, only way I was able to get on two trips this year.


DBG

I will bring you some Tuna back Jim... but you need to still send us the Smoked Pork.

Well that stinks! Hope to see u on the next one!

he's dropping his car off with me this morning.
I'll ask him

maybe hes not bringing his machine since i am not there to help him carry it on and off the boat

Then I assume there will be fresh tuna in her Christmas stocking this year.

That's enough talk of muddy waters here on our Tuna thread you young whippersnapper.

Where is mojo?? Lol! Haven't seen a peep out of him! Lol! Wonder if he still has some funky chickens?

Hey Willie, how many spot available for Oct trip? Thanks

TUNA!!!

I second that!!! Tuna!!!!!!!!

Having to explain to Walgreens cashier WHY I need this... priceless!

Yea, I get funny looks too when I buy nail polish...
But hey, Sally Hansen hard as nails is a good top coat for stick on eyes!

I bought some neon pink spray paint today lol! I Will be doing some grinding later this week....



It's getting bad!!! Jig rod already tied and ready for action! A charkbait, and a overstock.com order waiting for the morning to send... I've been bitten! Tackle and gear is pretty much packed... just need to change the oil in the pinto and I'm ready to roll!!

How many days???

I think I'm gonna xray one of those baits to see where the chambers are at to add some lead bird shot. I'll take one with me to work tomorrow.

Hey Guys,

I dont mind bringing the margarita machine if people are going to use it. Last trip we only used a couple gallons of margaritas and a couple gallons of lemonades. Probably not more than 40-50 drinks of each. That is 8oz drinks. It is a bit of a hassle to load in truck, out of truck to boat, keep it going on boat and then take home and clean up. When I first started bringing it, we would go through about 15 gallons of Margaritas and about 10 gallons of lemonades. yall let me know your thoughts.

Joe

I'll defer to others who chime in here. I usually drink about 5 or 6 in my 16 oz. solo cup and I mix 1/2 lemonade and 1/2 margarita.. Without Jim and Bill on this trip the consumption would drop incredibly.

I love the lemonade, but I can just as easily load 2 12 packs of minute-maid

I'm saying to save mojo the work and just bring our own drinks.

Group email sent to both TFF Trece Tuna charter members, please let us know if you didn't receive it.

How many days??? I can't take it!! I'm ready NOW!

LOL ... it's only been 7 days since I posted that we broke 30 days.

Trece Tuna Massacre - October

I hear we lost our best deck hand...Garrett Jackson died in car crash.

Lite-liner told me earlier. That's sad. Very sorry to hear this news.

Guys please enlighten me. Was he the head deckhand with the long hair? A quiet guy?

I never keep up with their names.

That's sad..... real sad.

mutton chops.
nuff said.
he was always right there, man........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKBYyBOa61U

R.I.P Garret and Natalie! My condolences to your family. We will surely miss you! The best deck hand I've known.

Yes he was. And that's the one I was thinking about.

He would follow me around when I was fighting a tuna and keep his hand under my line to keep it from rubbing the rail.

Sad.

Damn, Garret was the best... life is so fickle... R.I.P. Garret

I vow to catch a Big YFT in his honor on the H4L stick bait he picked out for me from the pile I got two big blowups and smoking pulls on that bait last year but both shook off. It was always a pleasure fishing with Garret. R.I.P. we all gonna miss ya buddy.

Charlie

The return of the funky chicken!
Introducing "Funky Chicken V2.0":

SO Sorry to hear the news about Garrett...
He will be missed.............
----------------------------------------
Tunatexas

Well guys I have been avoiding this thread because I start thinking about spending money I don't have when a spot comes open. As for the reason I am posting...
My school recently employed an art teacher. He recently lost his stepson in a car crash and I attended the funeral out of respect for my new colleague. When I walked into the sanctuary I thought I saw Casey Bingham (last name might be wrong), he used to deck hand on the Cat and has moved to Deep Sea Headquarters. I dismissed this as an impossibility. After taking my spot in standing room only, I took a look at the picture board and things suddenly became very real for me. It was Garret's funeral, I never knew he grew up 15 miles from where I live. There were many familiar faces deckhands and captains. I took a picture of the picture board but I am uncertain if it is appropriate to post it without family approval.

The last time I saw him was after last years trip when I was paying him back for a swivel he let me have out of his personal stuff. Here I am being pissy and petty about not going fishing all the while missing the big picture of good health for me and my family. I can not fathom the loss of ones child.

That proves it's a small world after all Bryan.

I feel that in a sense we (our group) was represented there by your attendance.

Thanks for going.

thank for going & representing the TFF tuna crew, Brian.
quite Ironic.
Maybe Casey will come back for a while.

17 days!!

These are Black Dog jigs. They are out of Weatherford and look pretty good. Are these good? What weights are we looking for? I have 200 to 450 gram jigs just in case.

I have some Benthos coming.

OOOOOOh,those are some nice looking jigs...

Short group email sent to both 2014 TFF Trece Tuna Charters. Please let us know if you didn't receive said email.

Speaking of jigs.....

Brian did I ever tell you that I got your two Silver Jager 300s from Roy's ????

Charlie nominated me to smoke a brisket. I'd be happy to do that for us!

That's great !!!!

We'd like you as much as we like Jim if you stuffed a pork loin....

yep. Thanks.

should be a pretty good trade for those dove breasts.....

Ill.try i, too. You can never have too much food!! I'm fat for a reason!! Never cooked one before.

Ronnie it took me a few trys to get a brisket edible. This website helped me get it right http://amazingribs.com/recipes/beef/texas_brisket.html It has alot of detailed info for those of us that like the details down to the chemistry going on during cooking.

Oops just realized you were referring to the pork, you still might like the info on the website

Ronnie,

If u screw up the brisket ask lite-liner where one can be bought down there already smoked.. and good tooo!!!

My briskets are noteworthy. You don't need sauce for mne. The pork loin will most likely be ok.

there is a inside joke on the brisket that year skeeter!

ugh!
perfect briskets for 3 years in a row
but screw it up ONE TIME.........

Ronnie .... If you really want to try a pork loin go for it. But I was just having some fun with ya. I'm sure the brisket will be fine since it looks like I won't be eating dove breasts. Do what you do best.

Ahhhhhhhh. Ok. I vaguely remember something about smoking a brisket outside the hotel room in a disposable grill?? Lol!

not even close Ronnie

Well damn.. you'll have to tell me the story on the way out!

I have to load up two spinning reels off the back of the boat. Line isn't tight enough on the spools.

be sure to put a weight on those lines when you let them out Ronnie !!! Jerry always said that would pack your spool the best !

Ole Snagged (Jerry) taught me to put a small popper on the end of the line before letting them out. Gets the line on extra tight.

you guys are just mean, next thing you will be saying that to really pack your line on there you need to hang a bucket on the line... Glad Ronnie isnt a rookie or he would be bringing his own home depot bucket on board for line packing...

Hahaha!! Snagged was who taught me how to pack em tight..

that was one of the funniest pranks I ever participated in.....
"oh yeah, he's there, he's there baby....."

13 days!!"woo hooo!

12 days!!!!

Somebody contact Magarita MOjo and have him email us or text me directly. Not getting any response on emails and don't have his #. Moderately important for him to contact us right away.
Will be away from computer rest of day but need a response from him.

done.

I have not done any fishing of any kind since June but it's only 11 Daze left till ....
Too Nah Too Nah Too Nah

Charlie .... are you?



a) Back in the U.S.A.

b) Be back soon

c) Going straight to Port A from Aferker

d) None of the above

Did he just call you aferker?? Lol!!

Guys, do we need to bring an Ebola test with us and do some testing before we let some folks on the boat? LOL!

DeepBlueGulf

Ebola beans and cornbread sounds wonderful!

Bobby (b) be back soon.

Tom & Ronnie... Yes I work on business aircraft in West Africa. I had the Ebola test in Lagos daily for 3 days at the airport they use a thermal body scanner and a pyrometer to check your temp. Plus you have to use hand sanitizer before you enter the building to get scanned. I also was scanned and used hand sanitizer to enter some stores in Lagos. I have been out of that Ebola Zone for several days and remain healthy. But I hear tell there are 80 people being observed & 2 confirmed cases of EV in Dallas now?

Charlie .... I think Tom was suggesting we get all of the DFW people tested.

Boy that's great news, Charlie!
I was wondering how I was gonna cast poppers in this
friggin' haz-mat suit............

I was thinking of ALL the DFW people actually... but that was all kidding. I didn't realize there were two confirmed cases in Dallas, don't like hearing that.

I guess I could break out the hazmat suit and get it ready, I just don't know how many bottles of air they will let me put on the Scat Cat. Might have to sit and chunk the whole time, casting would be a bear!! J/K

Looking forward to seeing everybody in 13 days...


Tom

Tom .... if you wait 13 days to go over there we're gonna have to leave without you.

Saltwater kills everything.. we will be good either way just take a dunk in the pond! I've only heard of one case, and I work at a Presbyterian hospital east of Dallas.

OK the second one in the US is being brought to Nebraska from the East Coast. The one in Dallas is the only one to develop Ebola symptoms after arrival in the US from Liberia. He was in Texas City before coming to Dallas. The specifics are on the MSN headlines now.

Don't worry Tom I will cast for you and hand you the spin rig to reel back in... LoL

[censored]!! That's scary!

What a guy !

Richard Everett made fine this photo of Sundays return of the Scat Cat and sent it to Tom. I'm posting it and a brief report for them. As you can see they had some nice Yellow Fins (35) plenty Black Fins, several Dorado and some Rainbow runner's. They also reported the release of a 500lb Blue Marlin brought to leader by Hyperman, big congratulations to angler and crew on that awesome catch for sure.

Anyhow that ought to get you pumped for our trip in only 10 Days

Official TFF TUNA 13 Food Listings as follows.

Mojo Margarita
2 Smoked Pork Shoulders

Skeeter Ronnie (Aka X-ray_)
Smoked Brisket and Pork Loin

Mark K. and Liteliner
Dove Breasts (Maybe?) and Smoked Tuna Dip, Link Sausages

Billy Franklin
Pico De Gallo & Chips, Cinnamon Sweet rolls

Tunatamer
Tortillas (Corn and Flour), Picante Sauce, Grated Cheese, Pickles and Onions
Smoked Tuna Spread

Bazztex
Sack of Jalapeno Peppers, 6lbs of Bacon, 4 dozen Pork Tamales, 1000 round toothpicks, 1 Case of Dr.Peppers, Dry Rub for Dove

Deep Blue Gulf
Mac and Potato Salad, Assorted Soft drinks

Robert Smith and Pastor Robert
2 bags Tortilla Chips, Plates and Plastic flat ware, 24 pack bottled water, Salt and Pepper

Brian Hefty
Bulk Food Serving trays and Utensils

Allison and Tiffany
Cookies, Bread (White and Whole Wheat) Coke, Dirt Coke and Sprite

K_N
Eggs, Cheese and Bacon for breakfast tacos

Chuck_w
Coffee and Creamer

Fishead
Dr.Peppers for the crew

IZZO & Dubya
Breakfast Sausage and Eggs, Tortilla Chips

Add to the list in your post below

We still need bread (white and wheat), we could probably use more chips, how about coffee and creamer, maybe some fruit. What else???

Put me down for the bread and soft drinks. I will bring a case of Coke and dirt Coke and Sprite.

I will freeze one case of bottled water to keep the other soft drinks cold and bring a second case of water.


David and Tiffany Spencer

If I have enough time, I'll make my red twizzler cookies. If enough of you like black licorice, I'll make those cookies too.

Dave 20lbs of Ice is $1.25 Block or Cubed at Buckee's at I-10 and 183 Lockheart

Y'all Don't forget a few 12 packs of Dr.Pepper for the Scat Cat crew. We like to keep them happy.

One of those large cookie assortments like you get at Sam's or Costco is good enough, these guys will eat most anything.

I can bring the coffee and creamer.

I'll bring the few 12 packs of Dr Pepper for the crew.

Styrofoam cups for coffee/drinking ???


I forgot to mention that I am also bringing some smoked tuna spread.

Looks like breffus is next, I'm in fer Eggs, Bacon, Torts, Cheese.some Picanti

May not cook it but I can bring it....

Everyone including our new TFF Tuna Crew members now hear this!!!

NO BANANAS allowed on board the Scat Cat

Lite-liner!!! No bannanas!!

Yall remember the Big E trip that sucked for fishing??? The capt wife was eating bannanas up top and throwing the peels in the water. I was shocked when I saw one float by my line... it almost caused a mutiny on board! Ppl were highly pissed!

10 days! !!!!! 10 dancing bannana!

Kerry .... I think we already have everything but the eggs.

I have talked to Willie and all is well.

To Willie, I never got an email from you or a phone call. I do get the group emails so im not sure what is up with that.

thanks,
Joe

OH so you're bringing the Sausage for the breakfast Tacos Bobby J?

Anybody have a working list? Mike Izzo and I can bring eggs and breakfast fixins.

On the previous page (21) I made a list. Breakfast sausage or Little Smokies for breakfast Tacos would be good. Kerry Neal is bringing Eggs and Bacon. More tortilla chips would be good too.

Nah Charlie I'm not. Kerry's post made me think he was bringing the stuff I am down for. I didn't check the list and thought eggs were all we needed.

Maybe we can get Mike Izzo and John Wakeman to bring eggs and sausage.

ONLY 10 MORE DAZE

9.5 now!! I'm ready!!

Ack .... my bananas will turn black by then

Good they will make fine suppositories for you when Pork Chop catches you with them on the boat.

This is my favorite popper. You can dress it with trebles or an assist hook

I see OTI is selling the Maguroni's now.

Joe

Joe .... they've changed them for the better. Roy's , being right around the corner from Brice/OTI, keeps a full stock of all colors so If you need some stop by there on the way to the boat.

Joe.. Bao lives in Richardson and has a ton. You want his number? Call me If so

in a little over a week... we should be putting out lines about now and starting our troll towards the rig.. WAAAHOOOO!!! and Dodo's!

All I keep having visions of is Chuck's Fried Chicken Strips at Fins.

Do I have a problem?

Some goodies arrived!! Woo hoo!

aren't these the wrong color?

yep they're all wrong.

man you messed up bad, ronnie.
how you gonna get your $$ back before the trip??????

I'm not a fan of the El patron. Too large Imo. I like the poppers. Any color will work at this point. Lol. I think a red Reg wrapped on a treble hook is gonna work for this wfo bite.

I'll give 20 bucks and some spinnerbaits for a couple of them El Patrons. I think they're pretty.

I'll sell u a few for what I paid. I'll have em on the boat. Remember to try and keep the fish from running your line into the hull. That hull cuts 65 braid like a hot knife in butter

6 days!!!

good luck and tight lines guys... i want to see action pics so get those cameras ready...

Tackle packed and ready!! And it's HEAVY! just need to get clothes and food in order ! I'm ready to roll! Had my helper doing my dirty work!

looks like you're fully prepared for the cuda's!
I swear I better not catch you sleepin..............

Deflection... we ALL know you are Capt Cuda ! Lol! I'm just sleepy dwarf!! Lol! I'm primed and ready! I sleep 4-5 hours a day now in the medical field. My body is used to it

dang, look at all those shiny never before used lures...

Only one used lure. Tuna hunter . Caught 3 last trip on it. It's good luck and what I'm starting with
Went to buy a brisket earlier and Brookshires wanted $5.99/lb! Crazy bastages! Going brisket shopping tomorrow night after work! No pork loins, but I'll have a couple briskets. Heard of one store having them on special card price of $1.50/lb. Might have to buy 4 at that price! Lol

141 hours to go!!

I have enough soda pop, I think. I have 200 assorted 20 oz bottles of Coke, diet Coke. Plenty of DP and some diet DP. 30 bottles of Sprite and even some A&W root beer.

I bought bottles. Is that good?

Plastic??

David- yall don't forget to bring a couple light bass rigs for fishing off the dock thurs night. It's kinda a tradition.. we fish off the dock and shoot the chit

Wow, that is a lot of lures! I've been thinking that I'm going to pack light for a change, three large poppers, three small poppers, 4 jigs, a few boxes of hooks and just a handful of topshots. I'm going to stick to the core gear I use more than anything else and hope it gives me my limit of YFT. Hoping the dorado bite is as hot as it was last weekend, that would be very cool!

See you guys later this week.

Tom - DeepBlueGulf

Tom, that's my new philosophy as well. I fish one jig and one swim bait 90% of the time, so why was I buying all this tackle?

I just cooked last of my tuna on a salt block. Anyone ever tried it? Very cool way to cook.

I'm flying back to Texas on the company jet as we are bringing it to Dallas for some inspections and interior work. Only problem is one of the pilots is waiting for his US Visa to be renewed so we can travel. If we leave on Wednesday I'm going to get off the plane Thursday at Love Field.. go home and pack in 30 minutes then drive to Port A it's going to be pure madness.

I'm set on tackle and have some new line to load up my reels, I'll just have to work on stuff on the way out.

We had Mr Wonton last night. Tiffany got this.

Dave we will do our best as a group to see that happens for you and her. My daughter caught 2 YFT around 60# each and several Black Fin on her first Scat Cat trip jig fishing.

Yes Sir my in laws turned me on to the Himalayan salt block, good stuff.

I just finished tying my first braid to mono splice. Looks and works pretty good for the first.

Now I'm going in to put a loop in the other line so I can try a loop to loop connection. This one should go pretty easy.

Try a 7 Twist Surgeon's loop works as good as a Bimini Twist.

Practicing no knot splicing with hollow core. I need a jig to hold the line while I wrap it but other than that it looks to make a nice connection.

Now go hook it up to.your truck bumper.. walk out about 50 yards.. get set up in your fighting harness and put 30# of pressure on it.. don't fall on your butt like I did. I never could get mine to hold well enough to use offshore

Are you bringing a thermometer with you ???

Yeah sure Ronnie... butt its rectal, so Bobby is going to make sure it works on you before I get there. Just for safety's sake ya know.

Lol! Well it's going in your mouth next... yuck!! And rectal thermometer aren't used any more. Fancy smancy ear hole ones are used. Lol