Never caught tuna. I am really getting jealous! I need to get out on one of these trips.

Port Aransas has a very competitive fishing market. Over the years if you don't produce you are out of work. That goes for deckhands and Capt's on both party and private boats. Most of the locals are rised fishing and know that tips and putting food on the table depends on getting their clients fish in the box.

They are also street smart in the fact that they don't tell the hot spot of the day to any joe blow. But, pad their palm with green and you can find out anything. Offshore fishing is a very tough career choice. You have the GOM at your mercy. Sometimes you can't make money because of the weather. It's also seasonal.

My hat is off to those that choose to make a living fishing the GOM. The Port A guys do it because they love it. It won't make you a lot of money but every Capt and deckhand I've ever fished with in Port A will give you 100% while you are on the water. The competitive nature of Port A has been passed down through four generations.

I've fished at least 50 ports and I can tell you that most really don't care about catching their customers fish. It's just a job to many lazy Capts and deckhands. They figure one more tourist will come off the plane just like you. It's sad and I've always tried to research the port I am going to fish. Even when I book the "Best" boat, I am usually disappointed with the fact that they really didn't give the effort like what I am accustomed to in Port A.

There was only enough bunks on the Gulf Eagle for 15 people plus the two deckhands. So going over 15 people isn't that great of idea.

I went out on the Gulf Eagle about a month ago.

Good points: Great Capt., excellent deckhands, excellent gaffing, boat runs around 16 knots and handles rough seas, they care about putting fish in the box. They don't cancel because of nasty conditions like the Big E.

Bad things: NO rod holders (I mean ZERO). I had to use my bunk for all my stuff. It was full to the top. Never got to lay down the whole trip. Horrible head. Don't eat much because you will not use that thing. Thank God a woman wasn't on board. Taking a leak off the side of the boat was a blessing. Can't take big ice chest. Only 48 to 52 quart coolers fit under the exterior seats. I would personnaly need about 6 coolers. But I think the boat could manage about 40 of these size coolers.

I wouldn't go again unless there was only 12 people. Three bunks need to be saved for rod and tackle storage. Otherwise they really do a very good job and I would gladly step back on if the trip was limited to a dozen.

I like the DSH boats, with I admit a preference to Captian John.
Smaller boats, less people, less confusion and more co-operation.
Add to that they generally have live bait onboard.

Snagged,
Who's Capt. John? This party or head boat stuff is new to me. Is he the Capt. of the Pelican? If so, my lawyer's kid works as a deckhand on the Pelican durning the summer when he's not at college. He was telling me that the Pelican only does private groups. Does the Pelican have rod holders?

Capt John runs the Pelican and only does private charters. No extra rod holders (may be some ceiling holders), but a single milkcrate carries all I need.
John has some darn good spots and will hammer the throttle to get clients on good fish. I've seen a boat limit of AJ's in about 30 minutes and also heard him tell everybody to reel in because the AJ's were too thick to get snapper.
The deckhands on both of those boats are darn good and work their tails off.

I have a check ready and am willing and able for cinco or seis. I am new to DFW from San Diego, I have a 19 foot trophy I would like to take offshore with someone who knows the waters. Please reply I would like top get hooked up with a few new fishing friends

Cal Jeff,
What port are you fishing out of?

i have an interesting question. with captain elliots 52 hour pricing increased to $650.00 does this make our spots on cinco worth more. if so my spots for sale for $600.00 if any one wants it at that price.....rick

i would say so Rick... cant buy em for less than $650 this coming year..... Cant believe you arent going!!! I am gonna boycott sausage bisquits now!!! I was really looking forward to fishing with you!

ronnie
the spot isn't sold as of now. so i am still going if the spot doesn't sell. i am not going to give it away. i want a fair price for it and hopefully it will sell. i would rather fish my boat during that time of the year if the seas will let me...rick