Hi Guys,

I moved to Houston last year and am ready to try my hand offshore fishing out of Galveston. I have fished both east and west coasts and the styles are very different.
I have never fished the GOM but understand that the action is 100-120 miles off, on the edge around the oil rigs.

I'm confident in my trolling and jigging techniques but would like to know what is the best cut bait for chunking on the drift at night around the floaters?
(something I can buy on land, i.e... Sardines, squid, pogys etc)

Im planing a trip in two weeks so hopefully the weather cooperates.

I have about a million questions so any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Tuna05

Sardines and chunk some blackfin you jig up .

Thanks for the fast reply.. ever have issues with the crew on the Rigs or on the supporting OSV boats?

Looks like some guys get very close (YouTube) .Are some rigs more fishermen friendly?

Depends on whether the rig has something going on. You get kicked off occasionally but not often.

Take a dip net like a crab net or a cast net to get live flyers if they are there. They will usually outdo chunks.

Thanks Guys,

I will be sure to let you know how we made out... think about the Boomvang area at this time as it has some warmer water but we will see when the weather brakes.

Get some Halco swimbaits. Halco 130
I change out the hooks for stronger/sharper hooks. The tuna at the floaters tend to be pretty leader shy too so make sure to use fluorocarbon to your braid. (I like the FG knot for a smooth connection) Jig for blackfin using 6oz diamond jigs and you can chunk them up to use for yellows. I second the comment on using flying fish...they're tuna crack. If you happen to get lucky and snag a few while out there, freeline them out.
Bring poppers too as occasionally you'll see tuna busting the surface and there's nothing like a yellow on a topwater.
I'm heading out today with a friend toward the floaters...so crossing my fingers we put some meat on the boat.
By the way, I have a ton of experience at the floaters and have my own gear, so if you own a boat and are looking for a reliable crew, count me in.
Mike

Thanks for the added info Mike, good luck on your trip! be sure to let us know how you did.

I'll IM you my contact details.

We ended up canceling the day of the trip as seas were worse than forecasted.

Hahah, yeah welcome to the GoM.

Tuna05, Let me know if you plan on going out to the floaters, i've done my fair share of overnight tuna trips and know how to catch YFT pretty well. I'd be more than happy to pitch in for expenses and help clean the boat if you go.

Big poppers on the edge of the lights for yellows and 5-10 ounce jigs for the Blackfin. Boomvang has lots of whitetips snd big baracuda so we don't chunk much. 120 pound yellow hitting your popper will change your life, lol