Question:

Nothing ventured, nothing gained…go for it.  My experience on Lakes Michigan and Superior in a 24-ft cabin boat has been good, but I venture out with radar, GPS-chartplotter, Loran, 2 VHF radios, 2 depthfinders, and a backup 15-hp outboard motor.  And I nearly always see, at the boat launch, some crusty old fisherman heading out in a 14-ft jon boat with 25-hp outboard…amazing balls. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Unless you get 4 miles to the gallon, forget it.  1/3 out, 1/3 in and a 1/3 in reserve.  Tuna requires trolling, lots at about 8-9 mph.  Not enough fuel capacity, unless the albies get inside of about 10 miles.  I have a 21′ and carry 67 gallon, and get about 2 mpg and I won’t do it.  Post a request to be a hitchhiker on the www.Coastsidefishingclub.com board and you will get a ride and live to fish again. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you. I’ve gone 20-30 miles in the Atlantic in smaller boats than that. You really need expertise in weather observation, a high antenna on a fixed, not portable, VHF radio, an extra battery and enough smarts to know when not to go out. And bring along a spare six gallon tank and hose. Try going out in the company of a couple of boats. And buy yourself some Type I life jackets, the real deal kind, and consider an EPIRB. Make sure you have a way to climb back in your boat if you get knocked overboard. Same here.  The buddy system applies.  Dont’ quite agree with the 6 gallon tank theory, however.  That would get me about 5 miles closer before I choke…..

Response:

Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Be nice Harry… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Be nice Harry…

How can he? He’s the consummate evildoer of this NG. — Skipper

Response:

Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks!

Yikes!  Is it a Force outboard?  I wouldn’t trust that setup, 13 years old, offshore.  Especially if you don’t know how much gas it holds.  How old are the batteries?  Do you have towing insurance?  Just some more questions to think about…

Response:

JAX has just reduced his percentage of useful posts to about 8% with the latests posts…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ben thur, dun dat writes to tell us just how scared he is of the water with: (way to go, bt,dd) geesh.  another guy tied to the dock when the wind is greater than 8 knots and telling how safety conscious he is. Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good. About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Well, I’ve never been "offshore" except twice around Cape Caution, but…    I agree about the redundancy. Get, at the least, a good "get-you-home" kicker with a separate fuel tank.    An in-dash VHF is under $200 – why not? And it sounds like an EPIRB is a good idea too.    Another good idea would be an inflatable dinghy to get into if the boat DOES sink. "Real" offshore boats have special emergency rafts that autoinflate, etc. but you probably don’t need to go that far.    And I can never understand boaters who don’t know how much fuel they carry, or what their range is! DEFINELY find out what your range is, and the range of your kicker, before venturing any distance. Lloyd Sumpter "Valkyrie" Campion 18 – 20 gals, 110mile range – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Your comments on redundancy are right on the money in my experience. On the other hand, I’ve seen those "gentle blue water rollers" break onto the deck of a 50 footer.  On a 50 foot boat that just creates a little commotion for a few seconds, but in a 20 foot cuddy you’re likely to get a sinking sensation. Looking beyond gear failure, there are some other risks difficult to avoid such as late afternoon thunderstorms, fast moving cold fronts, and breaking conditions in the inlets caused by tide and offshore swells.  Things can change in a hurry even on a day that starts board flat and looks stable.  Important to remember that small boats have small safety margins. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I always have been told and adhered to the redundancy rule. A backup for everything when going off-shore. Such as engines, fuel tanks, radios, batteries(you got that covered), safety equipment, food, water etc. Are you sure you want to trust everything to your set up with no redundancy? I spend my time in the mid Chesapeake Bay in a 26′ Bayliner. The rollers there can get pretty nasty with high frequency four to six footers. I’ve been told blue water rollers are more gentle because of the lower frequency. Your seamanship is to be applauded, but I suggest you adopt more redundancy.

Response:

I always have been told and adhered to the redundancy rule. A backup for everything when going off-shore. Such as engines, fuel tanks, radios, batteries(you got that covered), safety equipment, food, water etc. Are you sure you want to trust everything to your set up with no redundancy? I spend my time in the mid Chesapeake Bay in a 26′ Bayliner. The rollers there can get pretty nasty with high frequency four to six footers. I’ve been told blue water rollers are more gentle because of the lower frequency. Your seamanship is to be applauded, but I suggest you adopt more redundancy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

ben thur, dun dat writes to tell us just how scared he is of the water with: (way to go, bt,dd) geesh.  another guy tied to the dock when the wind is greater than 8 knots and telling how safety conscious he is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good. About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy?

Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

30 gallons sounds awfully small for a 20 ft. boat.  

Agreed.  And 120Hp seems like a very small engine, as well. My 18′ CC has a 150HP Merc OB and a 60-gallon tank.   I would strongly advise against going further out, without making some major adjustments in his capabilities. e.g. installing more fuel capacity, and being almost fanatical about weather-watching. I’ve been 40-50 miles out (in a commercial fishing boat) in the Pacific out of Oregon, and it was pretty scary.  Unlike the short-period waves we have in the Gulf, these were HUGE rollers, a city block or more thick.  I’d hate to be out there when they started kicking up. 120hp and 30 gallons of gas, in a 20 footer? No way. Ron M.

Response:

Jim,     I’d be surprised if your handheld VHF was strong enough, 25 miles out, to reach shore without an external antenna. Paul — "The opinions expressed in the article are the opinions of the author, not of Ford Motor Company. " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

I go out about 20 miles off Boston Harbor sometimes in my 19 foot boat, but only when there is flat water and a stable high presure area in place with little chance of bad weather kicking up. I keep my vhf on and monitor the weather channel and radio stations for any surprize weather. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

30 gallons sounds awfully small for a 20 ft. boat.  I’ve got a 26′ powercat with twin 150’s and 180 gallons of fuel and I am always a little nervous (rightly so) about going off more than 20 miles.  A handheld VHF will NOT cut it, as Dan mentioned, nor the 30 gallon fuel tank.  You just can’t trust the weather service with forcasts.  They might say that the winds will pick up in 24 hours, but all of the sudden, you are in 20 kt winds.  Then you are in real trouble.  Usually I burn about 65 gal on a normal 12 hour trolling trip, but once, when the weather turn on me prematurely, it took about 130 gal to get home in terribly steep head seas. In general, I wouldn’t recommend it.  I’m usually the smallest boat out in the deep and I definitely feel it when the weather turns.  There are way too many things that go wrong. BTW, you didn’t mention an EPIRB in your list… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Question:

Hi Adam, I guess I would try to get in the front of the boat and get the smallest other fisherman in the back in case you have to work him over. I am sure that they have this combo all the time and will work it out for you. Email me a good picture for my web site. Good luck. PS: Have tried fishing Isla Holbox for tarpon yet ? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the last 12 years almost all my fishing is done with a fly rod (before that it was spinning rod).  This includes bass and pickerel (mostly on poppers) in NJ and FL, and saltwater inshore species.  For the past two years I’ve been lucky enough to get my ass down to Venezuela for peacock bass on the fly rod (have also been fishing for them in Miami canals for about 9 years).  Unbelievable fish and an unbelievable kick, as you know if you’ve fished for these awesome fish. In both instances, I either fish with other fly rodders or fished alone. As I don’t have experience fishing for peacocks out of the same boat with conventional casters, I would like some advise on how best to work things out.  In September I’ll be going to Brazil to go after the big guys (upwards to 30#).  I don’t know any of the other guys who will be going, but I do know that they will be using regular casting gear (baitcasting and spinning).  So here are my questions. I have concerns on how to work it out with whoever I fish with.  I know that all day they will be chucking big noise making stuff and will probably be able to cast well over 100′, whereas in order not to rip my arm off, I’ll be casting around 60′ (I can cast further, but not all day with the big flies and poppers I’ll be casting without dislocating my shoulder).  This can put me at a great disadvantage in that if the guide holds the boat well off the shore line or fish holding structure, I won’t be able to reach the preferred spots.  And, the truth of the matter is as nothing scares the peacocks (like boat engine/motor noise, etc), holding the boat 60′ off the shore or structure wouldn’t make a difference in the catch rate.  Of course, casting big distances into open water areas is not a problem.  How do you guys feel this can be worked out, or is the problem only in my mind? Also, what about the rate at which the boat moves?  Whether I’m in the middle or in the front of the boat, slow moving is better for me as I can’t repeat cast as fast as my partners can.  I’m thinking that they might be more used to a faster troll and have problems with this.  Your opinions, please. Thanks again, Adam

Response:

For the last 12 years almost all my fishing is done with a fly rod (before that it was spinning rod).  This includes bass and pickerel (mostly on poppers) in NJ and FL, and saltwater inshore species.  For the past two years I’ve been lucky enough to get my ass down to Venezuela for peacock bass on the fly rod (have also been fishing for them in Miami canals for about 9 years).  Unbelievable fish and an unbelievable kick, as you know if you’ve fished for these awesome fish. In both instances, I either fish with other fly rodders or fished alone.  As I don’t have experience fishing for peacocks out of the same boat with conventional casters, I would like some advise on how best to work things out.  In September I’ll be going to Brazil to go after the big guys (upwards to 30#).  I don’t know any of the other guys who will be going, but I do know that they will be using regular casting gear (baitcasting and spinning).  So here are my questions. I have concerns on how to work it out with whoever I fish with.  I know that all day they will be chucking big noise making stuff and will probably be able to cast well over 100′, whereas in order not to rip my arm off, I’ll be casting around 60′ (I can cast further, but not all day with the big flies and poppers I’ll be casting without dislocating my shoulder).  This can put me at a great disadvantage in that if the guide holds the boat well off the shore line or fish holding structure, I won’t be able to reach the preferred spots.  And, the truth of the matter is as nothing scares the peacocks (like boat engine/motor noise, etc), holding the boat 60′ off the shore or structure wouldn’t make a difference in the catch rate.  Of course, casting big distances into open water areas is not a problem.  How do you guys feel this can be worked out, or is the problem only in my mind? Also, what about the rate at which the boat moves?  Whether I’m in the middle or in the front of the boat, slow moving is better for me as I can’t repeat cast as fast as my partners can.  I’m thinking that they might be more used to a faster troll and have problems with this.  Your opinions, please. Thanks again, Adam

Response:

        I would think that holding in a little closer so that you can cast also shouldn’t be a problem for the other guys or the guide, if they are sporting types. Further, I don’t think that they would want to be at max range casting for peacocks. Those fish tend to live in some of the meanest cover there is if I’m not mistaken. You don’t want a mile of line out there with a fish that lives in snags. At least, I sure don’t!     As far as working things out regarding who casts when- even two baitcaster types must do this if one guy is using a 7′ rod and the other is using a 6 1/2′ footer or longer in a smaller bass boat…you’d just have to co-ordinate casts. Work it out with your boat mate, and develop a rhythm. My partners and I would "leapfrog cast" an entire shoreline during club tournaments, staying out of each other’s way in the rhythm pattern.     Further, as far as not being able to cast as frequently to the same area, how much line can you have out and still do a roll cast? You should be able to put the fly right back on the same spot that way, or walk it along an area, if the trolling motor is moving you at a fairly brisk pace, I would think. My fly rodding has been limited to the local river and farm ponds, so can’t tell you about the roll cast in a bass boat much…hmmmmm perhaps I need to do some field work on this and write an article…..    ’Hope this helps some…     B3

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Question:

If your Business or Organization is involved with products or services directed to those having interest in Fly Fishing topics, Rx F Fish will glady provide your company with a Free Business Listing on its pages for the benefit of its viewers.   This information is available to our viewers from our On-Line Searchable Database on the Site Information Page at Rx F Fish.  Our web site is located at: http://www.rxffish.com/ Some limitations apply as to the types of businesses our database will accomodate so, be sure to read the comments on the forms page before submitting the information.  The forms page is located at: http://www.rxffish.com/data_input.htm Just send us your information and we’ll handle the rest. Thank You. Trent Roberson Rx F Fish — For your good health, Fly Fish    A datasource about Fly Fishing Topics           http://www.rxffish.com           Free Business Listings Companies serving the Fly Fishing Industry      http://www.rxffish.com/index2.htm           Affordable Web Services   Site Design — Hosting — Image Editing           http://www.flashport.net

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Question:

This subject has probably been done here before, but I’ll post this anyway. I do about 90% of my fishing in the surf or on jetties for Bluefish, Striped Bass and Weakfish.  The balance is for warmwater species, and when I’m feeling particularly masochistic, I might try for some trout which usually only laugh at me. Anyway, the question is: When is a fly a fly?   Does it have to represent or suggest some stage of an insect’s life?  I’d guess most of you would call the things I throw "Streamers"  or for the English, "Lures", but they are called "Flies" by everyone I know who uses them, even though some of them can be (and have been) cast by ultralight or even light action spinning rods. Here’s some more things to chew on:  What about materials?  Do they have to be natural or will synthetic be acceptable? How about epoxy, a material I love to use because it stands up to big teeth. So far as I am concerned, as long as the offering is too light to be cast by conventional or spinning rods that can reasonably be expected to subdue the fish you’re looking for but must be cast by line weight instead of lure weight, then it’s a fly, even if it is 14" long… — Tight Lines and Fair Winds! Ed

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This subject has probably been done here before, but I’ll post this anyway. I do about 90% of my fishing in the surf or on jetties for Bluefish, Striped Bass and Weakfish.  The balance is for warmwater species, and when I’m feeling particularly masochistic, I might try for some trout which usually only laugh at me. Anyway, the question is: When is a fly a fly?   Does it have to represent or suggest some stage of an insect’s life?  I’d guess most of you would call the things I throw "Streamers"  or for the English, "Lures", but they are called "Flies" by everyone I know who uses them, even though some of them can be (and have been) cast by ultralight or even light action spinning rods. Here’s some more things to chew on:  What about materials?  Do they have to be natural or will synthetic be acceptable? How about epoxy, a material I love to use because it stands up to big teeth. So far as I am concerned, as long as the offering is too light to be cast by conventional or spinning rods that can reasonably be expected to subdue the fish you’re looking for but must be cast by line weight instead of lure weight, then it’s a fly, even if it is 14" long… — Tight Lines and Fair Winds! Ed

Ed, My understanding of the definition of a fly is a "lure" made from fur and feather, of couse synthetic materials are also allowed in conjunction with fur and feather. Darin

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Question:

Peter: I have the same rod and use TT 6/7. 80 feet overhead cast and 50 feet roll cast are easily made with this combination. Because of the continuous taper of TT, delicate presentation is also easily done. If you need a floating line, I would recommend TT 6/7. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I am new to fly-fishing.  I own a St. Croix Imperial 9′ 5/6 weight travel rod with a Colorado #2 Ross reel.  I wonder if my rod will work well with a 6WF line.  I am thinking about ordering the Cabela’s Prestige 6WF F/S VI (IPS = 6.5-7, with 10′ sinking tip) for shad fishing in California rivers.  I like to hear your opinion on this selection.  Please let me know if you would suggest another line or another setup for this purpose. I also wonder if I should begin learning fly-fishing with a 5 WF line or a 5 DT line.  I have seen a few postings here recommending novice caster learning on a DT line.  I wonder what the reasoning is behind it. BTW, I plan to do most of my fishing in Yosemite National Park. Thanks for all your help. Peter

– Shinji Unno                     Karaoke Party in Seattle, WA, USA? Also a steelhead fly fisher               http://www.sbkaraoke.com

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Hi, I am new to fly-fishing.  I own a St. Croix Imperial 9′ 5/6 weight travel rod with a Colorado #2 Ross reel.  I wonder if my rod will work well with a 6WF line.  I am thinking about ordering the Cabela’s Prestige 6WF F/S VI (IPS = 6.5-7, with 10′ sinking tip) for shad fishing in California rivers.  I like to hear your opinion on this selection.  Please let me know if you would suggest another line or another setup for this purpose. I also wonder if I should begin learning fly-fishing with a 5 WF line or a 5 DT line.  I have seen a few postings here recommending novice caster learning on a DT line.  I wonder what the reasoning is behind it.   BTW, I plan to do most of my fishing in Yosemite National Park. Thanks for all your help. Peter

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Question:

I purchased a pair of GoreTex waders a couple years ago from LL Bean. The price was much more reasonable than some, and the Bean service is excellent. I haven’t exposed them to a great degree of abuse, but the material appears quite durable. They are well made, double thickness at the knees. The suspenders are adequate, but could be sturdier. John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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I bought a pair of the Clearwater waders.  I fished in the early season (read cold) here in Minnesota and found that they erformed very well with fleece pants underneath.  They are truly awsome on a 80 degree day with 80% humidity.  However, after around 65 days on the water the seam tape on both feet started to come off.  Although they never leaked, I took them to my Orvis dealer as I was going to Montana and didn’t want them to start leaking.  I walked out with a new pair for free, now that’s service.   Anyway, the new pair has been fine so far.  I think I am harder on my gear than most.  I fish 3-4 times a week on small streams and am often crashing through brush in the dark with no flashlight. Long Live Hay Creek MikeH

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They’re great!!!

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I remember seeing a thread about Gore-Tex waders a while back. Would anyone be willing to put forth their $.02 again, for I’m interested in these waders. Thanks, — Don Pisinski C.C.S. Digital Equipment Corporation (When replying remove the "x" from the e-mail address) My opinions are not reflective of the opinions of my employer, my  cat, dog, or goldfish.

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Don, I finally broke down and got some goretex waders but not before an outfitter/shop did me a huge favor.  They let me try out the Clearwater and Bulletproof waders by Orvis and I was stoked.  Then they ruined me by letting me try out the Simms Guide models.  The Simms’s were the most comfortable and the quietest in my experience (fishing them each for a day in warm temps and cold water) but at $350.00, I balked.  My wife, in a rare display of toy-encouragement, thought that since I believed they were the ones to get and I didn’t come out of them all stinky and wet, said go ahead.  I can’t comment on their long term wear and tear, others will though, but I think it was a good decision for me even though I had to use money from the "Bamboo savings". Try them out if you can and I must say that the Clearwaters color is the most pleasant if only because EVERY outdoors-wear maker uses sage or light green/olives in all their clothes.(Fashion tip courtesy the beautiful Stephanie). Good Luck, Bob

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I remember seeing a thread about Gore-Tex waders a while back. Would anyone be willing to put forth their $.02 again, for I’m interested in these waders. Thanks, — Don Pisinski C.C.S. Digital Equipment Corporation (When replying remove the "x" from the e-mail address) My opinions are not reflective of the opinions of my employer, my  cat, dog, or goldfish.

Hi Don I’ve been guiding and fishing in Simms GoreTex waders for several years now and find they are great. The comfort of being able to fish in light weight breathable waders is one of the nicest things I’ve done for myself in years. The downside of any of these waders is minute pin holes that wild roses, nettles, thistles, etc can cause in the membrane of the waders. I just accept this will happen and patch the waders when needed. It’ real simple to do and a minor inconvienience when compared to the comfort. Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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I remember seeing a thread about Gore-Tex waders a while back. Would anyone be willing to put forth their $.02 again, for I’m interested in these waders. Thanks,

Don, I recently bought a pair of Orvis 3mm neoprenes to fish the cold waters of Labrador.  When I got there, all the guides were wearing Orvis’ Gore-tex $300 + waders.  This was their 2nd or 3rd year with them, and they were wearing like stainless steel.  The guides were in them from 8 in the morning til 6 every day.  They said that the neoprenes they used to wear wore out too quickly.  They swore by the Gore-tex. Upon my return, I went to my Orvis dealer and jokingly told him that I had purchased the wrong waders — I should have bought the Gore-tex.  Long story short — he took back the 3mm neoprenes and I paid the difference (<$100) for the Gore-tex.  Now, *that’s* what I call a guarantee!!  BTW, the Gore-tex are famulous in cold water or warm air. Dave L.

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Question:

for a beginner’s book on fishing, i would like to list the ten greatest rivers in america and the world. also, what do you think is the best day or week of the year for the angler, and why? i am not interested in publishing your secret spots, so keep it general.

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for a beginner’s book on fishing, i would like to list the ten greatest rivers in america and the world. also, what do you think is the best day or week of the year for the angler, and why? i am not interested in publishing your secret spots, so keep it general.

Hi Here are my suggestions: America – The Bighorn River during the last week of September Sweden – The River Gim near Gimdalen during the second week of June Good luck. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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The Madison is Holy Water….

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – for a beginner’s book on fishing, i would like to list the ten greatest rivers in america and the world. also, what do you think is the best day or week of the year for the angler, and why? i am not interested in publishing your secret spots, so keep it general. Hi Here are my suggestions: America – The Bighorn River during the last week of September Sweden – The River Gim near Gimdalen during the second week of June Good luck. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

I’ll be glad to add a couple from Europe: Austria: Vockla River or the Muir river Slovenia: Krka River (chalkstream) and the Unec (classic spring creek) Mike Hamershock

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for a beginner’s book on fishing, i would like to list the ten greatest rivers in america and the world. also, what do you think is the best day or week of the year for the angler, and why?

1. The West Branch of the Delaware River any week in June. 2. Main stem of the Delaware River any week in June.  June for #s 1 & 2 mostly because the weather is usually great. Great hatches from May thru July. 3. Oak Orchard Creek (Albion, NY) for fat Lake Ontario browns in late-October/early-November. Happy Holiday’s from Picture Town, Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – for a beginner’s book on fishing, i would like to list the ten greatest rivers in america and the world. also, what do you think is the best day or week of the year for the angler, and why? i am not interested in publishing your secret spots, so keep it general. Hi Here are my suggestions: America – The Bighorn River during the last week of September Sweden – The River Gim near Gimdalen during the second week of June Good luck. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html I’ll be glad to add a couple from Europe: Austria: Vockla River or the Muir river Slovenia: Krka River (chalkstream) and the Unec (classic spring creek) Mike Hamershock

and add the Gail in ustria and the Traun in Germany           al lasher

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The Madison is Holy Water….

Unfortunately the Madison is holy out of rainbows.   Perhaps not entirely deserving top 10 rating, but with a few points added for Geographic Diversity (i.e. its not in Montana), the West Branch of the Delaware or the upper main stem of the Delaware might be included. Phil Holt

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What do you use there during May and June – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Madison is Holy Water….

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What do you use there during May and June The Madison is Holy Water….

 A six once Stone fly  and head gear.   HM

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What do you use [on the Madison] during May and June[?]

Start with your basic Flood Insurance.   Delurked since 1986  Certified Geek compiled using Code 2.1  (7/17/1994)   L 3 E— k+++—- W— M !V -po+(!po) Y+ t– !5 j+ R G’ !tv(!tv)          "sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks." -forrest gump

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How about the Traun river upstream from the town of Gmunden in Austria second week in September…Yowza

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Question:

Scott Gaynor PS- How is the fishing going in Ohio.  I’m in Pittsburgh and where I fish it seems that most people haven’t been that successful.  Most catch one to three a day.

I have been out twice this season with no trout to show. Any hotspots in southwest Pa.? Any stream tactics etc? Any hot baits, lures. I usually use mealworms and waxworms. Thanks Jeff

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking. Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

Ron, In terms of artifical lures, there are a wide variety which I have has success with. THese include Rooster Tails, the Mepps line and Silver fox.  I have found that in muddy water a nice shiny lure that is cast upstream and allowed to drift downstream and bounced along the bottom of the river and then slowly reeled in can be quite effective. I first learned this when I was a kid.  What a sight.  Twenty people fishing this stretch of stream and no one catching anything, except me a fifteen year old.  I was using a small (size 0 or 1) silver fox spinner. Hope this helps, Scott Gaynor PS- How is the fishing going in Ohio.  I’m in Pittsburgh and where I fish it seems that most people haven’t been that successful.  Most catch one to three a day.

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking.  Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

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try cheese, american works the best

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking.  Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

I’ve fished for trout a lot. The best I’ve found is salmon eggs laid on the bottom. (Red Balls of Fire) I’ve also used spinners successfully in lakes. Eggs work the best in streams.  I also sometimes get a bobber, attach a hook with eggs to a leader, and float the hooks into waterfalls or calm areas. I always catch something. KM  NM

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking. Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

My favorite method for catching trout is fly fishing.  The advantages include a wide variety of ‘bait’…  if they won’t bite on one fly you just try another.  Watching for the bugs that are hatching while you are fishing gives you some idea of what type of fly to use that day. The act of fly fishing is a great relaxer to me…  the casting motions, the need to really watch your fly for strikes, the satisfaction of catching fish on a fly you’ve tied yourself… Time to go.  Gotta catch some brookies.                     /                /  /__/    JourneysNorth’s Original Gary K. Foote /  /     / Mt.Washington Valley Guide Activities, Lodging, Dining, Attractions, Events, More_____ P.O. Box 3214, North Conway, New Hampshire 03860 (603)356-7111

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Question:

We are announcing the opening of a new full service catch and release flyfishing  resort located in North Central Colorado, near Walden, Colorado.  The new lodge  has a maximum capacity of 12 anglers per week and features gourmet foods,  outstanding new accommodations and twelve miles of virgin headwaters of the North Platte that have never been fished by the public.  Good populations of  browns, brookies, rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows in the same water.  All walk  and wade.  Guided.  Instruction available.  No extra costs.  For further  information, check out http://www.paloverde.com/~lilgriz/lgc.html or e-mail Tatum, Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253, or call 602-952-9732 for brochure.

Response:

We are announcing the opening of a new full service catch and release flyfishing  resort located in North Central Colorado, near Walden, Colorado.  The new lodge  has a maximum capacity of 12 anglers per week and features gourmet foods,  outstanding new accommodations and twelve miles of virgin headwaters of the North Platte that have never been fished by the public.  Good populations of  browns, brookies, rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows in the same water.  All walk  and wade.  Guided.  Instruction available.  No extra costs.  For further  information, check out http://www.paloverde.com/~lilgriz/lgc.html or e-mail Tatum, Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253, or call 602-952-9732 for brochure.

If you need a review, please call… Tim Walker Colorado Virgin Fishing Water Critic At Large

Response:

Far be it from me to criticize anyone trying to turn a buck, but it strikes me that this is what gives flyfishing a bad rep.  Oh well, it’s opening day in Pennsylvania tomorrow, the streams are well stocked, and it’s time for me to go out back and dig a few worms.  Anyone know where I can get some Powerbait between now and 8a.m.?                                          Mark Faulkner

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(Frogspritz) writes: Far be it from me to criticize anyone trying to turn a buck, but it strikes me that this is what gives flyfishing a bad rep.  Oh well, it’s opening day in Pennsylvania tomorrow, the streams are well stocked, and it’s time for me to go out back and dig a few worms.  Anyone know where I can get some Powerbait between now and 8a.m.?                                         Mark Faulkner

Oh, I thought he meant flyfishing resort water with some new Colorado virgins in it. I was trying to figure out how they made those girls virgins again.

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Question:

This should be another good year for the American Shad.  They migrate up the rivers in the spring, along with the Stripers,  to spawn.  They were imported from the east coast in the late 1800’s, along with the Striped Bass.  Both species really took off and became major fisheries in the North West.  The Sacramento river and it tributaries, the American, Feather and Yuba rivers, have good runs if they have adequate water flows.  The mouth of the American river and the mouth of the Feather river are good early( April/May ) spots ( from a boat )for shad and stripers. As the season progresses ( May/June ), they move up the rivers, were you can wade and fly fish for them quite successfully.  They hold in tight schools like salmon, and average 2 to 3 pounds with tops around  7 pounds. If you want to do something new and exciting,  I recommend getting a guide with a boat and go have a ball.  Try these year-round, full-time, independent guides: 916/331-2001. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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How about the Sacramento or Klamath for Shad? What time of year would you recommend? Thanks

Response:

How about the Sacramento or Klamath for Shad? What time of year would you recommend? Thanks

   The Sacramento drainage will start to kick in in a few weeks. Look for the article on Sacramento shad in the upcoming issue of Flyfishing the West magazine. Start calling Keine’s Fly shop or Fly Fishing Specialties in a couple of weeks, they’re usually on top of whats going on in the valley.    Ralph —

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If you want to do something new and exciting,  I recommend getting a guide with a boat and go have a ball.  Try these year-round, full-time, independent guides: @ 916/331-2001.

I can personally recommend Bob Sparre.  He runs the Yuba mostly, and knows it well.  Offers raft trips for 4-6 fishermen.  Raft is for access only. Shad fishing is wading gravel bars.  Price is reasonable, about $80 a head for a full day I think.   John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This should be another good year for the American Shad.  They migrate up the rivers in the spring, along with the Stripers,  to spawn.  They were imported from the east coast in the late 1800’s, along with the Striped Bass.  Both species really took off and became major fisheries in the North West.  The Sacramento river and it tributaries, the American, Feather and Yuba rivers, have good runs if they have adequate water flows.  The mouth of the American river and the mouth of the Feather river are good early( April/May ) spots ( from a boat )for shad and stripers. As the season progresses ( May/June ), they move up the rivers, were you can wade and fly fish for them quite successfully.  They hold in tight schools like salmon, and average 2 to 3 pounds with tops around  7 pounds. If you want to do something new and exciting,  I recommend getting a guide with a boat and go have a ball.  Try these year-round, full-time, independent guides: 916/331-2001. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

   You might also check out the article "California Shad" in the newest issue of Flyfishing the West magazine (I think it’ll be on the shelves within a week).    -Ralph —

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