just looking for some input from anyone who has done one. Hel H or Y.F.? how long is the run out ? an idea on suitable setup for out there. will a 30# class setup do or do i need to go a little bigger? how do they troll during the day? thanks, paul

got the thingy in the mail today too?
im seriously considering the keywest style off shore trip, fishing for like 48 hours straight

Fellas:

I've been on the trips, and have worked them for the last ten years on another of the headboats in the tuna fleet. Absolutely worth doing.

On the Helen, consider rentals--they have 50-class Shimano/ G. Loomis chunking sticks and lighter 30(ish) class jigging sticks. In short, their rentals are top-shelf. Use their stuff--it's rigged up right for the way they do it.

Important: book trips as late as you can in the season--maybe a couple dates--ideally in October. Weather's iffy, but the best chunk bite has been late in recent seasons, '06 in particular. The chunk is when you're likely to witness an absolute bail-job.

Typical routine involves trolling day one (rotation in half-hour shifts) to cover water and find best place to set up. Then set up around dusk, chunk, jig through the night. Then troll in the morning. If it's a 3-day (good trip if you've got the stamina), you'll chunk night two, then first-light troll back up through the slick.

Definitely something to do before you die. Key--to avoid "death" on the trip, is cramming in sleep whenever you can so you're alive when the bite goes off at 3 a.m. Feel free to call me at the office if you want some further ideas (860-572-0564).

Best,

Zach Harvey,
Managing Editor, Offshore Editor
The Fisherman Magazine, NE Edition

hi zach, thanks for info. i think the 3 day limited is what we're looking at. i'm pumped for this adventure. christian, what came in the mail today? regards, paul

I am thinking I need to do something like that too,,,,,,Where do you find info on the boats,,,,

schedules for the trips

:tm: