Safety
 

Probably the most important aspect of offshore boating for all of us. What do you guys do to ensure of a safe return trip home. For me it starts with a detailed float plan that I leave at home or with someone that can be contacted in case of emergency. In it I leave where I am going GPS numbers, the vessel, the number of crew, my cell phone number and hailing name on the water, and my expected return time.

I also bring along a well stocked first aid kit, extra handheld gps, vhf radio, cell phone, and my epirb. I also bring along a map of the area, extra batteries, water and food. Extra dry clothes and early and late in the year I have my survival suit. I alwasy carry on my person a knife and a quick cut tool . It looks like a razor blade inside a plastic j shaped holder.

The boat has an extra prop, spare spark plugs and 2 racors along with a tool kit. Extra oil is also on the boat.

What do you do to prepare for the worst and/or ensure safe return.

Most importantly I bring a respect for the ocean and limit challenging unsafe situations. It is better to be overprepared than not prepared at all.

I also try to buddy boat in case a situation arises and assisstance is needed.

Float plan left on the kitchen table, a recently inspected 6 person life raft and 2 recently serviced EPIRB's and this year I will add Gumby Suits!

For the most part I just bring Keeper.

And his food (cookies, candy and soda).

All redundant syatems on my boat except for the type 1 EPIRB and SSB. Two VHFs, lorans and GPSs. Type 1 PFDs

ready
 

I think I am ready, but then again, I hope to never find out.

2 mounted VHF
1 cellular antenna and amp. with phone
redundant gps
2 batts
immersion suits
current and fully stocked ditch bag
6 person solas a liferaft
long range radar reflector
pfds
throw ring
spare parts etc
most importantly a good healthy respect for the ocean and knowledge of when to call the trip. I don't boat with guys trying to prove anything. that is our agreement before they get the invite.

- ATG

beefy rod straps on the reels at all times and not for the reels sake.
Rule #1.. stay in the boat.

I fish alone quite often. I just picked up Autotether. At least if i go over the motors will shut off...

that's for damn sure. This video is frightening...

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/66226/hang_on/

Ripped right out of the fighting chair. ouch..

that can be done with 80# mono
Some guys I fish with are fishing stand up with 130# spectra. I refuse to strap into the rod unless the safety strap is on:err:

That's why your drags should be checked everytime before fishing for Tuna/shark on stand-up gear. The highest setting really depends on the individual, weight, and skill level but I don't suggest going over 25lbs of drag for most people. Set the drag where you don't pose a danger to yourself in going over.

look close at that video. The line wrapped around the rod tip. you can see the guy in the chair trying to untangle it right before he's pulled out of the boat.
You could set your drag at whatever you want, but when the line is wrapped around the rod the drag is now the breaking strength of the line.

I see that now, well that sucks! I see your point as well. Also, it's been a long time since I've been in a fighting chair on big tuna but I believe the bucket was always connected to the chair as well. Not sure why these guys didn't have it connected.

Yes, the bucket harness is normally connect to the chair via a safety line.

:confused:

Back in the 80s I fished with a friend out of Plymouth. He had 2 boats; a 26' (I think it was 26, may have been 28) Blue Fin and a 35' JC. Both boats had fighting chairs and never once did we tie the fanny bucket to the fighting chair. We'd be running between 60 and 90# of drag too. Then again I was only in my 20s back then.

I will stick to stand-up tuna fishing :smokin: