bought new offshore boat, looking for fishing tips

[fish raptor]

just purchased a Mako center console offshore boat. before getting the boat I was shore fishing the canal, sesuit harbor, bass river and the like.
my new stella 10000 and 11' rod will not work on the boat so I have to get a whole new set of boat gear. I have NEVER fished with a casting reel but know that they are very popular on boats. I have plenty of lighter gear for the small stuff. Just bought a Penn 4500 Spincaster on a St. Croix med/fast and put 20# braid on it which can handle the lighter stuff. Looking for gear capable of catching the larger species, especially Stripers. I like to buy good quality stuff when I can. I was hoping to get some solid advise on:

specific boat reels (either spin or cast, size, brand/models)
boat rods (lengths, ratings, brands)
rigging for above (mono, braid, floro, #, brands)
sound fishing techniques for stripers (and other too)

saw a video by Greg Myerson (current world record holder on striper)
and his choice of rod was a Lamiglas Triflex model 720 which had a roller tip on the end which he claimed saved the tip and the braid line from errosion. Maybe a possible choice ??

will probably head out to Billingsgate Shoal as I heard it is a very good spot but would also like to learn other possible areas to fish.

number of rods ? The boat has a lot of "holes" in it so don't know if I could key in on 4 rod/reel combos or ???

need a landing net, I know there are a lot of different ones out there.
Gaf ??

I would like to invite any one who has avid fishing experience from a boat on the cape to go with me and show me techniques and areas to fish. Spend a 1/2 day or so out on the water. I'll bring the boat, you bring the beer.

I really would like to learn how to become a great offshore fisherman as fast as humanly possible.

I have a summer house in the West Dennis area so that is where I hang my hat when I visit the cape. Looking to fish as soon as the Stripers come in and through out the summer till ??

Kind Regards,
Fish Raptor

P.S. if the name of the gent who is going on my boat to show me everything I need to know about offshore fishing is, Greg Myerson.... I'll supply the boat and the beer...

[JohnR]

Nice rig.

Start simple, a few boat rods, a few spinning rods. Net, Lip Grip. Crawl > Walk > Run

And for Pete's sake - Power Squadron Boat Courses!!!

[Liv2Fish]

VHF radio, GPS and safety gear before fishing gear.

[Rockport24]

congrats on the rig! Please take the advice above and make sure you are safe!

One thing is that you don't need to go far to catch stripers, usually "offshore" means out at least a few miles looking for bottom fish or tuna. It sounds like you are interested in primarily targeting stripers is that right? If so, that penn 4500 rig will do you just fine from a boat I would think as you are starting out, especially if you are tossing plastics or smaller plugs. Either way, you came to the right place, the amount of knowledge on this site is just staggering, don't be afraid to run some searches as well, it's literally almost all been covered before!

[Sea Flat]

The easiest transition for you will be to use spinning reels and cast eels into rocks along shorelines. Sometimes this is tough to get used to, "I have a boat and I'm fishing along the shore?" yes, you are but you can cover so much more ground.

There is a book by On the Water that specifically talks about boating Cape Cod you could check out. It will give you basic spots.

Good luck and congrats!

[nightfighter]

Take this with a grain of salt, because I am not going to sugarcoat it.
I don't know you from Adam, and it sounds like this is a first boat. (Nice one too.) Please, please don't be like most first time bozos who buy a boat and assume it is a cake walk. Get some training. Hire someone even. Or get the broker/seller to arrange it for you. Because most first timers can't back it down a ramp, can't dock it on a flat ass calm day (nevermind a windy day) can't pick up a mooring without running it over, from the upwind side, and just don't understand how to place a boat where it needs to be. Don't be that guy!!! There aren't any brakes! Safety for yourself, your family, and anyone onboard is your first priority. And you put others at risk when landing if you don't know what you are doing. Add in navigation. And then throw some wind, current, and waves into the mix. Then we can go into anchoring... Not blowing my own horn here, just want to give you a reality check. As John said, crawl, walk, run. It will make for a much better experience......

[fish raptor]

from the few posts I just got I realize I already made a big mistake. I should have mentioned....

I had a 26 foot Formula power boat for years. Took the coast guard coarse and have all the safety equipment. Just bought the top of the line Icom hand held with GPS and the most important DSC feature which at the push of a button signals distress call and give all rescuers your GPS coordinates. if dropped overboard the handheld Icom floats, swauks and flashes strobe. I can back, front and sideways and am always over cautious. purchased Boat US insurance with unlimited towing. I plan on taking the Coast Guard corse again just for giggles as it was 1980 when I took it last and insisting my girlfriend comes along too so she is as prepaired too. I know my first post painted me a as a zealous newbie with full throttle ahead, stereo blasting and a cold beer in one hand while I adjust my Super Striker fishing cap with the other, but that is not the case, BUT I do appreciate the heads up and concern. Just want to get to be a great offshore fisherman as fast as possible, safely.

[nightfighter]

Not a big mistake. At least you have witnessed what we see over and over again. The sea can instill humility very quickly. I have sat in my den after 4th of July fireworks and heard guys on the radio asking for help to get home in the dark......
As for steepening the learning curve for your offshore fishing, get some locals to join you or travel with another boat. Depends on what you really want to gear up for. I am a geographically undesirable as far as your location, but there will be some here very local to you come June. (Besides, given last season, I think I have forgotten all I ever knew about fishing.....)

[Piscator]

Good luck with the new boat. Have fun with it!!!! Pleanty of places out there to fish. Most satisfation is finding spots of your own as well.

[buckman]

Sounds like a great boat and you're in for a lot of fun!!
It's addictive so you're in for spending a lot of money too.
Try to find a local guide that will take you out on your boat and show you how to do it .
It's cheap, like 300 bucks, and he will bring the gear and give you a lot of suggestions on how to set up your boat. You will learn more in one day then from a lot of videos and books. P.m. me if you need some names.
Good luck !
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Guppy]

Hello Fish Raptor
Feel free to PM me before you get here this season,,, we can meet up, it will be slim pickens but you can pick my brain over a cold one.

[keeperreaper]

Welcome and congrats on the boat. You'll have a blast. If you need any help PM me I spent my entire childhood summering on the cape and my entire adulthood doing the same. House in Chatham. Got Stryper is probably one of the best to talk to. Alan catches more bass and tuna than anyone else down there.

[wdmso]

Good luck with he Boat , Like Nightfighter said Ive ad a boat for 20 years and in 20 years I am no better at docking it then I was when I 1st started. because in 20 years its been maybe 10 days a month just on and off the trailer this year hoping to get a slip .. let just say its going to be interesting ..

as for rods and reels Id go with ugly stick intercoastal 6.6 or 7 foot spin or casting with a 40 or 50 reel good for everything except for a 40lber but a good angler could manage . and a Chart plotter have fun

[fish4striper]

Good luck with the boat! The 10,000 stella would be good for small tuna pair it with a 7 ft boat rod. Van Stall makes a decent schoolie tuna popping rod. Keep your rods to 6 1/2 ft to 7 max. Reels and rods are personal preference, I like shimano. Check out the fishing shows to feel reels and rods and talk to all the different venders selling stuff. 4000 series reels for albies,fluke- 4000-6000 for bass. You need to decide how you want to fish, cast ,troll, or live bait. Once you pick, hook up with someone that's done it to show you the ropes.

[piemma]

My advice is the same as most of the guys. The Ugly sticks are fine for what you have in mind. Get use to using a conventional. Abu 7000s are great reels and will not hurt your pocketbook. Penn Slammer rods are fine to start with ($50).
Most of all, stay close to start with. In other words, don't head for the Vineyard the first week you're in the water.

[Raven]

Fish Raptor
Good Luck with the new Boat
Think ----- man overboard (you)
now what do i do... & have a "good" plan
welcome to S-B

[Piscator]

Originally Posted by fish4striper

You need to decide how you want to fish, cast ,troll, or live bait. .

This is very, very good advice...something I just can't figure out still myself...I'm all over the place still and like to fish all different ways, only problem is all the gear I've accumulated to fish all these different ways...for me this is easier said than done
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[fish raptor]

Well, I got some good advise so far, thanks to all for your comments. I would like to respond back to some specific comments.

Rockport24: You say my Penn Spinfisher 4500 w/20# braid is fine for Stripers offshore. From what I see on videos it appears that it would be fine for most but what if a larger one Comes along. Now sure of my limitations. It is matched with a St. Croix med-heavy power, fast action but only rated at 10-20 lbs. So I would guess the rod will be the limiting factor. That is why I spooled it with the 20#.


Sea Flat: Like you idea of using eels into shorelines. I am assuming you meant “live” ones, as I have quite a few Rozi’s and the like rubber …

Guppy: Thanks for the offer to help this coming season. You mention you will be “slim pickens” when it comes to help. The way I look at it is If I learn just one or two good sound pieces of advise it was a total win situation for me. Will definitely contact you prior to coming out so we can “chew the rag” (and drink beer)…

Keeperreaper: that goes for you as well….. will be in touch, thanks.
Also you mention “Got Stryper” Alan. I did not look yet but assume he is on this forum ? will look into trying to talk to him, thanks.

Wdmso: thanks for the advise and will take my Shimano Stella 10000 off my Century 11’er surfcast and match it with a good pole for anything big that I think I / it can handle.

Fish4striper: agree on the matching the stella with a good 7’er. But you mention small tuna. I was under the impression that catching tuna was extremely rare. Is that something I should even consider. One gent I spoke to said you can go out all season and sometimes get skunked.

Piemma: agree with your comment about staying close. My plans are go either learn
By self or hook up with someone who “knows” GPS and chart plotting and get to become very proficient with charts and GPS unit. My new handheld VHF Icom has GPS and also the Garmin 541S GPS in dash. Like to have two of everything.

I am heading to the New York City boat show end of this month. Doubt they will have much saltwater fishing but ??

I purchased these 3 lures at last years Conn. Surfcasters show. Were a little expensive but seem to be nice quality. I believe then are used mainly in trolling.
Am under the impression that if you have very big lures you will either catch a good size fish or nothing. This should limit the small hits to a degree.

[Rockport24]

Honestly you can land a pretty big striper on that outfit, but I would go to a 6500 size reel and maybe a little bit heavier rod and that would serve you well for some very large stripers. What lure weight is the St. Croix rated for? I like rods rated in the 2-3oz category, allows you to toss most plugs, eels, plastics without feeling too heavy. Sure, you want to be prepared for a big fish, but you don't something so heavy that it just takes the fun completely out of the smaller fish.

[fish raptor]

Originally Posted by Rockport24

Honestly you can land a pretty big striper on that outfit, but I would go to a 6500 size reel and maybe a little bit heavier rod and that would serve you well for some very large stripers. What lure weight is the St. Croix rated for? I like rods rated in the 2-3oz category, allows you to toss most plugs, eels, plastics without feeling too heavy. Sure, you want to be prepared for a big fish, but you don't something so heavy that it just takes the fun completely out of the smaller fish.

The 7' St. Croix med/heavy power, fast action is rated for 1/2 to 1 1/4oz.. I guess I would like to know just big a fish I could realistically catch on a routine basis with it.

Cant throw much weight with that. The rod was quite expensive ($250 I think) but it has a gorgeous feel to it, super pleasant to use, I guess that is why I like it so much. It is rated for 280 yards of 20# braid but I guess i best keep it for the lighter stuff and get another heavier spinning rod & bigger reel to be safer. If I knew I wasn't going to get anything too big I would use but do not like the idea of hooking a larger fish and loosing it by having too light of tackle. More worried about the rod than the reel.

lots to learn..... need to go to the Conn. Show and talk and see first hand.

[Got Stripers]

I've built most of my spinning rods for throwing plastic, but they are light compared to what most use and I've rarely lost large due to the rod or terminal tackle. I alwyas have a conventional Abu 7000 set-up with an ugly stick, but I don't know why; I rarely use the damn thing. I use 30# powerpro on Stratic 5000's primarily and 4000's for early schoolies and albies later, spro swivel and either 20#, 30# or 40# seagar leader depending on method and target species.

I love the shimano med-light butterfly spinning rods, they are one of the most versatile, light and powerful rods I've used and I have two on board for my drifting and jigging. I like them for drifting for fluke, sea bass or stripers and they are fun once you get on a good fish, but even a 2 lb sea bass you can feel.

Most of my fishing involves my own Ledge Runner Baits and Kalin Ulimate jig heads or bucktails tipped for sea bass or fluke.

[fish4striper]

Originally Posted by fish raptor

Fish4striper: One gent I spoke to said you can go out all season and sometimes get skunked.

Yeah, listen to this advice and don't target them, cause once you catch one you cant stop chasing them!

[zacs]

Congrats! It is an awesome hobby.

This is my typical advice for those starting out:

This is no longer a solitary sport. You will often have someone else, often a couple of others, fishing on your boat. Family, friends, etc. Sometimes they will have their own gear, but sometimes you will have to provide.

A great way to start out is 4 spinning and 4 conventional rigs. this will cover your bases.

Conventional- I would get a couple of 20lb and a couple of 30 lb set ups. 6 or 6.5 ft. Then you are covered for trolling for stripers/blues & Bottom fish (fluke, sea bass, scup, tog.)

Spinning - I would get a couple of 4500 and a couple of 6500 class setups. 6.5 or 7ft. This covers you for plugging, eeling, pogie snagging, and run & gun for blues/stripers/albies/bonito

That is just rod & reel. Then you need tackle.
i would get a big spool of 30 or 50 lb braid and spool all the reels with it.
Then get yourself small (25yd?) spools of 20,30,40&50lb test flourocarbon line for leaders.

Next- swivels, same deal, a couple of sizes, but the nice ones. packs of 25. clips too. i like the paperclip style like breakaway. the small and the large. never have too many.

oh, btw, you are going to need plano boxes to store all this sh1t, and a boat tackle bag to carry them in. maybe your boat has a tackle center to store the most used stuff. that is the best.

Next - hooks. I use 2/0, 3/0, 5/0 and 7/0. I like the gamakatsu octopus. buy a 25pk of each. and maybe a few 9/0 for livelining big pogies.

OK, on to lead. You should get about 6-8 pcs minimum of 1oz-8oz. on each ounce increment. you will find what you go through & restock. you could probalby skip 7oz, we seem to rarely use them. If you plan to do a lot of bottom fishing deep, you will need some 10oz and 12 oz too.

On to lures.
Jigs- I like the spro bucktails. eveyone has their favorites. I would fill a tray from 1/2 oz to 8 oz. various colors. you can never have too many, they are super versatile. Also, when albie season comes you are going to want some of those epoxy jigs and ablie snax.

Tin- crippled herring from 1 oz to 6 oz. deadly #^&#^&#^&#^& in a few sizes. Point Jude assorted, especially Pojee. A couple castmasters won't hurt either. others too, hopkins, acme, etc........

Plugs- oh boy. most of us have too many. You will need a some topwater - poppers & spooks, some swimmers, def need some minnow types. and many others. sky is the limit here. i love needles in the surf, but i find myself rarely using them from boat.

Trolling- when you start out, this can be the most effective way to consistently catch SOMETHING (other than baitfishing). Get a couple of tubes for tube & worm and a couple of umbrella style rigs. You can also troll plugs, but that is a little more of an art.

Net- get one. i don't have much advice. a net is a net, but it should be big enough for a large bass.

I am assuming you have a fillet knife. you should always have a bait knife on the boat, good pliers are critical. Keep in mind sun protection. You will do a lot more daytime fishing on the boat. Not crazy amounts of high-noon, but certainly more than from shore, as your bottom fishing opportunity is so great. I think good high end polarized sun-glasses are one of the most critical tools for a boat. I wouldn't leave home without them. I've never worn one of those buffs, but this may be the year.

ummm- what else. that is what comes to mind as "MUST HAVE" for starting off a fun season of boat fishing in southern new england.

Next winter you can start gearing up for tuna....

[zacs]

OH, btw-

I specifically stayed away from brands of rod & reel. I think that is budget driven.

You can do pretty well with a $30 rod and $100 reel, but it is also nice to fish with $200 rod and $800 reel, if you can spare the change....... There are a lot of options, get what fits your budget.

[fish raptor]

Originally Posted by zacs

OH, btw-

I specifically stayed away from brands of rod & reel. I think that is budget driven.

You can do pretty well with a $30 rod and $100 reel, but it is also nice to fish with $200 rod and $800 reel, if you can spare the change....... There are a lot of options, get what fits your budget.

Thanks for the long informative post “Zacs”…… my reply to your post is:

I have most of what you stated: spro & sampo swivels (60’s & 80’s), paperclips, full assorment of floro from 20 on up to 80 for leaders, lots of hooks but none bigger than 6’s (all gamakatsu octoput and conventional)

You mention a few 9’s for livelining big pogies ????? I don’t know what livelining is and did not realize that pogies got that big ?? (pogie just another name for scup, right ?) please explain ?

Tons of lead but then again almost nothing over 6oz. (a lot of my bigger are pryamid’s for 3waying stripers from the jettys) will get bigger. What shapes/styles should I get.

Have all the tin you mention, cripple herring, deadly #^&#^&#^&#^&, point jude, kastmasters w/bucktail, Hopkins, acme (got lots)

Tons and tons of plugs, all top brands, sinkers, mid range, top, deep divers (fully covered here) If I run out of plugs before I catch any fish I am quiting the sport.

Have a hand me down fillet knife, need to get at least two more, different sizes. Saw some long curved edge ones a professional was using , might try one of them, it was
Quite long.

Sun tan lotion & glasses are on my must get list. Probably 2 pair in case I drop/break one. I’m a “gotta have two” type person across the board.

I have checked out nets, will get probably a couple. One for smaller stuff and one big one for the larger.

Regarding you comment on getting not getting the high name, big dollar rod/reels….
I have heard that comment A LOT. As long as I have a few top shelf to play with I think I will be happy.

I am really surprised that no one has thrown a few brand boat rods at me ….. other than the Ugly Sticks mentioned….. That Lamiglass Triplex with the roller tip that Greg Myerson had on his video looked nice. I know Okuma makes some good stuff as well. I would like to match the 10000 Shimano Stella I have with a nice boat rod,
Maybe on the siffer side just in case I get ambitious.

Wish your were a cape codder as I would like to have to “captain” the new boat and
Show me ropes…. But see you’re a R.I. guy…… If you care to make a trip to the cape
You have an open invitation.

[zacs]

i wasn't saying to not by top dollar rods and reels. i'm just saying to buy what you are comfortable spending. my boat rods are mostly customs but I do also have a hodge podge Ugly Sticks, Offshore Anglers, shimanos & penn slammers.

A pogie is what we call bunker. and they get big, and you want to use a hook that can fit all the way down under the spine and back up and out the other side. or you can use a trebble.

I use pretty much exclusively bank sinkers on the boat, and have some 1 oz eggs as well. you will need over 6 oz in 40ft water with a strong current when fluking.

One point i will re-iterate, is that you will want/need to get multiple of the same setups. I try to have at least four of each. There will be a time this first summer when you bring out a few buddies bottom fishing, or chasing albies, and you will be happy you have the right gear so everybody can fish effectively.

[BobT]

You should also think about a wire line rod & reel for trolling bunker spoons and umbrella rigs.

[capecodder]

My advice is to think carefully about where you will fish and for what species before you break the bank on gear. I find Billingsgate striper fishing to be completely different from Race Point, completely different from the South Shore, yet all on CC Bay...

Also, I found that boat fishing is far more about boating than fishing and was a big adjustment from the shore. Weather forecasts, sea conditions, squalls, other boaters, passengers, wind, currents, engine sounds, etc. are all on your mind first, then comes fishing. I find myself often not fishing while my crew is.

Back to the first point... Billingsgate requires deep water in the summer to get to bass holding in 60 feet of water. Wire, lead core, tube and worm dragged deep are often the methods.

At Race Point/Ptown I rely on soft plastics on 12lb class spinning outfits and butterfly type jigs on heavier gear. jigs on wire are also used, but I avoid.

The more I fish and learn what works (FOR ME) I actually use less gear and fewer styles of fishing. give me a 5.75" Fins S Fish on a 1/2 oz jig at the Race and i am set...

[JoeG@Breezy]

Congrats on a really nice boat. Tip ? Don't kill too many stripers, please.

[thefishingfreak]

a good 5 foot gaff