Tuna Partners

[MakoMike]

Zac,
You can get your permit at http://www.nmfspermits.com/ IIRC its $26. Success rates vary all over the lot. Some days its constant action other days all you catch is a buzz and some rays. You are only allowed to keep one fish a day, on the bluefins. A 19 footer is marginal on most days, if I were you I wouldn't go unless it was a really peachy forecast. You're probably better off hooking up with someone who has a bigger boat.

[ThrowingTimber]

1 fish per permit or 1 fish per boat with permit?

[Fish On]

Good point MM, definately don't need to go that far for the fish most days. I would also agree on the 19 footer being a bit small. Also, if you are out 30 miles and want to move around a bit to find them Zacs is going to be limited. If we do this thing however, there should be room on one of the larger boats for Zacs. You would be welcome on my boat.

The permits are on the boat not the individual, so whatever the rules are at any given time they are per boat unless specifically mentioned that they are per angler on board.

[bluefin22]

Yea I got the same as you Fish on 100gal tank and get 2mpg. So the farthest I would feel comfortable would be 30 miles or even a little farther if a buddy boat was in the area.

I do really want to head offshore and at least give it a try. I was thinking of some rod-reel set ups. For these BFT i was thinking 2-3 penn 114 w/ 40 lb test and 2 penn 115 with 60 lb test?? Am i thinking wrong or would this work.

[MakoMike]

22,
That will work for starters, but you might want to bump the 114s up to 50 pound test. Right now its one tuna per BOAT, and I don't expect that to change unless they shut down the fishery entirely. Years ago it was three tuna per man, but that was then and this is now.

[zacs]

hmmm... i have a 114H. What rod size/wieght do you pair it with?

[MakoMike]

Zac,
Best is a short "stand-up" type rod rated for at least 50 pound test. Otherwise, and rod that will take 20 pounds of drag will do. The longer the worse.