so here goes

[jayjem5]

Hello,

I am looking to hook up with someone to go out offshore fishing. I own a 21 ' center console but just don't have the balls to go out too far. I would like to get some experence under my belt in a bit bigger of a boat before I attempt it myself. I hear everyone talk about the "dump" and the " fairway bouy" but think it's stupid for me to go out spend the fuel and time to get out there and not know my ass from my elbow. I am interested in trolling for tuna/ shark/ mahi and would like to know how to fish with bars, chains, or what ever else. I am willing to help with fuel, Help washing the boat and anything else I can do. I am not looking to lounge on the boat in sun and let everyone do the work or just drink and get hammered. I want to learn. I have been to 3 shark tournaments but just chummed and never learned about trolling or tuna. btw I am fortunate enough to have the kind of job where I can take almost any day off with a an hours notice. If anyone has any suggestions, comments, ideas let me know

[bart]

sounds like you "get it." I'd be surprised if someone doesn't PM you and at least offer some suggestions. good luck.

PS boat fish don't count

[thefishingfreak]

How far from Boston are you?
I have a bunch if scrub brushes on board.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[NEXT2NUN]

Jayjem listen to the fishingfreak.

[numbskull]

You need about 5 feet and 2,000lbs more boat as well.

I have a 21 foot Regulator as well as a fair amount of time spent out south of the Vineyard on more appropriate boats. I think about heading offshore from time to time (you know, the old "its OK if you pick your day" myth) but deep inside know better than to try my luck.

Get behind Nomans and those 21 feet feel like kayak.

[Mr. Sandman]

The problem with small boats offshore is that IF you get a wave of afternoon Tstorms coming at you, you will regret ever leaving the dock. If the day stays fair...it is very doable. "picking" the day becomes the issue. Some say, the small boats can outrun the storms...but in general you will find it gets bumpy in the PM and you can't run fast. So be careful.

Day before yesterday while on a 35' downeaster (13' beam)we got caught in an Tstorm off the cape coming back from an offshore trip. At first I thought no problem, this is a tank, just keep on tr#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g. We entered what looked like a fog bank...it was a squall and the wind hit 60 in seconds, like someone hit a light switch, it spun the ass end of the boat around and the sea spray was hard to describe. The boat nose-dived into a few waves sending green water over the bow and water was spilling off the roof into the cockpit like a waterfall. All 3 experienced captains on board, in unison said WTF ! then we got out the PFDs and held on as we pointed her into the sea and idled slowly forward. The Howl of the wind sounded like an intense blizzard. I was thinking we are going into a tornado but the wind was only in one direction. For 10 minutes it was hell, then it passed and the conditions settled down somewhat within 10 more minutes.
If you get nailed with something like that in deep water offshore in a 21' boat, you would be toast.
So pick you days carefully. I did it fairly often in a 23' seacraft but I was pretty cautious and cancelled plans if it questionable. My advice is look for "light and variable" days with good days ahead with winds <15 and no chance of thunderstorms whatsoever.

[Fishoholic]

Only use NOAA for observations, not forecasts.