Pensacola Fishing Forum / Blue Water Fishing / Blue Water Fishing - General Q & A

catching yft

spiderjohn — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:31:15 GMT

What permits are required if you nail a yft and decide to keep it?

Reels for trolling nipple, 131, spur

spiderjohn — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:38:25 GMT

Other than the obvious 80 and 130 class offshore stuff that costs a bundle, anyone have opinions on what reels are good enough for 80% of the catch? Looking at TLD 25 but was told to move up to the Tyrnos 30 at least. We have two 30W that work great but trying to add qualty reels that will last and catch most of hookups out there. What are mos using out there? Thanks for the info. I currently use 2 113h Penn and am forced to use the GTi330 Penn on the way back down the middle. Trying to move up to a 7 line spread when we have the anglers that can help. Otherwise, its four to five in the spread on outriggers and corners. 25 foot boat so beam is not enough to go bigger.

Marlin-food or fun

Jarhead — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:40:49 GMT

I was just wondering if you guys, or how many of you, eat the Marlin and Swordies you catch.. I know there's a big push for catch and release and tagging fish but I'm seeing a lot of pics of dead sailfish on here.

I have yet to catch one and haven't been able to get that involved in trying to catch one...... yet... But I would hate to look like an ass at the dock when I finally get my first. It wouldn't kill me to release one if that's the best thing for future fishing but I will keep it and throw it on the grill if it's good eating and not going to hurt anybody's feelings.

Also, I was searching for the limits on this type of fish and all I found was the Federal Guide that says there's NO LIMIT on most of this type of fish. I found that extremely hard to believe. This guide had Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida listed but was the GOM Federal Guide.. Does this apply? I found it through the Alabama site.

Teaser Bait

Jarhead — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:59:16 GMT

I'm brand new to trolling and trying to figure out as much as I can before I go out next. I've been reading up about Trolling techniques and there are a couple things I haven't been able to find answers for. All the recent threads I've read from you guys have been VERY helpful but it looks to me, and correct me if I'm wrong, like you guys are using 1 teaser up close. The articles I found online talk about putting one inline teaser in front of each lure to simulate your lure chasing this baitfish. The idea they gave for this is that even when these fish aren't feeding, seeing their usual prey going after lunch will cause a bite based on competitiveness.

I also found a thread one of you posted just the other day with a diagram,(very nice for a rookie like myself) but I saw no inline teasers and if I remember correctly, just one near the stern.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and much of the terminology like spreaders, wood plugs, ext. is pretty greek to me so please try to remember that I'm pretty ignorant to much of these ideas. I try to figure these things out by myself but most of the information you find is advertisements and bias. I'd hate to run out and buy a bunch of junk I don't need (which I've done before) and still do it wrong.

If I ever get the basic setup down I'd be able to tweak it enough to make it work but jumping in without a clue can be pretty confusing and mistakes can be expensive. Some of these lures are over $100 each. If I bought 7 of these things and found out I only needed one I'd blow a gasket. :reallycrying(if the wife didn't kill me first). :doh:doh

Thanks in advance fellas and hope to see you out there. :bowdownI'll be the one with a bunch of tangled up lines scratching his head and kicking his boat.. :banghead:banghead:banghead:banghead:banghead:banghead

Blue Water advice appreciated

JMS — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:10:42 GMT

I am trailoring down from Tallassee, Al(northeast of Montgomery) this weekend to hookup with my cousin and fishing partner who lives in Milton. We usually make an overnight run out to the rigs( petronious, beercan, ram powell etc.) for some trolling and jigging around the rigs if the weather and seas are good. The forecast looks good so far for the weekend and we have the full moon to keep us company but I am reading a lot of bad reports on the water clarity.What do you think? Are we wasting time and gas=money trying to make that run or would we be better off staying closer and bottom fishing and trolling the edge and nipple? We are going regardless because it doesn't look good for us having another shot before September.The question is just what to prepare for. I really respect and would greatly appreciate your advice.

Thanks,

Mike

Bluewater

bottomfisher01 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:55:58 GMT

Is there bluewater south of panama city right now?

anybody going out tuesday/wed ?

zeke — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:28:42 GMT

We are going to swordfish/troll the spur Tues/Wed. Anybody else going to be out?

call us on 16/68

Zeke

29 Luhrs Express

lures for newbie

spiderjohn — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:51:05 GMT

I already asked about the reels. Now wondering about lures. I have some Ilander blue/whites with ballyhoo rigs. I have also seen the Ilander Blackholes catch more mahi than the straight up Ilanders. If I want good lures for mahi/other top water eaters... what would y'all suggest. I am thinking all Blackholes with blue/white and ballyhoo rigs and some Moldcraft standard wide ranges. Any other must haves/color recommendations? I have Yozuri Bonitos (black/orange and purple/black) as well as high speed black and red wahoo rig and high speed blue white wahoo Ilander rig. I really like the top water stuff that pops and jets. Black Barts seem expensive and not familiar with the Hawaiin lures... Trying to get some good stuff for our spread without complicating too much. Again, your input is appreciated by me and I assume other posting. Looking for the experienced guys to lend their two cents on what catches fish when they are out there. I would love to catch bill fish trolling...

Dauphin Island / Billy Goat Hole Question

NewtoBlue — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:56:15 GMT

My boat draws about 2 1/2 feet, when leaving billy goat hole from DI do you have to run out in the ship channel or can you cut down west of sand island lighthouse?

Lures

bottomfisher01 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:03:57 GMT

Are there any lures that could be used for both wahoo and marlin???

going out this week

14offshore — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:04:16 GMT

i have gotten some numbers for the dutch banks, and yellow gravel. is this a trip worth taking right now. what kind of set up so you use do you bottom or troll if some one could give me an idea as to what the tatics are for both thanks mike

finding bluewater

bluffman2 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:32:09 GMT

this may help........

http://onearth.jpl.nasa.gov/WK/daily_planet/

Awesome google earth overlay!!

reel_dedicated — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:58:15 GMT

found this *.kml overlay that google earth uses... it updates daily and shows chlorophyll levels in the gulf its pretty awesome and the best thing its free!! here is the site..

http://www.terrenus.ca/Terrenus/Data.html

how does chlorophyll levels relate to blue water??

Feeding Frenzy Report

Xanadu — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:24:18 GMT

Well, I haven't read his name in the paper with a big check from the PBGFC International so I was wondering if anyone knew the status of his tourney. I didn't fish due to my wife's 40th birthday, but our crew managed to tad a blue 140 miles from shore and a few wahoo and dolphin. I don't think Creech had any problems maintaining proper line angle on any of those psycho wahoo, but I wasn't there - coulda been crazy!

So, I'm just wondering whether I would have lost the title to my boat by betting since he hasn't showed up to post a report.

Anyone know the deal?

Everol Reels

Feeding Frenzy — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:12:34 GMT

I hear a lot of people on here complain about almost every reel known to man and everybody has their preferences. But if you want to take a look at what I think (again according to a few I don't know much) is the best made big game reel made in the world. They are made in Italy so you Sicilians don't get worked up yet. J/K. They have been making reels since I believe 1958. And their is a little known car company by the name of Ferrari that makes their parts for them especially all of their drag washers. The drag washers are made of carbon fiber and those of you that are familiar with drag washers and carbon fiber know why this is an awesome combination. It also has several features that I won't bore you with the details, but it has the clicker on the right side of the reel, it has a stop to where you cannot accidentally flip into free spool or increase the drag, and you can put away those hand scales, because they have preset drags determined by the lever that adjusts as the spool is emptied. So if you want to see the first one imported to Pensacola, I will have it at the Bud Light capt. meeting at flounders fri. night and yes Bodacaious and Xanadu are invited as well.:grouphug

working satellites

bigone — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:47:48 GMT

Finally had some good pics after months of crap.

Blue water finger (and I mean finger) just N of Ram extending NE about 22mi long by 7-10mi wide thats it, very green 12-15 W of Ram. green 20 N of Ram

International Results?

dpewitt — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:38:07 GMT

Anyone have the International results? I had a buddy fish with Capt Mike on the Miss Marisa in the tournament. His cell phone died so trying to see how they did.

Sea anchors

bigone — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:54:17 GMT

anybody use sea anchors out at the rigs/swordfishing,wondering what you guys do at night when not fishing to slow down your drift. Trying to figure out our watch arrangement with five anglers in the wee hours of the a.m. when everyone is too sleepy to fish.

thanks

Petronis, Ram Powell, 252's etc July 19th, 20th, 21st

Reel Alimony — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:01:14 GMT

We hope to be going to the rigs during our next trip to OB. Obviosly weather and seas need to be right. Do not like running 65 -70 miles offshore without knowing soemone else is in the area should we have any issues. If anyone is planning on making the run during the dates indicated above we would appreciate hearing from you, call sign, channel monitored etc.

We run a 26'WA with twin Suzuki 200's.. "Reel Alimony" its an easy trip but you never know.

Na Kika report

onoahi — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:55:21 GMT

Fished Na Kika, Ram Powell and Marlin yesterday(7/4). Dirty green and no life. Did not see any life(never saw a flying fish). Lots of weeds about a mile to SW, great potential if water clears up. Saw a huge log but it was surrounded by broken patches we couldn't drag the spread through, tried everything but couldn't work it. Had friends in Intl and they were heading to Thunderhorse Friday a.m. when we left around 9.

We caught 2 blackfin chunking, one about 25lbs. Caught a good sized tripletail off a pallet on the way in and mananged to steal a trigger from the sharks at another rig. Will post pics after the soreness wears off.

Bottom line, water is not worth the fuel right now. Weeds are out there to quickly make it great if the bluewater can find it's way north a bit.

What side of the edge to fish out of Destine??

Rampage — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:25:29 GMT

Gonna make our first run to the edge in a couple of weeks out of Destin and i am a little confused. What side do i need to fish on and where do you guys recommend? I didn't know if i should go to the left side or the right side or what? or does it really matter? Any body got any suggestions? wanted to troll for some hoo's and dolphin and maybe do a little bottom fishing. Does this sound reasonable or am i way off base here?

Left side

[IMG]http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/SpedJunkie/EDGE1.jpg[/IMG]

Right side

[IMG]http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/SpedJunkie/EDGE2.jpg[/IMG]

nakika

''gott em"! — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:41:54 GMT

has anyone fished the nakika lately?

Thanks for the Gonads over the past 7 years

Xiphius — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:58:44 GMT

To all blue water anglers,here is the results from some of the tissue sampling done on the dead fish on the dock. Check out this document neat stuff!

Multicolor Mono topshot

Reel Alimony — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:19:19 GMT

Has anyone in the area used the Hi Seas Muticolored mono line they call Quattro. We took a trip out of St Augustine about a month ago and the captain had his reels loaded with this stuff .. we had a great day boating two wahoos and a dozen dolphin with two bulls in the mix. We are always interested in what others are doing in terms of gear and techniques, etc. the main thing we noticed was the multicolored mono line they were using. Had never seen it before. Like to hear if anyone has any knowledge of it.

Bow Down @ Nakika

Bow Down — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:10:42 GMT

Well this is going to be a quick summarized report as I'm still getting all the details(I had something to do and did not go:banghead).

My brother Robert and his two friends and a borrowed Captain took the Bow Down south on Saturday morning and headed straight to the Nakika . They fished all around the Nakika never loosing site of it and ended up catching 3 YF ...one 70# and two 35#, a ton of Blackfin and kept around 8-10, two Dolphin a 50# and a 25# , and then to make it even better tagged and released an estimate 400# Blue Marlin( also it was the angler first and it was caught on a 50wide stand up gear).I have some of the pics now and will post more including the blue when I get them. About the water it was cobalt blue @ nakika and there was scattered grass north of it but no weed lines.(sorry thats all I could get out of them they were a little tired).

____________________________________________________________

the tuna with Nakika all lit up in the background(I love this picture)

___________________________________________________________________________

Here is the blue....................hooked up

___________________________________________________________________________

still hooked up...............

___________________________________________________________________________

starting to wonder why he grabbed the rod:banghead

___________________________________________________________________________

thinking this isn't a good position to be in:doh

___________________________________________________________________________

and here she is...............

and here is the wore out angler Mike Brown

It was his first blue and yes he took a Chico bath(sorry no pics of that).

Na Kika gps numbers??

zoomin-newman — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:57:09 GMT

What are the gps coordinates to the Na Kika platform ??

International II

Brad K — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:46:54 GMT

Just bought a set of International II's from Capt. Whupass here on the forum. They are in great shape. Visually and mechanically. I have only found one flaw and would like to repair it.

On one of the 50's the little strike detent is stuck down in the reel. I am assuming it's a spring of some sorts. My question is should I break it down and try to replace it myself, or do I not want to open that can of worms. Should I take it to a professional and have it repaired.

Thanks for any advive.....

By the way. Capt. Whupass.... you are an awesome guy. Wish I could have hung out and had a few beers with you!!!!

Difference between TIagra 80W and 80WA

atlantacapt — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:18:58 GMT

Can anyone answer this one? Is the only difference the two the handle. On is ergonomic while the 80W is just a normal handle? What else?

Anyone need crew for a bluewater trip on Thursday, July 3?

MM — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:20:42 GMT

Four friends and I want to go deep for wahoo, dolphin, billfish, ect. on Thursday, July 3, but the boat that we were suppposed to go out on has engine issues and won't be ready. I have all of the tackle needed (shimano tiagras, black barts, etc.) but no boat to go on. WE WILL COVER ALL GAS, ICE, BAIT, etc. We're staying in Destin but will travel to Pensacola or Panama City if needed. Give me a call at 713 898 6094, email me at Mac_Meadows2001@yahoo.com, or send me a private message if interested.

Thanks,

Mac

rip charts

4wahoo — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:37:55 GMT

i just purchased a subscription to rip charts, what is the significance of the chlorophyll? what would indicate "fishy" areas? any gas saving tips would be great.

thanks

Ben

What is the best "starter" all-purpose trolling spread?

Daydreamin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:14:05 GMT

Newbie here looking to get into the trolling scene. I know enough that I don't want too many lines out to start with as I learn how to handle the tackle, placement and trolling speeds, boat etc., but figure there is probably a good utility spread that I should be using. So probably 4-5 lines...could run a teaser or dredge but not sure if that is a good idea till I get some experience?

I need to know lures and leader materials, lengths and positions to set the spread. My boat has 15' outriggers and a single manual downrigger with 10lb ball. My reels are TLD 25's (till i get some "spare" cash...like that will happen :crying).

Weekend Suggestions

Tenderloin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:32:38 GMT

I have been a long time listener, first time poster! Anyway, I got into the bluewater game about 5 years ago when I moved down to South AL. I have been tuna, dolphin, wahoo fishing out of Dauphin Island since then. We usually do overnighters to Marlin, Beer Can, RP, Horn Mtn. I have family coming in this weekend for their once a yr. trip, and we go regardless of conditions, as this is the only time they can fish. I usually do well on the tuna out that way, but looks like this weekend everything where I usually fish, RP and H Mtn area will be in dirty water from the reports I have recieved, and i have never been out to H. Mtn when it had dirty water, it has always been clean in the [past:banghead. I have also heard of tuna being caught on dirty water, I just have a hard time believing it. We are going regardless, just praying for the bluewater to be in closer for some confidence. I guess what I am asking is, has anyone had any luck on the tuna in dirty water. My confidence is low looking at Sat. photos of dirty water. Does it matter for tuna? Thanks in advance!

Fresh Mackerel

GOTCHA TOO — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:30:22 GMT

Guys, I have a buddy who is netting, yes netting spanish! Some of these spanish are coming out the nets in great condition for the offsore trollers! Would anyone be interested in some netted spanish! I am going to get them from him in prestene condition, brine um and gut um and them package them in vacume sealed bags. Please PM me if interested. I know alot of you dont belive in gill netting and neither do I but if you want some cheaper spanishj that will work just as well and the ones from baitmasters let me know!

Hope I dont get pounded to bad for this post! Just tryin to help some folks out! I cant change the net regulations, maybe influence but not change!

Pensacola International

Feeding Frenzy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:21:48 GMT

See Need Crew section.

bluewater?

Bub — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:37:51 GMT

thinking about heading out wednesday to the elbow and as far as the spur. i have read all the recent posts but can we expect to find some good water and weeds to work. thanks in advance :)

What do you guys think happend to this dolphin ?

TITLEWAVE — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:20:36 GMT

Caught this guy friday out in the canyon and he had a strange hole in his head with a piece of bone protruding from it ?

I think a marlin tried to whack him in the head with his bill and he lived through it ? the bone looked to be his skull that was fractured when he was hit by the bill. You can clearly see a bill shaped dent in his head.

Blue water at the double nipple???

zoomin-newman — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:37:21 GMT

Does anyone know if there is blue water at the double nipple???

Desoto canyon...elbow spur nipple steps etc

Nat — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:38:13 GMT

Take a look at these maps and see if you can explain

http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/pacmaps/ds-index.html

I can find the spur, where are the others located on this map and where is the closest to shore area ?

planning a first trip in a 23' CC

Spectra Trolling Question

MM — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:37:26 GMT

I have my trolling reels filled with Jerry Brown 80 hollowcore and a 100 yard mono topshot. Obviously a blue or wahoo can make a smoking fast run and take lots of line quickly. In order to avoid spectra line burns on your fingers from a fish making a fast run, do you wear some sort of a glove on your left hand? If so, what kind?

thanks

Alabama Alps

Brad K — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:25:11 GMT

Doing some searching for coordinates to Yellow Gravel I ran across info on the Alabama Alps. Anyone familiar with this area and know how far of a run it is from P-Cola pass. Thanks guys, just trying to find some locations for Billfishing this summer.