When I was fishing in the sound this summer I burned about $40-$50 a day fishing for about 10-12 hours. Trolling on the big mercs! If I was to run strait for 10 hours I could be in Northern California. I did one run from Port Alberni to Nanaimo It took about 8 hrs and 450 liters, but after a 4 hr stop at swiftsure and catching Coho up to 28 pounds!, it was well worth doing the trip. You could actually see these huge Coho in the next huge swell actually above and at the same height as the boat! Some even hit as we where attaching the downrigger clip like the 5 lbers do. It was incredible. Little did I know there was a $10,000 Coho derby going on and the biggest fish brought in was 26 pounds. We had 3 that where better than that [V].
I have had the opportunity to own/operate 4 different charter boats in my days so far. The first was a trophy with an inboard/outboard. Let me say the OMC engine/leg components left a lot to be desired to say the least. Over all I guess it wasn't too bad of a boat though it caught fish well (they all do
) Never had any complaints about the hull or any other major issues. It kinda rode through the water like a tank with no shocks though. I thought that it really needed a good outboard.
The next was a 23' glasply Tough as nails boat, but didn't win any beauty contests. Pushed through the water like a tank also, but the ride was way smoother than the trophy.
The next one was a Larson DC 228 offshore fishing machine. Perhaps the elusive "perfect boat" they only made it for one year 1991. Everything you could imagine good about a boat this one has! The boat is currently running out of Bamfield. I believe the guy running it is named Jim Watson. She has her ol' name back on it I see, the "Barbra Alice". This boat is designed from an offshore racing boat hull and let me tell you it rides better up on top of the waves. Incredible airtime from this boat that just wanted more! When she came down it was like landing on a cushion. By far the best riding boat I have ever seen.
Then there is the tyee lodge boat, Very practable fishing boat for good weather. Any wind and your getting wet. It can fish 4-6 guests with lots of room for fishing. Very impressed with the amount of fishing room for a 26' boat, center console, huge deck space!
Then of course there is my current boat. Verdict is still out, but so far it has been the "boat of my dreams". Crazy amount of power when you want it, comfort ++, highest resale value going, unsinkable, unparalleled stability in open ocean trolling/mooching conditions, the ride is great, and the 2 fishboxes in it are larger than any other competitor. [:I]
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