Tuna Charter

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers All,

I am negotiating with a West Coast Troll boat owner to take clients on Charter Tuna trips this summer. The Captain, who is a friend, has been fishing tuna off WCVI for 10 years and has St. Jeans can his product before he sells it under his own label. He is very successful.

His boat is set up for tuna and includes the necessary weather sat images (SST) that provide him with water temperature and incoming storms. Along with his extensive knowledge of that area of ocean most charter guides are unfamiliar, he has a vast wealth of knowledge about tuna and salmon fishing that he is willing to share (and I am anxious to learn), which should make for some fun trips.

I do know as global warming occurs and the warm ocean currents push further and further north (we were catching tuna 12 miles off Long Beach last summer) the ability to put guests on fabulous fishing could become problematic when the "powers to be" determine that salmon are not an option (check out the projected salmon fishing opportunities south of Washington State this summer).

Curious if there is much interest in this type of trip. Let me know as I have first dibs on his time and he is willing to share his expertise openly.


Fishing Guide

I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!

 

[Dogbreath]

What do you mean by 'set up for Tuna'?

What sort of rods/reels does he have?

How many rods does he run at a time?

Ice capacity?

I'm interested in sharing a trip definitely.

 

[Whole in the Water]

I am interested as well, but I need the answers to Dogbreath's questions as well as:
- how long are the trips?
- if overnight, does the boat have sleeping bunks?
- and of course price!

 

[getbent]

I am in as well...same as the above regarding more info required.
I know a few more guy's over on the ML that would be willing to do a trip or two for sure!

Getbent

 

[c.r.angler]

I'd be interested depending on cost.

 

[Down 10]

I have 2 to 3 fishing buddies who would be interested.
Need more info.

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers Again,

ALL fish require specific equipment to catch and as well as care after to ensure a rewarding experience. Tuna are different than salmon in that they have a much higher metabolic rate so that, unless one bleeds and cools them quickly, the table fare will suffer significantly. Set up to 'me' means he has a very large ice hold capable of a LOT of ice. I will ask how many tons. I have a commercial flake ice machine here (850 lbs / day) and will ensure we have LOTS of ice. He has a bleeding tank to ensure tuna are bled correctly before they go into a slush tank to cool immediately. He then has a fish hold with commercial flake ice to keep your catch in the best shape until our return to shore. Of course he has the other goodies commercial navagation, communication, safety equipment, radar, etc.... In short he has all the bells and whistles one would expect of a professional.

As for rods I can suggest three options. He fishes tuna with both hand lines and equipment of his own design and we would be welcome to share those. I have 6 Roughneck Halibut rods w/ Shimano TLD 20/25 reels spooled with braid (caught a 221 lbs halibut on this equipment). You could use them. Or you could bring your own 'lightning stick' to use as you see fit. I definately want to try landing one on a handline. I watched a 800 lbs tuna caught on a handline and 4 guys, working in unison, brought the fish to boat in 10 minutes. They were on a tagging program (they swear it is easier on the fish) then they released it. I have watched 'the old timers' off Stubbs Island (near Telegraph Cove) handline for 200 lbs halibut. Now it's my turn to try this with an tuna.

As for how many rods it would depend on how many on the boat. I know that tuna like more action than less so, instead of fishing dummy gear for attractors, I feel that everyone should be able to fish at one time. I am anticipating 5 or 6 guests per trip so this should not be onerous as I run 4 rods off a 22' custom aluminum. As I write this had a phone call and 6 fisherman just confirmed they will do 2 tuna charters.

The boat does have sleeping accomodation. When commercially fishing he usually stays offshore for 4 days at a time so we might just shuttle guests between Ucluelet/Bamfield and his boat. We want to make this enjoyable and most (including me) are not into the boat camping! [xx(] I want to fish! Again...this is just in the prelimanary phase and we are wanting your input to make this work.

We are not sure how long the trip will be and, of course, the longer the trip, the more expensive it will be. Some of the elements are definately out of our control. Since tuna need/prefer about 61 degree water, we would need to seek out the water breaks and they can range as close as 12 miles, or less, to 50 and even 60 miles out. The Captain has had to go as far as 120 miles to find this break. However we have several things going for us.

He has fished this water extensively and has much more knowledge on this issues than I can hope for. He has a computer on board that he receives up to the minute satelite reports on the water temperature so we are not searching for these warm water pockets. Also, when we are not chartering, he is out in the same water fishing tuna for himself so he has up to the minute knowledge of where these fish are to be found. Less looking means more fishing. Also means less hours so the cost is kept to a minimum.

We are also exploring the idea of providing a group fish where other boats join us and use the big boat as a base as well as a safety point. Everyone would chip in to cover the cost and it would provide exact locations to the fish, ice while out there and, if needed, a place to offload some fish WHEN everyone starts limiting out and run out of place to stuff fish! He would also have extra fuel in case someone miscalculates.

We are also investigating where we can park my 30' motorhome in case we need to make it available. We can also combine tuna with halibut and salmon.

We have been listening to many SFBC (and other sites) ask to do some tuna. WE are doing our best to make this happen and are willing to listen to suggestions.

Hope this helps.

Fishing Guide

I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!

 

[Dogbreath]

quote:WE....are willing to listen to suggestions.

Handlines are Bee</u> Ess</u> there is no sport hauling in a 12# Albacore on 200# handline, forget handlines I'll never go near any boat that uses handlines just to fill a tote.[V]

I definitely want to see pics of this boat and how it's set up, I've fished all over the world on commercial boats and most are rough as guts.

I don't really care (depending on the price) but there are so many variables.

For instance does it have a flat back deck free of encumbrances </u> like hydraulic gear and power gurdies, is there room for anglers to stand and fight fish or is there a pit where the troller normally stands to work and everyone has to make their way around all the while trying not to go for a swim?

Curious mind wants to know.

 

[fishingbc]

Is this vessel Transport Canada certified????

 

[Rum Buddies]

quote:We are also exploring the idea of providing a group fish where other boats join us and use the big boat as a base as well as a safety point.

awesome idea, I am sure this would attract a lot of interest. I think a lot of guys who are interested in Tuna have and would rather fish out of their own boat.

 

[TenMile]

quote:Originally posted by Poppa Swiss

quote:We are also exploring the idea of providing a group fish where other boats join us and use the big boat as a base as well as a safety point.

awesome idea, I am sure this would attract a lot of interest. I think a lot of guys who are interested in Tuna have and would rather fish out of their own boat.

I am all over that idea. Count me in -- seriously.

Terry

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers Again,

Not sure if the vessel is TC Certified. I will find that out as soon as the Captain returns from Vancouver. I do know that the ferry that sunk up north was 'certified'. However t is a good point and one I am personally interested in determining.

I have also figured out a quick way to shuttle guests between the boat and the dock.

As to handlines I was very specific that there are options and I want to try a handline. What you prefer to fish is entirely up to you. Again I am here to satisfy my own curiousity with regards to tuna. It is only due to the demand for this type of service that I have tried to accomodate others. The boat may not be a fashion queen but it has been the demise of a LOT of fish and, ultimately, you are not buying the boat but the entire experience. Having worked as an ambulance attendant, search and rescue, ski patrol, life guard and run my own charter business, I am not interested in putting anyone at risk. Either it is done safely or it will not occur.

I have had a lot of interest and there is a split between boaters wanting to use their own boats and those who wish to fish on the mother vessel. Again...let me know and we have enough time to figure out the details.

Fishing Guide

I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!

 

[new generation]

Remember this.....there are great whites out where you will be.

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers,

Great Whites? Like...sharks? Really? How many can we catch?

Fishing Guide

I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!

 

[baddogg]

Sounds like a blast. I'm intersted in knowing more. Hey CS, when you're putting together a party, think about me.

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by new generation

Remember this.....there are great whites out where you will be.

Yes, there are!

I'm pretty sure that we saw one while playing a Tuna close to the boat on our trip. Didn't get a real clear look at it, but it was big enough to be a Great White, and it did circle the boat before it disapeared into the deep.

I do know for a fact that there are lots of Blue Sharks out there.

 

[juandesooka]

This sounds like a serious adventure...depending on dates, prices, locations, etc., I could probably pull in 4 or 5 guys for a trip.

I'd be STOKED to chase some tuna!

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers All,

The Captain has been in Vancouver for the long weekend but should be returning on Tues when I will find out some answers.

Fishing Guide

I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers All,

Have made arrangement with Captain to take some charters out on his commercial boat for tuna fishing. Have to now figure out if the TC 25 mile rule holds for his boat. Not sure but will know sometime this week. He usually catches 3500 lbs in 24-48 hours. What is perfect is that he completely rigged for handling tuna AFTER being caught (i.e., bleeding tanks, slush tanks and 6 tons of ice!) And I have all new fishing equipment to make the first part happen!

Will re-post after talking to TC this week.

Fishing Guide
BC Outdoors Pro Staff

I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers,

I have not emailed anyone info as I wish to ensure this
can happen before we get ramped up. However, should we
have the ability to navigate beyond TC's regulations, we
will be doing multiple trips and are even looking at one
trip just for fishing guides. This Captain has a wealth
of information, gathered over a multitude of years and it
is a perfect 'teachable moment'.

I am working on the TC issue and hope to have some direction
this week.

Fishing Guide
BC Outdoors Pro Staff


I am Canadian. Let's go fishing, eh!