Fishing the Intrepid

Yo Bob,

The Intrepid is the latest and argueably the most up to date Long Range boat in the fleet. She is owned and operated by a group dedicated to bringing the best to Long Range. Of course that can be said by several of the L.R. boats out there. They continue to put money and time into the operation to insure the boat provides the best fishing platform for us fishermen they can as well as serving food that is second to none. I suggest you contact Carol at the office and see if you can arrange a chance to go aboard her when she is docked. What you will see is A sportfisher Yacht unlike anything else in the fleet. I had a chance to fish with them on their first 8 day and we had a blast. Several of us on this board will be aboard her this year in November for a 10 day. If you choose this boat be prepared for a great time. If you do go make sure you spend some time in the non wheel house chatting with Danny and the rest of the crew. Lots of great stories from years of experience.

Jamie

Yo Bob,

Well done again. The boat gear you reserved should be great. They have the full line of Avet reels that were brand new last year. I would ask to reserve a couple of rigs including the Wahoo Special which is a 2 speed 5/0 rig that might be great for what you are looking for. I would also reserve a Pro 30 2 speed which is one step above that but can fish almost any pound line you wish. I would also ask to use the 50 SDS for no other reason than just to get a feel for it and see if you like it for future purchase when going on an even longer range trip. In reality you will have access through the boat of just about everything Avet builds. Give everything you might consider a try including some of the very small 2 speed and single reels that act bigger than they appear to be. You get to test drive them all for the same price and only pay for top shots. For this fisherman a 2 speed reel for 60# and above work is mandatory.

The majority of your work will be with 40# or possibly 50# if the fish get bigger. This is where the 5/0 will be a great reel. The heavier stuff will be used on the dropper rig with heavier drags to keep fish away from structure. Bring some jigs for surface and sink for fishing yellowtail at the islands. I am not sure if they have jig sticks on board for this application but you can ask. If not, just use the longest rod they have and you will be fine. If the bite goes off on yellowtail it would be a great time to try an assortment of smaller reels for 30 and 40# test. You can even get creative in a Wide open bite by putting heavier test top shots on smaller reels just to see how they and you function with more drag. By the time you are done you will have a great feel for what size reel is best for each of your applications.

Jamie

Hi David,

I think this 5 day may give Bob reason to rethink the need for a lever drag 2 speed for 60# and above. The reason I mentioned the other reels was just for future use should he decide to go on longer range trips or even think about bigger stuff. You are soooo right, 60# will be these most he should need and the majority of work will be done with less however this is a great chance to actually try some of the bigger reels on actual fish to see how they feel... Even if it is more reel then the situation calls for. Again just for information for which to make a future purchase. Actually feeling the power differential between bigger and smaller reels is something that cannot be experienced in a tackle shop.

I may have overstepped my bounds with the lever drags and Avet recommendation as Bob stated he preferred Star Drags. IMHO, however,
any long range person needs to learn how to step up from a star drag, unless it is the expensive Tibs and auto shifts and into a lever drag. There is no doubt a star drag is easier to learn on but in time, as the fish get bigger and the line test goes up, the lever drag will be the way to go especially since he is looking for moderate priced reels and discussed 60# gear. Since the Intrepid has ready to go all the Avet gear it would be informative to try them and practice with them. You and I have both been on single speed reels when we wished we had two speeds.

You know me, I am kinda Anal about learning new stuff. I want to try everything for myself so I can make an Edumacated decision on anything when the time comes. I cannot see limiting myself to a star drag if I could discover the benefits of a lever in given conditions.

Hey, wait a minute David, I never disagree with you. I just may have to rethink this.....LOL See you in 5 months.

Jamie