[BUSTEDASS]

Hi,

I am new to this board and need some info on LR trips .I am planning to do a 10 day between OCT-JAN either 08 or 09 this will be my first, I have been checking out the different boats from their web sites, since I am from the east coast its kind of hard to make a decision just on that info alone. there are so many to choose from but I think I narrowed it down to 3, the Excel, American Angler, and Intrepid--Any info on these boats good and bad would be appreciated or if anyone has something better to throw in would be great--- if I can make a decision soon I may be able to squeeze a trip in this year.Also I am going with a friend who is prone to get sea sick, is one time of the year better for weather, sea conditions, etc.

Thanks for your help,

Mike

 

[fishybuzz]

Hi,

I am new to this board and need some info on LR trips .I am planning to do a 10 day between OCT-JAN either 08 or 09 this will be my first, I have been checking out the different boats from their web sites, since I am from the east coast its kind of hard to make a decision just on that info alone. there are so many to choose from but I think I narrowed it down to 3, the Excel, American Angler, and Intrepid--Any info on these boats good and bad would be appreciated or if anyone has something better to throw in would be great--- if I can make a decision soon I may be able to squeeze a trip in this year.Also I am going with a friend who is prone to get sea sick, is one time of the year better for weather, sea conditions, etc.

Thanks for your help,

Mike

IMO I would book the Intrepid...no hidden costs ie. fuel surcharges and permits....and it is the state of the art boat at this time...but I would book early....


you are going on the open ocean and if your friend gets sea sick they need to take some type of medication....there are no perfect times to go to insure perfect weather...I've done trips in Oct when it was like a mill pond and other times it was victory at sea for 10 days.....

 

[Fishingchair]

Did you say Victory At Sea Fishybuzz? Heheheheheeee.... now I know how old you are! That was and still is some of the best ship and ocean footage I have ever seen. BUSTEDASS... I can't help you, I'm as new as you are.

This post edited by Fishingchair 06/16/2008

 

[ONO MAGIC]

Last summer we headed out on a 2.5 day tuna trip in August. The ocean was out of control and we had to boogie and hide behind San Clemente island till the next day. We then resumed the tuna hunt on flat, calm seas. You can never really tell out there, you can have a general idea but it's a crap shoot sometimes. Bring scopolomine patches or the pill form to be safe, it's money for a prescription well spent.

 

[buy2ls]

Hi,

I am new to this board and need some info on LR trips .I am planning to do a 10 day between OCT-JAN either 08 or 09 this will be my first, I have been checking out the different boats from their web sites, since I am from the east coast its kind of hard to make a decision just on that info alone. there are so many to choose from but I think I narrowed it down to 3, the Excel, American Angler, and Intrepid--Any info on these boats good and bad would be appreciated or if anyone has something better to throw in would be great--- if I can make a decision soon I may be able to squeeze a trip in this year.Also I am going with a friend who is prone to get sea sick, is one time of the year better for weather, sea conditions, etc.

Thanks for your help,

Mike

Hey BustedBass where are you on the East coast? There are a group of us from NY going on the Excel 10day Dec 26 08. Be happy to help you out if I can. The Excel for what is worth is supposed to be the most stable of the fleet. I was on a 16 day last year and was pretty impressed with the ride and how she layed up in the sea.
Jeff

 

[fishordie]

YO BA, You have narrowed your search down to 3 wonderful boats and operations. The Intrepid is a state of the art Fishing Yacht with fantastic amenities. She is the newest of all the boats in the fleet and is being run by a dedicated group of folks. Of the 3 boats she is the second biggest in length. Many of us on this board have already fished on her and will be on her again soon. The Excel is the largest both in length and width of the 3 boats. She is run by some of the most experienced crews in the industry and owned by a legend in Long Range Fishing. I grew up fishing on most all of the Bill Poole owned boats and each has given me a life time of memories. I will be back on her again in August. The Angler is owned, maintained and operated bt two of the most dedicated skippers in the business. They manage to maximize every ounce of deck space, fishing space and fishing experience they and the crew can muster. Truly a top of the line operation. The boat may be the smallest of the three but is short on nothing. Those that have fished the Angler generally fish her every year thereafter. In short, Pick a trip on any of the three boats. Perhaps your decision might lie on getting on a trip with the fewest passengers so you can get the best bunk, loading priority number or just have the most fishing room. Perhaps you want the latest gadgets and goo gaws or maybe you want the biggest boat in the fleet. You can not go wrong with any of the three. You might even pick one and then schedule next years trip on another and get your reservation in early. You might also want to look for a sponsored trip which generally assures you might have some folks who can teach you stuff about long range. Regardless what trip you take ask questions. There are almost always folks who can show you a thing or three. As far as sea sickness make sure your friend gets a prescription for the latest in scopalamine patches or whatever the latest meds are. From those I have spoken to who use them they work great but do not wait quite as long between change outs as the script recommends. If it says change every 3 days you might have your friend change every 2.5 days but this is only based on what other folks have told me and they swear by them. Have them start the patch or ??? at least a day in advance of the trip and make sure the doctor prescribes enough for the full trip based on a few extra patches. Best of luck on your decision. Unlike most things in life this decision has NO wrong choices. Jamie

This post edited by fishordie 06/16/2008

 

[sactotuna]

Fishing targets change from October to January, from mixed bag to cows. Finding space available may be the real obstacle.
For a first trip I'd really lean towards October, prime mixed bag fishing. I'd also strongly recommend adding the Royal Star to your list.
There are quite a few East Coasters who long-range, no substitute for talking to someone directly.
Welcome and good luck!

 

[BUSTEDASS]

Thank You all for the info, I quess its up to me to decide what boat and what trip,I will let you know the details when I send a deposit, if theres any more info you have please let me know,

Thanks again,

Mike

 

[Offshore6]

I manage to make one trip a year from Florida and, so far, have been on only the Excel. They are all excellent boats with excellent crews or they would not be in business long. If you are going to rent/borrow tackle in California (many boats will loan it to you for free if you are from out-of-state), then things are easier - you just have to deal with clothes, etc. - and with fish on the way back.

If you are bringing tackle, things get more interesting. I ship the rods and tackle box ahead to the Excel office and they hold them for me. I carry reels with me on the plane - no problem with line being on them but they do make me open the bag to see what caused their x-ray machine to light up.

On the way back East, there is a pack-and-ship place within walking distance of the Landings or you can pre-arrange something with the Landing and FedEx/UPS to pick your stuff up there. All of the fish processors will ship fish back to you but it gets expensive. You can trade for cans of Albacore and ship them or you can donate your fish to charity and take a tax write-off to help pay for next year's trip.

Have fun - you can't go wrong.

I am already signed up for a 15-day on the Excel in January.