Long Range Questions

"Hello, I was hoping you could provide me with some advice based on your expertise. I'm interested in one of the long range Tuna trips. I'm looking to take my 80-year-old father. We're more interested in having a good time than being in a?Ķmess. I thought that the fly down and fly back trips were most interesting, in that you get to fish the most productive grounds. And you miss the days coming back. I would really appreciate hearing back from you. Thank you for your time." (Name withheld by request: email May 29, 2009)

Bill's Reply

Hi:
These are hard questions. If you haven't already seen it, take a look at my recent article on long range fishing:

Bill Roecker

After that, here are my thoughts: You are talking about an eight to 16-day trip. You might want to fly home. There are a very few of these trips with a fly down or fly back option--or both. Ask the boats you're looking at. When catching is very good, tuna fishing is a bit bloody. Long range boats leave and return sparkling clean, thanks to the crew, who also clean up several times a day on deck and in the galley. Your father is a bit old to be pulling on 200-pound tuna, though you could help him. If his health isn't good, I'd advise against him yanking on "cow" tuna. If you fish on a five to eight-day trip the fish will be smaller--say 10 to 100 pounds. Virtually all the boats doing these longer trips are good boats--the makeup of the passengers can't be determined until sailing time draws near. Let me just say that bad trips (because of poor fishing or unruly passengers) are a rarity. Just remember that the captain knows how and where to find fish, but he can't make them bite. He is a topnotch guide, however. The crews of long range boats are a cut above those on dayboats. They are excellent at working with beginners and younger or older anglers. You can count on getting some good help, especially if you talk to the skipper or the second skipper about your particular desires. Talk to them and the chefs will take care of your special dietary needs, if any.