Gambler 36hr tuna Trick or Treat trip

[Pennsy Guy]

Just back from a slightly abbreviated trip. On the way out, we passed through the forecast "light 'n variable" winds in 15 minutes--trick. Wind started to blow and we anchored in 10-20 winds & 3-4' seas. First fish in @ 4pm, 45-50# bird--my treat. Pool winner--110# yellow-- boated along with 2 more 60# yellows @ the same time between 5:45 & 7 PM---more treats. One more bird boated around 9PM--treat. Perhaps a night bite? No, on came the blue dogs en masse. Really, had 3 on at once with 4-5 others waiting for their chance for a baited hook--trick. Porpoise made an appearance and catchable squid all night--treat. One or two birds caught on jigs for a total of 8 tuna--mixed trick & treat. NOAA was right today, it got worse as the day progressed on our way in-most 6-8'ers with some bigger 'til we got to the Manasquan Ridge & conditions improved dramatically--trick & treat 'til we got to the inlet-out going tide along with large stacked waves made for an expertly handled entrance--trick & treat. Final treat--I have 2 fish(1 each flavor) to steak after a fishless last year & this year's blown out trips. Finally, tuna in the freezer!
Kudos to Capt. Jeff, 2nd Capt. Greg & mates Todd, Nicho(sic) & Jill-also serving galley fare to the rail--they're the final treats. Final trick--between the boat swinging & the diving shearwaters, you had to pick your time for getting your bait back in or on the retrieve.
Waiting for next week...

[shrimpman steve]

Everyone made it home from the deep safe and sound and some fish in the cooler! Nice trip in my humble opinion

[Flygaff]

I'm out on the 36 hour on the 6th & 7th. I can't wait. I'm home tying rigs and setting drags. My dream trip = 3 yellowfin, 1 Albacore, a sword, and a Mako.
Maybe i'm a little greedy.

[AndyS]

At least you got a few. 110 is a nice yellowfin !

[Pennsy Guy]

I'm out on the 36 hour on the 6th & 7th. I can't wait. I'm home tying rigs and setting drags. My dream trip = 3 yellowfin, 1 Albacore, a sword, and a Mako.
Maybe i'm a little greedy.

Wow---you're looking for a "Gambler trifecta" plus mako--see you on board & I hope you get it...pretty difficult to achieve this year though...Hopefully the tuna catching gets better. Late in the game but it's happened before; we can only hope!

[captmark]

Pennys I saw the Gambler coming and it looked to be really dicy who ever was at the wheel did an awesome and safe job..

[Flygaff]

Wow---you're looking for a "Gambler trifecta" plus mako--see you on board & I hope you get it...pretty difficult to achieve this year though...Hopefully the tuna catching gets better. Late in the game but it's happened before; we can only hope!

Really, I'll be very happy with a 60 pound yellowfin

[Pennsy Guy]

Really, I'll be very happy with a 60 pound yellowfin

^^^^Me too...forecast looks good---so far....

captmark...Jeff Melitos had the helm...it was a masterful job getting in. Think we all breathed a big sigh of relief afterwards....it probably looked worse onboard than on the jetty.

[Flygaff]

I'm almost ready. Mostly packed. I am bringing

1- 50 with #80 mono
1- Jigging setup with #80 braid and 100 yard top of 50 mono
1- Spinning setup with 200 yards of #30
6- tuna rigs - 50# Fluro with 6/0 hook
3- Tuna rigs - 30# Fluro with 6/0 hooks
3- Sword rigs - 80# Fluro with 12/0 hooks
3- Mahi rigs - 20# Fluro with 3/0 hooks
Also - Lights - Weights- floats
Sardines & Whole ling for baits

Now I just need to pack clothes and food

Can't wait to get out there

[Jigman13]

I'd up those swords rigs to #200 but that's just me :)

I also use #40 fluoro for mahi and let them swallow the hook. They're not chewing thru it and you can hoist them up if a mate w gaff is occupied elsewhere

[Pennsy Guy]

Sounds like you've got it under control...With the water cooling don't know if we'll pot hop for mahi...last 36 we didn't but it was a bit more than dicey. If we do, the mahi will probably be too big to lift & with 3 mates, don't have to wait for a gaff...just sayin'...
By the way just found out today, Bob's doing another trip (24hr) next week leaves 8PM Wed. 13th, return Thurs 14th 8PM. I'm going if I can get off work; Nov trips have been good in the past.

[2na]

Pennys I saw the Gambler coming and it looked to be really dicy who ever was at the wheel did an awesome and safe job..

I had the privilege to be in the wheelhouse with Capt. Jeff as he demonstrated a technique he told me he had learned from Capt. Francis Bogan years ago. The surf was building and breaking at about a 30 degree angle from south to north to the inlet so Capt. Jeff sort of aligned The Gambler with the south jetty and slowly idled toward the inlet. As we entered the breakwater, the first wave or two seemed to slide under the boat and the third lifted us slightly. On or about the forth wave the bow slightly dropped, the stern lifted, and we were Hangin Ten on the wave. At that point, Capt told me it was most important to be patient and NOT throttle up as doing so could possibly push the bow into the leading wave which could result in a violent turn. It was really cool to be able to witness. And pay attention when and old Captain is sharing his knowledge.

Shorts

[Pennsy Guy]

I had the privilege to be in the wheelhouse with Capt. Jeff as he demonstrated a technique he told me he had learned from Capt. Francis Bogan years ago. The surf was building and breaking at about a 30 degree angle from south to north to the inlet so Capt. Jeff sort of aligned The Gambler with the south jetty and slowly idled toward the inlet. As we entered the breakwater, the first wave or two seemed to slide under the boat and the third lifted us slightly. On or about the forth wave the bow slightly dropped, the stern lifted, and we were Hangin Ten on the wave. At that point, Capt told me it was most important to be patient and NOT throttle up as doing so could possibly push the bow into the leading wave which could result in a violent turn. It was really cool to be able to witness. And pay attention when and old Captain is sharing his knowledge.

Shorts
Other than the mates, maybe 3-4 guys even had a clue what was going on...

[Capt. Debbie]

Curious- why 200 lb leaders on sword hooks?



I'd up those swords rigs to #200 but that's just

me :)

I also use #40 fluoro for mahi and let them swallow the hook. They're not chewing thru it and you can hoist them up if a mate w gaff is occupied elsewhere

[togzilla]

Curious- why 200 lb leaders on sword hooks?

Because with a long fight on even 80lb leader that bill will continue to chaffe the leader and break off.

[Jigman13]

Because with a long fight on even 80lb leader that bill will continue to chaffe the leader and break off.

Yes.