Off shore

[FlukeU2]

I was looking at a map and to me looked like the oil wreck is about 20 miles from the tip of the hook does that seem right? And is it possible to go there or the mud hole in a 23' cc if the weather is good? Besides blue fish what else can be cought out there and what's the best month/months to fish out there. Thanks

[Gerry Zagorski]

20 miles sounds about right and a good place to start. As with any trip of this distance on a small boat, you need to pick your days with a good weather window. Best to start early and plan to make the run back in the early afternoon. In the summer, even on the nicest of days, the west winds usually pick up in the late afternoon and it could make for a slow miserable ride back in if you wait too long.

You want to make sure you have the fuel capacity for the trip. General rule is based on your normal fuel consumption and distance you plan to travel, to have at least 1/3 of your tank left when you return... Reason for this is if you run into weather and cant run on plane, you might need that extra 1/3 margin to make it back in since your fuel consumption is going to go up if you are running in seas.

At a minimum, I would suggest you have a fixed mount VHF on the boat as well as an Eprib. You should also let someone know the general area you plan to go as well as your estimated time of return. It's also good to buddy up with other boats and or make contact with others while you are out there
in case they or you need assistance.

All sorts of stuff can be caught in the area since it's in the beginning of the mudhole, which continues to run towards the south and east. Best to fish the ledges and wrecks in that general area. This time of year sharks and bottom fishing and later once the water warms up, trolling for schoolie Bluefin and Mahi.

Good luck and be safe.

[hookset]

Oil wreck and mudhole are very possible in a 23 if weather is good! Go early and come home early before the south fan turns on!! Oil wreck and produce some fun with sharks on the right days/ time of year!! I am not going elaborate on that further but put some time in and see what happens!! Travel slow through mudhole and find some wrecks and you can have summer fun with winter flounder and ling! Some wrecks produce some don't!! Tips for first trip!! Full tank of gas, remember 1/3 tank rule, lots of anchor rope, give someone a float plan, and make sure your radio works!
Have fun

[FlukeU2]

Thanks guys for the info.

[dfish28]

Last year in the mudhole we trolled this guy up on our 20'er, yes right day plays a lot! Definitely full tank and all necessary safety gear, but it can be fun!

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o588/dfish28/E723BD42-A97B-4825-81A2-EF7D9D02FE47_zps90u43tkn.jpg (http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/dfish28/media/E723BD42-A97B-4825-81A2-EF7D9D02FE47_zps90u43tkn.jpg.html)

[FlukeU2]

Nice fish.

[Flygaff]

I had my 23 out to the glory hole and chicken canyon on a regular basis. You really have to pick your day and keep an eye on the weather. Safety is everything. if it doesn't feel right, don't go. watch your fuel. I went out to the glory a few years ago in perfect flat calm seas. about two hours out and 19 gallons of fuel. Wind changed in a very short time. Came back in 6-8 ft seas. took 71/2 hours and burned 79 gallons of fuel on the way in. I learned a lot that day. Be safe and have fun. Now I have a 25 ft and run to the Hudson. some people just don't learn.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Last year in the mudhole we trolled this guy up on our 20'er, yes right day plays a lot! Definitely full tank and all necessary safety gear, but it can be fun!

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o588/dfish28/E723BD42-A97B-4825-81A2-EF7D9D02FE47_zps90u43tkn.jpg (http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/dfish28/media/E723BD42-A97B-4825-81A2-EF7D9D02FE47_zps90u43tkn.jpg.html)

Wow. Nice Mahi Adam!!

[FlukeU2]

Lol. Thanks for info. Yeah this is my first yr with boat not sure if I'll do it but after looking over a map and hearing what everyone is saying makes me want to go out there now. Lol I'm gonna go crazy now thinking about it.

[shrimpman steve]

I had my 19 foot cc out to SRR. about 18 miles due east. Chose the right day and had spoke to a captain and mate on one of our sponsor party boats the day before. They promised to baby sit for me out there. Doesn't hurt to have a bigger brother watching your back. Had a great day out there with the blues and albies

[FlukeU2]

Steve I don't have the connections like you. I always fished on the angler with capt George. But never got his number and didn't ever think of that. I plan on going down the beach to the rocks and also to the rattle snake but if possible I'd love to take boat off shore. Side note I think I seen you out there Saturday morning

[h2ogonj]

if you trailer your boat leave from sri about 12 miles to the western edge
I have made that run numerous times in a 21' seahunt cc

[Flukemeister1]

. Doesn't hurt to have a bigger brother watching your back.



Amen to that Shrimpman. Having a buddy can mean all the difference in the world especially if they give you a heads up about sudden upcoming changes in the weather.

Before you go offshore take several inshore trips and closely monitor fuel consumption under varying conditions and load on the boat. Understand that when you do go offshore your boat is going to be heavy with full fuel and plenty of ice and it will behave differently than when inshore under light load. In a much bigger boat this is not as much a factor but in a small boat it can be huge.

[shrimpman steve]

Steve I don't have the connections like you. I always fished on the angler with capt George. But never got his number and didn't ever think of that. I plan on going down the beach to the rocks and also to the rattle snake but if possible I'd love to take boat off shore. Side note I think I seen you out there Saturday morning

I was out all over the bay on Saturday. So very possible. Stuck my nose out into the ocean in the PM and found some fish.

PM me next time you go.

[Joey Dah Fish]

You boys are FOYM's it pays to charter. One mistake and your done!!!! Period!!! No shouda woulda couldas. This ocean is not a forgiving place. Best of luck to all looney toones

[hammer4reel]

if your boat is solid, and running good , going 20 off in a 23 footer is def nothing.
Heck in my 23 I wouldnt think twice about running 60 off on a decent day, I many times am running over 30 miles just to fluke fish certain spots through out the year.

watching the weather and understanding it goes a long ways in what your range will be.

most 23 hold over a 100 gallons of gas, so that gives alot of range.

.

[FlukeU2]

My boat is a 23' tidewater 2015 250hp Yamaha so far it seems like I get great gas mileage. I been to the rattlesnake and mud bouy on my friend 19' dual console and felt safe This is my 1st time ever owning a boat so just a little nervous but I think my friend is always down to go with me and he has 30yrs experience so I definitely feel safer. I just need to see how far I can go on my 100 Gallons of gas

[Gerry Zagorski]

You need to check your actual fuel consumption but I'd think with your boat and motor combo your are probably getting 2 miles per gallon. With 100 gallons that gives you 200 miles and with the 1/3 rule that gives you a safe range of 140 miles. That should be pleanty for what you are looking to do.

You say your motor is a 2015, so I would think your engine and gauge package should give you fuel usage stats, no?

[FlukeU2]

Yeah it's a 2015 but didn't get that or they didn't ask if I want that. The performance test online says 4000rpm. Boat goes 30mph and 3.39 mpg test was done in 5-10 mph winds so it was pretty calm I guess. Couldn't I get my fuel consumption right on my fishfinder?

[Dupes]

My boat is a 23' tidewater 2015 250hp Yamaha so far it seems like I get great gas mileage. I been to the rattlesnake and mud bouy on my friend 19' dual console and felt safe This is my 1st time ever owning a boat so just a little nervous but I think my friend is always down to go with me and he has 30yrs experience so I definitely feel safer. I just need to see how far I can go on my 100 Gallons of gas

If this is your first boat, I think you should learn the bay and prowl the in shore waters to get the feel. Don't be afraid but don't be stupid.

Jerry and others, great comments. Safety always.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yeah it's a 2015 but didn't get that or they didn't ask if I want that. The performance test online says 4000rpm. Boat goes 30mph and 3.39 mpg test was done in 5-10 mph winds so it was pretty calm I guess. Couldn't I get my fuel consumption right on my fishfinder?

WOW!! 3.39 MPG is a pretty impressive number Fluke. If it's correct, you have a range of 339 miles and with the 1/3 rule you have a safety range of around 225 miles. This is plenty for what you are looking to do.

As far as getting actual numbers on your GPS/Fish finder, most mid to higher end units do have a screen to monitor fuel consumption and other engine stats. What you typically have to do is get that data to the GPS from your engine. This requires the correct interface so the 2 will talk to each other in a language they understand. This is way beyond my scope of understanding so I think your best bet is to call the GPS manufacturer tech support and tell them which engine you have and they can let you know what you will need to make it work.

Having said this, with the excess range you apparently have, this would be a nice to have not a got to have. It is however nice to have the instant on the fly miles per gallon so you know what the RPM sweet spot is for your particular boat, load and sea conditions. This will allow you to dial it in and run your boat at the RPM which nets you the best fuel economy.

Safety, boat, fuel consumption, experience and location aside, having the right stuff and running it the right way is the next piece of the puzzle. This brings up the next question.....Do you have the tackle and gear you need to give you the best shot at hooking up and landing what you are targeting? If you are intending to troll, outriggers are practically a must for a good trolling spread as are the lures you troll, how your troll them as well as the associated rods, reels and terminal tackle.

If you need some help in this area, let us know what your intended targets are, hold on to your wallet and ask away.... Now this is the real fun part since I'm interested in others opinions here and I just love spending other people's money :D

BTW - This is a great thread and just in time to get us all geared up, dialed in and excited for what's to come in the next few months.

[Dino]

SINGLE SCREW 20+ miles? not for me ... bring a sat phone !

[FlukeU2]

Thanks Gerry. I'm not sure what I would target I'm guessing anything that swims lol. I do have some equipment for bottom fishing nothing really for trolling but I have these awesome rod holders my friend makes that I can use to troll no problem. My friend has hrs and hrs of experience trolling not salt water but for salmon and lakers. So I would need some info of trolling gear and tackle for different fish I may want to target.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I think the 2 engine safety argument is not as warranted as many think.

Although 2 engines are better then one as far as safety, many engine issues are fuel related and if you have fuel issues, two engines is not going to matter.

Having said this I know many who have limped in on one engine. If however you have one engine and it fails you can always get a tow. This can drain your wallet in a hurry unless you have towing insurance and I think is a must for everyone. Last time I was towed in it was only 6 or 7 miles and over $300, thankfully I was insured.

That's why it's important to have a good VHF fixed mount radio in working order and you need to have a good long weather window with an extended high pressure system forecasted. This way if you do have trouble, you have the radio, time and conditions needed to contact someone and wait it out safely for a tow.

Like Dan said, knowing and reading the weather is VERY important for planning. And, it's not only rain and storms, you need to concern yourself with, it's also the wind, it's intensity and direction.

[hammer4reel]

You should get approx 2- 2.2 mpg with that rig. On the average. I wouldn't count on much more than that unless really keeping it under 4000.

Sea condition can lower thst to 1.5 in tough weather.
Am little shocked that guys are acting like going out 20 miles is as bad as running to the canyons.

W even if kicks up. Twenty isn't that fsr to run in.
Almost anywhere you run out to fish it's a 20 mile run

[jc484]

my $.02
safety 1st, pick you day, set a schedule and tell some one on land it.

A wise man once said you need 2 things to go 20+ miles off shore fishing in a 20 foot boat, 1 the balls to do it, and someone as crazy as you to go with you.

good luck and keep us updated on how the trip goes when you get back

[FlukeU2]

i think me and my friend are both crazy enough to do it lol. Question someone said you can catch winter flounder and long. But gas anyone got fluke out there while bottom fishing? I read an article somewhere that said they think a lot of big fluke stay out there ? Does anyone agree?

[jsurmick]

Saw this discussion and wanted to get some advice.

This is my 1st post on this board. I have been reading it for a few years now. I love it! A big thank you to Gerry for putting this thing together, you really have a great thing going.

I live in the Pocono Mountains of PA. My best friend moved to NJ and we discovered Raritan Bay. We have progressed over the years from stripers and fluke to going further out on the reefs for sea bass.

Have got to meet the absolute best guys in the world doing this. A big thanks to Freddy Gamboa, his mate Ed, along with Kris and Darren of Fish Stix, for their help and advice! You guys are great!

Currently have a 23 Sea Boss Cuddy Cabin, twin 150 Yamaha 4 strokes. Looking to move up a little. I am going for a test ride on a 28 Grady Release. I want to go bigger, but still want to be able to trailer. The 'Smell's Fishy' crew consists of my 16 year old son who absolutely loves the water, me and my best friend. This boat runs great, just want something a little beefier.

Thanks for any advice. It will be greatly appreciated.

[CaptMarc]

Since this is your first boat, how much experience do you have operating a boat? Just give you my opinion, run the boat on a few nice days, have a full tank to start and do about 50 miles. Fill up before you go out again and keep a log. Then pick a little bit of a crappy day 3' with a good 15 mile wind. Take someone with experience if you haven't operated in these conditions. Do this a couple times and keep track. Then you will have an idea on your consumption in mildly rough conditions. You have to have confidence in your boat and your ability. I was one of those crazy people with a small boat running 50-60 offshore in a 25' boat. But paramount to that is safety. You can call or email if you would like to talk. Even in a 35' boat 75 miles offshore, you are just a cork.

[Dino]

I had my 23 out to the glory hole and chicken canyon on a regular basis. You really have to pick your day and keep an eye on the weather. Safety is everything. if it doesn't feel right, don't go. watch your fuel. I went out to the glory a few years ago in perfect flat calm seas. about two hours out and 19 gallons of fuel. Wind changed in a very short time. Came back in 6-8 ft seas. took 71/2 hours and burned 79 gallons of fuel on the way in. I learned a lot that day. Be safe and have fun. Now I have a 25 ft and run to the Hudson. some people just don't learn.

FLygaff.. did you take the swordfish in your avatar from your 25' ? thats nice work !