Party Boat Biggest Fish Pools

[CaptGM]

Question: How much would fishermen be willing to pay into the "Pool" per trip. Currently we are at $5.00 and pay it ALL out to the winner. I know a few boats as low as $2.00 and as high as $10.00.
Should the party boats have a pool at all?

This season we are thinking about a season long pool with a leader board up on the web-site We are toying with $10.00 pp and daily pools are not included. (Thoughts?)
Instead of Cash Payout we were thinking about giving away a quality Rod & Reel outfit as an example.

I would enjoy your thoughts or experiences on this!

Capt Greg

[Jaye43b]

I personally do not care for a season pool but have no problems with a ten dollar pool. However* I was once told by a boat captain that the reason he also has a high hook pool is that anyone can catch the biggest fish. It is the luck of the draw. But it takes skill to catch the most fish. As such* by having two pools he keeps everyone happy....the skilled and the lucky.

I like that approach.

[CaptGM]

Interesting about the "high-Hook" pool.
I would imagine that it would be a bit tougher to police* as some folks may be tempted to combine a catch and split the lute.
I like the idea.

I was told many years ago that fishing was 20% Skill & 80% Luck.
I can name a few who are damn good at the 20% and could win the high hook almost every time they are on board.

Thanks for the input* I Like the idea!

Capt Greg

[Quest4GiantBlue]

Cash for daily pools is the way to go in my book. The equipment pool sounds like a nice bit for a seasonal pool - Maybe a tag on to to the daily pool - say $5 for the daily and and add'l $2 to be in the seasonal pool. Its always nice to have couple of chances to win like heaviest targeted species and heaviest eddible. In the case of daily trips I believe $10 is a bit steep for a $50 trip when considering a 15-20% tip for the mate. For tripsover $75 or tuna trips I easily will pony up $10-20 for a pool. I agree with you on the High hook pool. Good idea but it would be a nightmare to police. I was on a non sponser boat last season on a slow day that the captain gave away a free trip to the first keeper that came over the rails to get everybody motivated. He also gave away a few hats and tees as spontaneous announcements during the day for the next keeper over the rails. It made for a very interesting competative trip.

[CaptGM]

That's It?????

No one else has an opinion on Party Boat Big Fish Pools?

Lots of fishermen out there not speaking up!

Capt Greg
:confused:

[crabcake]

I say stick with the current $5 and consider a season long pool with a dollar or two entry fee. More money usually leads to more conflict. Just my 2 cents.

[MarcoIsland1]

Personally* I could do without the pool* but if there is a pool* I would rather that it be between $2 - $5. I also agree that the high hook pool is more reflective of a skilled fisherman. So* maybe the pool could be divided in half* or* have a choice between the two pools.

[MarcoIsland1]

Also* with regard to the annual pool* I wouldn't want that. It only benefits the people who have time to go out very consistently - like almost daily. I know one of the Captree boats has that and the people who win the "biggest fluke of the year" pool are people who go out on the boat everyday. No one really has a chance against such people.

[mick2360]

Greg* It's cool that you are asking. Your input here will lead myself and the bride to take some trips with you when we are in Manasquan. As for the pool* a small 2-5 pool is easy for most people to enter. I was on a boat out of AH that had a low dollar pool and one slightly higher (I think it was 2/10). Most people can do the $2 easily and for those of us who are more competitive* the $10 was fun.

That being said* I like the idea of giveaways* especially to kids and the lady tag alongs (God* please don't let the wife read this...). I'm more interested in service from the mates and a boat that is family friendly. I'm always on the lookout for a boat that manages the few knuckleheads that turn up from time to time.

[CaptGM]

Thanks for the great feed back guys.

The pool has been a real pain from time to time and your thoughts definitely help me decide what direction to go in.

We have had a $5.00 biggest fish pool and the winner usually has a nice hand full of cash for the ride home. It would be nice to split it up and make a few folks happy.

Good thoughts on the season pool* you are right that the "regulars" have a better chance of winning than the two times a year goer. Fair observation but those who buy lottery tickets every day stand a better chance than i do that buys one every other month. This is one to ponder over a bit more* has up sides and as pointed out here* a few down sides.
Thats what forums are for!

I like the idea of the two pools and will try it out this season.
Biggest & Most...have to manage it correctly!

Thanks* Keep the ideas coming.
Capt Greg

:rock:

[samborges]

Capt Greg* I like the idea of having a 1st place and 2nd place winning* everybody always remember the winner of a superbowl and the loser gets burn and forgotten. So I believe it kind of nice to have a 1 & 2 punch* you have 2 winners and of course first place should have a bigger pot of gold. Another idea is that when you have a full house(not poker):thumb: * I mean a full boat* all fares sold out in the summertime. Give away a free trip to the kid with the biggest fish* this option has nothing to do with the pay/prize pool. Believe me this boy/girl will tell all of his friends that he caught a monster whale and won a free trip. Bragging rights:thumb: In return you may get other young kids onboard and of course in company with either mom or dad or <<<A paying customer. What do you think of this idea? by the way* I like either 2-5 dollars pool.

[crabcake]

We all know there is a lot of skill involved in Fishing* but luck definitely comes into place as far as pools are concerned. I think this is especially true for season long pools which I think are cool and should continue. Will "regulars" having an edge keep me from spending an OPTIONAL $1-$3 extra?? Definitely not!!

Fishing more often doesn't necessarily mean that you're guaranteed a bigger fish. For example* I fished for blacks about a dozen times this past Fall/Winter and my best fish was a shade under #10. My buddy Brian works a lot and only fished for tog 1x. On that day* he nailed a pool fish that was nearly #14. Anyone can have a lucky day!!

As far as high hook pools* that is one that needs extremely specific rules and can lend itself to a host of disputes* especially if money is involved. This is something you may want to leave for the kids trips. I've seen high hook prizes done on multiple childrens trips* but everything counted* including sea robins* skates* shorts* etc. (no crabs). The kids love the competition and since fishermen young and old alike are liars* each child was required to have 2 peer witnesses to claim their lures and T-shirts at the end of the day. It teaches them good values and best of all they have a great time fishing.

[Surfmeister]

Not a big fan of high hook pools...too difficult to monitor.
Season-long biggest fish pools are too complicated to manage and not transparent enough to the contestants.

I like the idea of two winners* first and second place. In fact* I once won the pool on a boat when only two blues were caught* so I voluntarily shared my winnings with the other guy. Besides* I didn't catch mine until after the captain switched from jigging to bottom fishing. I also tipped the mates extra cuz I knew they wouldn't make many tips that day.

Free trip vouchers and discounts should be saved for "regular" customers* or for winners of kid's pools as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

If I were a captain* I would not give away tangible prizes (lures* t-shirts* etc.) unless I received them for free from a sponsor.

Running two pools on the same trip* such as $5 and $10* would probably not increase your business* so why bother. For variety's sake* maybe change the dollar amount for the day of the week* such as $5 on MON-FRI and $10 on SAT-SUN?

As an aside to this topic* I personally would be in favor of giving a small portion of the pool funds to the mates before the winnings are distributed. I would also prefer to put my tip in a jar by the cleaning station to ensure that the tips are shared equally by the mates. The jar serves as a reminder to the customers.

[MarcoIsland1]

I think the jar idea for tips is a great one. I've seen few boats that have this. I am always confused at the end of the trip as to who to tip if there are multiple mates - I usually only tip the mate that helps me most. This causes me to feel that the other mates may have thought that I stiffed them* which makes me think that I won't be welcome on the next trip.

I also think the idea of rewarding children is a great one. I started fishing by winning a flouder pool on a Captree boat in October* 1985. The experience made me want to get into and I got my parents into fishing because of it. It also acts as an incentive for the parents to take the kids out again* since they won't have to pay the fare for the child.

[CaptGM]

Love the thoughts and ideas!

I dont think that any kind of pool will bring more people to a party boat* but handled incorrectly it certanly will make some customers go away!

I like the gifts for kids idea's!

I am not certain how it works on all boats but on the Golden Eagle the tips are to be divided equally between the working crew on that trip. With the right mix of guys and getting the "Team" mentality instilled in everyone* it works well.
"Green Socksers" when found on our boat need to find other employment.

Not a fan of the tip jar.

Thanks for the great input.
Capt Greg

[dcinig]

My 2 cents - $5 for the boat pool* have a $2 big fish pool for a species - like fluke* striped bass..etc..for the season. I also like the idea of hat and t-shirt give aways. Not many boats do that anymore. Also* I like a trip saver discount for buying multiple trips in advance. Some boats give a discount on 10 trips.

[Surfmeister]

Originally posted by CaptGM

Not a fan of the tip jar.



Just out of curiosity* what is your objection to tip jars? If you think that it might offend a customer or make them uncomfortable* let me assure you that that is a myth. While doing my graduate studies* I did extensive research on tipping habits* including numerous surveys. The results showed almost unanimously that tip jars do not offend or make guests uncomfortable. I would be EXTREMELY surprised if anyone complained to you* and if they did* you probably don't want them as a customer anyway.

BTW* great thread* and I hope to patronize your boat this season if I can get a carpool together from Long Island.

[CaptGM]

Originally posted by dcinig
Also* I like a trip saver discount for buying multiple trips in advance. Some boats give a discount on 10 trips.



Right now we are letting folks purchase 2008 trip tickets* at 2007 fares until mid march* thats a minimum $5.00 savings per ticket! The tickets purchased now are good for the whole season* except Tuna Trips.

Capt Greg

[CaptGM]

Originally posted by Surfmeister
Just out of curiosity* what is your objection to tip jars? If you think that it might offend a customer or make them uncomfortable* let me assure you that that is a myth. While doing my graduate studies* I did extensive research on tipping habits* including numerous surveys. The results showed almost unanimously that tip jars do not offend or make guests uncomfortable. I would be EXTREMELY surprised if anyone complained to you* and if they did* you probably don't want them as a customer anyway.

BTW* great thread* and I hope to patronize your boat this season if I can get a carpool together from Long Island.


I guess the tip jar (or in the case of my crew) "container" is my own hang up* because I think that it is somewhat offensive. Not sure if I can recall anyone complaining* it just does not seem right to me. I did let them keep it* but cringed when I saw it. It seemed so "In Your Face" and a turn off for a customer. I may be wrong!
Just a hang up of mine?
Any one else get offended by the tip jar?

This should be another thread...we got things hopping now!

Back to the pools!

Capt Greg

[mick2360]

Originally posted by CaptGM
I guess the tip jar (or in the case of my crew) "container" is my own hang up* because I think that it is somewhat offensive. Not sure if I can recall anyone complaining* it just does not seem right to me. I did let them keep it* but cringed when I saw it. It seemed so "In Your Face" and a turn off for a customer. I may be wrong!
Just a hang up of mine?
Any one else get offended by the tip jar?

This should be another thread...we got things hopping now!

Back to the pools!

Capt Greg

I hate to see guys walking past a mate who has worked his arse off at the end of a trip. A tip jar is a gentle nudge to do the right thing. When I win a pool* 1/3-1/2 goes to the mates if they have worked the boat right. When I don't* I still tip 1/3 of the fare. I'm not loaded but I appreciate mates who work hard and run a good deck.

I'd guess with the number of newbies on a boat* it never occurs to them that a tip should be a part of the package. How many would never leave a restaraunt without tipping but don't think about the mates? It's about education; like not bringing a banana on a trip.... :}

[MarcoIsland1]

I think the tip jar is a great idea. To begin with* it should basically be assumed by everyone that you must tip someone on the boat. As I said in a previous reply* when there are two or three mates on the boat* it is hard to know who to tip. I'm afraid if I tip one mate* he won't share it with the other mates (not that it is a huge amount of money anyway).

I don't think it would offend anyone b/c it should be assumed that everyone tips.

The only problem is that the mates won't necessarily know who is tipping them.

What is generally the average tip that a mate gets? I guess it depends on the services provided.

[CaptGM]

The tips should always be based on the service that the crew provides. If the service is good (as it should be) the tip should be around 15% of the fair or more if they clean a mess of fish for you. So a $50.00 fare should generate a $7-$8 Tip as a minimum if the guys treated you well.

Pool winners should kick back a % of the pool $ to the crew approx 20%.

Again this is all predicated on the level of service* just like a restaurant. All to often however I see my guys busting there butts when "Its On" and fish are flying over the rail that quite a few people forget to take care of the crew. And I have seen a $5.00 Tip come out of a $200.00 pool. Not Cool.

Even fishermen with a tight budget should tip something!
Especially if they win the pool.

Capt Greg

[MarcoIsland1]

Thanks for the info about that* Capt. I was never sure what to give.

Last year* I saw a mate clean about 10 bluefish for a patron and his grandson and only receive $2 tip! Needless to say* he wasn't very happy with this patron. I often hear of people who don't tip at all! The mates work hard and generally are good guys* so I can't understand that.

But anyway* now I know a range at least. Thanks again!

[Surfmeister]

Originally posted by CaptGM
The tips should always be based on the service that the crew provides. If the service is good (as it should be) the tip should be around 15% of the fair or more if they clean a mess of fish for you. So a $50.00 fare should generate a $7-$8 Tip as a minimum if the guys treated you well.

Pool winners should kick back a % of the pool $ to the crew approx 20%.

Again this is all predicated on the level of service* just like a restaurant. All to often however I see my guys busting there butts when "Its On" and fish are flying over the rail that quite a few people forget to take care of the crew. And I have seen a $5.00 Tip come out of a $200.00 pool. Not Cool.

Even fishermen with a tight budget should tip something!
Especially if they win the pool.

Capt Greg

Capt Greg*
Sorry i kinda hijacked this thread by mentioning tips...I have a problem with tangents. :p

I am admittingly biased on this topic* as I myself rely on tips to pay my bills.

OK everyone* like the Capt. said: "Back to the pools!!!"

And speaking of pools* what is the proper proportion of chlorine to pool water?

Just kidding...:angel:

[Ship of Fools]

Greg - quick question for you...would you envision that the tip includes cleaning the fish? My question is aimed primarily at the tuna trips where someone spends $250+- on the trip and another $40 or $50 on a tip. I have seen boats charge $15 per fish to quarter a tuna. So now on a good trip (3 fish for example) the "tip" becomes almost $100.

Thoughts?

[CaptGM]

Good Question and different boats can answer it a bit differently.
In general most boats would have the tip and fish cleaning as two separate issues. The reason being is that over time mates would work hard and provide good service* fillet & bag fish and then have a customer tip them perhaps 5-10% of the fare or give them a few dollars which was not fair at all.

The crews income is predicated on tips and fish cleaning* if few fish are caught on a particular trip the tips are non-existant and there is no fish cleaning money either. Good days should be the opposite.

A fair tip on any trip is min 10%-15%* in the case of Bluefish* Fluke cleaning (Filleting & bagging) a $1.00 per fish charge is fairly stanadard* at least in our Marina.

Tuna on the other hand is a much larger fish and the 10-15% tip still remains fair* and the usual charge is around 5-$10 per fish* as they require a faily skilled mate to do it right so you recieve all of your Tuna meat and it is not hacked as I have seen happen.
Usually a Good 15%-20% tip given to the mate before cutting your Tuna will be greatly appreciated and they will not look for any more. Good crews will take what is fair* and the better vessels wil not permit the crew to "gouge' the pasengers. $15.00 per fish or more seems a bit excessive.
Mates on Tuna trips are usually at the vessel preparing for the trip several hours before departure and are at the service of the passengers for the next 24hrs and will be there for another few hours after the fish are cleaned and everyone has gone home.
When you add up the hours vs. what they will actually make for a "decent catch" trip. They will do OK* not great. Its part of the job.

Like anything else* most fishermen do the right thing* the ones that dont screw it up for everyone and force the crews (Right* wrong or indifferent) to "charge" for the extra services such as fish cleaning.

Tough topic* especially after you spend so much of your hard earned $ to go fishing. If a Tuna trip Fare is say $275.00 plan on spending another $60.00 for Tip and say 3-4 tuna cleaned. If you have 3-4 Tuna you have had a GREAT trip.

Capt Greg

[suilleabhain]

After having weighed pools* won pools* been accused of rigging pools* etc I would make one comment or give one bit of advice (if it hasn't been said already) let the people know what is eligible for the pool.

One boat I fish doesn't allow bluefish in the pool sea bass & ling fishing. Just too easy to jig a bluefish for the pool.

Another boat had a firestorm when an angler (monk) took the pool.

I witnessed an uproar when a skippy took a bluefish pool.

All of the above are legit when the fares know the rules.

[Jaye43b]

Not only do I support the last post but would like to refine that with one more comment. Each boat advertises what it is fishing for. Only those fish should be eligible for the pool and this should be announced each trip when the captain makes his standard announcement.

[suilleabhain]

Thought that myself Jay after I posted.

I know from experience* rather than weigh 4000 sea bass that are about 2 ounces different in weight* I always liked a big ling or blackfish to make my life easier.

That being said* i don't think a striped bass should take a pool on a sea bass/ling/blackfish boat. Nor should a bluefin take a pool codfishing on a Mass boat in summer.

[RJ]

Some boats will state "Any edible Fish except bluefish is in the pool" no one can argue with that.

[suilleabhain]

That used to be true Rich but* times have changed and what is edible has changed. I see congers and dogs going in the coolers.
I wouldn't want the hassle of edible. Just post what is and isn't in the pool. Wasn't so long ago that monk were trash except within a tight group of knowledgeable folk.

[Jaye43b]

I will go one step further. If they feel that way* let them post that. Then I have a choice before I get on.

In fact* there is NO one that will tell me what is acceptable to me. A captain who takes that position will NOT get my business. I am the customer. I know exactly what I want. The pool should go to the posted fish or it's ADIOS!!!!!

I fish several boats regularly. Each of them operate the way I suggest.

Quite frankly. there are enough other boats if they don't........
period!!!

[suilleabhain]

Pool rules wouldn't make a difference to me* as long as I know what I can catch. There are ways to pool fish and there are ways to cooler fish. Just as long as I know what my competition is.

[CaptGM]

Wow* what a great exchange!

99% of the time the Golden Eagle fishes for Blues / Stripers. On all of the open boat Blues trips only Blues or Striperes count for the pool. No bottom species.

On the occaision that we Fluke fish it is normally for a charter and they will make the pool rules* its their group so we let them tell us how they want it run.

When we "Wreck or Bottom" fish* all but dogfish (spiney or smooth)* skates* Cong's and Pout count.

Our Fare ticket has the pool rules printed on it for our regular open boat Bluefish trips.

"Sharks* rays* skates* conger eels* sea robins & trolling fish are EXCLUDED for prizes in the pool. While blue fishing all bottom species are ineligible* ONLY surface fish qualify. Persons holding pool entries cannot have anyone else put fish in his or her bag (penalty disqualification). Captain retains the right of final determination on any objection."

We have more issues with the latter part of that with groups trying to combine fish with only one person in the group holding a pool ticket. The rule is everyinein a group is in the pool or no one in the group is in the pool. tough to police at times.

Capt Greg

[gimmesalt]

$5 good price for the pool.
If the boat is full I like when they give 1st and 2nd or some other way to split it instead of winner take all.
I don't think I like high hook* too many dishonest people out there.
I usually don't enter season pools as I don't get out enough.
The rules should be set up front as to what is eligible.
Though I enter the pool just to keep it interesting my first concern is fishing and the service.
Some boats (Island Current) even have special 50/50 trips where the fare is $50 and the pool $50 winner take all* big pot. I never went but I hear it's popular.

[Jaye43b]

Wow!!! Quick math says that with 20 people on board that's a grand for the winner. I wonder what would happen if there were three winners: $600* $300 and $100.
Any lucky person can get the largest but I think my meager skills will compensate for my poor luck. I wouldn't win a raffle if there were 10 people but I could have the second or third largest fish.
Hey!!! Just a thought!!!

[Jaye43b]

I intuitively understand that high hook can be a real problem and is possibly the reason why most boats no longer do it. It could be a real pain in the twarts on a crowded boat* particularly on the weekends but I will bet that it could increase the midweek traffic when some of us would be willing to play hooky.
In any case* there are only a few species where this can be done.

[RJ]

Party boat pools are 99% luck....

[gimmesalt]

Originally posted by RJ
Party boat pools are 99% luck....

Sounds right as I've only won once in about 100 trips. And it was a bluefish on a fluke trip!

[MarcoIsland1]

I agree that party boat pools are based on a high percentage of luck* but another component is positioning on the boat. Party boat regulars have a big advantage in this category.

[CaptGM]

I am not sure that I really agree with the "regulars" having an edge based on there positioning on the boat* at least not for Bluefish.

We had pool winners a young as 7* women* little girls etc. that boated "the Big One" from midship* the pulpit* etc. The Stern myth is not always true.

Pools are 90% luck like Rich said* some folks are just plain Lucky.
for the most part you can not choose which fish below you bites your line. Thats part of the fun of it.

Capt Greg

[Jaye43b]

Having fished on party boats since the early 80's I now believe that positioning is only important to "high hook" but not the pool. I completely agree that the pool fish can come from anywhere on the boat.

[CaptGM]

High Hook* I agree for the most part. Stern corners or Pulpit.

GM

[suilleabhain]

I agree with the bow & corners but* getting more fish increases your odds right off. You will also see certain people on certain fish over a season will take an above average number of pools.

When I worked* we had one regular that took so many codfish pools that we started paying his fare and putting him in the pool. That bet paid well. He was a specialist on codfish & blackfish.

And back in the day when there were flounder. You pool fished early in the season with the loose skimmer stomach wound on the hook like mussel. It took fewer but bigger fish. Everyone else was using bloodworms and mussel for the numbers. Remember* partyboats chummed then with clam shells and crack* very little mussel.

Whole crabs on snafu rigs for blackfish is another. One guy in Maryland targets big blackfish with blueclaw crabs. He consistently has teens and I believe his largest was 22.

There are ways to give yourself an edge. They are being lost with time* Another dying art.

[crabcake]

I definitely agree with the last post that there are many ways to help give you an edge. However* luck still wins many pools each year and I've been fortunate to get "lucky" on more than one occassion when I was fishing alongside much more accomplished anglers than myself. However* show me a child or woman on a party boat who looks out of place* and my money is on them. Over time I've seen that pattern repeat itself over and over again. The words "beginners luck" definitely show themselves often on party boat trips. Its not a bad thing since these people are more likely to come back for some more action!

[CaptGM]

During the week we have quite a few regulars and for the most part they can fish and have their specialties and can consistantly catch bigger fish. (Not so much with Blues)

The weekends we are heavily loaded with mostly families* groups* and folks that are far from expert at the game* so luck is
the name of the game for the pool. A few good regulars on the weekends but we do not see much consistancy in the big fish pool* or always high hook. Blues are not a finese fish and tactics are not all that critical when "Its On.

I will agree that there are some "Sharpies" out there that Hunt Big Fish and do it well and can take the money home consistantly with different species. Blues have a way of leveling the playing field.

Love when the kids and ladies take the $

Capt Greg

[suilleabhain]

Greg* you fish 17 for bluefish. Everyone to the west knows that bait fishing night blues in 17 you put on an egg sinker and freespool the rig down 80 feet and let it sweep up to get the alligators underneath. That's another one.

And I do agree that the gods favor children* women and guys who aren't in the pool.

[cowkiller]

Drop a chunk down 4 feet off the bottom and YOU WILL catch the biggest bluefish for the day or nite trip.Won many a pools using this trick* alot of the old timers know about it but like bill says it is being lost in time.

[cowkiller]

Oh yes bill the old Egg sinker trick.Similer to what I posted but good indeed.Lead=depth=big fish under smaller fish.Its good to talk to some old salt like myself.:beer:

[suilleabhain]

Joe* we certainly got the best of the technology age and the last of the big runs of anything. Emailed my brother in Buffalo who watches these sites every day* he siad when you look back* growing up on Jamaica Bay in the 50's and fishing SHB and Freeport thru the 80's* we had it best.

[cowkiller]

Back in the days when I fished nite bluefish on a party boat* Out of Point Lookout*I always fished the bottom for the bigger fish.

The rest of the boat would strip off line from there reel with a pinch on weight * count how many pulls from the reel until they got a bite.I would use a 10oz lead and drop it to the bottom 4 feet up and almost always get the bigger fish.If the schooling fish on the top were 6-8 lbs the bigger fish 10-12 lbs were below them ALWAYS. But this also differs on MOON TIDES * and SCREAMING CURRENTS.BUT ON AN ADVERAGE DAY OR NITE GO DEEP AND HANG ON.:thumb:

[Alberto]

Originally posted by cowkiller
BUT ON AN ADVERAGE DAY OR NITE GO DEEP AND HANG ON.:thumb:

ahhhh thats my motto in LIFE... :spin: :laugh: :crazy:

[suilleabhain]

LOL ! 5 points for Alberto !!

[CaptGM]

That does work!

GM

[cowkiller]

just make sure you are hanging on to the rite thing .haha:beer:

[Jaye43b]

While you are at it* whisper that the ride is like her best friend. Then....HOLD on. You will never see a bronco buck like that.

[MarcoIsland1]

I agree with the point of bluefish leveling the playing feild somewhat* but other fish such as blackfish* weakfish* or bass (to a lesser degree if not blitzing) take some skill and knowledge for the most part.

A very interesting post! When I was growing up in the 80s* I too would fish near the bottom to catch bigger blues on those late night bait trips. Not too many captree boats go out into the ocean for those late night trips anymore - it is mostly inshore now around the inlet and demo.

[crabcake]

I subscribe to that old sinker trick but on my last 2 night bluefishing trips (1x per year) I got dogged out when I went down to the bottom. Years ago there weren't as many of the endangered species when I went bluefishing.

[suilleabhain]

that's when you switch to a jig. Night jigging bluefish* you slow the retrieve down to a crawl. Most people don't know you can jig bluefish at night.

[MarcoIsland1]

When you say 'jig' are you referring to diamond jigging at night or some type of plastic jig?

[cowkiller]

Yes 6-8 oz slab jig with porkrind works wonders. Just fish it SLOW.:thumb:

[suilleabhain]

Yup or an AVA with a white tail

[MarcoIsland1]

That is very interesting. Thanks for the tip! I am always reluctant to use anything shiny at night. I use pork rind sometimes with diamond jigs during the daylight - seems to sometimes help with catching bass. Thanks again!

[CaptGM]

Great Information being shared here* but maybe we should start a new thread about fishing tips to get the pool fish. We kind of drifted off of the original topic.

Great stuff* lets keep it going. All you guys seem to have great experience(s) and the info and tips are really good to note!

Capt Greg

Dont forget to take the kids fishing! If you cant get them to the Golden Eagle on Easter Weekend* take them to the pond* the lake or anothr boat more local to you. Although we would love to see you in Belmar. Get Them Hooked:rock: :thumb: