TUNA FISHIN'
IS A BLAST!!! IT IS SOMETHING EVERY FISHERMAN SHOULD
EXPERIENCE AT LEAST ONCE.
Standard 2-day tuna trip
This trip can span over two days and even into a third.
For example: If we are planning a Standard trip for
the upcoming weekend, our departure time from the dock
would be between 6PM and midnight on Friday night. The
exact departure time is determined by 2 things: first
- the distance necessary to travel and second - your
captain's preference of departure time. At any rate,
we plan to have you on the tuna grounds by daylight
on Saturday morning. Saturday is a long day, and with
just a bit of tuna luck (and skill from you of course)
a very enriching one. After a full day of fishing, usually
just after dark, we'll begin our trek back to Westport.
Generally, people are somewhat pooped out (and sometimes
downright exhausted) after an action-packed day and
they just enjoy a relaxing supper before heading for
their bunks. Our distance from home will determine our
arrival time back in Westport. It could be 2 or 3 AM
on Sunday morning if we left the tuna grounds at dark
from 60 miles out. Don't worry about getting up at 3AM
and heading home. You can sleep on the boat once we've
returned to the dock and at our leisure after daylight
we'll get you squared away with your fish. Typically
it might be 9 or 10 AM on Sunday when you are all packed
up and back on the road toward your home. (With your
trunk weighted down naturally.)
1-Day tuna trip
One day trips are also alot of fun and an excellent
option for those who desire a shorter trip. These trips
depart the marina between midnight and 5 AM. Just talk
to the charter office about your particular 1-day trip
options. Your arrival back to port will then also vary
between 6 and 10 PM depending on that departure time,
and the distance to the tuna grounds. Come on, grab
your buddies and head for the blue water for some action
on those exciting silver bullets!
Fishing Season: August
through September.
Vessels: We
have 6 boats that range in size from 43 to 55 feet and
carry between 8 and 10 passengers max.
Price:
2 Day Standard - Total Cost $525 includes all fees,
bait, gear, etc.
1 Day Standard - Total Cost $360 includes all fees,
bait, gear, etc.
Pre-payment required prior to trip. Contact office for
more details.
*Tuna filet fee $3.50 each (optional)
Refund: If
there is no trip due to weather, a full refund will
be given.
Food/Beverages: We
recommend that you bring food on the simple side. For
example: fried chicken, sandwich material, chips, cookies,
fruit, pre-made casseroles, salads, and maybe rolls
or doughnuts for breakfast. All the vessels are equipped
with stoves and/or microwave ovens for heating hot meals
too. Also bring pop, juice, milk, or other thirst quenchers.
We have zero-tolerance for hard liquor and illegal drugs,
and don't allow excessive amounts of gusto! Please respect
this policy. We provide coffee around the clock.
Sleeping: On
2-day trips, each vessel has sleeping space for their
maximum number of anglers.
The Fishing: Generally
5 or 6 artificial "Tuna Jigs" are trolled on the surface
at about 6 or 7 knots. When a tuna "Hook Up!" occurs
(or multiple "Hook Ups") we chum the water with live
anchovies. As the boat comes to rest, the beginning
of what we call a "Bait Stop" begins. This is when it
can get crazy. We love crazy! If you have gone before,
you know what we're talking about! As the boat stops,
anyone who is not reeling in a jig fish will fish with
live anchovies, similar to salmon fishing, but minus
the sinker. It's just you against the fish. The beautiful
clear blue water allows you to see your catch more than
50 feet below. There's so much more to tell but you
have to experience it for yourself.
The Catch: To
properly care for the tuna, we take an ample supply
of fresh ice on two day trips. The fish are also quickly
bled after coming onboard. On the trip home, the deckhands
will filet your tuna for three dollars each, or, if
you prefer, you can keep them whole, and trade them
in for cans when you get home. Home canning produces
excellent quality fish. Although a good catch would
be three to five fish per person (20 pound average),
it is common to exceed this amount with favorable weather
and fishing conditions.
Scheduling: All
tuna trips require large amounts of planning (for all
involved) so we recommend that you make your reservations
as far ahead of time as possible. Each participating
tuna vessel has a departure schedule which is generally
set in the Spring and is available upon request after
that. Contact Westport Charters for individual vessel
schedules.
