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Post by YodaFisherman on Dec 27, 2019 10:19:36 GMT -5
Have any of you guys done the Gulfstar 72 hour deep drop fishing trip, out of Tarpon Springs? I'm considering doing it as a bucket list activity, but having a problem forking out that much money. I would have to rent an electric rod/reel from them, I would have no need for one after the one trip to justify a purchase of the reel. I know you can catch some different species not available in shallower waters, but is the trip really worth doing?
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Post by SkyJay on Dec 27, 2019 14:20:14 GMT -5
i would suggest you take at least one shorter trip first before plunking down that much money. Familiarize yourself with boat and crew, before deciding. That's a high dollar adventure right there, and I' d hate to see you spend that much and walk away dissapointed. I've never done the deep drop with them before but I've been on their boats and the boat they call The Gulfstar in my opinion isn't a very suitable vessel for a trip of this duration. Having said that, if the Viking is back (took her back up north last time I checked) and the trip is on her thats a better choice. The Gulfstar on the other hand, while is a great little boat, she has a side to side rocking action at anchor when its rough that is very anoying even for just a few hours, making her almost unfishable from mid ship forwards to bow during moderate seas you are likely to encouter way out there. Thats a long time and a long ways at slow speed. As far as the operation and crew I'd give em a C minus due to inconsistency and bad attitudes. Had some great trips with them, had some bad. Mostly good but you know what they say about bad apples. Another sugestion I have for you, beins this is bucket list stuff, would be to contact my buddy, and trusted compadre Captain Tommy Butler at X Treme Fishing Adventures. Captain Tommy offers once in a lifetime personal service, like no other operation in the World and before you plunk down yer cash, I'd have a long conversation with him. He can proly slip you in on one if his private deep drop trips in a go fast boat for what the Gulfstar costs, or less and I gaurantee youll catch way more fish, and different species. Tell him Jay suggested you call. m.facebook.com/captaintommybutler/?ref=content_filterm.facebook.com/tommy.butler.7?tsid=0.9122565598430362&source=result727-347-4464 good luck! hope this helps!
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Post by YodaFisherman on Dec 27, 2019 15:09:55 GMT -5
SkyJay. I've done that. I've been on one 44 hour charters and will be again this June. I like them a bit better than Hubbard or the Two Georges because they limit the number of passengers and it's one price for everything. The cost is only a little higher than the amount I paid for a 44 hour Hubbard's with the bait and meal plan included. On the trip I'm booked on this June I have the entire starboard side of the boat to myself because there is a group that booked most of the Port side slots and the remaining folks reserved the transom spots. I know we will spread out a bit once we start fishing, but it's still not elbow to elbow like the other two. Also, with less people there is less issues with tangling. When I'm interested in taking a break from bottom fishing I suspend a bait about half way to the bottom. and let it sit there while I relax for a few minutes. That's when I usually hook up on the pelagics. On the Hubbard's you will definitely piss of a bunch of folks if you do that.
I realize I'm not going to get a good value of food quality fish from a deep drop trip. I also know there is less sport in it because of the use of electric reels. I'm just trying to get feedback as to the value of the trip from an experience perspective.
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Post by SkyJay on Dec 27, 2019 16:13:52 GMT -5
well there ya go🙂 sounds like you got all yer bases covered. hope you have a great trip.
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Post by edwin45 on Dec 30, 2019 9:14:33 GMT -5
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Post by eaglesfanguy on Dec 31, 2019 10:59:10 GMT -5
Holy shamoly ,now i have the itch to try a deep drop,It is on my bucket list also. Some serious fish right there.Those wide body red colored fish, are they big eye toro's?
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Post by edwin45 on Dec 31, 2019 11:04:36 GMT -5
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Post by ledhotzeplinpepr on Dec 31, 2019 23:11:25 GMT -5
Nice pictures edwin45. Also, that bluewater is gorgeous. I need to take a day away from the nearshore in 2020
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Post by eaglesfanguy on Jan 1, 2020 16:36:50 GMT -5
WOW , never even heard of that fish... Alfonsino... interesting..
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Post by shadowxmas on Jan 2, 2020 13:03:23 GMT -5
Nice pics edwin45.
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 2, 2020 15:00:33 GMT -5
Those trips are great if you know what you are doing and not learning from youtube.
Surprisingly there is 0 good info on deep drop online.
I've seen people come with rigs they bought online that light up like Christmas trees and then complain that they didn't catch anything.
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Post by SkyJay on Jan 2, 2020 19:00:34 GMT -5
cool stuff great pics folks.
do a consult trip with Tommy Butler, he'll square you away on the how too, what need.
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Post by SkyJay on Jan 2, 2020 19:10:27 GMT -5
speaking of what needs for deep drop fishin my buddy tim carrys lead and you gonna need a l o t 561- 389 - 4180 https://tahttp://fishsaltwatertackle.com/jigs.com/ closer to home Fishermans Ideal Supply House is loaded to the gills with offshore gear .
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 3, 2020 8:03:08 GMT -5
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Post by carlf on Jan 3, 2020 8:40:18 GMT -5
I did a double-take: that's pounds, not ounces!
Wow, Can you even feel the fish when using that much weight???
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Post by parkpass on Jan 3, 2020 8:48:56 GMT -5
No man, they don't hold those rigs, once they are locked into a holder on the side of the boat that's where they stay. Bait is above the weight anyway, fish hook themselves
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 3, 2020 9:07:27 GMT -5
Me and my wife use straight rods and we do hold them. You do need to set the hook.
You can use a bent but rod and leave it in a rod holder, but you will catch significantly less fish. Bites are not as pronounced in big depths. Also you need to always have contact with the bottom while drifting, it is very hard to achieve if your rod is in a rod holder.
While fishing on Gulfstar we use the rail to rest and help fight the fish.
We use heavy duty star rods witht shimano forcemaster reels 80lb j braid.
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Post by YodaFisherman on Jan 3, 2020 9:42:08 GMT -5
Sorry, bin away for a bit, had surgery. Thanks for all the input. Glad this conversation took off.
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Post by YodaFisherman on Jan 3, 2020 9:51:58 GMT -5
I'd like to pick your brain for a bit. If I do this trip it will likely be a one time thing. Maybe two. I doubt I will make a habit of it. I would need to use one of their rental rods. I have several rods that would meet the need. I just can't justify spending the money for an electric reel. I have read the Gulfstar web sit information a number of times and think I understand what is needed. Is there any other suggestions you have that maybe they don't mention? Also, do they do any trolling on the way out and/or in? gulfstarfishing.com/trip-descriptions-tackle-recommendations/
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 3, 2020 10:15:28 GMT -5
They do rent rods and they work just fine. I've rented them before. They are straight rods with commercial japanese reels.
What i do recommend is buying lights on ebay to save money (Colorful LED Deep Drop Underwater Eye Fish Attract Lure Light Flashing Lamp 5Pcs) (put this on ebay search, link is extremely long) takes at least 3 weeks to arrive
Also crimp your own rigs. For spine i use 100lb test, fr leaders 80lb. Leader length 18in, spacing between leaders 30in. I use mono, never used fluoro due to cost. Use good quality swivels (also ebay)
Nothing you can buy online will work. Make your own. It's easy and much cheaper. I make at least 10 and put them in ziplock bags.
I use no more than 3 hooks, 2 works best
For queen snapper 1 hook rig 4ft leader
Get at least 4 3lb and 4lb weights, but more would be better. Some trips sharks will tear your rigs, some times snags
No bling whatsoever, just a light on top. All beads, glowing crimp protectors etc scare the fish
8-9ot circle hooks thin wire.
Bait: Cant stress this enough - small white squid. Bonita and macs work good for grouper. But if you have white squid you are set. Boat does provide bait, but its nasty red squid that will catch much less fish.
Trolling: boat is different than Hubbards and is cruising at 12-14 knots. Rapala x raps and similar will not work, simply track to the sides and tangle everyone.
What worked for me - size 1 planer w a spoon for kings, macs and bonita.
Cedar plugs, rigged balyhoo and skirts for tuna
If you have more questions ill be more than happy to answer, hope this helps
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Post by phishead on Jan 3, 2020 11:20:30 GMT -5
This is so far away from my fishing pay grade, but I love it.
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Post by YodaFisherman on Jan 3, 2020 11:38:01 GMT -5
I copied your text. The red text is mine.
They do rent rods and they work just fine. I've rented them before. They are straight rods with commercial japanese reels. - Excellent, they provide the batterie(s) as well, correct?
What I do recommend is buying lights on ebay to save money (Colorful LED Deep Drop Underwater Eye Fish Attract Lure Light Flashing Lamp 5Pcs) - They look great, thank you
I believe these all go together. I always make my own rigs. I buy the pieces in bulk. I understand the rig design you speak of. Easy to make. Thank you Also crimp your own rigs. For spine i use 100lb test, fr leaders 80lb. Leader length 18in, spacing between leaders 30in. I use mono, never used fluoro due to cost. Use good quality swivels (also ebay)
Nothing you can buy online will work. Make your own. It's easy and much cheaper. I make at least 10 and put them in ziplock bags.
I use no more than 3 hooks, 2 works best
For queen snapper 1 hook rig 4ft leader
Get at least 4 3lb and 4lb weights, but more would be better. Some trips sharks will tear your rigs, some times snags - Good advice, this is one of the things I was most wondering about. I can always sell them when I'm done or just melt them down and repurpose them.
No bling whatsoever, just a light on top. All beads, glowing crimp protectors etc scare the fish - So Just to be clear. You only use the crimps on the line, nothing else, or are you using swivels?
8-9ot circle hooks thin wire. - Are you using these on all your rigs? You mention Bonita and Mackerel for Grouper, are you using larger hooks on those baits and are you using a bridled setup through the eye/tail?
Bait: Cant stress this enough - small white squid. Bonita and macs work good for grouper. But if you have white squid you are set. Boat does provide bait, but its nasty red squid that will catch much less fish. - You purchase your own squid bait, Correct? Are you getting the thick stuff I've seen on the Hubbard's? If so, what is your source? I'm used to using live Pinfish and grunts for grouper. Are large dead baits the only ones they use for the grouper?
Trolling: boat is different than Hubbards and is cruising at 12-14 knots. Rapala x raps and similar will not work, simply track to the sides and tangle everyone.
What worked for me - size 1 planer w a spoon for kings, macs and bonita. - Used to catch grouper baits, I assume? Cedar plugs, rigged balyhoo and skirts for tuna - I prefer to use simple ballyhoo rigs with skirts. I have rigged them 1000s of times. They fowl less and target the species I want more. Have any Mahi, Wahoo or billfish been caught?
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 3, 2020 11:51:57 GMT -5
If you rent a rod - batteries will be provided Re purposing lead - good luck on not getting addicted to deep dropping Rigs 2 snap swivels - one on the bottom for lead - one on top for your light - 3 way crane swivels in between I use 8-9 ot all the time - bait is smaller than what you would use for gags/red grouper. My 45lb kitty mitchel, 50lb snowies where caught on small white squid no longer than 5in I purchase my own squid in west marine orlando. I do not remember the name of the brand, but they come in white and yellow 5lb boxes. Jus open a carton and see if it is white or reddish color. Never used or seen anyone use pins or grunts deep dropping, but i assume that any piece of cut bait will work. I prefer bonita nad macs.I cut them into 4-5 in cubes or strips I troll for bait and tuna/mahi Tried for wahoo with no success, but have seen pictures of 500lb marlin and 100+lb wahoo cought on that boat
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 3, 2020 12:03:42 GMT -5
Also bring your regular snapper rods, the do anchor on wrecks on the way sometimes
Having a pitch rod ready for mahi is also a good idea. I use 20lb leader and 5ot j hook with a piece of squid
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Post by YodaFisherman on Jan 3, 2020 12:23:19 GMT -5
Also bring your regular snapper rods, the do anchor on wrecks on the way sometimes Having a pitch rod ready for mahi is also a good idea. I use 20lb leader and 5ot j hook with a piece of squid Thanks for all the great advice. You da man. Might keep me from looking like a complete googan on my first trip.
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Post by edwin45 on Jan 3, 2020 13:26:06 GMT -5
No worries, ask away
I'am learning pier fishing from you guys
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Post by parkpass on Jan 3, 2020 17:17:35 GMT -5
I've watched those dudes from Florida Sportsman do deep drop shows, they get Tilefish and Queen Snapper and they don't have to go far, you can see Miami in the background....
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Post by SkyJay on Jan 3, 2020 18:29:43 GMT -5
No worries, ask away I'am learning pier fishing from you guys speakin of which I been thinkin about a release clip attached to one of them deep drop leads for freelining baits on bottom when current gets mean. wonder how many pounds it would take to getrdone ( attached to a scondary line like a trolley rig in reverse) seems if could get lined up right that shizit would work great. especially on the eastside rocks 🤔
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Post by carlf on Jan 3, 2020 18:59:56 GMT -5
I've watched those dudes from Florida Sportsman do deep drop shows, they get Tilefish and Queen Snapper and they don't have to go far, you can see Miami in the background.... They’re in 300’ plus within sight of land over there!
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Post by YodaFisherman on Jan 3, 2020 19:09:46 GMT -5
No worries, ask away I'am learning pier fishing from you guys speakin of which I been thinkin about a release clip attached to one of them deep drop leads for freelining baits on bottom when current gets mean. wonder how many pounds it would take to getrdone ( attached to a scondary line like a trolley rig in reverse) seems if could get lined up right that shizit would work great. especially on the eastside rocks 🤔 Back in the 70s, when I was a mate on my grandfathers boat, we used 10 to 15 pound downriggers to take baits deep. This was off of the Outer Banks going down as deep as 1000 feet. We were trolling for Swordfish or bottom fishing for Tilefish, grouper and snapper. The downriggers had a release clip on them that would release the main line once a fish was hooked. Then the downrigger would pull up the weight in no time at all, leaving the angler to pull up the fish. He did have electric motors he would attach to his Penn International or Senator reels, but I don't know if they were build for that or he had them custom made. They were bulky, clunky and not always reliable. I still have the reels and use them. I don't have any of the motors. They were rusted solid when he passed and we cleared out his stuff.
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