I love this approach to gaining customers!! I was so terrified of going on a 4 or 5 day trip because I’m not a pro, and the last thing I want is some kid yelling at me for doing something wrong.now I feel I have enough information to be successful and know what to expect on these trips. Thank you , Charkbait, you don’t know me yet but you will :). Soon I’ll be a loyal customer who appreciated the lessons you gave me.
Thanks Frank, happy to share what little I know. (And, what little I do know came by way of contact with guys who know a lot more than I). That's one great benefit from being in a tackle shop 5 or 6 days a week.
You are absolutely right regarding tipping. I have only won the jackpot one time many years ago and I gave it to the crew, they loved me from then on. On a recent 1/2 day trip I tipped the full price of the trip because I had so much fun and I know how this works. In my retirement years fishing has become my passion and I'm saving up my money now to do a trip next year, I'm so excited.
My first long range was last December (5 day, Royal Polaris). Excellent value. Not only do they take care of you, but you come home with a TON of food. I haven't needed to fish since then! Am still eating my way through what I caught on that trip!
Well understood. Given that I get to ride a few trips each year I have (or shall I say my wife has instructed me) to limit my take to the space available in the deep freeze. So, I pick my shots and target my time to what we need to reload in the freezers. Life was less restrictive when I was courting my wife who lived in Crimea. I'd travel back with 30+ lbs of smoked tuna in my luggage. Thankfully never had a problem with customs or the baggage handling thieves in Moscow (they were terrible back in 2005-2008 - every time I checked baggage I was robbed of various things, but my tuna made it). I was always well received with the smoked tuna, it really made the get togethers something special. These days, there's more of a limit to what I get to keep.
Learned from guys with much more time at the rail than this old fellow. Glad if it's helpful, great to be on one of these boats! Unique in the fishing field, nothing like these boats and crews anywhere else in the world.
Thank you for all your knowledge and expertise! I'm on the east coast and you've opened my eyes from 3k miles away. Thanks again for all of your videos and tight lines!
Thanks Scott, we have many guys making the trek east to west to take advantage of the unique opportunity the long range fleet provides. Put it on the bucket list, much fun to be had.
I love watching your videos. Its always interesting to see the difference in fishing styles being I'm in south Carolina. Keep up the great work Charkbait!👍
Howdy Mark; Here I am again watching your videos for maybe the third or fourth time, & still picking up helpful advice. I am like a kid waiting for Christmas!! I am going on a 3 day trip aboard the Excel on 8/4/20. Thanks for your help in building up my offshore tackle box. Can't wait to finally get it "wet". "Good Lord Willing", I can get bit & will be sending you some pics, along with my "thanks". Mike Kennedy , Rowlett, TX.
Mark, I would love for you to show typical outfits for long range Fishing. 3 to 6 day and eight day and up. Rod&Reel and line selection. Thank you, Steve
I hope the fleet can hold on through this virus storm! Hopefully they have all applied for SBC disaster loans. Looking forward to the 8 day trip on Red Rooster III Oct. 26. However.. as soon as allowed I am booking a trip to forget about our current state of affairs! Thanks for all the great tips, and all your videos!
I'm with you, horrible situation for everyone right now but the big boats are especially hard hit. Lots of overhead, maintenance, key personnel, and the boats are not working. The RRIII is up in Oregon, dry dock for some scheduled maintenance. (I'd sure like to be on that boat when she drives back south, could be the one time the Rooster sees albacore for the past 15 years time..). For the fleet, it's a serious challenge and blow, the result of not being able to run the boats. We will see some boats sold, a thinning of operations likely if this persists. Hard on everyone, no doubt about it. Things will improve, just have to hang in there.
Totally agree I like to 15% ticket cost for the boat owner/captain. 15% on the gallery bill for the cook to pass me tons of beer. And 15% for the fish clean but always offer some side cash so they clean the blood meat. Haha hate dealing with it.
@@MarkBingham511 - Good call. On the LR boats, the tips are often handled by the skipper as the boat returns to dock. All money goes to the guys working the trip, Capt may or may not have a share. Galley guys and deckhands all receive from the total tip. Where the $ goes can differ by boat/Capt., but the better operations know how important the rest of the crew are and the guys are well taken care of...or they switch rides. That aspect, not my business, reinforcing good service thru tips is the norm. 15% is fair, plus or minus 5% appropriate based upon your own evaluation. NEVER stiff the guys, unless you really feel they botched the trip. It's not all about the fish caught, its the attentive service offered. I have known of a very few rude guys who did not tip the boat after a good charter. They were simply cheapskates, self-absorbed with no consideration. They were then placed on the blacklist, boat would not offer them space on future trips. I'd say that's appropriate come-back. These guys work their butts off, tips are critical for their livelihood. Without them, it's a minimum wage type program. With tips, the income can be quite good and they can support their family. With tips, we gain great service and we retain superior staff aboard the boats. Hard lifestyle, these guys are unique and have an unequaled love for the sea and fishing. Much respect.
Great video! After many trips to Cabo, the East Cape, and La Paz, I had my sights on a long-range trip out of San Diego. But due to circumstances, I had to leave California 16 years ago. Now, since I have the time and money, I don't have the physical strength to deal with a 2 or 3 hundred pound tuna. Still a great video and pass it on to friends.
Don’t give it up without a fight Dan. I’m getting up there in age too and well know what you’re saying. An eight day LR charter can be great fun. Likely 5-8 species to catch. Typically wahoo is the prime target not 200+lb tuna.
Thanks Jeff, I'm still in learning mode. That's one great thing about being in the shop daily, I learn from some very good anglers with more experience than I.
"Howdy" Mark, this Mike from Rowlett, TX. I have watched this video at least three times, & each time I pick up another great tip. I am sooo stoked to fly out & fish on the Excel. Thanks for my order, I will let you know how I do. I will also be on the look out for maybe a "Charkbait" sponsored LR trip!
You’ll have a great time! Send back a few pictures if you get the chance or at least the trip dates so I can follow the boat. Hope to catch you in East TX one of these years.
Sorry for missing comment. Clothes, take up space in your bag, but it's a good opportunity to use and discard old tee shirts that were on their last leg. What's worn fishing may not be the best for the evening meal. I"ll have a daily change, one pair of shorts, one pair of pants, jacket or sweatshirt, sunscreen, TOWEL for showering and whatever else makes you comfortable. I know a gal who hits the long trips every year, X-CA now in TN but comes back twice a year for the long trips. She only brings four or five outfits, washes her own clothes aboard the boat and hangs 'em to dry in the engine room. My son gets by with just a backpack, for me it's a LARGE rucksack and a few extra bags of gear. He gets away light, I tend to overpack crap, but leave old tees and towels behind so I come back light.
I've watched a number of LR videos and I have never seen a vertical jig or slow pitch jig in the videos. They're both incredibly effective on the east coast for everything from Tuna, Wahoo, Mackerel, Grouper, all Snappers, Dorado, and everything between. Give it a try, something like a Williamson Benthos jig, I'm sure it'll work.
Hi Jeff, oh yes the guys do indeed fish the jigs. Live bait is primary, but poppers, stickbaits, slow pitch jigs used where appropriate. The heavy 250-500 gm slow pitch jigs were the hot ticket 2 years ago for our local bluefin - plenty of 200# and larger fish taken on those lures. For fishing the Ridge and Guadalupe Island, not the right place for the slow pitch jigs (though further off the island they were put to use by some for good effect, smaller schoolie yellowfin). But, in general, it's a live bait and traditional west coast iron sort of fishing. Poppers becoming more frequently used when the bite justifies, even some "coffee grinders" (spinning gear) used by some in appropriate applications. But, predominately 2 speed conventional gear is what's used, with bait being 90% of what's being fished by most.
Mark, great content as usual. Dying to go on one of these long range trips. My big challenge is I am on the east coat and transporting or shipping the rods to the boat concern me as I do not want my $500 rod busted so quick question if I bought one of your rods while I am out there could I bring it back to the shop and you ship it back for me at whatever the appropriate cost is. Also I saw the packaging and shipping cost for the fish but it is hard to know what I may expect to spend as I don’t know how much I would catch,I know tough question. As a non west coast fisherman I would not be high hook but I would anticipate a few tuna and yellowtail and maybe a grouper or two. Finally, it seems the most efficient way to get tackle is to buy everything at your shop as I would get all the right equipment and not too much crap that I don’t need, plus it would save me trouble at least on the inbound flight with a lot of weight. Thanks again, much appreciated.
Good question, and one many folks deal with successfully. Given the flexibility of gear to various applications, compact two speed reels made to make good use of the thinner diameter of the newer super braids vs. mono, a person can get by just fine with fewer rod/reel combos than in the past. For a trip of six days down, three appropriate rigs will cover 90%+ of what we would likely be doing. Something to handle 30-40#, 40-50# and 60-80# can be perfect. You can ship your rods to the landing, or bring 'em in an appropriate rod carrier on a plane. SKB makes a very good rod case, but you can make your own with a visit Home Despot (intentional spelling). If you were to drive your rods back up to our Huntington Beach shop after a charter, yes we could ship them back for you. One thing for sure, cost of shipping rods of 8 feet and up has become VERY expensive, at 7' and down the cost is not bad and you can/should have the package insured against loss or damage. If something happens, the boat can very likely set you up for that situation. The better boats also have rental gear. So, you could use their rods and your reels if arrangements are made in advance.
Excellent video. Just kicked me in the ass to sign up for my first long range trip. I'm thinking about a 5 day to get my feet wet on long range. Thanks for the info. Keep the videos coming
That's a great place to start. 5 day trips provide plenty of opportunity and a more relaxed rail. Dangerous, it's hard to go back to overnighters after a long range experience.
Thank you so much for the valuable information you’ve been given everybody I live in Australia and I’ve been talking to my brother about coming over and doing a long-range trip it’s been on my bucket list for the last 10 years could you please give me some information on when is the best time of the year to come over to chase the big yellowfin and bluefin
We've had many of our international clients join us on our charters aboard the Red Rooster III and Royal Polaris. Best time, no doubt fall is preferred because of weather patterns, fish movement in predictable areas... Typically September into early October would be 5-6 day trips, later October into November 8 days and late November into December 10-12 day trips. The big tuna are not usually something targeted on those trips, although we've been hitting the local SoCal bluefin in very good size (200-300#) on trips from September on regardless of trip length. The October/November trips are VARIETY trips, multi-species. Go in the FALL! Good trips book early, like a year ahead. You might get lucky on a later booking, but you also might not be on a prime boat/crew...
Thanks for the quick reply it was most helpful I am looking to do a 10 to 12 day charter in 2022 only other thing I would ask you would it be best for me to buy my tackle over in the us tackle in Australia is extremely expensive
@@phillipeharley8857 I would plan on bringing those things you are used to using, terminal tackle, lures. Rods/reels - would be best to use your own gear no doubt. The better long range boats do have good rental gear, thinking Rooster and RP boats, two speed Accurate and Okuma reels on the Rooster for example. Bringing your own reels and making use of rental rods can simplify your travel. Bottom line, don't let the gear dictate your trip, either way you'll learn a lot and have a great time. While we use a lot of live bait on these trips, you can make use artificials and have a blast, too. For sure I'd hope you have opportunity to see how our West Coast irons do for yellowtail (similar species to Amber Jacks...except better eating). Can be very effective for a wide range of species and that alone might make the trip easy to justify once you bring some of those back home and put to use...
Great video. I have been wanting to go on a 5 day trip. What would be the average cost for tackle (no rod and reel))? Any info helps. Thanks and keep the videos coming.
Rental gear, that's something the particular boat would arrange and pricing is their domain. We only sell gear, do not rent equipment. I'll encourage you to get on one of these trips aboard the better LR boats. Wonderful experience, ALWAYS, and while costs have increased over the years service, meals, overall experience has improved over what had been wonderful to now exceptional. Not cheap rides, but when you dig deeper, they really are a great value.
How often do people use large spinning reels. Spinners that are able to hold lots of line and put pretty good drag numbers. Something like Penn spinfishers in 7500 and up or like a daiwa saltist 8000? Do you think you could get away using these as your 30 to 40 or even a 50 pound rig. In most videos I only see conventual reels. Is it because of having to be able to spool the bait out and keeping that contact with feeling the movement of the bait to know when you are bit? I could see where that may be a issue. Just wondering now that I live closer to the west coats now. on the east coat it was mainly trolling. Great videos also really enjoy the content.
Perceptive guy you are. We're seeing more folks make use of spinning gear, several applications where they can be of good benefit. They've earned low marks in the past, drag system typically not nearly as sound as a conventional reel, gear ratio disadvantage on larger fish (comparing to 2 speed gear most certainly), and of course newbies often oriented to the freshwater spinning side. To achieve the same level of performance of say a $200 conventional reel, a spinner may be 3 times the expense, and they are not as easy to fully service. Having said that, spinners have advantages when dealing with smaller bait, they may be easier to get distance on a cast with both bait and artificials. Many prefer spinning gear for tossing poppers on the surface. We see the quality improvements of modern spinning reels, and we see some guys making good use of their strengths. If we ever get back to fishing 'chovies for bait vs. sardines, I think you'll see more spinners and baitcasters at the rail these days then you would have 20 years ago.
Great video Mark! Question. I have an Avet MXL Raptor (paired with rain shadow 84h) and HX (paired with rain shadow 84XH). I am looking to get a third set up. Would like to stick with Avet. Not married to rain showdown. Going on the Royal Polaris for an 8 day in September. Any recommendations for a 3rd set up? Thanks Mark! Jamie.
Not sure what else you have, but a JX 2 speed in G2 form and HX 5/2 whether Raptor or standard are two pieces that would get a lot of play. Frankly, if I were on that 8 day, all three of those reels would be bread and butter and I'd not leave without them or something filling those slots of 40-60# use, even 80#. Good to have something in 30# class, that can also be filled with the MXL Raptor though you'll use that more at 40#. Doubling up at 40 or having a 40 and 50 is a very good call.
Hey Mark thanks for sharing this. Very informative and very helpful as always. Keep up the good work. As one of your customers can you clarify what you mean when you refer to an outfit as a 30 pound outfit? 50 pound outfit? 80 pound outfit? I get that it refers to the pound test that we’re fishing, but what other criteria do you use? Is there a minimum line capacity? I mean I can put 30 pound test on a 50W, but it probably will not be 30 pound outfit that I would like to fish with. It would also be helpful if you mention a few examples of reels... and rods in that category. Sorry if I’m asking too much. My OCD kicked in and I need more information man. Lol
I've got to leave the door open for folks to contact us for more info... After all, this is what we do for a living, and discussion with angler needs to be based on the particular application. Having said that, yes there's a balance of line capacity, fishing application requirements, appropriate drag capability, gear ratio at a particular line test and anticipated target fish size. Many variables come into play, and the particular application, fishing platform (smaller skiff vs larger sportfisher that's dead in the water)... The orientation here is for long range fishing, so there are some generalizations: cow rigs, or potential for BIG tuna - I want to see 600 yds line capacity on the reel with as low a gear ratio as I can get (for the end game) - typically 60/80/100/130# setups. For schoolie tuna, 300 yds may be sufficient, but it's nicer to have 400+, same range for yellowtail, dorado, grouper and wahoo. If running knot connections, good to have braid one line class over leader test (eg. 100# braid to 80# FL leader). For in-line knotless rigging, can be same test since line strength not degraded by use of a knot. When we get to specifics, far prefer direct dialog with the angler rather than posts to youtube which won't get my attention typically as would be the case with a call to the shop or visit.
Just ordered a Avet EX50 left hand retrieve & other essentials from you last Friday ! Was really hoping to see it in this video, Just to see size comparison in your hand . Hopefully you’ll be able to ship when you open the store Tuesday Great information in your videos I realize the 30, 50, 80 & 130 are different animals from these reals That’s why the 50 wasn’t included Keep up the great informative videos
30/50/80/130 all conform to standard sizes within the industry while the smaller reel names don't correspond to anything and really need the relative size clarification.
Will you be at Fred Hall San Diego when it comes? i watched a ton of your videos and got 3 personal bests Christmas RP. i appreciate your talking about slimming up gear. Had i heard the concept about splitting the jackpot with the crew I would have put in on my first 5 day, had the biggest bluefin but didnt buy in out of intimidation. "not that hard" with a good coach, thanks coach!
We don't do the shows any longer, at least I'm done. Getting lazy in my old age... Actually if you frequent our website you'll understand our approach to the FHS. Last time I did the show it cost me 20K to participate in the level we did. Math not terribly good, and we have to make that up thru sales at profit. Most folks expect and appreciate good deals come showtime. But, understand that a retailers expenses increase when participating at a show. You age gear moving back and forth, shop rent still must be paid, show costs covered... When you do the math, you have to generate profit off the sales to cover expenses and labor. I came to the conclusion that we can offer more of what folks want/expect if we do our own thing during the show period. So, for the Long Beach FHS we hold our largest sale of the year at our HB shop. Huge sale, packed house here, and we can offer discounts across the board on everything we sell. We've been doing this for over 5 years now, grows each year. Now, for the Del Mar show, yes we will be doing something indeed, but we won't be at the show. We have not forgotten our San Diego clients, those on our mailing list will be notified, but you can also just check in with our website @: www.charkbait.com
@@worthdoss8043 Our FHS Sale is an annual event. This year we had folks lined up and stretching down to the end of the shopping center. The Fred Hall Show appears to be gone for good. Businesses who paid to participated in the Del Mar event did not get their money back (from what I heard) though the show was cancelled. The key person organizing the event resigned, owner ship changed again... It's toast, cancelled for 2021 and very doubtful the event will be held again. I can see someone else beginning this type of event, but in my opinion philosophically the show's direction became less focused and more of a swap meet over the past 10+ years. I feel that we made the right call to end our show participation and create our own event six or so years back. Based upon increases in attendance, our clients apparently also find agreement that we can offer folks a better situation at our shop than at the FHS with associated costs.
One never knows until the trip. Focus and opportunities change so it's best to have a range of gear available. One or two 40-50# outfits can cover most of what's done on a trip of say 4-10 days. But, with the local bluefin, fish to 300# or so, a heavy 100 or 130# outfit can be needed. That's not really what I tote typically. I'll bring a 30, couple 40's, 50/60 and 80# outfit on all 5-8 day and up trips. The bluefin can change the equation.
@@MarkSmith.CharkBait thank you, Mark! I hope you’re enjoying the holidays and we’ll see you soon to fill some line and get hooks and some other tackle. I hope all is well!
Thanks for putting this out Mark. I was looking forward to getting back into 3-8days untill everything shut down...well when it opens back up.. Question, do you still use your Tiburon SST reels? I'm dating myself with that question...
Yes, I do still own and will fish 'em again. Not putting many miles on 'em, but I'm not letting them go...wish I'd bought that 8 when I had the chance, or a 7530...
@@rocketdog1472 Yep, that mod is a good one. I've got a 7540, 16 and 30. All have been very good, but the lower first gear for the 30 would make the reel a better piece for the big ones. The guys from Tiburon can still likely do the change for you.
Great video! Any Chance you guys have any of those new GUSA RUSX-79 copper colored new rods with the cork grips on it in a spinning configuration yet do you? Was looking for a GUSA RUSX-79 MEGA in spinning form. Thanks!
YES, sorry I missed this question before. We've received all models of the rods in spinning form - a year after we first began asking, and providing a firm order to factory. They are done, and they are excellent!
Months later... Okuma had some 15T in black in Taiwan. We have 'em coming to us. Not many, less than a half-dozen I believe. But, we gobbled 'em up. Will be here June 2021.
What would you suggest for heavy duty reels for someone who is such a left handed retrieve yet a right handed caster it's not even funny? Had issues with retrieves on right handed baitcasting type reels on the long range.
@@mychalcummings4140 - They (Okuma) don't make a full line of lefty reels. They do have two models of lefty retrieve reels in each of two relevant series: Alijos and Cavalla. You will not find many imports made for lefty retrieve, really only two manufacturers with a full line, Avet and Accurate, and it was Avet who really first supported the left handed folks across the board - forced Accurate to make true lefty reels.
I love this approach to gaining customers!! I was so terrified of going on a 4 or 5 day trip because I’m not a pro, and the last thing I want is some kid yelling at me for doing something wrong.now I feel I have enough information to be successful and know what to expect on these trips. Thank you , Charkbait, you don’t know me yet but you will :). Soon I’ll be a loyal customer who appreciated the lessons you gave me.
Thanks Frank, happy to share what little I know. (And, what little I do know came by way of contact with guys who know a lot more than I). That's one great benefit from being in a tackle shop 5 or 6 days a week.
That is some great info, even for the Gulf of Mexico...
You are absolutely right regarding tipping. I have only won the jackpot one time many years ago and I gave it to the crew, they loved me from then on. On a recent 1/2 day trip I tipped the full price of the trip because I had so much fun and I know how this works. In my retirement years fishing has become my passion and I'm saving up my money now to do a trip next year, I'm so excited.
My first long range was last December (5 day, Royal Polaris). Excellent value. Not only do they take care of you, but you come home with a TON of food. I haven't needed to fish since then! Am still eating my way through what I caught on that trip!
Well understood. Given that I get to ride a few trips each year I have (or shall I say my wife has instructed me) to limit my take to the space available in the deep freeze. So, I pick my shots and target my time to what we need to reload in the freezers. Life was less restrictive when I was courting my wife who lived in Crimea. I'd travel back with 30+ lbs of smoked tuna in my luggage. Thankfully never had a problem with customs or the baggage handling thieves in Moscow (they were terrible back in 2005-2008 - every time I checked baggage I was robbed of various things, but my tuna made it). I was always well received with the smoked tuna, it really made the get togethers something special. These days, there's more of a limit to what I get to keep.
Excellent knowledge Mark!
Learned from guys with much more time at the rail than this old fellow. Glad if it's helpful, great to be on one of these boats! Unique in the fishing field, nothing like these boats and crews anywhere else in the world.
Thank you for all your knowledge and expertise! I'm on the east coast and you've opened my eyes from 3k miles away. Thanks again for all of your videos and tight lines!
Thanks Scott, we have many guys making the trek east to west to take advantage of the unique opportunity the long range fleet provides. Put it on the bucket list, much fun to be had.
I love watching your videos. Its always interesting to see the difference in fishing styles being I'm in south Carolina. Keep up the great work Charkbait!👍
Thanks - need to stay occupied here these days. Hope to do another this week...
Howdy Mark;
Here I am again watching your videos for maybe the third or fourth time, & still picking up helpful advice.
I am like a kid waiting for Christmas!!
I am going on a 3 day trip aboard the Excel on 8/4/20.
Thanks for your help in building up my offshore tackle box. Can't wait to finally get it "wet".
"Good Lord Willing", I can get bit & will be sending you some pics, along with my "thanks".
Mike Kennedy , Rowlett, TX.
Hope you had a great time Mike. All my best to TX!!!
Thank you Mark for detailed information .
Thank you sir.
Mark, I would love for you to show typical outfits for long range Fishing. 3 to 6 day and eight day and up. Rod&Reel and line selection. Thank you, Steve
Thanks for suggestion, planning something like that for LR wahoo...
I hope the fleet can hold on through this virus storm! Hopefully they have all applied for SBC disaster loans. Looking forward to the 8 day trip on Red Rooster III Oct. 26. However.. as soon as allowed I am booking a trip to forget about our current state of affairs! Thanks for all the great tips, and all your videos!
I'm with you, horrible situation for everyone right now but the big boats are especially hard hit. Lots of overhead, maintenance, key personnel, and the boats are not working. The RRIII is up in Oregon, dry dock for some scheduled maintenance. (I'd sure like to be on that boat when she drives back south, could be the one time the Rooster sees albacore for the past 15 years time..). For the fleet, it's a serious challenge and blow, the result of not being able to run the boats. We will see some boats sold, a thinning of operations likely if this persists. Hard on everyone, no doubt about it. Things will improve, just have to hang in there.
Totally agree I like to 15% ticket cost for the boat owner/captain. 15% on the gallery bill for the cook to pass me tons of beer. And 15% for the fish clean but always offer some side cash so they clean the blood meat. Haha hate dealing with it.
@@MarkBingham511 - Good call. On the LR boats, the tips are often handled by the skipper as the boat returns to dock. All money goes to the guys working the trip, Capt may or may not have a share. Galley guys and deckhands all receive from the total tip. Where the $ goes can differ by boat/Capt., but the better operations know how important the rest of the crew are and the guys are well taken care of...or they switch rides. That aspect, not my business, reinforcing good service thru tips is the norm. 15% is fair, plus or minus 5% appropriate based upon your own evaluation. NEVER stiff the guys, unless you really feel they botched the trip. It's not all about the fish caught, its the attentive service offered. I have known of a very few rude guys who did not tip the boat after a good charter. They were simply cheapskates, self-absorbed with no consideration. They were then placed on the blacklist, boat would not offer them space on future trips. I'd say that's appropriate come-back. These guys work their butts off, tips are critical for their livelihood. Without them, it's a minimum wage type program. With tips, the income can be quite good and they can support their family. With tips, we gain great service and we retain superior staff aboard the boats. Hard lifestyle, these guys are unique and have an unequaled love for the sea and fishing. Much respect.
Great video mark love your enthusiasm just on life itself .
Can't help that Todd, these trips are great fun!
Great video! After many trips to Cabo, the East Cape, and La Paz, I had my sights on a long-range trip out of San Diego. But due to circumstances, I had to leave California 16 years ago. Now, since I have the time and money, I don't have the physical strength to deal with a 2 or 3 hundred pound tuna. Still a great video and pass it on to friends.
Don’t give it up without a fight Dan. I’m getting up there in age too and well know what you’re saying. An eight day LR charter can be great fun. Likely 5-8 species to catch. Typically wahoo is the prime target not 200+lb tuna.
Love your videos Mark. Can’t wait to get on a boat with all I’ve learned from you.
Thanks Jeff, I'm still in learning mode. That's one great thing about being in the shop daily, I learn from some very good anglers with more experience than I.
"Howdy" Mark, this Mike from Rowlett, TX. I have watched this video at least three times, & each time I pick up another great tip.
I am sooo stoked to fly out & fish on the Excel. Thanks for my order, I will let you know how I do.
I will also be on the look out for maybe a "Charkbait" sponsored LR trip!
You’ll have a great time! Send back a few pictures if you get the chance or at least the trip dates so I can follow the boat. Hope to catch you in East TX one of these years.
Great video, would love a part 2 on clothes etc. what is really needed and not needed from all your years
Sorry for missing comment. Clothes, take up space in your bag, but it's a good opportunity to use and discard old tee shirts that were on their last leg. What's worn fishing may not be the best for the evening meal. I"ll have a daily change, one pair of shorts, one pair of pants, jacket or sweatshirt, sunscreen, TOWEL for showering and whatever else makes you comfortable. I know a gal who hits the long trips every year, X-CA now in TN but comes back twice a year for the long trips. She only brings four or five outfits, washes her own clothes aboard the boat and hangs 'em to dry in the engine room. My son gets by with just a backpack, for me it's a LARGE rucksack and a few extra bags of gear. He gets away light, I tend to overpack crap, but leave old tees and towels behind so I come back light.
I've watched a number of LR videos and I have never seen a vertical jig or slow pitch jig in the videos. They're both incredibly effective on the east coast for everything from Tuna, Wahoo, Mackerel, Grouper, all Snappers, Dorado, and everything between. Give it a try, something like a Williamson Benthos jig, I'm sure it'll work.
Hi Jeff, oh yes the guys do indeed fish the jigs. Live bait is primary, but poppers, stickbaits, slow pitch jigs used where appropriate. The heavy 250-500 gm slow pitch jigs were the hot ticket 2 years ago for our local bluefin - plenty of 200# and larger fish taken on those lures. For fishing the Ridge and Guadalupe Island, not the right place for the slow pitch jigs (though further off the island they were put to use by some for good effect, smaller schoolie yellowfin). But, in general, it's a live bait and traditional west coast iron sort of fishing. Poppers becoming more frequently used when the bite justifies, even some "coffee grinders" (spinning gear) used by some in appropriate applications. But, predominately 2 speed conventional gear is what's used, with bait being 90% of what's being fished by most.
Great video Mark.
So much to yak about, so many lessons learned from having privilege to spend time on these boats and learn from others.
Mark, great content as usual. Dying to go on one of these long range trips. My big challenge is I am on the east coat and transporting or shipping the rods to the boat concern me as I do not want my $500 rod busted so quick question if I bought one of your rods while I am out there could I bring it back to the shop and you ship it back for me at whatever the appropriate cost is. Also I saw the packaging and shipping cost for the fish but it is hard to know what I may expect to spend as I don’t know how much I would catch,I know tough question. As a non west coast fisherman I would not be high hook but I would anticipate a few tuna and yellowtail and maybe a grouper or two. Finally, it seems the most efficient way to get tackle is to buy everything at your shop as I would get all the right equipment and not too much crap that I don’t need, plus it would save me trouble at least on the inbound flight with a lot of weight. Thanks again, much appreciated.
Good question, and one many folks deal with successfully. Given the flexibility of gear to various applications, compact two speed reels made to make good use of the thinner diameter of the newer super braids vs. mono, a person can get by just fine with fewer rod/reel combos than in the past. For a trip of six days down, three appropriate rigs will cover 90%+ of what we would likely be doing. Something to handle 30-40#, 40-50# and 60-80# can be perfect. You can ship your rods to the landing, or bring 'em in an appropriate rod carrier on a plane. SKB makes a very good rod case, but you can make your own with a visit Home Despot (intentional spelling). If you were to drive your rods back up to our Huntington Beach shop after a charter, yes we could ship them back for you. One thing for sure, cost of shipping rods of 8 feet and up has become VERY expensive, at 7' and down the cost is not bad and you can/should have the package insured against loss or damage. If something happens, the boat can very likely set you up for that situation. The better boats also have rental gear. So, you could use their rods and your reels if arrangements are made in advance.
Ha, ha!! @ 42:40 tightening loose clamp screws:- It finally happened to me this month!
Excellent video. Just kicked me in the ass to sign up for my first long range trip. I'm thinking about a 5 day to get my feet wet on long range. Thanks for the info. Keep the videos coming
That's a great place to start. 5 day trips provide plenty of opportunity and a more relaxed rail. Dangerous, it's hard to go back to overnighters after a long range experience.
Great info Mark even for an old timer like me
Ah, and it's "old timers" like you that make me feel young! LOL!!!
Great video mr Mark!
Thank you sir, hope it was helpful.
Thank you so much for the valuable information you’ve been given everybody I live in Australia and I’ve been talking to my brother about coming over and doing a long-range trip it’s been on my bucket list for the last 10 years could you please give me some information on when is the best time of the year to come over to chase the big yellowfin and bluefin
We've had many of our international clients join us on our charters aboard the Red Rooster III and Royal Polaris. Best time, no doubt fall is preferred because of weather patterns, fish movement in predictable areas... Typically September into early October would be 5-6 day trips, later October into November 8 days and late November into December 10-12 day trips. The big tuna are not usually something targeted on those trips, although we've been hitting the local SoCal bluefin in very good size (200-300#) on trips from September on regardless of trip length. The October/November trips are VARIETY trips, multi-species. Go in the FALL! Good trips book early, like a year ahead. You might get lucky on a later booking, but you also might not be on a prime boat/crew...
Thanks for the quick reply it was most helpful I am looking to do a 10 to 12 day charter in 2022 only other thing I would ask you would it be best for me to buy my tackle over in the us tackle in Australia is extremely expensive
@@phillipeharley8857 I would plan on bringing those things you are used to using, terminal tackle, lures. Rods/reels - would be best to use your own gear no doubt. The better long range boats do have good rental gear, thinking Rooster and RP boats, two speed Accurate and Okuma reels on the Rooster for example. Bringing your own reels and making use of rental rods can simplify your travel. Bottom line, don't let the gear dictate your trip, either way you'll learn a lot and have a great time. While we use a lot of live bait on these trips, you can make use artificials and have a blast, too. For sure I'd hope you have opportunity to see how our West Coast irons do for yellowtail (similar species to Amber Jacks...except better eating). Can be very effective for a wide range of species and that alone might make the trip easy to justify once you bring some of those back home and put to use...
Great video. I have been wanting to go on a 5 day trip. What would be the average cost for tackle (no rod and reel))? Any info helps. Thanks and keep the videos coming.
Rental gear, that's something the particular boat would arrange and pricing is their domain. We only sell gear, do not rent equipment. I'll encourage you to get on one of these trips aboard the better LR boats. Wonderful experience, ALWAYS, and while costs have increased over the years service, meals, overall experience has improved over what had been wonderful to now exceptional. Not cheap rides, but when you dig deeper, they really are a great value.
How often do people use large spinning reels. Spinners that are able to hold lots of line and put pretty good drag numbers. Something like Penn spinfishers in 7500 and up or like a daiwa saltist 8000? Do you think you could get away using these as your 30 to 40 or even a 50 pound rig. In most videos I only see conventual reels. Is it because of having to be able to spool the bait out and keeping that contact with feeling the movement of the bait to know when you are bit? I could see where that may be a issue. Just wondering now that I live closer to the west coats now. on the east coat it was mainly trolling. Great videos also really enjoy the content.
Perceptive guy you are. We're seeing more folks make use of spinning gear, several applications where they can be of good benefit. They've earned low marks in the past, drag system typically not nearly as sound as a conventional reel, gear ratio disadvantage on larger fish (comparing to 2 speed gear most certainly), and of course newbies often oriented to the freshwater spinning side. To achieve the same level of performance of say a $200 conventional reel, a spinner may be 3 times the expense, and they are not as easy to fully service. Having said that, spinners have advantages when dealing with smaller bait, they may be easier to get distance on a cast with both bait and artificials. Many prefer spinning gear for tossing poppers on the surface. We see the quality improvements of modern spinning reels, and we see some guys making good use of their strengths. If we ever get back to fishing 'chovies for bait vs. sardines, I think you'll see more spinners and baitcasters at the rail these days then you would have 20 years ago.
@@CharkBaitUSA Thanks for your perspective on them. I have to thanks over some options in the future.
Great video Mark! Question. I have an Avet MXL Raptor (paired with rain shadow 84h) and HX (paired with rain shadow 84XH). I am looking to get a third set up. Would like to stick with Avet. Not married to rain showdown. Going on the Royal Polaris for an 8 day in September. Any recommendations for a 3rd set up? Thanks Mark! Jamie.
Not sure what else you have, but a JX 2 speed in G2 form and HX 5/2 whether Raptor or standard are two pieces that would get a lot of play. Frankly, if I were on that 8 day, all three of those reels would be bread and butter and I'd not leave without them or something filling those slots of 40-60# use, even 80#. Good to have something in 30# class, that can also be filled with the MXL Raptor though you'll use that more at 40#. Doubling up at 40 or having a 40 and 50 is a very good call.
Hey Mark thanks for sharing this. Very informative and very helpful as always. Keep up the good work. As one of your customers can you clarify what you mean when you refer to an outfit as a 30 pound outfit? 50 pound outfit? 80 pound outfit? I get that it refers to the pound test that we’re fishing, but what other criteria do you use? Is there a minimum line capacity? I mean I can put 30 pound test on a 50W, but it probably will not be 30 pound outfit that I would like to fish with. It would also be helpful if you mention a few examples of reels... and rods in that category. Sorry if I’m asking too much. My OCD kicked in and I need more information man. Lol
I've got to leave the door open for folks to contact us for more info... After all, this is what we do for a living, and discussion with angler needs to be based on the particular application. Having said that, yes there's a balance of line capacity, fishing application requirements, appropriate drag capability, gear ratio at a particular line test and anticipated target fish size. Many variables come into play, and the particular application, fishing platform (smaller skiff vs larger sportfisher that's dead in the water)... The orientation here is for long range fishing, so there are some generalizations: cow rigs, or potential for BIG tuna - I want to see 600 yds line capacity on the reel with as low a gear ratio as I can get (for the end game) - typically 60/80/100/130# setups. For schoolie tuna, 300 yds may be sufficient, but it's nicer to have 400+, same range for yellowtail, dorado, grouper and wahoo. If running knot connections, good to have braid one line class over leader test (eg. 100# braid to 80# FL leader). For in-line knotless rigging, can be same test since line strength not degraded by use of a knot. When we get to specifics, far prefer direct dialog with the angler rather than posts to youtube which won't get my attention typically as would be the case with a call to the shop or visit.
Just ordered a Avet EX50 left hand retrieve & other essentials from you last Friday !
Was really hoping to see it in this video, Just to see size comparison in your hand .
Hopefully you’ll be able to ship when you open the store Tuesday
Great information in your videos
I realize the 30, 50, 80 & 130 are different animals from these reals
That’s why the 50 wasn’t included
Keep up the great informative videos
30/50/80/130 all conform to standard sizes within the industry while the smaller reel names don't correspond to anything and really need the relative size clarification.
Will you be at Fred Hall San Diego when it comes? i watched a ton of your videos and got 3 personal bests Christmas RP. i appreciate your talking about slimming up gear. Had i heard the concept about splitting the jackpot with the crew I would have put in on my first 5 day, had the biggest bluefin but didnt buy in out of intimidation. "not that hard" with a good coach, thanks coach!
We don't do the shows any longer, at least I'm done. Getting lazy in my old age... Actually if you frequent our website you'll understand our approach to the FHS. Last time I did the show it cost me 20K to participate in the level we did. Math not terribly good, and we have to make that up thru sales at profit. Most folks expect and appreciate good deals come showtime. But, understand that a retailers expenses increase when participating at a show. You age gear moving back and forth, shop rent still must be paid, show costs covered... When you do the math, you have to generate profit off the sales to cover expenses and labor. I came to the conclusion that we can offer more of what folks want/expect if we do our own thing during the show period. So, for the Long Beach FHS we hold our largest sale of the year at our HB shop. Huge sale, packed house here, and we can offer discounts across the board on everything we sell. We've been doing this for over 5 years now, grows each year. Now, for the Del Mar show, yes we will be doing something indeed, but we won't be at the show. We have not forgotten our San Diego clients, those on our mailing list will be notified, but you can also just check in with our website @: www.charkbait.com
@@CharkBaitUSA thank you, hope your family is well.
Stay safe sir
@@worthdoss8043 Our FHS Sale is an annual event. This year we had folks lined up and stretching down to the end of the shopping center. The Fred Hall Show appears to be gone for good. Businesses who paid to participated in the Del Mar event did not get their money back (from what I heard) though the show was cancelled. The key person organizing the event resigned, owner ship changed again... It's toast, cancelled for 2021 and very doubtful the event will be held again. I can see someone else beginning this type of event, but in my opinion philosophically the show's direction became less focused and more of a swap meet over the past 10+ years. I feel that we made the right call to end our show participation and create our own event six or so years back. Based upon increases in attendance, our clients apparently also find agreement that we can offer folks a better situation at our shop than at the FHS with associated costs.
Thank you for the video, do you need a100 or a 130 pound setup for these trips?
One never knows until the trip. Focus and opportunities change so it's best to have a range of gear available. One or two 40-50# outfits can cover most of what's done on a trip of say 4-10 days. But, with the local bluefin, fish to 300# or so, a heavy 100 or 130# outfit can be needed. That's not really what I tote typically. I'll bring a 30, couple 40's, 50/60 and 80# outfit on all 5-8 day and up trips. The bluefin can change the equation.
@@MarkSmith.CharkBait thank you, Mark! I hope you’re enjoying the holidays and we’ll see you soon to fill some line and get hooks and some other tackle. I hope all is well!
Thanks for putting this out Mark. I was looking forward to getting back into 3-8days untill everything shut down...well when it opens back up.. Question, do you still use your Tiburon SST reels? I'm dating myself with that question...
Yes, I do still own and will fish 'em again. Not putting many miles on 'em, but I'm not letting them go...wish I'd bought that 8 when I had the chance, or a 7530...
@@CharkBaitUSA I still have mine too. My want is for the low 1:1 gear for my 30/80 and the extra drag, but these two are all unicorns now.
@@rocketdog1472 Yep, that mod is a good one. I've got a 7540, 16 and 30. All have been very good, but the lower first gear for the 30 would make the reel a better piece for the big ones. The guys from Tiburon can still likely do the change for you.
@@CharkBaitUSA Thank you, I did reach out but they don't carry it any longer.. I'll fish it regardless.
Great Video - Many Thx, Cheers'
Great video! Any Chance you guys have any of those new GUSA RUSX-79 copper colored new rods with the cork grips on it in a spinning configuration yet do you? Was looking for a GUSA RUSX-79 MEGA in spinning form. Thanks!
YES, sorry I missed this question before. We've received all models of the rods in spinning form - a year after we first began asking, and providing a firm order to factory. They are done, and they are excellent!
by any chance chark u still have the okuma makaira mk 10 sea black colored n how much it cost
Please visit our website for specific product information and sales.
Months later... Okuma had some 15T in black in Taiwan. We have 'em coming to us. Not many, less than a half-dozen I believe. But, we gobbled 'em up. Will be here June 2021.
What would you suggest for heavy duty reels for someone who is such a left handed retrieve yet a right handed caster it's not even funny? Had issues with retrieves on right handed baitcasting type reels on the long range.
You have USA made options, Avet and Accurate have you covered for true lefty reels.
@@CharkBaitUSA Interesting Okuma Tackle wasnt suggested
@@mychalcummings4140 - They (Okuma) don't make a full line of lefty reels. They do have two models of lefty retrieve reels in each of two relevant series: Alijos and Cavalla. You will not find many imports made for lefty retrieve, really only two manufacturers with a full line, Avet and Accurate, and it was Avet who really first supported the left handed folks across the board - forced Accurate to make true lefty reels.
@CharkBaitUSA ordered an Avet lefty. It's weird being cross dominant when it comes to fishing: cast right handed, retrieve left handed.
Im looking for a iron 5 in. About 1.5 oz. do you carry?
We have Tady, Salas, Z-Bar, Duran and more available at our shop and our online ordering site: www.charkbait.com