http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/article.jsp?ID=21012848

Thankx for posting that link SD, have not been anything over 3 days myself and am just frothing at the mouth to give a 5 day a go. Reading the article only fans the flames , LOL.
I get concerned about getting on a 5 day'er with a bunch of self-centered idiots. If any one knows of a quality 5 day in 08 I would appreciate a heads up.

Walt

The idiots are hard to forecast, Walt.

In my limited experience (only two 10-days), those who fancy themselves seasoned vets can be the biggest idiots of them all.

On the first trip, most were NOT seasoned, and the newbies listened during the seminars, asked questions of the crew and other dudes, cooperated in the tuna shuffle, and basically cared for each other. Two of the seasoned fishermen (at least a dozen 10-days each) broke rules seeking selfish objectives. The two MOST seasoned fishermen were the kindest of all.

On the second trip, most WERE seasoned and above it all. When a bite happened, it was everyone for oneself. Never was there a tuna shuffle during a bite: the dude with the strongest shoulders won the spot at the rail. Casting over others, waiting for someone to pick a bait then reaching in and grabbing it, cutting others off by failing to yield (or follow) a running fish: it was chaotic.

Despite numerous mishaps and mistakes in equipment and technique, and with help from others, and luck, I had a great time and learned a lot. Inconsiderate people may be omnipresent. In my experience many of them turn out to be OK, so long as there is no blood on the decks. ...some hybrid form of vampire.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Planet,

walt, lookup the schedule on any boat.

i learned, THE OPEN CHARTERS is a 50/50 chance of newbies or family/friend charters.

most of the named trip , such as chark, braid, accurates, are usualy the seasoned fishermen w/ minimal newbs.

Walt, I took my first 5 day trip on the American Angler with Brian at the helm and it only wetted my appetite for more and longer trips. I've been doing 8-day trips for the past 4 years or so, on various boats, and I'd have to say with the exception of a couple of BIG idiots who thought they knew everything and acted like a couple of cavemen, I've always had a good time, no matter if your relatively new to the game or a seasoned vet. Just get in there, have a good attitude, LISTEN & LEARN, and have a great time! It's all the other things that really matter, not the fish you catch. Although coming back with limits of tunas and 'tails ain't bad either! Good luck!

Pick a good boat, make sure it's has a sponsor or has a named chartermaster and be honest in your expectations.

Most important thing I have learned is that 90% of the people are there for the same reason you are, kinda makes you bro's right off the bat.

Do not ever hesitate to speak to the Captain if MR Know it all is stepping on your toes. People have been told to take a time out on more than one boat I am told by various deck hands.

Walt, I took my 1st trip ever this past year on the excel. I had a couple of guys from another website talk me into joining them on the Excel on a trip called the Sokioga/Stires open. After I booked and paid for the trip, these two guys cancelled.

Now I am coming all of the way from TN, so I said WTH and went anyway. Boy was this a great decision. This group of guys have been fishing together for a long time. Most are in the medical field and while they are very good at catching fish, they were more than willing to me me.

I don't know if this trip is sold out, but it would be a great option for you. I am on it again this year. We had a few teenagers, a bunch of guys about my age (50+/-) and one wonderful gentlemen that was well into his 80's. The Excel is a wonderful ship and the crew is even better. Let me know if you need more info.

Salt Water Sportsman has a good article again in the Feb. issue. 10 days on the Q105.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Agate D,

Outhouse, Ok You got my interest.

I looked up the Excel's schedule and the Sokioga/Stries trip was listed. Its a 5 day so I am excited, my next step up in deep sea adventures. If you could e-mail me with the particulars I would appreciate it.
Address without the spaces of course is:

yess okk @ msn. com

And thanks to all above for the advise, it is appreciated.


Walt

Kudos to everyone for extending a helping hand to Walt...

Pigsticker so warmly points out we are a family, supporting each others passion with good stuff.

sharing is the highest example of caring.

atta boys!

my guess is, WALT is going on the excel

THAT BOAT, everyone should be on once in there lives.

talk about room, plenty of.
and bieng its walts first five dayer.

i dont think he,ll ever turn back .
your gonna love it walt.

Walt. Western Outdoors magazine is doing a 6 dayer May 24-30th and I am already booked.

Go to www.fishingtrepid.com and look up the shedule. There you will find the contact info for that trip.

Thankx PigSticker,
I will look into it.
Walt

In my limited experience I've found that there is a far better crowd on a 15 day trip. Not saying anything bad about 10 day or less but generally more experience on the longer trips. the last trip had ZERO dickheads.

Keta,

That may be a bit too much of a leap from 3 dayers to 15 days. I personally think that it's better to work your way up to the longer range trips, plus not everyone can afford the 15 day trips. LOTS of $$$$$! I would stick with the 5-8 day trips until you get 1 couple of those under your belt and than if you can afford and still want to try longer trips, go for it! Just my 2 centavos.