I went ou a few years back and did the 2.5 day trip. We left at about 8pm one night, fished all day the next day, slept on the ocean a second night, and then fished the next morning.

Six people were fishing on the 53' boat, plus one deckhand and two captains. We caught 84 fish, of which I got 37. Three of the passengers puked from about midnight of the first night, all the way through, they may have caught 9 fish between them, but we split the catch evenly.

We would troll with 5 tuna plugs, two on outriggers, one off of each corner of the stern, and one out the center of the stern until we located fish. The boat stopped when we caught 3 fish in a short period of time. Bring a good set of gloves like those ones with the blue palms and fingers, and check to see if the boat you are locates fish this way, it is a lot of fun catching fish this way, believe it or not.

The average albicore on our trip was about 13-15 pounds with a few at 30 pounds. The highlight of the trip was catching a 52 pound yellowfin, not my fish though.

I fished on the Slammer, and Brett ran a good boat. I had to provide my own food. Another boat to look at is the Hula Girl. Steve just overhauled his boat and it is looking fine. He also works hard for his fish.

I brought 3 rods, from a flyrod up to a medium heavy salmon rod. After getting my butt kicked on the two light rods, I switched over to the medium heavy and it was easier, and more enjoyable. A medium heavy rod and an ABU 6500 C3 equivalent reel would be the ticket.

If you have a chance, do it. It is worth the dough, and there is nothing better than fresh canned albicore. You'll never buy a can of cheap tuna ever again.

Andy