When you all chunk in the fall for Tuna do you anchor or drift most of the time. If you drift, is there any keys to setting the course so your boat sticks with the slick you are trying to build up. Also, would it help to use a chum bucket in addition to chunks of squid and butterfish?

I have a 20' Hydrasports that has a 104 gallon gas tank. I know I have to be very selective in the days I will be able to go, but I'm trying to figure where my best, safe bet will be.

Thanks

Lake

That boat might not be the best to ride 60+ miles offshore in.

Im with you though, I would say pick a day that is smack dab in the middle of a week with no T-storms and 5-10 mile a hour wind all week.

Instead of waiting for this perfect weather situation, you should think about going with someone else.

As far as anchoring, or drifting. I would drift. Anchoring in more than 120 ft of water requires more rope and chain than I have. Pulling in 300+ feet or rope will make you popeye armed. If you do anchor up, I think it would be best to have a bouy that you clip the boat to at the surface end of the rope. If you need to fight or chase a big fish you disconnect from the bouy fight the fish then come back to the bouy and hook up to it again. You can also disconnect the boat if you are about to get ran over by a cargo ship.

Go out of Hatteras, this weekend is looking good.

WHAT IS BEING CAUGHT DOWN THERE. ITS A 4 HOUR PULL FOR US. I LIKE TO KNOW THERE IS A BITE GOING ON.
THANKS

I prefer to anchor...but sometimes the conditions and water depth don't make anchoring possible. I have also set on a drift and if a bite takes off then we throw the hook out...that works too.
As far as baits in the slick..I like to float the bait back with the natural current...sometimes the fish seem to stay well out behind the boat and other times are right at the boat. If the fish are deep i have used as much as 12oz of lead to get it to them..it has worked many times. good luck.

I've chunked only a few times and 75% of the time we were on the hook. If you have a slow current, drifting allows you to cover some ground without leaving the fish. Being on the hook brings the fish to you and can keep them in your chunk line. I like what Twokeys said about drifting until you find the fish and then setting anchor. Remember to always keep a steady flow of chunk going, even when fighting a fish. Any break in the stream can cause the fish to leave.

Good luck!

[quote=JDOGHUNTS,Sep 19 2007, 07:48 PM][quote=RocknRobin,Sep 19 2007, 11:29 AM]Go out of Hatteras, this weekend is looking good.

[/quote]
WHAT IS BEING CAUGHT DOWN THERE. ITS A 4 HOUR PULL FOR US. I LIKE TO KNOW THERE IS A BITE GOING ON.
THANKS

[/quote]
In response to what Eric said and Lakers boat size Hatteras in good weather is a much better deal for offshore. They are catching lots of Wahoo and Mahi, with a grand slam caught on the 14th, so just about everything is game.

-Mike

[quote=RocknRobin,Sep 20 2007, 07:38 AM][quote=JDOGHUNTS,Sep 19 2007, 07:48 PM][quote=RocknRobin,Sep 19 2007, 11:29 AM]Go out of Hatteras, this weekend is looking good.

[/quote]
WHAT IS BEING CAUGHT DOWN THERE. ITS A 4 HOUR PULL FOR US. I LIKE TO KNOW THERE IS A BITE GOING ON.
THANKS

[/quote]
In response to what Eric said and Lakers boat size Hatteras in good weather is a much better deal for offshore. They are catching lots of Wahoo and Mahi, with a grand slam caught on the 14th, so just about everything is game.

-Mike

[/quote]
Blackfins are mixed in as well. The hoos aren't as thick as they were a few weeks ago, but they're definitely there. The bills are fading away now. Gaffers are still around.

Brian