I'm new to the off shore world. Spent time in the bay and near coast and really enjoy striper fishing. Recently acquired use of a 32' Luhurs with twin diesels and I'm anxious to learn all I can about tuna and billfish. I know I've got a lot of trial and error learning to accomplish but I believe my current gear is not up to tuna/billfish standards. I asking for any advice on upgrading my rigs. Any assistance is appreciated. I hope to be posting some success trips in the future. Here is to tight lines and thank you.

hawk

List what gear you have, but your probably right.

32 luhurs is a nice starting point though.

The list is pretty much endless. If just starting out offshore and you want the most bang for your buck and insist on keeping quality a priority, in my opinion you can't go wrong with the Penn Senator line or reels. For bigger offshore game you want to get a layout of 6/0's 9/0 and possibly even a 10/0 depending on what you are looking to do. You really need to shop around for poles. Lots of quality poles on the market both production and customs. Customs obviously being more expensive and you may want to built up to them. Again you will want a mix of 50, 80 and even 130 lbs class depending on what you plan on targeting and where. As for rigging, the basics always include sea witchs, daisy chains, spreader bars, etc.

Might I suggest, get in with a couple people who have experience and either get out with them on their boats or find someone who has some gear and would go out with you on their boat and can teach you a few things. Setting out proper spreads is vital and has so many variations.

You have gotten yourself a great boat and I'm sure with time you will have tremendous success along with frustrating failures. We all do..

Any other questions I can try and help with, feel free to drop me a msg.

Thank you Short Comings...if it weren't for frustration success would not be as sweet

Welcome to the addiction Hawkins!! The offshore bug is something that will never go away and will get worse with time.

Some of the other guys have covered the rod/reels...don't forget about some Shimano TLD25's for white marlin.

As far as spreads go, start with the basics and work up from there...Boone Birds, green machines, cedar plugs, seawitches, Shooters, chuggers style lures, daisy chains, spreader bars. There are numerous colors out there, but you can't go wrong with Blue/white, blue/pink, green, purple/black, pink.

Get some good charts for offshore, like Capt Seagulls. GPS is great but having a full view chart on the boat makes it easier to plan moves. Make sure all your safety equip is up to par...getting back home is the most important part of a trip. Try to attend a Meet and Greet that we put on monthly...nothing formal, just a get together to hangout and chat. Once in a while we'll have demos of rigging. Also get on the Buddy Boat list. Pmail Donna Sea (Charlie)...he's the holder of the list. Its good to know others out on the water.

Offshore fishing has a lot of components, so if there are certain questions, ask away and the board will be here to help.

Best of luck!! Catch 'em Up!!

--Don

I agree with keith and Don, there is alot to fishing offshore, might I suggest getting a book such as baits rigs and tackle. There is a well of information to get you started and on your way. Plus there's alot of great guys on the board that are always willing to help out. Good Luck

Don is being modest. He owns Get Reel Lures, and his Mini-Bar and Tiki-Bar in blue and white are the hottest things on the water for tuna. Maybe he's just getting tired of making them! . Anyway, make sure you add these to your spread!

You have come to the right place! I too am fairly new to offshore fishing. I have learned SOOOOOOOOO much from the people on this board about offshore fishing. The best thing to do is go to the meet and greet, you will meet the great people that make up this board. If you have questions ....post them on the board, there is so much knowledge and so many people willing to help your question will be answered. I am a boat guy though and the boat you have "obtained usage" of is a fantastic start to an exciting adventure.
-Thom

Hope to see you at some Meet & Greets. You are also welcome to come by Billable Ours to see how we have things set-up for offshore. Every Skipper/Mate sets up a little (or a lot different), but we could show you why we have what we have and discuss the options. There are also some basics that just about everyone will agree on. Many folks on the Board that are glad to help and a whole bunch of experienced Skippers, Mates, avid Fishermen and Women.
Tight lines.
Dave

I second those blue and white mini spreader bars that get reel lure co makes, also a boone bird and a green machine - those 2 were my best producers last year.