Rigging and being prepared for Party Boat Fishing in Monterey this Weekend

All, another newb question. I have never been on a party boat before and I am taking my 11 year old by out this Saturday. We have brand new Ugly Tiger Medium Heavy Rods with Shimano TR200 reels spooled with 40# braid. My question is, what should I bring gear wise?

From the minimal I could find, people are saying swivels with floro or mono leader and 2/O or 3/O hooks. I am just new to this, so any tips are appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

-Quinn

What are you fishing for?  Salmon or Rock fish?

Good question. Call me the newb....LOL  Fishing for Rockfish/Lings

For the kid I would recommend to buy the pre-tied shrimp flies (see picture) and various weights (6oz, 8oz, 1lb) depend on the tide and depth where they take you.  Make sure you only use 2 shrimp flies since some pre-tied packages come in 3 or 4 shrimp flies.

it's been many years since I've been on a party boat in the area, but it was almost always pre-made rockfish shrimp-fly rigs.  usually plain, but sometimes add a little squid strip.  in my RF experience, the hook size doesn't make much difference (anyone speak up if you feel differently).  you can bring different size weights but you'll want to use what they recommend so that everyone's lines sit at roughly the same angle when drifting.  I'm sure you can buy weights and rigs where you check in!

Have fun out there.  I loved doing the party boat thing with my dad when I was his age!

Those farlon shrimp flies work pretty good. the pline lazed minnows  work pretty good too. I would recommend the shrimp flies  for your young one because there simple to use and won't get snagged as much as the minnows. Cheaper also. I like to use the size 3 hooks on the shrimp flies I just always seem to get better luck that way. Any ways good luck hope you guys catch some good fish!!

Yeah, shrimp flies are good start. Bring a few squid and cut them up in very small pieces to tip your hooks with to add scent. Or you can just go old school and use 2 hooks setup with bait. I've never been to the farallones so I don't know the depth over there. For your sinker, bring anywhere from 6oz and up as some captain likes to go in deeper waters. You want your line as vertical as possible and go down as fast as it can to avoid snags and tangles with the other people on the boat. Also, the drifts vary from day to day so its safe to bring heavy sinkers to reach the fish faster.

Squid strips. Dont matter if you have shrimp fly or not. Cheap shrimp flies are the farralons and P lines 1.99 and they pre rig. You just need weights. Dont forget dramamine. Also pick the left side of the boat all the way to the back on thw corner your 11 yr old will have plenty of room.

Extra jig head n soft plastics, shrimp flies on a dropper loop above the jig head you're good.  Doesn't hurt the have cut squid though. I'm a big fan of the Kalins 8" orange grub on a jig head Definetly a big ling getter .

On party boats I usually relax and only bring food and drink.  They usually set everything up for you and it's a good day to not worry about your own gear. 

Because of all that work they do (most) I usually tip pretty good because it motivates them to work harder for you to have a successful fun day. 

Thanks everyone for the tips. While they will provide "tackle" I wanted to bring some of my own. The shrimp flies are a great call. I will get an assortment.

Thank you for the tips on where to go on the boat. I will get there early. And, I totally believe in tipping, so will have cash on hand (and dramamine as well).

Thanks everyone for the tips. While they will provide "tackle" I wanted to bring some of my own. The shrimp flies are a great call. I will get an assortment.

Thank you for the tips on where to go on the boat. I will get there early. And, I totally believe in tipping, so will have cash on hand (and dramamine as well).

I ALWAYS go with something different on each of the two hooks - can't hurt to have some variety, right?

I love twin-tailed plastics, especially white or white/chartreuse. I usually go with a twin tail on the bottom hook and a shrimp fly on the top, both tipped with squid.

My biggest piece of advice is to not glob the squid on the hook. Always use strips, the longer and wigglier the better.

If you feel a small rockfish on the end of your line, don't rush to bring it up. Chances are a ling cod might grab it. If you do get a ling cod, don't yank or reel in too quickly, because it might just be holding on. Slow and steady, and don't bring nit out of the water until the deck hand gaffs it.

Sorry if I repeated any information. Didn't have time to look at everyone else's posts.

Thanks everyone for the tips. While they will provide "tackle" I wanted to bring some of my own. The shrimp flies are a great call. I will get an assortment.

Thank you for the tips on where to go on the boat. I will get there early. And, I totally believe in tipping, so will have cash on hand (and dramamine as well).

You can always put a twin tail on a shrimp fly as well. Adds movement. Just make sure the hook is out enough for smaller fish to get hooked.

Thanks everyone for the tips. While they will provide "tackle" I wanted to bring some of my own. The shrimp flies are a great call. I will get an assortment.

Thank you for the tips on where to go on the boat. I will get there early. And, I totally believe in tipping, so will have cash on hand (and dramamine as well).

One more thing!

Definitely bring lots of different weights or use the weights they provide - if you are using different shapes or different amounts of weight, it can result in you tangling a lot with other people's lines which is really annoying for you and them. Last time I went on a party boat some people brought bannana weights and kept tangling people on the other side of the boat

I seem to have better luck with the blue and white shrimp flies.  I also never seem to improve by adding any squid either.  Make sure the boy feels for the strike when the line is going down, especially right at the bottom.  I get most of my hits just as the weight reaches bottom or just before.  No need to jig and loose less tackle too;   Drop and reel back up 5 or 6 cranks, then drop again. 

First trip on a party boat, here are some ideas;

Bring a camera and take lots of photos.  You both will be sharing them for years!!  I call my doctor's office and get a prescription patch of seasick remedy.  I don't even need to go in, just to the pharmacy and my co-pay. Better than over-the-counter stuff. 

Bring binoculars and sunglasses.  Ginger ale is good too for motion sickness.  Layer your clothes.  A beanie hat and a ball cap. Some sort of fishing gloves.  I prefer a fingerless.  No video games, you need to keep your eye on the horizon to keep motion sickness to a minimum.  Snack foods instead of a 'regular meal' that can be nibbled on through out the day.  I like a trail-mix, jerky, that sort of thing.