Islander 3-day Gear List

A bait tube is very simple to build - you can get everything you need at the local Home Depot. Sean will post a tutorial later this evening showing how to build his simple and solid version.

I'll be watching for directions...I need a project other than packing...and repacking...and repacking...and repacking. Who's excited? I have way too much time on my hands right now!

J.

I'll be looking to build a bait tube on Thursday, probably from pvc, I know there ate a few plans/tutorials out there. I'm guessing that I can make a few for the folks without them...I'll buy parts for four of them, and see where they end up.

For Steve and Walker?

Anyone else?

Is it just me or are you guys hauling along a TON of stuff???

This is the suggested tackle for this trip:

50 ea. Live bait Eagle Claw hooks -
8/0, 6/0, 4/0, 3/0, 2/0,1/0, 1, 2, 4
20 ea. Splitshot sinkers - 1/4 and 1/2 oz.
10 ea. Rubbercore & sliding sinkers - 1/4, 1/2, 1, 1-1/2, 2 oz.
10 ea. Torpedo sinkers - 4, 6, 8, 12oz.
10 asst. Heavy yo-yo jigs w/treble hooks (Tady, Ironman, etc.)
5 asst. Trolling feathers w/double hooks
10 ea. Bait catchers with #2 hooks
5 Squid jigs (assorted sizes)
2 lb. spool Monofilament line - 20, 40, 50, 60, 80#

Not to mention diving gear.
No way am I bringing this much tackle but I am not going to be too far off anyway.
I think I am set for 2008 with all the tackle I am sure I won't be using.
Getttin' stoked!

Building a tube is super ez.  You will need just a few simple parts that are readily available at Home Cheapo. Your Home Cheapo shopping list includes:

2 feet of black ABS pipe (Home Cheapo has it in pre-cut 2' sections!)
1 slip fit end cap
1 slip fit threaded cleanout end cap
1 screw in cleanout plug
1 ABS/PVC glue
1 line for lanyard

Pipe must be black ABS, as it has the right bouyancy.  Drill holes in the end cap and at both ends of the ABS pipe.  Glue on end cap and cleanout end cap.  Tie lanyard to end cap (front)..done!  It will take 20 minutes and cost around 10 bucks and they work great.

Tips for using it successfully:

Bait MUST be loaded nose towards the front!

Don't overload it.  Put in 6-10 baits.  When you run out go back to the Islander and get more...they have LOTS...or have them bring you some in the Zodiac...they are glad to do it.  Have em bring you a beer while their at it!!

Here are some pics of mine.  I have used it with great success many times...

I'll be looking to build a bait tube on Thursday, probably from pvc, I know there ate a few plans/tutorials out there. I'm guessing that I can make a few for the folks without them...I'll buy parts for four of them, and see where they end up.

For Steve and Walker?

Anyone else?

Hey Paul,
If you have the time and can pull it all together we would appreciate it (happy to cover the cost if you can do it). I looked all over for plans last week, specifically for a thread that had some improvements to the door or opening for grasping the bait (probably best to keep it simple at this point). Never did find the thread and since have been busy building 2 new power supply boxes.
My new FF is a power pig, unlike Walker's that can go 2 days of fishing on 8AA batteries, mine has only been getting 4-5 hours using a setup with 10AA. I have now switched over to 2 battery packs wired in series from an RC car with a backup of a 12AA battery pack. Next I will try a battery from a sub!
Thanks and good luck,
Steve

All of the doors etc are not needed.  This super simple design is all you need.

My new FF is a power pig, unlike Walker's that can go 2 days of fishing on 8AA batteries, mine has only been getting 4-5 hours using a setup with 10AA.

Your batteries that are lasting 4-5 hours, are they by any chance rechargeables?  If so, I've read somewhere on the board where it can take anywhere from 4-5 uses before they establish maximum storage capabilities.

If they are NOT rechargeables, but rather conventional one-and-done batteries, then yes, you do have a POWER PIG on your hands!   

Hoping for your case that the first is true.


Michael

I'll be looking to build a bait tube on Thursday, probably from pvc, I know there ate a few plans/tutorials out there. I'm guessing that I can make a few for the folks without them...I'll buy parts for four of them, and see where they end up.

For Steve and Walker?

Anyone else?

I will take one if still available. Thanks, Dan

Indeed. Rechargables take a few duty cycles to achieve full mojo.  Good quality rechargables (2500 mAh) will last approximately 2X as long as regualr batteries.  If your new unit is color w/ GPS a 10AA setup won't last much past 4-5 hours.

If your new unit is color w/ GPS a 10AA setup won't last much past 4-5 hours.

BINGO! There it is, power pig.
I have a few ideas on a path to go down with this and after the Islander trip I will post up what I come up with. Thanks for the input, guys.
Steve

A pair of lantern batteries lasts a LOOOONG time on a FF, and they're only $5 from walmart.  That's the route I take.

Anything wrong with bait tubes made with 3" pvc?

This is from the website of the Freedom, which is running overnighters to the Cortez:

Bring your 30lb & 40lb set ups.  The small blue and white jigs have been working great along with the bird poop color.  2/0 hooks, 1/2 oz. egg sinker and 4 oz. torpedos.

Just an FYI.  They run out of a different landing so will fill up at different bait receivers.  Interesting enough they reported 39 yellowfin on the 22nd street Landing site, but reported 39 "yellows" on their website under a pic of a yellowtail.

Either one can and will put the hurt on us! I have not fished NorCal so can not make an experienced comparison, but the 30# salmon I caught on my honeymoon in Alaska would compare to a 10# yellowtail, IMHO.  Can't think of much other than this trip!  Finished wrapping the bass rod last night.  Though not my best work it will do (the threads were supposed to be the same size!!).

Can't wait to meet you all and put some time in on the water.  This will be the most time I have had away from the family in about 2 years.

Gotta love the report from the freedom.
So I guess there might be a little tailgater in the parking lot before we load our gear???
Just a guess.

Looking forward to the R&R.  Wife was on company travel (4-dayer) this past weekend.  I lost 6# due to a cold I caught - on the upswing, will be clear before Sat.  6# is a lot for me 149 to 143.

Been 2 years sine I boated a tuna and about that on yellowtail as well.  1.5 year old daughter & 4.5 year old son make it tough to get out.  Other day I was half dozing and one of my son's toys made a sound that was like a drag going off and I was INSTANTLY on my feet searching for my fishing pole.