San Diego Shogun boat trip, 7/31-8/3

Checking in again to see if anyone is going on this trip from the Bay Area and might want to carpool.

Go getum Dan!

Bring me back some Tuna!
 

I'll be on the Seeker Sponsored 4-day, 20-24th 
Will let you know how it goes
Can't wait for your report too

I drew up plans to make a 6'x2'x'2' cooler in hopes of landing some big fish on my trip to San Diego with 1/2" ply and rigid foam boards. But then realized it would be $300 materials and probably 6-8 hours labor to make everything water tight, sealed and painted so it would last. So I did a search on Craigslist and found several free refrigerators. I scored one not far from my house with full length double doors. It probably weighed 200 pounds without the shelves and drawers, but I fully gutted it and now weighs probably less than 100 pounds. I still need to seal up some holes with spray foam but I'm sure with a few bags of ice it will keep cold for the 7 hour drive and then some. Also I have the option of only filling one side with fish and ice, and can stash other gear in the other side and throw a padlock through the handles for safe storage.

I drew up plans to make a 6'x2'x'2' cooler in hopes of landing some big fish on my trip to San Diego with 1/2" ply and rigid foam boards. But then realized it would be $300 materials and probably 6-8 hours labor to make everything water tight, sealed and painted so it would last. So I did a search on Craigslist and found several free refrigerators. I scored one not far from my house with full length double doors. It probably weighed 200 pounds without the shelves and drawers, but I fully gutted it and now weighs probably less than 100 pounds. I still need to seal up some holes with spray foam but I'm sure with a few bags of ice it will keep cold for the 7 hour drive and then some. Also I have the option of only filling one side with fish and ice, and can stash other gear in the other side and throw a padlock through the handles for safe storage.

 

Very resourceful, hope you find someone to carpool with. Would like to go on one of these trips eventually but no extra funds this year.....

Post a couple live reports and a few pictures and you'll have your ten posts by the end of the trip.
 
 

IMHO the fish processors are worth every penny
Even a few extra cents for the thicker vacuum bags is an investment in my frozen fish
I save and budget enough money for the crew tip and processing along with the cost of the trip well in advance
Once that was all saved, I splurged on a new Accurate reel for myself

IMHO the fish processors are worth every penny
Even a few extra cents for the thicker vacuum bags is an investment in my frozen fish
I save and budget enough money for the crew tip and processing along with the cost of the trip well in advance
Once that was all saved, I splurged on a new Accurate reel for myself

I'm actually looking forward to processing it myself. (Hope I don't regret it) And I have a chamber vacuum sealer so it is comparable quality to commercial sealers.

IMHO the fish processors are worth every penny
Even a few extra cents for the thicker vacuum bags is an investment in my frozen fish
I save and budget enough money for the crew tip and processing along with the cost of the trip well in advance
Once that was all saved, I splurged on a new Accurate reel for myself

I'm actually looking forward to processing it myself. (Hope I don't regret it) And I have a chamber vacuum sealer so it is comparable quality to commercial sealers.

Right on, I’d love to process one or two for sashimi
Chamber Sealers are good for so many things, edible or not

Opah fathom kill bags are a nice way to transport fish for the drive back.

The processors make things convenient, especially after a long grueling trip. However, it is a bit pricey and they may reject fish or not have same day processing available when it gets busy (even with reservations made in advance).

Just saw on IG that the Aztec out of SD returned from a 3 day with 17 fishermen: 61 BFT and 170 yellowtail. Fingers crossed!

It's definitely picked up, and bigger fish in the mix too.  Hopefully it keeps up and you guys get to lay the wood to em.


And I echo the value of the fish processors lol. Last time I kept and processed a yellowtail for some fresh ceviche but sent the rest to five star. Being able to step off the boat and not have to worry about fish is a thing of beauty....I get off the boat, hose down gear and proceed to sleep for the rest of the day lol.  I just need to find a service to wash my gear and I'll be set 

Have a safe voyage on the Shogun. Just be sure not to accept drugs from crewmembers.

It's definitely picked up, and bigger fish in the mix too.  Hopefully it keeps up and you guys get to lay the wood to em.


And I echo the value of the fish processors lol. Last time I kept and processed a yellowtail for some fresh ceviche but sent the rest to five star. Being able to step off the boat and not have to worry about fish is a thing of beauty....I get off the boat, hose down gear and proceed to sleep for the rest of the day lol.  I just need to find a service to wash my gear and I'll be set 

But I have to drive back up to Oakland the day we get to shore. Are there any fish processors in the Bay Area?

Ah, just looked up their website, I guess they can do same day processing with advanced reservations.

My son is a deckhand on the aztec. That 3 day trip with the 60 blue fin came all on 1 drift on one of the 3 days. If anyone wants 1st hand reports of what's going down south with the blue happy to share Intel.