Swivelhead

So after reading a few posts on CWT.com after work today, I check my email: Hi Daniel I am trying to reach you about a buck pronghorn tag that was surrendered back to our department. You are next inline for this tag. It was your only choice on your application hunt# 2009, unit 5B, 9/6/2019-9/15/2019. Can you please call by 5 PM today 9/5/2019 to let me know if you would want to except this tag. I hope you have a great day! Thank you, Donna I can appreciate that the department is trying to see to it that a hunting opportunity is not squandered but ...... the hunt starts in the morning and I am not dumping 26 lope points on a hunt I am not prepared for. I could prep in a week but not overnight. I think tag surrender should but up to a week or two prior to the opener. Still, happy to have the opportunity to turn down a tag.

Hope your FIL has a great hunt, hopefully you can be there for him.

If it were an elk tag I'd be loading the truck and making phone calls. I can play with elk @ a moments notice. When I finally do draw antelope, it will be my 2nd AZ lope tag and will have waited at least 25 years to get the opportunity (got 27 points going into the next draw). I want to enjoy every part of the process starting with a CC hit.

I agree. Suspect the tag was surrendered today.

Lew Early was an aquaintance of my father. Gave dear old dad a Circe call (jackrabbit) and showed him how to use it. Dad took me and my brother down on Blue River and did a stand. My brother and I were probably 10 - 12 years old. When dad opened up on the Circe call, my brother and I laughed hysterically and could not stop laughing. Dad was not amused, we went home. Within a few years I did a lot of calling in the White Mtn area but will NEVER forget that first stand.

Welcome the the site. First deer is really important and a great memory. I remember mine like it was yesterday and that was nearly 50 years ago.

Don't think he's much of a salesman .....

Well done. Dream buck.

Albacore used to be the mainstay out of San Diego, no more. Albacore seem to bypass SoCal and go to Oregon/Washington. Lot of fun, pull hard. What was the average size of your catch?

We went prospecting on our 2nd day into Mexican water to no avail. Turned around and headed up to where the bulk of the fleet was. Things change, being prepared with passports gives you options. You will be fishing a new moon, should be good. 20 - 30# Fluoro and #1 - #2 hooks was perfect for our trip. I used Owner flyliners. Consider bringing some beefy gear as the captain would call out large marks deep under the boat, especially when we had the bluefin bite going. Nobody on our trip was prepared for that type of bite. I'd recommend bringing some squid jigs, would have been interesting to drop a live squid 300' down at night for a long soak while the filet crew was working.

The scenarios that have been brought up in previous posts do not concern me. I have already used my copious amount of lope points to get a good friend drawn for a tag. He went hunting, I donated mine to a worthy organization and feel really good about doing so. When I do finally pull my permit, come heck or high water, I'm going hunting. Got a ton of deer points (19), when I finally draw 13B and am part of the max point pool, I will likely exercise PG and donate that tag to a worthy organization. I'll hunt the following year. Providing a wounded vet with an opportunity for a hunt of a lifetime is a good thing.

BigLakeJake answered perfectly.

We paid $7 for smaller fish and $10 for the 40-50# fish. I've been told the crew splits the filet & galley tab also tips. Hope this is true, when I get good service I spend accordingly.

My bad, you are correct.

Picked up two inexpensive Shimano BG 4500 X 701MH combos for my son in laws that will be going on the 2.5 day Excalibur this weekend. Loaded them with 50# braid and will be using fluoro leaders of appropriate weight as necessary. Hope the drags will hold up. Got all different weights of fluoro leader material and plenty of small hooks. My son in laws have no experience with level winds and did not do well with them during practice. The ability to gently toss a lively bait 50' or more is often a deal breaker. I really want these guys to experience a wide open bite.

The only problem I see with the patch is they will fall off due to high humidity, sweat, etc. A bandaid or some type of tape to keep them on is prudent.

I can afford the charter, not so sure about the filet bill ......

I agree fully. Fortunately, I rarely suffer from motion sickness. I have taken dramamine and it truly makes me feel bad. The patch is effetive and a non issue.

This group will target whatever is biting. There are some serious fisherman on the trip but most don't have the gear for larger specimens. We won't be targeting big fish. Personally, I think it wise to go all in on the big BFT. Having an opportunity at the giants without going long range is a worthwhile endeavor. The downside to such a trip is the skunk factor. These guys just want to catch fish (which is cool too).

Excalibur, 1st time on that particular boat. It's a private charter, I know most of the guys who go, we've done it for many years. The only time we don't charter is in a down construction market. I am in the process of dusting off my gear.

Good to hear. Going on a 2.5 day on the 23rd. Hope the bite holds.

Who would be guiding? Accomodations, etc.?

IMO, Mr. Gallo is spending wisely.

LOL

Ummmm. Cuz they have had a whole year to get it done starting on the 16th of last year .....