BEST OF CHARTERS

These guys had an epic three-day trip and brought home a bunch of cowsized tuna. Sarmiento’s final advice? “Listen to the crew and engage their help. Remember that they want you to succeed.” (JOE SARMIENTO) of this fact, a dropshot-style setup where you use a ringed hook has become popular. Tie both the main line and the line down to the weight onto the ring. With the weight on the bottom, you can drop in faster.

Finally, the 40-pound flyline bait setup is really simple. I use the Fishing Syndicate FSC 800H (30 to 60), paired with a Shimano Talica 16II. The reel has 65-pound braid for about half the spool and then straight 40-pound mono for the rest. Some people like braid to a short fluoro topshot, but I like casting mono. Pick a lively bait once the boat stops and cast it out. I feel like the longer rod and long mono topshot allows me to get my bait out and away from everyone else’s. I feel like doing that is a key component of successfully flylining a live bait.

HEEDING THE EXPERT’S ADVICE Choosing which setup to deploy during the day is a matter of listening to the captain. If he says the fish are down, use your sinker/dropshot setup. Go heavy in the morning and at dusk. Go lighter during the day. If he says the fish are up, or just as a change of pace, go with the flyline. Always keep an eye on what’s getting bit and change up appropriately.

You’ll fish the entire day through to dinner. After dinner, you will no longer be fishing and you can break down your setups and take pictures before hitting your bunk. You’ll arrive back at the landing early the following morning.

There are some small details that in the interest of saving space I’m leaving out (like bait selection, different ways to hook your bait, the tuna shuffle). These are things that the crew will cover in the briefing, or as the trip progresses. If not, just ask.

Again, listen to the crew and engage their help. Remember that they want you to succeed. Good luck out there. Hopefully, you’ll be in the hero shot with your trophy catch at the end of the trip! CS