Making fishing predictions is always risky, but we’re going to go out on a limb here and bet that this being the April edition, someone who’s reading these words right now will encounter yellowfin tuna while trolling offshore of the Mid-Atlantic coast at sometime within the next month. And hopefully, not just one—let’s cross our fingers that the spread gets covered up.
Just when the first of these oceanic eating machines shows up is, of course, a function of nature. Will an eddy break off from the Gulf Stream and swirl our way? Will the ocean warm up fast this spring? Will hordes of bait decide to camp out in one area or another, and attract packs of predators? At this point in time we can’t answer those questions. There’s one question that can be answered, however: will you be ready for action the moment those first reports start coming in?
Shakedown Cruise
Job number one: if you haven’t already splashed the boat and gone for a shakedown cruise, make it happen ASAP. Unlike rods, reels, and line, boats aren’t easily replaced and can take a long time to get fixed. If you wait until you hear there’s a bite going off at the Washington to get your fishing machine ready, then discover that a lower unit’s gone kaput or the alternator needs to be replaced, you might not get your boat back until the fish are all the way up near the Hudson.
When you do your shakedown remember to activate every switch and system whether you need to at the moment, or not. Now’s the time to find out if this pump is acting up or that light has fried. Make a thorough visual inspection of the boat from stem to stern, opening every compartment and shining light into the darkest depths of the bilge. Also be sure to spend a few minutes with the electronics, using everything from the chartplotter to the fishfinder to the autopilot. Make sure your SiriusXM Marine service is active and up to date, and overlay current weather or SST data on the chartplotter screen to be sure the system is operating as it should.
Finally, do a check on all of your safety gear. Make sure the fire extinguishers are fully charged, flares aren’t expired, and lifejackets and throw cushions are in good shape.
Checking Fishing Gear
We’ve covered the gear basics regarding trolling for early season yellowfin tuna more than once so we’re not going to go through it all again here, but naturally, a thorough inspection of your gear needs to take place before you point the bow east. And after winter layup, there are a few common issues to make sure you address:
- Cut off every knot in every line, including Biminis and Spider Hitches, and re-tie them. Knots don’t age well and it’s not uncommon for them to fail the first time they’re stressed after sitting in a garage for six months.
- Check the first 25’ of every line carefully for chafing. This is the part of the line that most commonly gets rubbed across the bottom of the boat and it’s where you’re most likely to find weak spots.
- Check all old crimps, preferably with pressure as opposed to a visual inspection. It’s a good idea to find a solid point like a metal rail or a cleat, put the hook around it, and lean back against the line to test the crimp’s strength.
- Apply slight pressure to drags and strip some line off the reels to make sure they’re smooth and even.
- If you have rods with roller guides or tips, lube the rollers and saw a rubber band back and forth against them to make sure they’re spinning freely.
- Brush out tangles or twists in hair skirts. (If tangles are really bad rinse them down in freshwater, first).
And of course… make sure all those hooks are sharp!
Serious Advantage
Should you, would you, could you get SiriusXM going on your boat this spring? SiriusXM began as Sirius Satellite Radio over two decades ago, merged with XM Satellite Radio in 2008, and has evolved into far more than mere radio when it comes to the services it provides to mariners. Sure, you can get over 150 channels of commercial-free music, talk radio, and sports when you’re dozens of miles from the dock. But now Fish Mapping is in the mix, too, showing you where all the temperature breaks and plankton fronts are and where specific species are likely to be. (Added bonus: sign up for Fish Mapping and download the Fish Mapping App, and you’ll be able check this stuff out right on your phone). But it’s the weather service that has become a must-have, especially for anglers who want to make the most out of every available minute of offshore fishing time.
With SiriusXM piping the latest data through the sky and right into your MFD, you can see far-off storms plus their direction and speed of travel right on your chartplotter. You can see wind speeds and direction. You can check all the latest forecasts on the spot—wind, waves, and more—and unless you plan to cruise eastward well beyond Bermuda, you’ll always be within the range of coverage.
Whatever electronics system you have, be it Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, or Lowrance, if it’s appropriate for offshore action it’s almost certainly compatible with SiriusXM Marine. Weather receiver hardware can be purchased from most electronics retailers if it’s not already on your boat. The bottom line? With this data at the helm you can fish longer with less risk of getting caught in bad weather, and make better judgements about when it’s time to head for the barn. For more details go to siriusxm.com/marine.
More About Spring Fishing Offshore
In addition to the boat and the tackle, there are a few other items you’ll want to take care of sooner rather than later if you’re going to be ready to pull the trigger at a moment’s notice when the fish arrive. Get your HMS permit taken care of and stowed on the boat, so you don’t have to worry about some internet issue messing things up the night before you want to fish for the first time of the season. Call around and make sure you can locate baits, because ballyhoo shortages do happen from time to time and shops that are slack may not have even ordered their spring batch just yet. Sharpen up gaffs and knives, put a fresh set of batteries in those gyroscopic binoculars, and check your supply of rubber bands, copper wire, and crimps.
Now, finally, you’re ready to rumble. Keep close tabs on FishTalk’s coastal fishing reports, and hopefully you’ll soon be struggling to find enough room in the freezer.