I've read some great post from the floating condos with envy, but looking to hear from some of the smaller prior/present vessel owners obtaining the same results. Am I dreaming (and I do dream when it comes to fishing) if I can get on some of this action via 22 WA Wellcraft with dependable 200 Optimax. Fuel cap 99 gal getting a solid 2+ mpg and has proven her sea worthiness over the five years I owned her. I've travel to the edge up to 45 mi and participated in Bud Light King tourney a couple years ago. In the tourney, I top off the tank in Ft Morgan and returned to P-cola Bay thru Gulf with just less than a half of tank remaining (approx 45 gal) out of 99 gal.

I appreciate any response, positive or negative from all you Blue Water anglers.

Thanks Much!

Jimmy

 in a smaller boat, with a limited range its pretty important to know where clean water is before you leave the dock instead of hunting for it when you get out there.  most people usually just ask on the forum where it is, others subscribe to online services that tell them where it is.  watch the weather closely and go for it.

good luck

edit...now I see that you're looking to fish the floaters, not real familiar with them but hopefully someone will chime in that is

_________________

Josh

http://www.venture23.com/

Your boat can handle a lot more than you can. Fuel is really your biggest limitation. My boat has always thought it was a battle wagon and i've fished it accordingly when I had the chance. I've never caught a blue but I've been in their waters off several shores and caught dolphin and tuna from my little 18 footer. If you don't mind trailering, you can fish out of Venice,La in the water you seek. Take a chart and a compass and draw an arc from the pass you intend to use out to your conservative fuel range. Keep trolling and bad weather in mind. The third rule as Josh mentioned is what I go by.

-------------------------------------

Still in Knoxville,TN but working on it.

Thanks for all the info. Lets go fishing! Can't wait to meet more of you folks.             Hal, you owe me a beer!

http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/galleries/usergallery.asp?gallery=1156

It's my gain though, bumbling the intro to the thread  you have provided valuable knowlege which will benefit my off shore adventures. Thank you!

My hope is to catch tuna on deep water rigs with smaller vessel and you have already identified range and obtainable hunting grounds other than rigs.I trailer so, I can splash at ideal launch to maximize range.

Thank you again!

Jimmy

Now a 21' boat is not the ideal boat to run that far out, but if you prepare correctly and be careful/safe it can and has been done.  Oh and, 8 times out of 10 we had a larger 'buddy boat' that went with us and was at least in radio reach (maybe not in sight though).

We never ventured out to the rigs in that 21 footer though...Thats really pushing it.  With extra fuel on board, a calm day, and no storms forecasted, then it could be done.  But, as said earlier, all that added weight is going to knock-down your fuel economy.  The rigs are GREAT fishing, but if you have a small boat you don't have to go to the rigs to catch big game fish.

I was hoping to catch some Tuna out of smaller boat. You guys proved me right as to my original post the invaluable advice I would get here. I enjoy getting out in the Gulf especially on calm days and have great respect for Mother Nature.

Joe Patty's here I come for my tuna tonight! Leave the floaters to the big boys.

Thanks again for your advice!

Jimmy

You've got me so I can't wait another 30 days to give that a try....I've fish for several species out there but didn't know about chunking for black fins.

Sept /  Oct, O-boy I need to start my research on the chunking thing and burying hook into chunk rigs and so forth..Maybe I should take the Hoo up on his offer on the riggin/tying lesson...Thanks Hoo,see ya soon!

Thanks again for the awesome feed back!

Jimmy

 You don't say, count me in as a candiate for a tag along if my calendar coinsides.  My average offshore trip/return distance is 100 miles total with plenty of fuel remaining. 

Jimmy

There's been some great advice from knowledgeable anglers on here and I thank you for taking the time to respond. I didn't expect this thread to stand up this long but continues on. I'm still sitting on the fence (going to the rigs) but will definitely hunt the alternative areas suggested.

 I favor the buddy boat idea and maybe those interested can taxi out out for rod bending tuna biting trip on favorable seas. And maybe, one of those seasoned large boat rig fishing forum members may be so generous to show us the way. 

Just wanted to say thanks for the interest and those of you who have responded.

Jimmy