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So what's it like sleeping over night on a 50' Charter in the Pacific Ocean?
I've never been seasick on regular day trips, but I have yet to had stayed over night in the big blue. I'll be going tuna fishing in August off the Washington coast for 2 nights and 3 days. I've always taken some form a motion sickness medicine and I've always been blessed to have calm oceans. During day trips your always busy and visiting which keeps the mind going just fine.
But I can't imagine what it is like when they shut the engine off at night and everyone goes to bed. I have a hard enough time going to sleep at home, but out in the big blue just floating around going up and down all night long.
So what's it like you old salty dogs, any tips or helpful info?
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If you are susceptible to sea sickness, I would suggest getting the perscription sea sick patches from your doctor.
Some people do just fine with Ginger or even Wintergreen. My son used to get sick on the ocean. I would give him wintergreen lifesavers.
Some people like to have Ginger Ale or Sprite handy especially at night. I prefer a couple of Coronas with lime.
I have been fortunate enough to never have had sea sickness but I have been able to help others get cured.
Let me know if you have any more questions.[cool]
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I've got the prescription patches from my doc already. I've been out in the Ocean maybe a half dozen times and have only felt sick once and that was 20 years ago. So overall I think I'll do fine and even if I don't "I'm still a fish catching machine".[cool]
I'm mostly curious what it's like at night when your trying to sleep. That's got to be a weird feeling.
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Most of the multi day Charters are generally on the move at night. They will be staging for the next fishing area. They may evven sound the horn at night when they hit another school of Tuna.
They are fun to fish at night too.
I have been fishing the Biggest Salty Lake for close to 25 years now. I am usually on 2 to 3 boats a weekend unless it is an over nighter or 2 day drip. I pretty much fish the salt on weekends so I am out every weekend.
Thank God that I have never been sea sick. My son is finally over it too.
I'm sure you will be alright. Just picture a heavy day at Powell or the Gorge when all the water skiiers are out as well as the PWC's in full force while you are trying to do some delicate fishing.[cool]
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I always liked sleeping on the water. It's so relaxing and quiet. I'm surprised they'll stop and let you sleep. As TubeN2 says, they usually keep going under power.
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My understanding is we will leave in the evening and motor out to the general area about 50 miles. Crash for the night, then start early the next morning and fish all day and into the evening. Then crash again for the second night, which I've been hearing by then your exhausted from catching tuna. Then wake up the 3rd morning and fish until about noon, then head back to shore. There will be 10 of us, not counting the crew. Last year at that time they brought back 141 tuna. I'm hoping for the same experience.
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That will still take some time to get to. Most of the boats cruise out at 7 to 10 knots. That will take time to get over to the 50 mile mark. Once they get there, there is no promise that the Tuna are waiting.
Tuna are a cycle type of fish. You can see them today then they will go back down to the depths before coming back up a few days later.
Since Tuna are Palaegics, they are always on the move. One thing is for sure though. When they are coming to the top, they are coming up to chew.[cool]
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I don't think you'll have to worry about the boat finding the fish. Most boats that target specific species, like tuna boats, have it down to a science. They'll usually have the capability to print out real time thermal satalite photo's right on board, which is key in locating tuna on the open water. Any structure based tuna fishing is done usually VIA many years of fishing log entries. They'll put you on the fish.
A 50 mile run usually takes about 3 hours. The Capt Bill 3 is a 95 footer and it makes it 55 miles right at the 3 hour mark. It's not a bad ride at all, infact, on a 50' boat, it'll be quite soothing.
Like Gdn, my experiance sleeping on the water has been quite pleasant. On a larger boat, you don't get the "rocking" that you would on a boat with a smaller beam. You can figure a 50' boat to have atleast a 15 foot width. The beam of the vessel is a major factor in the stability of the boat. Knowing that there is always a couple crew members awake will give you piece of mind. If you ever get wiery, ask to check out the helm. Knowing that the boat is up-to-date with advanced radar and electronics will also ease your mind.
Like steve mentioned, the ginger is a great and natural way to ease the pains of motion sickness. There is also an oil that is out that you put behind your ear that works extremely well. I've used it more than once, and it saved the day each time. I'll try and dig up the name of the stuff later on when I call my father in law. He's got it stashed at his house. It fairly pricey, right around 20 bucks or so for a small bottle. But, it's well worth it. Keep in mind, if you get sea sick, that boat is not turning around for you. So anything you can bring along to help prevent or cure sea sickness is an investment. Also, if you can drink a cold beer from time to time, that also helps keep the "sea sick" feeling at bay. I don't know why, but it sure works.
Good luck and we look foward to seeing the fishing report and pic's!!!
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